Dead Men Walking

Forum Archive 2023 => Games of old that no longer float our boat........ => dMw Gaming => Gaming Archive => Half-Life 2 => Topic started by: Benny on November 17, 2004, 10:07:44 AM

Title: Thoughts
Post by: Benny on November 17, 2004, 10:07:44 AM
Well well, I tried it, I've read all your comments, and you are surely all a lot further in than me.

We all know the positives by now and I'll admit I've not got far, (in the sewer bits, got a machine gun, down some steaming pipe)

It seems very linear at present. At one point, I blew up some bridge, though I must have to stack boxes and climb the remnants to get out of the 'storm drain', but I climbed and hit the sky box <_< . That shouldn't happen.

Aside from that, the thrill of the first chase, sweet. The facials, nice. Garbled talking enemy, bit annoying. With luck it'll start opening up a bit soon.

I'm not disappointed, I'm very much enjoying it, but I thought I'd post some alternatives to 'It's the best ever!'


oh, one more thing, I'm assuming that I'm not the only one playing it on the hardest setting? The reviews said it was easy, the save anywhere option, I figured I'd better make it harder, and I've not struggled yet, and I'm usually crap.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: DarkAngel on November 17, 2004, 04:18:25 PM
Im just after the graveyard now me thinks those monkey zombies TANGO!
And the music just makes you think cr*p, run run away :) Im emjoying it so much shame i gotta go to Norwich now :(
Title: Thoughts
Post by: RizZy on November 17, 2004, 05:06:52 PM
Seems pretty good to me so far, I'm at or around just about the same spot as Benny, (i'm not really one for playing sinlge player games for hours on end)  & I agree with Benny that I thought it would be a little more free roaming, not that the games any worse for it, but it woulda made it much more.  Just makes me want a better pc to make it run really nice, upgrade time soon I guess.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Squonk on November 17, 2004, 05:12:48 PM
It's ok




About at the same point as Ben
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Dr Sadako on November 17, 2004, 05:13:37 PM
I have played the entire car part (stayed up way too late) but I actually thought that part was a bit too long (same in Halo). The graphics are stunning and the variation in environments are great. However, it is as Benny stated very linear. You don't have the possibilities to go exploring as in Far Cry. You ralise that you are very limited in space. I don't mind though, everything else makes up for that.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Doorman on November 17, 2004, 06:50:50 PM
What's with 'linear'? Aren't all games 'linear' in some way or other? You start at point A and have to go to point B. So you can wander round like a lost soul for hours on end, you still have to go through the lilttle hole in the fence!
Anyway, I'm trying to find a way to open the sluice gates.
I'm thinking that it's Half-Life with bells on. Much of the old stuff and format are comfortingly present . It's like playing it again in a party frock! Very pretty.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: killcrazy on November 17, 2004, 06:53:25 PM
i love this game,

seams to run smoother than css for some reason  :blink:

im up to the car bit, done the hovercraft and mine bit, love using the grav gun.

do u guys think it was worth the wait? or should it have been realeased earlier?
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Jamoe on November 17, 2004, 07:18:59 PM
ive had time to think after getting over the initial thrill and i would agree its very linear (so far).

The only variation (at the moment) is that you either shoot the enemy or use some intersting physics based method to kill them.  

But the puzzles are still halflife. Ive liked how the physics in the game have to be used to get passed certain parts. I wont spoil by mentioning anything.

and thos monkey/dog zombies :S they made me crap my pants.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: OldBloke on November 17, 2004, 07:37:26 PM
AI is seriously flawed.

You can 'snipe' a baddie using your pistol at distance and he won't even move.  :angry2:
Title: Thoughts
Post by: albert on November 18, 2004, 08:59:33 AM
What Oldie said, the xhair doesn't have to be settled to get a headshot from distance and the baddies just line up and take it.

Perhaps I should opt for the harder setting.

The environment, to doesn't seem to have mved on too much other than nice water effects and better textures. By tht I meant there are a lot of games with trees that move  in the wind, water that flows, just general background that seems to be more alive.

