As I went to finish up the complete Half-Life 2 review, Valve decides it would be funny to throw a fork in my schedule. So they come out and release a Deathmatch mode for the game. This happens to be the same mode that did not ship with the retail copy and was never even mentioned as a future possibility. So along with the release of the SDK (Development Kit for all you wannabe mod makers out there), they released this little bugger. Now, it may seem like I’m whining, but the truth is, I absolutely love this new mode.

Released in the early hours of the day, downloading and getting on to Steam (which is required to play HL2 and this new mode) wasn’t much of a hassle. Finding a server to play on, was another story. When I reached the server browser almost every server had been filled with a bunch of Steam players who simply couldn’t wait to try it out. Finally, getting into one, topped off my excitement.

Currently the mode only has two maps. Two, large and richly detailed maps. First we have a map from the prison, which is very recognizable from the single player mode. Then they top it off by adding a city map, which of course leads to more physics infused mayhem. So if this is “Half-Life 2” deathmatch, could it possibly have the gravity gun? I honestly wouldn’t play it if it didn’t. The main attraction of this mode is the physics and the gravity gun. You are given other weapons like the SMG, grenade and pistol (others are scattered across the maps), but the star is the Gravity Gun which adds a whole new layer to multiplayer gaming. Granted, with these two maps, it’s not going to make that much of am impact, but the mod potential for this mode is unending. Picking up an explosive barrel and tossing it into a bunch of non-gravity gun using Pistol poppers is an immensely satisfying affair if I may say so myself.

Along with the ability to blast cars around (not pick them up), pick up toilets and launch barrels, they have also added the health and armor distributors found in the single player mode, which is used properly, can be utilized in keeping yourself alive for longer periods of time than you would have without it.

Players are able to select from a bunch of resistance soldiers and combine forces as their skin and right now it’s only useful for show and of course the only other mode included, Team-Deathmatch. This mode pits the resistance against the combine, and for those who found relevance in the game’s story, this mode can be far more fun and meaningful for some.

Let’s put it this way, its HL2 and its Deathmatch. Valve has delivered us some more longevity for its blockbuster sequel and we can be extremely thankful for that. While it should have been in the original release, you cannot fault them for making such a wonderful comeback with their much touted “surprise”. It’s a very fun mode that I can personally recommend to people who have the game. For those who don’t already have Half-Life 2, shame on you, but be sure to check in on our official review soon.

Half-Life 2: Deathmatch Score: 8.0/10