Half-Life 2

"...this is a great title and should be graded on its own individual merits as an XBox game. I'm happy with it."

Too many people want to grade this game by comparing it to its PC cousin. And to do so is a mistake. This game was redesigned for the XBox and as an XBox game, it holds up well. It's not perfect, but it still gets the job done.

Graphically, this game looks great. The facial expressions of each character are unique and impressive. Everyone looks different. There is real emotion in their faces and that adds to the atmosphere and the story. When you are out and about, the graphics continue to hold up on an impressive level. Only when there is a large and detailed area does the framrate suffer, but never below a playable level. I admit it would have been nice to keep the whole game running at 60 fps, or even 30 fps. But, considering everything packed into this game, I am pleased.

The physics engine is outstanding. Everything in this game can be moved, or reacts to explosions and wind. There is trash everywhere and you use it to negotiate obstacles or against your enemies. Valve did a great job keeping the physics intact for the XBox. And never has trash looked so beautiful in a game!

The controls are what you would expect from an XBox first person shooter; Halo-like and very accurate. I never played this game on PC except for one level and I never liked the mouse/keyboard set up for PC first person shooters (sue me). I much prefer the dual analog approach and it works well here. I would have liked to have a few more options with the controller set up, like being able to choose if the right analog stick controlled the strafe movement or turning in place. That would have made the controls more to my liking as it's the set up I use for Doom 3 and Halo. That said, the set up is acceptable and it didn't take me long to adjust.

The sounds and music are completely immersive. This is a game that should be played on a 5.1 surround sound system. If you don't have that set up, you'll still be impressed. The voice acting is top notch and bests even some of the biggest titles out there. The world around you is alive and everything has its own noise (like the trash or fire crackling in the background). It really makes you feel like you're in this world as Gordon Freeman. WOW!

Many have complained that there is no multiplayer. To be honest, this doesn't bother me. If I want to play Counter Strike, I can buy it for the XBox. And if I want to play some real multiplayer, I'll just play Halo 2. (Come on people, is there anything better?) This is a single player campaign and it plays very well. As such, I would rather have the game be this good with no multiplayer rather than the game suffer because multiplayer was included.

You will most likely really enjoy Half Life 2 on this console. It's a great translation of a great game from PC to XBox. I wouldn't say the job was quite as well as Doom 3, but it's close. And considering the scope of the game on PC, it is amazing it came out this great on XBox at all, kudos again to Valve for a job well done. One thing, if you have played this game on a high end PC, don't get this game for XBox. Nothing is new and the graphics will disappoint you because your PC can do things the XBox can't. Now, if you're like me and don't have the latest Alienware setup, this game is a must if you love first person shooters. It turned out great on the Xbox and actually looks as good as the PC version with your average PC set up.

Overall, this is a great title and should be graded on its own individual merits as an XBox game. I'm happy with it. And you will be too if you give it a shot. It just might be the last must own title for the XBox, so get it while the gettings good

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/14/06