I've only got to the bit Benny's at though so something might happen but I still think the buildings, and backgrounds look boring for such a long time in the making.

I can blast up the settings to everything buy Anti-ailiasing without jerkyness which is nice but then again, everything in the background is static. (other than otherharachters and vehicles).

Start again tonight on hardest mode. Still like it though, missed smashing boxes with my crowbar.

 :)
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Jamoe on November 18, 2004, 09:35:18 AM
what setting are you playing on, i opted for normal. I usualy wimp out and start on easy but thought i would give this game a good go.

I will probably try hard after i've finihed it on normal.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Anonymous on November 18, 2004, 10:05:58 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by OldBloke@Nov 17 2004, 08:37 PM
AI is seriously flawed.

You can 'snipe' a baddie using your pistol at distance and he won't even move. :angry2:
Have you tried aiming more accurately  :devil:  ;)
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Benny on November 18, 2004, 10:31:03 AM
Ok, some more gripes.

The hovercraft chase is cool, but I'm really no good at games, but I've got it on the hardest setting and I've not got stuck yet.

I think you can change the settings on the fly, so if you started on easy, then jack it up.

I don't know what I was expecting, but I feel a little let down, but having said that it's a fantastic game, well worth the money, certainly the best in it's field......Far Cry pushes it close though, I thought that was sweet, not a big Halo fan though.








Mild spoilerish bit about the hovers.
Therrammingoooftthepplatformsrtheysstandtontintthethovertchasetispcool
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Gandalf on November 18, 2004, 10:55:19 AM
story people, story.

that is all it's about. everything else is just extra.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: smilodon on November 19, 2004, 01:46:20 AM
It is indeed very linear. The graphics are nice with the exception of your character not actually being there. No hands on the steering of the airbike is daft. No lower body when you look down and no reflections in windows or water. Haven't Valve seen the new Thief engine? Also picking up objects is stupid. They just float in front of your face.

Amazingly it still suffers from the original Half-Life problem of totally unrealistic climbing and jumping. I can see over a wall but I can't climb over it? Please!

AI is pretty poor and the zoom/head shot with the pistol is weak.

All in all very average so far. Not a bad game by any means, but not the earth shattering masterpiece it claims to be. Of course the gaming press will give it insane scores just to appear cool (much as they did with the rubbish Doom3). Thief 3, Far Cry and Call of Duty all beat this game IMHO.

Seems Valve were a one trick pony after all  ;)
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Maus on November 19, 2004, 03:20:28 AM
I'm on the fence with Far Cry vs. HL2. If I fix the sound stuttering I think HL2 be the winner, but that seriosly hampered my enjoyment of the game. Also, Far Cry's ending was much more satisfying than HL2's.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Anonymous on November 19, 2004, 09:15:50 AM
Visually; stunning - apart from you can't see yourself and the trees are made of paper!
Storyline; Pretty good - well linked levels that maintain some coherence and credibility.
Technically; very linear-  the areas where you would like to explore you don't get a chance to cause your running like hell.
Puzzles; nowhere near as good or as challenging as Tomb Raider.

Best game I ever played (overall that is) but nowhere near as good as the hype.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Norm on November 19, 2004, 08:25:12 PM
P*** poor ending. :angry:
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Wordan on November 19, 2004, 08:51:05 PM
the quality of the ending is debatable*

however the game was very injoyable and I'll definatly be playing it again with a bit more inquisitiveness(?)











*That doesnt mean I can contribute to such a debate  :P
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Wordan on November 19, 2004, 08:56:56 PM
There were many large completed looking sceens I saw in screenshots or videos I didn't actually recognise in game.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: DarkAngel on November 20, 2004, 12:10:07 AM
I really liked it must admit the ending was a bit poor though i guess they couldnt do much.

