|
Intro:
Since the release of the original game for the PC (1998), Half-Life has come to define the “perfect” first-person shooter. Not only has it spawned millions of fans, but a devout community of future game developers. Mod(ule)s like Counter Strike have even been remarketed as stand alone games. Valve, the games’ developer, has been fueled by this almost cult-ish following by creating a second installment that offers to BEAT its father.
Set ten years beyond the ending of Half-Life, HL2 accepts the ending that leaves the protagonist (Gordon Freeman) alive and well. This time, the aliens (multiple races now) have come back, and they aren’t just taking over a small research facility. Their goal: the entire planet. Now a wiser, more battle-hardened, and grayer Gordon most combat the invasion and help turn the tides of this seemingly hopeless war. Good thing he isn’t alone.
|
|
Preview:
It’s just fine and dandy to try to fix a mediocre game with a follow-up title, but to try to out-do a game that has a following such as Half-Life? Valve may be facing a menacing crowd with high expectations, but it looks hopeful. The graphics are turning out to be some of the most advanced I’ve seen on a PC game and rival DOOM 3 and even next-generation console games (gasp, did I SAY that?). Valve has actually redefined some of the graphical techniques, allowing fire to look more… fire-like (come on, you know you are sick of those flat looping fire images) along with other surprises. They also revealed a new face-emotions deal that allows characters to display automated realistic expressions (all the way from joyous to “oh crap, that’s a big ass bug alien”) Gordon is also joined by a female partner and other friends. I’m hoping the extra female partner will not spoil it, as sequels have seen too many wasted additional “friends” that hinder the gameplay, as opposed to enhancing it. There was an instance that Freeman is able to use the scent of a giant ant-like alien species to disguise himself in a herd of them, protecting himself from another deadly enemy. Valve is also saying there WILL be multiplayer (oh thank god, we never saw THAT coming) included. All in all, HL2 looks like it will be one of the biggest hits this year and will hopefully blow away its brethren. Upgrade your machines and buckle up, it looks like September 30th will be a day to look forward to.
Facts:
- - HL2 will include multiplayer right out of the box
- - According to Valve, Gordon Freeman did NOT die in the last game (sorry folks, they are sticking to one ending)
- - Enemy AI will be totally unscripted, meaning they are damn smart
- - Practically any object in HL2 will be destructible, damageable and capable be being used as a blunt weapon
Written By: Chad Phillips
|
