Ups and Down in the Half Life 2 world...
You've heard the good but is there anything bad to say about HL2?
Well, the action is frantic but can be repetitive. The linear levels ensure that you never stray off track, purists may say that this sometimes feels as though there is an invisible piece of string attached from the beginning to the ending, an invisible force that tugs you through the levels. Let’s face it, the visuals are so dazzling it would have been nice to have some free roaming time. Loading times can be slightly frustrating and longer than we would like but nevertheless, a minor point in the grand scheme of things.
Click for larger imageHL2 is essentially the single player campaign mode of HL2 on the PC, which is where the similarities end. Essential to any modern day FPS is online multiplayer and ,rather disappointingly, there are no online or multiplayer modes to sink your teeth into. For those who played the PC version there is nothing new. The Xbox version is also just as hard as the PC counterpart, even on normal setting hardened FPS fans will find themselves starting back at the previous checkpoint after being gunned down effortlessly.
Click for larger imageHalf Life virgins will squeal with delight at the dynamic, innovative gameplay, glorious visuals and compelling storyline. HL2 is compatible with the Xbox 360 and the gameplay outshines any of the 360 launch titles, we highly recommended it to anyone who loves a good shoot em up, this is definitely one of the best games available on the Xbox.Half Life 2 stands shoulder to shoulder with the likes of great FPS games such as Halo 2 and Chronicles of Riddick, and pokes a finger in the eye of dreadful FPS games such as Soldier of Fortune 2.
Click for larger imagePros
Immersive Storyline
Dynamic Characters
Graphical Excellence
Superbly paced action
Fluid control System
Great weapons
360 compatible
Superb AI
Cons
Long loading times
Linear Levels
Repetitive
Half Life 2 is a great addition to the FPS genre. You need to buy it and play it to truly understand how deep the rabbit hole really goes. It's time to lose your job, your partner and your social life all over again.