Still the best game ive ever played :)

I like the gravity gun at the end sweet
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Doorman on November 20, 2004, 12:55:56 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by DarkAngel@Nov 20 2004, 12:10 AM
I really liked it must admit the ending was a bit poor
You finished it already? That's like bolting your food, you couldn't have tasted a bloody thing!
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Anonymous on November 20, 2004, 02:18:50 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by Doorman@Nov 20 2004, 01:55 AM
You finished it already? That's like bolting your food, you couldn't have tasted a bloody thing!
[post=69664]Quoted post[/post]
[/b]
Nah they're still on the first level Ron and trying to make you feel bad  :ph34r:
Title: Thoughts
Post by: FrEnZy on November 20, 2004, 01:46:06 PM
Great game, looks great, good story, fantsatic set pieces. And its fun to play.

But it's too short, I've now completed it having only had 8/9 hours playtime. They spent so long working on it i was expecting a game hopefully of equal length to first.

Bugs were also quite common, i encountered quite a few instances of graphical glitches, Pure AI stupidity and plain freaky physics errors

Also the ending is poor, very poor. depressingly poor.

*spoiler*

hedropsthesupergravitygun!imeandeargod.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: OldBloke on November 20, 2004, 02:05:32 PM
Just finished Ravenholm section. That was rubbish. It felt like a different game set in a different world using a different engine. Almost 'Painkiller' like. <_<

Hope it gets better  :eyebrow:
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Wordan on November 20, 2004, 06:28:56 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by OldBloke@Nov 20 2004, 02:05 PM
Just finished Ravenholm section. That was rubbish. It felt like a different game set in a different world using a different engine. Almost 'Painkiller' like. <_<

Hope it gets better :eyebrow:
[post=69678]Quoted post[/post]
[/b]


 :huh:  I liked ravenholm, extra veriaty :)
Title: Thoughts
Post by: RizZy on November 20, 2004, 07:18:11 PM
I seem to be a little stuck in the Ravenholm bit, where the dudes hanging of the fencing being electricuted - if anyone feels like pming me & pointing me in the right direction, i'd be greatfull.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: smilodon on November 20, 2004, 07:26:16 PM
A pointer then  :)

Up stairs.....flick switch.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: DarkAngel on November 20, 2004, 07:32:43 PM
Thought those monkey zombies were cool :)

And i also found loads of errors epsecially if you try to jump in certain corners you get stuck and die :(

Is hl2 actually multiplayer?
I know cs:source is made from hl2 engine but it doesnt look the same and i prefer the hl2 guns :)

I guess thats all to come in the millions of mods coming out soon?
Title: Thoughts
Post by: RizZy on November 20, 2004, 08:40:24 PM
hmmm, I should really start looking around a bit more, thats twice I've missed really obvious places that I needed to be to solve really simple puzzles (1st was the valve & the water bit) I can't believe I didnt even notice the doorway right there  :blush:
Title: Thoughts
Post by: smilodon on November 21, 2004, 01:54:41 AM
It's funny what mistakes we make. I spent half a day stuck trying to open Gate 5 on the canal section. Trouble was I had mistakenly turned round in one of the tunnel sections and was heading back in the direction I came from. So I was actually trying to go back through a closed gate, I'd already come through from the other direction, that was never going to open.  :(
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Dr Sadako on November 21, 2004, 09:23:25 AM
So I have finished it. What can I say. The final part of the game really rewards people with great graphics cards. Sadly I must say that it was bloody easy to finish, especially the last levels. The only hard level imho was the prison where you place out the reprogrammed gun turrets. Took me a while to pass that one.

All in all I would say 9/10.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: DarkAngel on November 21, 2004, 09:25:44 PM
I wished they made more of those bug things :)
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Jamoe on November 21, 2004, 10:01:18 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Sadako@Nov 21 2004, 09:23 AM
So I have finished it. What can I say. The final part of the game really rewards people with great graphics cards. Sadly I must say that it was bloody easy to finish, especially the last levels. The only hard level imho was the prison where you place out the reprogrammed gun turrets. Took me a while to pass that one.

