Half-Life 2 Episode Pack

With Half Life being my favorite game franchise of all time (besides the King’s Quest series that is), it’s hard not to really like every piece of action that Valve squeezes out every once in a blue moon. With gamers just aching for any kind of information they can possibly get their hands on, the waits between each installment seems dreadfully long.

Valve’s Steam has revolutionized online game distribution and although it initially took a lot of flak, it currently leads other distributions by such a large margin it basically has a monopoly in it.

If you haven’t visited the Half Life world since Half Life 2, then Valve’s Episode Pack is pure gold. With the inclusion of both the 1^st and 2^nd episode, as well as the free online death match, the $20 price tag is a steal.

For those unfamiliar with Episode 1 and 2, these “episodes” are short extensions of an average of 6-8 hours of gameplay, and widen the story and universe since the original Half Life 2.

The first episode concentrates on Alex and Gordon’s mission to basically escape from the citadel as its reactor is overloading. The gameplay is a perfect mix of puzzles and perfectly-paced action. Alex is smart, witty, and thankfully isn’t in your way like most AI. She also actually can help you. She fights, is a good shot, and might even save your neck once or twice.

The graphics have been improved with dynamic range (as seen in Valve’s tech demo “Lost Coast”) as well as expanded facial animation. A couple of new enemies, some really cool scripted sequences, and a final epic fight ultimately brings this story to a cliffhanging close, and leads us into Episode 2.

The second installment is hands down some of the coolest puzzle sequences I’ve ever played. Valve has mastered the art of pacing with its perfectly honed talent of action and story that keeps the player craving more.

This time around Gordon treks through a huge distance spanning across many unique environments from underground antlion caverns to wide-open combine-infested forests. Your mission is to bring some vitally important information to the resistance headquarters with the help of Vortigaunts fighting along side of you during key moments.

The biggest additions to this episode are the greatly expanded environments, a new weapon, and the improved animation and effects that Valve keeps pumping into their flexible Source engine. Episode 2 trades the slightly less explosive ending of Episode 1 for a much more dramatic and heart-wrenching finale for 2.

Again, I stand to say that for the money, almost any brainchild of Valve is probably going to be top-notch entertainment for the money. As long as they keep pumping out AAA stories with unforgettable cinematic sequences and characters, they will remain on the top of my gaming list. For the price, Valve’s Episode pack is unbeatable.

Gameplay 9.8
A tightly-knit script brought together with unforgettable characters and surprising sequences and environments

Graphics: 8.5
Source is starting to show its age, but with new facial and HDR advancements the 30’s seem like the new 20’s.

Sound: 9.0
Awesome music and above average sound effects

Difficulty: Easy/Hard
From easy to hard options are fairly accurate. The game fluctuates between easy to play and quite difficult situations to work through.

Concept: 10
A continuation of one of the best franchises in history? Yes please.

Multiplayer 9.0
The deathmatch is even more addicting than the single player. It never gets old, and with the constant flow of original fan content, it has no end in sight.

Overall: 9.5
Best $20 deal you can get. Go buy it right now if you don’t already own it.