Half-Life 2
By James Ritchie on
Half-Life 2 is the follow-up to the similarly titled original, that is widely regarded as one of the greatest first-person shooter experiences ever conceived. The original made waves in '98 upon its release by delivering an intense, gripping title that paved the way for the modern era of shooters - and in 2004, Half-Life 2 achieved quite the same effect once again.
The game takes place after the events of its predecessor, with silent protagonist Gordon Freeman charged with thwarting the draconian rule of dictator Dr. Wallace Breen.The plot is unusually rich for an FPS, maintaining a sense of mystery and intrigue throughout and enticing the player to continue his journey with revelations and discoveries. In game cinematics take place from the players P.O.V, so the immersion isn't disrupted when a necessary set-piece unfolds.
Gordon has at his disposal aversatile toolset - the crowbar for melee bludgeoning, the obligatory crappy pistol, an SMG, shotgun etc... largely standard fare (but no less fun to play with). However, what really shakes things up is the symbol that has become synonymous with this game; the gravity gun. While to the uninitiated it may seem an inclusion to show off the prowess of the physics engine more than a functional, useful killamajig, make no mistakes; once you have wielded this potent purifier, you'll have a hard time relinquishing it. There is nothing more satisfying than flinging volatile barrels at your foes and witnessing them being consumed by the subsequent blaze, or plugging an antlion spawn-hole with a car.
Half-Life 2 is a great success because it works on a number of levels, and will satisfy a broad spectrum of gamers with its frenetic action, incredible world and mind-boggling visuals and physics. If you are yet to venture to City 17, its certainly time you did.