All in all I would say 9/10.
[post=69719]Quoted post[/post]
[/b]

thats exactly where im stuck at the moment. Its the only one where ive died a fair number of times trying different positions.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Wordan on November 21, 2004, 11:08:20 PM
humm, im glad i dragged allong the two reprogrammed turrets from the first place  :rolleyes:

QuoteOriginally posted by Jamoe@Nov 21 2004, 10:01 PM
thats exactly where im stuck at the moment. Its the only one where ive died a fair number of times trying different positions.
[post=69755]Quoted post[/post]
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Title: Thoughts
Post by: JonnyAppleSeed on November 22, 2004, 12:50:05 AM
Quotehumm, im glad i dragged allong the two reprogrammed turrets from the first place
:dribble:  :dribble:

didnt know about that ....i best go back in ...wish me lucck  :dribble:
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Maus on November 22, 2004, 01:32:14 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by JonnyAppleSeed@Nov 22 2004, 12:50 AM
:dribble: :dribble:

didnt know about that ....i best go back in ...wish me lucck :dribble:
[post=69769]Quoted post[/post]
[/b]
Just carry one through with you - saves ammo :D
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Red_Thunder on November 22, 2004, 12:22:21 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by OldBloke@Nov 20 2004, 02:05 PM
Just finished Ravenholm section. That was rubbish. It felt like a different game set in a different world using a different engine. Almost 'Painkiller' like. <_<

Hope it gets better :eyebrow:
[post=69678]Quoted post[/post]
[/b]


Im at the same point taking it slow tho :) i know what u mean felt weird when u first get in there.

I like it ..

yeah theres a few errors .. like the scientist walked through his daughter :-S
Tis fun.. sounds too short 8/9 hours u say Frenzy  bleeehhh :(

Im sure Hl2 DM etc will come soon..

Ne one looking forward to DOD Source?
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Jamoe on November 22, 2004, 12:23:09 PM
lol, i almost did that. got annoyed carrying it down the stairs and left it there.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: GhostMjr on November 24, 2004, 08:32:24 AM
What can i say the graphics were astonishing! Doom 3 couldn't beat half life 2 at its physics engine becuase it was nothing in comparison. The new physics engine was superb and some levels were aweinspiring with thought out puzzles and music. It is in my opinion the best pc game of all time although with some minor flaws. Such as the physics engine does not always let you smash tv screens or lamps etc. Who ever thought of the gravity gun was a genius. The powers it gives you were so powerful and being able to kill zombies in such cool ways was exciting. The plot did seem to dry up but the pace was just right with good dramatic irony but without any romantic irony telling us it was just a story. We were a captive audience but we were captivated

What can i say thanks valve  :dribble:  

9.5/10
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Doorman on November 24, 2004, 09:10:18 AM
That good huh? Awe inspiring? Astonishing? After years of hype it's no more than it ought to have been. Nice water.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Red_Thunder on November 24, 2004, 09:20:53 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by BlueBall@Nov 19 2004, 09:15 AM
Visually; stunning - apart from you can't see yourself and the trees are made of paper!
Storyline; Pretty good - well linked levels that maintain some coherence and credibility.
Technically; very linear- the areas where you would like to explore you don't get a chance to cause your running like hell.
Puzzles; nowhere near as good or as challenging as Tomb Raider.

Best game I ever played (overall that is) but nowhere near as good as the hype.
[post=69592]Quoted post[/post]
[/b]


Were they said to be as good as Tomb Raider? :o
noo way Tomb Raider was king/queen ? of puzzles :D


Gravity gun is brill i must say.


and...
Ghost, u reading a little deep into this , u been studying somthing with dramatic/ romantic irony? Agamemnon or somthing ? lolz
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Benny on November 24, 2004, 12:02:12 PM
I wanna jump on this review bandwagon.

Right.

It's pretty. It's touted physics are ok, but lets be honest, rolling barrels and breakable boxes maketh not the real world.

Carrying things looks poor, lets face it, there is nothing good about the carrying things bit.

Monsters...ooo...scarey.  Those head crabs look rubbish, the ones in my pants are scarier.

The scenery, I'll give it credit for, but it whizzes by to quick. The falling chimney in the water for example, great if you could savour it.

Hmm...challenging? No. I don't think so. It's a challenging as eating cake whilst standing up.

You can't shoot/stab/maim any of the characters you interact with. You can however climb up things with crafty stacking and bump your head on the sky. If they wanted to trap you in and stop you saving everything why not just lower the sky, instead of shooting at you with what are clearly badly calibrated spud guns.

