New orange Box review (improved--nick) in parts

[Nick]

the new things from orange box first episode 2:


Over a year after Valve delivered the first piece of its episodic trilogy. Gamers have once again been able to don their HEV suits, grab their gravity guns and crowbars and get ready to play through the next instalment of the critically acclaimed half life series.

It just wouldn’t be Half life with out the Hazardous Environment suit (HEV) and Gordon’s trusty crowbar

As in half life 2 and episode one, you will take control of everyone’s favourite theoretical physicist and alien killing machine Gordon Freeman. Episode 2 starts off just moments after the end of episode one with Gordon and Alyx fleeing from destruction of city 17. Alyx and Gordon now have to race the combine forces to an old missile silo at white forest which has become a hub for human resistance members.

City 17 lies in ruins after the events of half life 2 and episode one

Episode 2 sets it self apart from its former brethren by introducing much lager environments and combat areas than previous half life games and a more rural setting than the cramped city environments of the pervious two games. And of course to get around these larger environments your going to need transport, which comes in the form of a gutted-and-rebuilt 1969 Dodge Charger complete with the adorable alyx riding shotgun.

our new ride

One of the greatest strengths of Vales game design is that you’re never doing the same thing for more than 20 minuets. Every section of episode 2 is unique and has a flow and pacing that is almost perfect. Going from small combat to a simple puzzle to large combat to driving sections valve have once again made the learning curve and pacing of the game so perfect that you will never be frustrated or annoyed by anything they throw at you.

one of the larger environments in episode 2

Valve have done a tremendous job in creating a cast of characters that both feel real and give the player a large emotional attachment to them. In episode 2 the cast gets even bigger with the addition of the cranky Dr Magnusson and a much bigger role for the vortigaunts. (a friendly alien race) You and a vortigaunt descend into an antlion nest. With the vortigaunt using his myriad of electric attacks to aid you against the countless antlions.

alyx hiding from hunters

What makes all the characters in the half life universe feel so real, is a combination the source engines incredible facial animation system the strong script and some of the best voice acting in video games ever. Add on top of that, the fact that you are never taken out of first person view. Dialog and story elements don’t stop the action to show you a cut scene. Instead every thing happens organically around you giving an immersive feeling felt in few titles. The pinnacle of this is the interaction with Alyx as you travel across the countryside. From a sly wink given while riding shotgun to her fear and subsequent joy after you defeat a hunter for the first time.

alyx gives you the wink

Speaking of the hunter it one of the new enemies you have to face. It is basically a fast three legged walking machine that works in packs to bring you down.

hunters are devastating weapons of the combine

Graphically episode 2 is the most impressive game of the half life series with a bunch of new effects, huge cinematic physics and much lager areas. It still how ever isn’t the visual power house that half life 2 was back in 2004, but with so many other things going for it you’re not going to be disappointed with its visuals. Also its sound design has to be applauded from the excellent voice work to the sound of the weaponry to the music which kicks in a just the right moment episode 2 is a treat to the ears.

the combine advisor rips apart the barn with valves new cinematic physics

Episode 2 clocks in about 6-7 hours but the time will just fly by as you progress through the game. From fighting with your vortigaunt friend, to protecting a base from an army of striders. Episode continually mixes it up. With excellent level deign, great voice work and sound effects and the still incredible gravity gun Half life 2: Episdode2 is the culmination of all the great aspects of gaming and stands as a one the best story driven first person shooters ever made. As just one part of the super value packed orange box it would be criminal not to play this game.


Gameplay 10/10
Graphics 8/10
Sound 10/10
Life span 9/10
Overall 10/10