Half-Life

"A very good translation of one of the best games of all time"

Half-Life single-handedly revolutionized not only first-person shooters, but I'd go as far to say that it shook the foundation of the videogame industry. The PS2 port of the PC classic game is definitely not as good as the original, but it's still phenomenal. From a distance, it seems just like another typical FPS, but play it for just a few moments and you'll realize how different it really is.

The story revolves around Gordon Freeman, a theoretical physicist, on a day where he really should have called in sick. An experiment in teleportation goes awry, and suddenly the Black Mesa research facility is under attack by an unknown alien force. Luckily, Gordon was wearing a Hazard Suit, which has saved him from an almost certain death. The facility is in ruins, aliens are scattered everywhere, and communication with the outside world has been cut off. Thus, Gordon begins his drudge to the surface, but the story will take him on many twists and turns along the way. The best part about this game, however, is that it uses absolutely no cut-scenes. Rather, all story sequences and dialogue take place during gameplay.

The level of detail put into Black Mesa is astounding. It actually looks like a fully operational research facility. Each room is full of little details that add an awesome level of immersion to the game. As you progress through the game, the facility will deteriorate, usually right in front of your eyes. Unlike shooters of the time, Half-Life had no levels. Rather the entire Black Mesa facility was like one giant level, connected seamlessly (with a bit of loading here and there). This really keeps you immersed in the world. The variety of game environments is also quite impressive, considering almost all of it takes place in one big building.

The gameplay is near immaculate, involving a combination of intense action sequences, interesting puzzles, and even a bit of platforming here and there. You'll encounter a huge variety of enemies including small but vicious headcrabs, energy-shooting alien slaves, acid-spitting bullsquids, human zombies under headcrab control, and even government soldiers (sent in to silence any scientists left alive). Each enemy is unique, and requires a different strategy for defeat. The soldiers also have tremendous AI. They'll run and take cover, throw grenades when you're out of sight, and make formations to try and flank you. There are also quite a number of bosses, who will usually require more brainpower to defeat, rather than ammunition. And speaking of ammunition, the most of the guns found in the game are pretty standard fare for a FPS (melee weapon, pistol, machine-gun, shotgun, rocket-launcher etc.) but there are two or three really unique and fun weapons for you to toy with. There are many puzzle elements in the game as well. Usually, they're not too brain-busting, but you will actually have to think about them for a bit. On top of all this, there are many platforming challenges...and these are usually very well done. Some people don't like the platforming parts near the end of the game...They do get a bit frustrating, but I think it adds a nice bit of variety to the gameplay.

The controls aren't perfect, but that's almost standard fare for FPS games on a console. Aiming with the analog sticks is never as accurate or responsive as one would hope for, but the game slightly compensates for this by adding a lock-on feature.

The graphics are a bit outdated, but still decent. The PS2 version comes with the high-definition texture models that were included with the release of Opposing Force on the PC. They're good, but a bit old looking...but luckily the detail and art direction of Black Mesa makes up for this...you hardly notice.

There's very little music in the game, but I find that when it is used, it is used very effectively. They're often subtle techno (oxymoron?) tracks that have been peppered throughout the game. You can't help your heart from racing when the music picks up though, because it almost always matches the mood of gameplay or story.

The game also comes with a new co-operative game called Decay. In this, two players can play through a completely new game together. It's a nice addition, but suffers from poor vision, due to splitting the screen. Still, it's really fun if you've got a friend to play with.

Half-Life is an experience. The game is just so cinematic...but I would hesitate to use that word, because it implies cinema. In fact, almost all videogame stories are told in the way of a film, but Half-Life has created an immersive storytelling process that can only be achieved in a videogame.

The Good:
-Cinematic gameplay without using cut-scenes.
-Puzzles and action mixing nicely
-Black Mesa (level design)

The Bad:
-Graphics slightly outdated
-Controls a bit wonky
-Maybe Xen

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/04/06