Hang on, a puzzle....should I follow this path and pull the lever, or make it more difficult by...banging my head on the sky again.

It's a good game, it's a world better than Doom3. But it ain't the fantastic world saving gift that it is supposed to be.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: A Twig on November 24, 2004, 12:41:55 PM
It doesnt run on my PC. Its rubbish :(
Title: Thoughts
Post by: smilodon on November 24, 2004, 01:04:51 PM
Phew and there's me thinking I was the only one. If Half-Life 2 had just been an annonymous game that popped up on the shelves, I would have said it was a really sweet and neat game. As it's touted as the greatest game ever it does come over as a disappointment. Valve did so many things right and then left so many things wrong that it's a tragedy.

(Still they're obvioulsy going to loose their court case, which means VUG will claim millions in damages for lost revenue. That in turn will bankrupt Valve who will have to give Half-Life and Steam to VUG to cover their liabilities. VUG will dump Steam as it murders their retail revenue stream and we'll only use steam for patches and online play. Sort of WON with bells on.)
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Gandalf on November 24, 2004, 01:31:46 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Benny@Nov 24 2004, 12:02 PM

Hmm...challenging? No. I don't think so. It's a challenging as eating cake whilst standing up.


you can eat cake standing up?!  :worship:
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Red_Thunder on November 24, 2004, 05:12:31 PM
Well said Benny !


I still like it, i like the carrying thing tho altho i think u should be able to see his hands, and who would carry a barrel with their arms stretched out :S
Title: Thoughts
Post by: smite on November 24, 2004, 05:15:45 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Red_Thunder@Nov 24 2004, 09:20 AM
Ghost, u reading a little deep into this , u been studying somthing with dramatic/ romantic irony? Agamemnon or somthing ? lolz
[post=69951]Quoted post[/post]
[/b]


I was thinking it looked a lot like Cut'n'Paste  :winkiss:
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Sc00by_d00 on November 24, 2004, 08:47:02 PM
Quote from: smilodon,Nov 24 2004, 01:04 PM"As it's touted as the greatest game ever it does come over as a disappointment. Valve did so many things right and then left so many things wrong that it's a tragedy. "[/b]

Sorry, I have been playing games for a long time - and this is the best I have seen, the excitement, story, game play, GRAPHICS, PHYSICS, and SOUND (apart from Thief 3 in terms of sound) are fantastic!!  

I love this game so much - It is the BEST GAME I EVER PLAYED!  

What the F*^k are you people looking for, "virtual reality on acid", well HL2 is nearly about as good as it gets on 32 bit machines.  If you looking for anything better, you will have wait for 64bit technology to really take off!!! Get back to reality in terms of the technology, this game is as good as it gets at the moment guys!

You have just experienced the best FPS ever!!!  RELAX!!!  :D


Did mean to say, smilodon and et al. if you can do any better - why don't you give it a go - and we will give you the feedback m8's  :P
Title: Thoughts
Post by: smilodon on November 25, 2004, 12:41:42 AM
I don't make my living from designing games so you'll have a long wait  :) .

Don't get me wrong it's a really good game. As a FPS it's a corker. But as for being the greatest game ever then it's more down to personal preference. For example I'm a Real time strategy freak and so enjoy playing Rome Total War far more than I do HL2. But that's just me. However RTW is flawless as a game. There's no bugs and absolutley nothing missing from the game. Within the limits of what is technically possible it's perfect. Likewise Vice City (a game I used to dislike!) is, second time round for me, a stunning game. Having played further through it, the game is brilliant. And it looks like San Andreas is going to be even better when it hits the PC.

On the other hand there are things that are clearly wrong with HL2. And they are lazy errors. The Gravity gun holds stuff just in front of you when you use it. Obvioulsy Valve used the same code when you pick stuff up by hand. But while things are supposed to float a foot in front of you with the gravity gun, they're not supposed to when you pick them up. Where are your arms? Sloppy.

Likewise when you look down where's your torso? Many modern games now give you a re real physical presence. Some don't, but if HL2 wants to be the best game ever, it should do as well.

