HALF-LIFE 2 is out

By: Patrick Sauriol
Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2004

More than a year after its first intended release date, HALF-LIFE 2 has finally arrived on retail store shelves. Valve Software's new first-person shooter picks up the story of former Black Mesa scientist Gordon Freeman, the lone person that helped repel an alien invasion of the top secret government facility. HALF-LIFE 2 picks up Gordon's story after some time has passed, and the alien might of the Combine has returned to Earth in superior numbers. After conquering the planet and setting up a puppet government comprised of humans, the Combine's occupation of the planet seems complete. Enter Gordon and his knack for screwing up the best laid plans of headcrabs and walkers, all with his trusty crowbar of doom.

To be fair Gordon (and the player) will have more weapons to select from in HF2 than just a crowbar. Valve has created an entirely new graphics engine that creates a new level of realism for video games. As well, objects which before only served as background material now have physical properties and can be manipulated by Gordon. Want to pick up that nearby crate and throw it at a bug alien that's advancing at you, or do you want to shoot those barrels in the distance to see if they will blow up? The choice is up to you.

HALF-LIFE 2 has been rated M for Mature and retails for $54.99


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