Half-Life 2 is the best FPS i've played!

[Gothic Sponge]

I've played a ton of FPS all the way back to 1994. I have to say Half-Life 2 is the best! The amount of work, and care they put into this game is phenomenal. I just wish they included Team Fortress 2.

[bvar22]

1. Agree.

I'm getting close to the end, and am going to go back and play again!
I love this game.

HOWEVER: I HATE the FORCED link to Steam, and will boycott their products in the future unless this is addressed.

[SheepyMcSheepster]

2. i kind of agree

it was a really good game. i really enjoyed the interactivity with the environment.

i can't wait to play it again once i build a newer PC with higher specs.

[TroubleMan]

3. There's a crack to remove Steam, but

if you use it, you can't play on-line.

I'm playing it right now without Steam installed.


If I ever decide I'll want to play on-line, I'll just reinstall.

[NewHampshireDem]

4. I'd agree! (MINOR spoilers within.)

I'm on the "Follow Freeman" level right now, so I'm pretty near the end.

For all the talk about the graphics, physics engine, and other technical aspects of the game, I think too few accolades have been given to the level design in the game. I am constantly amazed at how well the maps "flow." They are linear, without seeming so and there always seems to be a spot to stop, collect yourself, and move on.

The variety in the levels is also remarkable--without having that thrown-together feeling that the original Quake had (remember *that* mess?!?). I also usually HATE vehicles in games and jumping puzzles drive me nuts, but both were so well-executed in this game that I actually enjoyed them. (Well, the second turret puzzle nearly drove me over the edge, but I'll forgive that one moment of frustration-inducing design.)

The last thing about the level design that struck me was the placement and pacing of weapons. The new weapons were introduced at the right times with the right amount of time between them too. It was cool having to play the first few minutes without a gun (like in the original) and when I got to those first Civil Protection guys I had to take out with the crowbar, I was like "Can I do this?" The shotgun, too, came at the right time.

BTW, I thought Ravenholm was probably the most well-designed level in the game. It could have felt very out of place, but it seemed right in the context of the game. It reminded me very much of the classic "They Hunger" single-player mod for HL. (Does anyone else remember that?)

[Fleurs du Mal]

8. Ravenholm and Follow Freeman

were my favorites. You could almost smell the "butchery" in Ravenholm!:evilgrin:

[bvar22]

5. I'm sure it will all make sense....

I'm sure it will all make sense to you in the course of.......
Well, I'm not really at liberty to say.





This game rocks!!!




OK. What's next??

[TroubleMan]

6. I loved it, but the ending pissed me off

I know, I know, it's a good ending, but dammit....


CAUTION SPOLIERS BELOW........
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That's messed up how they did Gordon. He should be able to hook up with Alyx now. I mean, dammit, he's earned it. He doesn't get any R&R after whoopin all that ass? Instead he goes to sleep, and then is going to wake up later all confused and in a world of shit (again).

That's just messed up.

[Fleurs du Mal]

7. For single-player, I agree

There are clearly better multiplayer games than HL2 DM though.

[SlavesandBulldozers]

9. we should get a DU HL II DM clan together

play some DU team deathmatches and talk smack