The physics engine, while great isn't perfect. The jeep gets stuck on the daftest bits of wood and stuff and flips over at the slightest bump , yet the boat can drive over anything and can't ever flip over.

Moving through water or jumping onto boxes is rubbish just like HL was originally.

The enemy AI is fairly ropey. Some games can produce quality AI (Halo on the hardest setting for example). If HL2 is so excelelnt then why is the AI only average?

Theres some nasty clipping and a crapy skybox you can hit your head on. In Ravenholm zombies will spawn from areas you know to be clear, which is a cheat and sloppy design.

The game plays like it's on rails with no freeform roaming. That's no problem if done well, but it's so obvious with HL2 it's annoying.

There are far too many load screens. It's technically possible to precache areas so there are no load screens, but HL2 doesn't do this. Dungeon Siege from several years back did it, so why not HL2.

There are other problems but they're probably just my personal preferences. For example I don't like the way your character never responds to conversations. Not one word. Some people like that, as it makes them feel they are playing the part of Gordon Freeman themselves rather than driving a character through the game. Me I don't like it.

So HL2 is a really great game and one of the best three or four FPS ever. And hats of to Valve for that. But what it isn't for me, is the best game ever.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Whitey on November 25, 2004, 08:32:05 AM
I love Rome Total War and have played it to death since it's release but it does have some flaws (or is it part of the realism when troops don't go were you ask or just let the enemy run past you when you've asked them to attack ?! ).  I don't think any game can be flawless for everyone. Different people expect different things from games and HL2 more than lives up to my expectations and for me it is the best FPS ever.  On the down side I do hate those long, frequent loads.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Sc00by_d00 on November 25, 2004, 09:00:18 AM
Some very valid points made above smilodon!

1.  It's got a number of minor bugs - but a lot of games do on their initial release - I expect these will be patched.  No good really to the people who are playing it atm I know!

2. "Likewise when you look down where's your torso?" yep OK valid point again!

3. The physics engine IMHO is superb - no other game ever released gives you this!! The developers of HL2 and Source have spent so much time on this aspect of the game. Also I think the graphics are jaw dropping!!!

4. "The game plays like it's on rails" You have a very valid point here, lots of scripting in this game"!

5. "There are far too many load screens. It's technically possible to precache areas so there are no load screens, but HL2 doesn't do this. Dungeon Siege from several years back did it, so why not HL2."  I think the developers have made it this way so the game will also play fine on lower spec systems - I might be wrong?

However, I still vote it the best game I ever played because unlike any previous games - this game stimulates and excites me so much more than anything I have ever played!!.  This will be one of the few games I just know I will want to play a second time...

I am not saying the game is "perfect!" - Its just the best game ever IMHO!!!
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Benny on November 25, 2004, 11:28:40 PM
aye, it's a bit sh1t though innit.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Benny on November 25, 2004, 11:30:49 PM
And now you're all fuming.

It's a great game, I don't regret buying it.
The character interaction is poor. Am I missing something fantastic about the 'physics'? Maybe I'm taking it for granted, gimme some examples.

If you ask me, Far Cry was better. But as everyone says, each to their own.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: smilodon on November 26, 2004, 12:01:06 AM
I have to agree. I think a big issue here is how you like to play the game.

I remember a game called Star Trek Bridge Commander. I hated it, but more importantly I hated the player interaction. Basically you sat in the big armchair on the bridge and NPC's like Spock, and Ururuhuhuruhu would speak to you. You're character never responded though. I had this horrible feeling that after Spock says " Captain, the enemy has raised their shields." I was supposed to shout "Open Fire! All weapons!" at the screen and hit the fire button. It was like some terrible geeks role play game  :(

It seems that might be the idea for HL2. I am supposed to be Freeman. When people speak to him they speak to me. And I guess I'm supposed to answer back to the screen? I hate that style of game play but I can see how others like it or just don't care that Freeman never says a word to anyone.

Jack Carver, Max Payne and Garrett are characters in their own right. I'm not them. I just guide them about the game. They are characters with a history and a presence in the game, usually shown by cut scenes and dialog voice overs.

