Half-Life 2: Episode 2

The Half Life series of game is generally viewed as one of the flagships of the PC and gaming in general. Constantly innovating and trying new things, the Half Life games have always been hailed by gamers as offering sublime gameplay and a compelling story.

After Half Life 2 was released, the promise of more frequent episodic content as opposed to an entire new game several years later seemed like an exciting prospect. However, when Episode 1 was released, I felt a little disappointed. It always felt more like an expansion to me, one which never really pushed the story on in the same way Half Life 2 had. The fact that it was short, but sweet, also left me slightly apprehensive about Episode 2, would it be more of the same?

Firstly, the graphics on this game are particularly superb, really painting a picture of the world the game is set in. Whether it is depicting a frosty Eastern European forest, dark underground passageways or the claustrophobic industrial corridors of an aging concrete building it seems real and plausible. Effects are also eye popping, with some new particle effects being especially noticeable during the first few moments of the game.

The sound design again, is suitably impressive and very well thought out. Voice acting is convincing and emotive, all subtly creating immersion in the game. The use of music is also perfect, helping to really add to the atmosphere of certain scenes and to amp up the adrenaline during the action sequences. Whilst there are only a handful of songs, when they are used they stand out and help make the events memorable.

The story of the game picks up from where Episode 1 left off, pretty much exactly, though there is a handy recap of events in an uncharacteristic cut scene at the very start of the game. I won't go into much detail about the plot to avoid spoilers, but my fears about a relatively mundane plot were unfounded. The story in this game is excellent, moving the series on for the first real time since Half Life 2, with satisfying character development, a few interesting and complex sub-plots and one or two startling revelations (I never expected to say that about a Half Life game). In short, it left me eager to know what happens but satisfied with the experience.

However, the biggest strength and weakness of Episode 2 is the gameplay. Always the defining feature, in my eyes, of the Half Life series in this installment it is typically polished and balanced. Episode 2 moves from impressive set piece to set piece, with a number of jaw dropping and compelling sequences which resonate much more than most of Episode 1. In particular Episode 2's conclusion is simply superb, different from anything in the series before and provides the first really effective end to a Half Life game. The middle of the game also provides a vehicle section which is very playable and the outdoor environments it takes place in are attractive and fast paced. A new enemy and a "weapon" also spice things up.

Yet, whilst the gameplay is impressive and fulfilling to play, it is starting to feel a little old. Now, the core mechanics are still excellent, but a lot of the game starts to feel a little familiar. Many of the puzzles and areas seem to have been done before in Half Life 2 and Episode 1, which is no bad thing, but a little bit more originality in locations is only really realised in the beginning and later parts of the game. Much of the middle section seems to be similar in style to other areas, don't get me wrong they are still enjoyable and good to play, but they just don't have the same impact as the other new and original ideas Episode 2 brings to the table.

The game's weapon set has now been established as a classic and is supremely well balanced, but losing all of your weapons at the start of each game and having to collect them all again is starting to get a bit old. It would be new and fresh to have a good selection from the start of the game, which I can't recall being done too many times before. When Opposing Force was released, I really liked it, as the game offered new ideas and integrated some new different weapons into the existing set which helped to mix things up and differentiate it from the other Half Life games. Whilst Episode 2 follows the standard formula, it would be nice to see a few changes in this area in the future.

Even though there are these few small issues, the game is still a real achievement and is a complete must for anyone interested in the Half Life series. The game is reasonably short, but longer than Episode 1, although I never really found this too much of an issue as it was so well put together I barely noticed the time it took me to play through. It reasonably offers around 6-7 hours of solid gameplay if you take the time to savor the experience, which I would recommend.
The replayability is something of an issue, but an achievements system helps to keep interest and offers a refreshing selection of goals, alongside an excellent commentary through the game by Valve employees as was the case with Episode 1.

I would thoroughly recommend this game, considering the excellent price and Orange Box package it comes with. My advice is to sit back and enjoy the ride.