The Orange Box

"The Orangel Box: Bland Edition?"

I'll start out by reviewing each game then a general review of it all overall.

Half Life 2 10/10
I didn't bother playing it simply because I played the game to death on my pc. However I did listen to most of the commentary. HL2 is one reason to at least buy the game. Back then it was a amazing game and still is. It has a great story, great graphics and keeps you on your toes!

Episodes 1 & 2 5/10
I must say while they were fun in some ways they felt kind of lacking and almost boring in others, almost as if they developers just threw together something quickly. However like all HL games the endings always are perfect. But alone I would not buy this game for these "Episodes".

Portal 10/10
This is what I primarily got the game for. There hasn't been a great game like this in a long time! Graphics are sharp, the voice work is great and the puzzles will boggle your mind. However make no mistake this is VERY short. Only 11 levels. Each level only a few rooms big... a few very tricky rooms big. But you do get special unlocks at the end and commentary too. And lets just say there's more to Portal then you think! This is another reason to buy Orange Box.

Team Fortress 2 5/10
I loved TF. And like most good games coming out I followed this. The art style especially got me interested even more. The game currently has major issues from crashing servers, laggy servers and some other minor things. But aside from technical problems the game just doesn't feel like TF. Yeah its all there but for me at least I just couldn't get into it like the classic version. So this ones a strike for me. Oh and in case your wondering the game only has 3 gametypes and only a few maps to choose from. This also adds to the frustration.

General Review
Story 10/10
Besides TF 2 the other games all have great stories. That what makes Valve a great developer is its story telling. I can't even tell you the story because its so complicated! But you defiantly get hooked regardless of the "Episodes" let down. Even Portals story makes you wanting more Portal!

Gameplay/Singleplayer 8/10
In HL2 and the Episodes its your typical FPS. You can have teammates at times or even someone with you through out the game. Unfortunately the AI sometimes just is horrible. Especially your teammates. They block your way, get themselves killed and things of that nature. And even the enemy is no better at times. The games are about solving puzzles, driving and most of all surviving! Its defiantly not an easy game to the newer gamer.

TF2 is like the original for the most part. Its a class based team based FPS in matches of attack/defend, CTF and another mode (point domination I believe). Each class has pros and cons and even looks the part! Use the commentary for a level to get cool info on the classes!

Portal is not an FPS. Instead its a puzzle game where you have a gun that makes portals. You make one then another and move in-between the portals to accomplish a task. Such as to avoid a pit you make a portal on the wall on your side then on the other side and cross through. Sounds easy but they puzzles get advanced.

Bots/Practice 1/10
I include this section because to me this really adds allot of replay value. Its fun to play online but its funner to be able to practice however you want with your own rules and get better at your own pace. One of the biggest problems with any Valve game is there is not bots what so ever. You either play the single player end or you play online. If you want to practice your stuck. So if want to buy this based on replay value thinking you can test your skills against the AI your out of luck. This really kills the score for me too.

Multiplayer 7/10
Portal and the Episodes don't have MP. I am not sure about HL2 though. The PC version did. But I know MP is very fun. Especially with the use of the gravity gun. there's nothing like killing someone by throwing a toilet at their head. As for TF2s MP it is hectic and fun and old fans might like it but I couldn't get into it. Its all easy and guided so you won't get lost trying to figure out what to do.

Graphics 9/10
The graphics overall of the games are great. By today's standards they aren't mind blowing any more but they aren't horrible either. TF 2 has its own unique cel-shaded artsy style. The rest are the normal HL2 engine. HL2 uses allot of effects, particles, debris...etc. You feel like your playing a movie more then a game.

Controls 8/10
HL2 and its Episodes has pretty easy controls. Although sometimes you might get confused and think your missing a button when really its just a complicated puzzle and not some missing button. The buttons are easy to learn.

TF 2 has easy controls but once you start playing the actual classes might get a little confusing since everyone does something different and the same buttons can be used differently. I'd say the controls are moderate to get use to once you start change classes.

Portals controls are the easiest but are harder to control once the puzzles get harder because you have to be quick about it. You have to move around quick and hit those buttons quickly if you want to succeed.

Sound & Music 7/10
I have never been crazy about the music in Valve games. Some people think its the best ever. However I do like the song at the end of Portal. The sound on the other hand is really good. In HL2 and its Episodes there's so much sound you feel like your in a real place. From giant enemies to the weird weapons everything feels (well...sounds) right! The voices are what really stand out.

In TF 2 the music is much better compared to the other games and the sound as always is top notch. Especially the voices again, more so since the game has more of a comedic twist to it.

In Portal the music is ok but the computer voice is probably the best voice I heard to date for a Valve game. It makes you feel so into what your doing you are actually disappointed that the game is over so quick.

Pros & Cons:
Pros:
-Games still have good effects in them
-Voice work is amazing
-Story is second to none
-Portal is one of the best puzzle games ever
-HL2 is an all time great game
-Who doesn't like the Portal end game song?
-Commentary adds a fun new experience

Cons:
-Graphics are showing age a little
-Episodes are a little boring and drawn out
-TF 2 is a let down
-Music needs work
-Bugs in TF 2 are annoying
-Portal was really to short

Overall 7/10
If you haven't played HL 2 then buy this. HL2 is one those great experiences in gaming and it comes bundled with an amazing game with Portal and if you can handle 12 more hours you can go through the Episodes 1 and 2! And there's always TF 2 if you like it! Its still a good price for all this content if you never played it all.

However if you have played HL2 then just rent this. Even if your looking forward to TF 2. Still rent it because The Orange Box isn't very exciting besides Portal and the commentaries in all the games.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 10/15/07, Updated 10/16/07

Game Release: The Orange Box (US, 10/10/07)