The Orange Box

"One of the best games of 2007"

I've never played the original Half Life game so take that into consideration when reading this review. I actually rented this title because it had enough content to keep me busy for a few days off. Is it good content though?

Orange Box contains 5 games. I'll address each game separately but I'll group the basics into a section or two.

Graphically the games are showing their age but even then they look good. Character models are nice and each game has its own look. Half Life and its episodes have a very realistic look to them and everything is filled with realistic items, making the world feel alive. Team Fortress has a very cartoon look to it and isn't as serious. Portal plays almost like a virtual reality sim. Very stark rooms but everything is used as part of the game. So each has its own style but they make the best of it and it all runs smoothly.

Control is very tight. I had no problems running through sewers, busting open doors or setting up portals to jump between rooms. All isn't well though. Vehicles control like poor and give me further proof why they should just stop putting them in these first person shooters.

The music in the game fits so perfectly. I really can't express that enough but each situation had the perfect music to it. Not only that but the voice actors do a fine job as well. I personally love the computer voice during Portal. Sound effects also provide a lot to the game and really get the job done.

Half Life 2 and it's two episodes are your not so typical first person shooters. Yes you run around areas, solve box puzzles and shoot enemies up.

But there's something there that makes it so much more. The areas feel vast and full of life. As if the team really wanted these places to come alive.

And while the plot is a bit weak if you haven't played the original (like myself) I still felt compelled to play the game.

There are flaws though with the vehicle segments which go on for far too long. Not only that but there were a few times where I was tired of the clichés locations or situations. But still these 3 games are worth the price alone.

Team Fortress on the other hand is a multiplayer title for this package. I never really messed with it much but it features the typical modes like death match, capture the flag ect. It's a fun diversion but not really the kind of thing I jump into.

Last but not least is Portal. I started this game first because everyone else I knew had started here as well. I think it's plot is great and it remains focused the entire time.

The entire game is made up of 16 stages. The first 14 or so are very short. But the idea is to create portals with your gun. An entrance and an exit and make your way around these rooms to solve puzzles, move energy balls ect. Most were easy but a few made me think.

But then the final level came along. It was different than rest of Portal. It was much longer, so much so I think it's longer than all the others combined. Not only that but the plot does a whoa moment and everything is flipped around.

Just the comical commentary and the fun puzzles really make this title shine. To be honest I'd buy this package just to have Portal because it's that good.

Even after talking about all five games I've not talked about the coolest feature in the game. it's the games physics engine. You can use a weapon later in Hale Life 2 that allows you to lift items and toss them around. In theory it's realistic and the way the items move and bounce is just amazing.

For $60 you're getting enough game to keep anyone busy for a month or more. The achievements are varied and really add to the game as well.

I really think Orange Box is my favorite title this year. It's not the best but it packs enough into one disc that it makes it worth it. First Person Shooter fans will be in for a treat and I think puzzle fans owe it to themselves to at least rent this game to try out Portal.

Story - 7/10
Graphics - 8/10
Sound - 9/10
Control - 7/10
Game Play - 10/10
Replay value - 10/10

Final Score - 9/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/04/08

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