Half-Life 2 (PC)

[PeteJ]

Wooo I just played HL2, didn't get far (just after teleporter bit) and...it's alright

The physics weren't as spectacular as I was expecting, probably because I spent hours pissing about in Psi Ops on the Xbox, which uses the same physics engine (though not as advanced). HL2's physics are better, but for me Psi Ops was the big leap, where as for others it appears HL2 is. HL2 is just a small step, in this area at least.

The sound design, graphics and small touches are probably second to none. I love the microscope effect in the lap, the reflections on the floor, the ability to shift the colours in real time etc. However at the same time, I was disappointed that people hardly react at all when throwing stuff at them (guards chase you, but most of the people don't do anything) and I found picking stuff up very fiddly, though I'm sure with more time spent that would improve.

Looks to be a great game alright, but I'm not sure if it is worth me buying a new PC for. I have someone interested in my laptop, so I guess if it goes I get a new PC, and if not...I don't see more of HL2!

[Ish]

Ahhh yes the curse of Quick Save. I didn't use it much but I have to say playing it on normal I found it a bit too easy too.

Still to be honest I didn't mind: it was an awesomely fun experience and thats all I ask for from my games!

Plus now I'm going through it on hard.

[Mad Gear]

I only used quick save during the jumpy bits that i find quite a pain due to me not being used to mouse and keys.

I'm getting there though!!

[footle]

Wooo I just played HL2, didn't get far (just after teleporter bit) and...it's alright

The physics weren't as spectacular as I was expecting, probably because I spent hours pissing about in Psi Ops on the Xbox, which uses the same physics engine (though not as advanced). HL2's physics are better, but for me Psi Ops was the big leap, where as for others it appears HL2 is. HL2 is just a small step, in this area at least.

Keep telling yourself that if you're selling your PC.
The physics don't really get going for a little while longer...

[Concept]

Seriously Pete, footle is bang on the money. Until about a third in, the physics really don't get going at all. This is the big leap for gaming physics-wise. Nearly almost everything can be manipulated to some degree, and the gameplay potential which arises from those interactions is utterly amazing.

Wait until you get to Ravenholm to see what I mean. The **** really hits the fan there.

It could be said literally too...

[Ish]

and the gameplay potential which arises from those interactions is utterly amazing.

Thats the amazing thing. On a number of occasions I actually had to step back from something I was banging my head against to say to myself "what would you do in the real world?" and that being the solution. It sounds stupid... but I'm sure those who've played through those bits know exactly what I mean.

[Tom Salter]

The best thing I liked about the physics is that it never uses the same trick twice. Once when you solve a well hard puzzle, you think "I'll bear that in mind for the other puzzles", but they you'll never need to use that tactic again. Like the puzzle with:

The air-filled barrels on that part with the hoverboat

Man, I thought I was so gonna pwn the game if I could solve that. How wrong I was. I love the way the physics are an integral part of the game, unlike Halo 2 when they're only there for the odd setpiece, where an Elite or Hunter will bash his way through something, not for any purpose, just to look...impressive :S

[Concept]

Oh yeah, without wanting to go into spoiler territory, it's not just about wanton destruction. There are loads of puzzles that require a free-thinking approach to using the gravity gun. The coastline in particular offered a particularly amazing part which I'm sure you'll know.

The thing with Half-Life 2, is that it isn't a game you can judge in the space of an hour or two, because the events and happenings transform and move forward so regularly.

In my opinion, it gets better and better the further you get into it. And from Nova Prospekt onwards, the game just goes completely crazy (in an supremely fantastic way).

[Zapp$ter]

The best thing about the use of physics in this games is that they are very much an integral part of the gameplay and not just their for cosmetic purposes to make the fights look good etc... as in many games(e.g. max payne 2) if that makes sense.

[Concept]

Eurogamer's review/s up (one of the few other online sources I trust as well as this place): http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=57222

[Hodge]

In my opinion, it gets better and better the further you get into it. And from Nova Prospekt onwards, the game just goes completely crazy (in an supremely fantastic way).

I agree with that. Just got onto Nova prospekt into the prision section and the game is really strutting it`s stuff now. The battles are really tence and the AI is in full effect. My opinion of the game has gone up a fair few notches since getting of the buggy ride and is really starting to come into its own now. Can`t wait to see what else it offers

[Tom Salter]

Possibly the best showcase of AI in the game was when:

When Alyx was trying to the get the Gate open in City 17's streets, and the Combine were storming your position. They hid behind things and stormed in pairs...and it was just stunning...!

[Tig]

Those complaining about load times, the solution is to buy a rubbishier graphics card. Yep. My card can't push effects such as bump and reflection maps, so I've just turned it all off. Result: 15 sec load times, not so bad

Astonishing game btw. Not sure if I'll ever play through Ravensholme though.


Edit: Joke, of *course* I want a better grfx card

[nips]

o_0

[Chadruharazzeb]

Not sure if I'll ever play through Ravensholme though.

Eh? That's the best part of the game so far...