It's a matter of personal taste but I prefer the Farcry style to the HL2 one
Title: Thoughts
Post by: A Twig on November 26, 2004, 06:38:25 PM
IMHO Deus Ex had some of the best character interaction I have ever come across, personally I have enver found a game which comes close. If there is one please please please tell me what it is! Could just be me though...
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Maus on November 27, 2004, 01:07:33 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by smilodon@Nov 25 2004, 12:41 AM
But while things are supposed to float a foot in front of you with the gravity gun, they're not supposed to when you pick them up. Where are your arms? Sloppy.
[post=70019]Quoted post[/post]
[/b]
This is a technical limitation. Valve would have to create an animation for EVERY item tht it is possible to pick up. Not only that, but it would only be able to handle objects that are oriented in one particular direction. I for one like that the object appears in front of you with no arms, just like I've liked a couple of shooters I've played where you just had a gun in front of you, and no arms.

----

I have to agree with people here and say Far Cry is better than HL2 though. I have played through Far Cry maybe six times now, and ever time I find new routes to take, and new things to see and do. The dialogue may be unbelievably dumb, but it fits the game okay.

Also, it has a greater variety of vehicles that all handle better than HL2 vehicles, better water effects (maybe not close-up, but look at distant water in HL2 and how obviously it tiles) especially inderwater, with the swimming arms. A more satisfying array of weapons with an almost-perfect four-weapon max (I was incredibly disapointed when I found you could carry every weapon at once in HL2 - the part where he tosses a shotty aside to grab a rocket launcher in the binks was great). Also, Far Cry feels much longer - it is the perfect length for a game, and though the AI can feel flawed sometimes, by and large it reacts better than HL2 AI.

Far Cry does have a couple of game-breaking bugs (mosly when the woman is following you - she can get stuck quite easily), but it provides a much better challenge than HL2, and manages to do so while looking much better - its gorgeous outdoor areas are something Source could only dream of, and its less-interesting indoor areas still kick HL2's backside, in no small part due to its dynamic lighting.

And it does all this while performing better than HL2 (also, Far Cry on low detail still looks pretty great - HL2 on low detail looks like HL1), and with no mid-level load points.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: smilodon on November 27, 2004, 02:33:19 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Maus@Nov 27 2004, 02:07 PM
This is a technical limitation. Valve would have to create an animation for EVERY item tht it is possible to pick up. Not only that, but it would only be able to handle objects that are oriented in one particular direction. I for one like that the object appears in front of you with no arms, just like I've liked a couple of shooters I've played where you just had a gun in front of you, and no arms.

A very fair point. However it seems to me that on other games wher you can carry stuff it doesn't look so obvious. Still it's a very minor point. I'm really beginning to love the gravity gun now. The options for wiping out Combine troops and zombies is endless. Plus the crane section on the coast was an absolute gem  :D

As I play further through it HL2 is growing on me. Still not as good as RTW though  ;)
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Devian_Game on November 27, 2004, 11:51:41 PM
Its a good game , i havent played in for a long time untill now , just a couple of hourse and i love it , Far Cry its good but the story a litlle less then in HL2 , the feeling may get the edge hl 2 needs to beet others games at its level , and i really like the soldiers :)
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Liberator on November 28, 2004, 12:36:28 AM
The ending is a bit easy and I also found the hardest part was in the prison with the 3 turrets.

I would have liked to have had a go at some of the aliens that you see on your scenic trip around the citadel.

I was disapointed with the lack of alien weapons, the Antlion pods were nice, but they are useless after NovaProspect. The gravity gun was good in the Citadel with the ragdoll physics in all its glory, but everything else was just guns.

Yup, must admit FarCry is better with the amount of freedom you have to achieve your goals and none of the annoying "Loading" messages. The weapons were just right as well.

I'm sure when the mods come out we will really see what the "Source" engine can do. After all, its the mods that made the original last as long as it has.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Maus on November 28, 2004, 03:19:35 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by Liberator@Nov 28 2004, 12:36 AM
I'm sure when the mods come out we will really see what the "Source" engine can do. After all, its the mods that made the original last as long as it has.
[post=70210]Quoted post[/post]
[/b]
The Source engine is completely underwhelming - it's pretty when used properly, but doesn't currently appear to support detail textures, and has horrible stuttering issues if ou have things set on high detail. It isn't just hl2 either - Vampire: Bloodlines is hobbled by horrible stuttering too.

Maybe it'll get patched up, but for now the idea of HL2 mods doesn't really fill me with glee the way it used to.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Wordan on November 28, 2004, 01:25:50 PM
The textures in general seem not that high, however the apearance of the gman at the start looked excellent
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Phog on November 28, 2004, 04:32:37 PM
I thought it was a fantastic game apart from the last 5 minutes of playing which i think i could have made better. But i wont say how.
Completed it yesterday and then decided that seeing as how i was in the HL mood, i went and did the whole of HL for the first time straight after!! Damn im sad!

Dont give me the do it in order thingy either  :lmfao: i watched my bro do HL when i was a wee lad (or littler anyway!)
Title: Thoughts
Post by: FBG on December 06, 2004, 09:51:52 AM
You have just experienced the best FPS ever!!! RELAX!!!

Nah, they could have done better. I want the non-linear storyline and environment deus X invisible war had combined with the graphics and atmosphere HL2 created.

HL2 in my books was far far to linear and the ending sucked.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Penfold on December 06, 2004, 11:49:19 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Norm@Nov 19 2004, 08:25 PM
P*** poor ending. :angry:
[post=69637]Quoted post[/post]
[/b]

I agree.

Personally I wanted a piece of Alyx   :devil:

PEN
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Maus on December 07, 2004, 12:48:30 AM
The ending was interesting, but not at all satisfying.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Phog on December 07, 2004, 06:09:32 PM
Im waiting for HL3.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: DarkAngel on December 07, 2004, 06:14:09 PM
QuotePhog Posted Today, 06:09 PM
 Im waiting for HL3.

You will be waiting some time then  :lmfao:
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Phog on December 08, 2004, 05:08:13 PM
10 years :D
Title: Thoughts
Post by: RizZy on December 08, 2004, 05:55:01 PM
well, I finaly got around to finishing it, & yea, the endings a bit, erm - hmmmm. I wouldn't bet too much against a HL3 coming out alot sooner than 2 did now that they have the source engine to play with.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Zok on December 18, 2004, 09:19:00 PM
Well I finally finished it, now I know some of you guys have been waiting for my definitive review so here we go:





It was great.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Rabbi Bob on December 18, 2004, 09:46:55 PM
Loved it.

Now, Blue Shift2 ?
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Le Rouge on December 29, 2004, 10:42:58 AM
I am glad I could find some opposstion here to the "best game" theory. True, graphics are good, but somehow levels are not that interesting. And yes - very linear.
Some of you marked this as the best game they've played.

I still think KOTOR is at least just as good (although not exactly from the same genre) and of course FarCry, which was at times more compelling and definitely more challenging.

However, Blue Shift 2 would be great!
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Benny on December 29, 2004, 11:56:57 AM
SO how far have I got to go?

I play it once every other week, it bores me a bit.
I'm in a city, there's a few tripod things mincing about, done some canal with radioactive sewage and have got a squad together for about the third time.  Loads of flying head saw things.  some laser beam from the sky type thing run around, avoid it, into the building and......I'm guessing not far until I can delete this waste of space off my drive?
Title: Thoughts
Post by: smilodon on December 29, 2004, 12:02:12 PM
I'm with you Benisimo. It all kind of ground to a halt towards the end of the beach buggy section. I'm sure I'll get to the end of it at some point, but right now I can't be TANGO'd to fire it up at all. So much for the greatest game ever.
Title: Thoughts
Post by: Wordan on December 29, 2004, 07:20:03 PM
Everybody had their own idea of what they wanted the 'best game ever' to be. Not everybody was so impressed because it was different from what they thought. It was layed out like HL1, which makes sence because it is half-life after all. You probably noticed, I liked the game : P