Honest Opinion on Half-Life 2

[Morenatsu.]

No, the Controller blender as the penultimate level is already PERFECTION.

 

[AlwaysBrotoMen]

One of the greatest games of all time

Lol I thought the thread was referring to Half life 1. Half life 2 is a good game at best inspired heavily from Ico and Doom

 

[NecroLord]

One of the greatest games of all time

Lol I thought the thread was referring to Half life 1. Half life 2 is a good game at best inspired heavily from Ico and Doom

How exactly is Half-Life 2 inspired by Doom?

 

[MasterofThunder]

I will state that I feel Half-Life 2 is a glorified tech demo for the Source Engine. If that wasn't painfully obvious to anyone who played the game, even on launch, I don't know what to tell you. The gameplay is second-rate even by Half-Life standards, and takes a back seat to shoving in all the technological advancements that Source brought to the table. Much of the game can be boiled down to "whoa look at those physics" or "whoa look at those sweet facial animations!". People seldom, if ever, discuss Half-Life 2 on the merits of it's gameplay. It's always in the context of physics and the gimmick gravity gun. The storyline is also woefully inconsistent with the barebones plot of the first game, and retcons in characters that were never seen nor mentioned during the events of Half-Life. The game even treats you, Gordon Freeman, as some messiah figure which is a laughable attempt to make the plot seem grander and more sophisticated than it really is. And why is Gordon treated in this matter?, he was the one who started the resonance cascade to begin with!. People should be rightfully furious at this guy, and wish bloody death upon him, yet there is some bullshit "prophecy" that he's going to save the world?. Give me a break.

 

[Cat Headed Eagle]

It's not a retcon, it's lore

 

[NecroLord]

I will state that I feel Half-Life 2 is a glorified tech demo for the Source Engine. If that wasn't painfully obvious to anyone who played the game, even on launch, I don't know what to tell you. The gameplay is second-rate even by Half-Life standards, and takes a back seat to shoving in all the technological advancements that Source brought to the table. Much of the game can be boiled down to "whoa look at those physics" or "whoa look at those sweet facial animations!". People seldom, if ever, discuss Half-Life 2 on the merits of it's gameplay. It's always in the context of physics and the gimmick gravity gun. The storyline is also woefully inconsistent with the barebones plot of the first game, and retcons in characters that were never seen nor mentioned during the events of Half-Life. The game even treats you, Gordon Freeman, as some messiah figure which is a laughable attempt to make the plot seem grander and more sophisticated than it really is. And why is Gordon treated in this matter?, he was the one who started the resonance cascade to begin with!. People should be rightfully furious at this guy, and wish bloody death upon him, yet there is some bullshit "prophecy" that he's going to save the world?. Give me a break.

And it has Alyx.
Ugh...

 

[Morenatsu.]

I will state that I feel Half-Life 2 is a glorified tech demo for the Source Engine. If that wasn't painfully obvious to anyone who played the game, even on launch, I don't know what to tell you. The gameplay is second-rate even by Half-Life standards, and takes a back seat to shoving in all the technological advancements that Source brought to the table. Much of the game can be boiled down to "whoa look at those physics" or "whoa look at those sweet facial animations!". People seldom, if ever, discuss Half-Life 2 on the merits of it's gameplay. It's always in the context of physics and the gimmick gravity gun. The storyline is also woefully inconsistent with the barebones plot of the first game, and retcons in characters that were never seen nor mentioned during the events of Half-Life. The game even treats you, Gordon Freeman, as some messiah figure which is a laughable attempt to make the plot seem grander and more sophisticated than it really is. And why is Gordon treated in this matter?, he was the one who started the resonance cascade to begin with!. People should be rightfully furious at this guy, and wish bloody death upon him, yet there is some bullshit "prophecy" that he's going to save the world?. Give me a break.

Nice AI generated copypasta

 

[Cat Headed Eagle]

I will state that I feel Half-Life 2 is a glorified tech demo for the Source Engine. If that wasn't painfully obvious to anyone who played the game, even on launch, I don't know what to tell you. The gameplay is second-rate even by Half-Life standards, and takes a back seat to shoving in all the technological advancements that Source brought to the table. Much of the game can be boiled down to "whoa look at those physics" or "whoa look at those sweet facial animations!". People seldom, if ever, discuss Half-Life 2 on the merits of it's gameplay. It's always in the context of physics and the gimmick gravity gun. The storyline is also woefully inconsistent with the barebones plot of the first game, and retcons in characters that were never seen nor mentioned during the events of Half-Life. The game even treats you, Gordon Freeman, as some messiah figure which is a laughable attempt to make the plot seem grander and more sophisticated than it really is. And why is Gordon treated in this matter?, he was the one who started the resonance cascade to begin with!. People should be rightfully furious at this guy, and wish bloody death upon him, yet there is some bullshit "prophecy" that he's going to save the world?. Give me a break.

Nice AI generated copypasta

The statement reflects a subjective opinion about Half-Life 2, and while it has points that some players might agree with, it also contains several points that are widely debatable. Here are some considerations:

Points of Agreement​

1. Tech Demo Perception:
   • Graphics and Physics: Many players did indeed marvel at the advanced physics and graphics that the Source Engine brought to Half-Life 2, particularly at launch. The gravity gun, facial animations, and realistic physics were groundbreaking at the time and drew significant attention.
2. Retcon and Storyline:
   • Inconsistent Storyline: Some fans of the original Half-Life might feel that the storyline in Half-Life 2 was inconsistent with the first game and that certain characters were introduced without prior mention.
   • Messiah Figure: The portrayal of Gordon Freeman as a messiah figure can seem exaggerated and might not sit well with everyone, especially given his role in the original game's events.

Points of Disagreement​

1. Gameplay Quality:
   • Critical Acclaim: Despite the opinion that the gameplay is second-rate, Half-Life 2 received widespread acclaim for its gameplay mechanics, level design, and narrative integration. It is often regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time.
   • Innovative Mechanics: Beyond the physics and facial animations, many players and critics appreciated the game's pacing, variety of gameplay experiences, and the integration of environmental storytelling.
2. Community Discussions:
   • Gameplay Merits: While the physics and gravity gun are often highlighted, discussions about Half-Life 2 frequently include praise for its gameplay, story, atmosphere, and overall design. The game is celebrated for its ability to blend action, puzzle-solving, and narrative.
3. Gordon Freeman's Role:
   • Narrative Complexity: The idea of Gordon as a savior can be seen as adding depth to the storyline. The game's narrative explores themes of resistance, survival, and heroism in a dystopian world, which can be compelling for many players.
   • Story Development: The treatment of Gordon Freeman as a hero can be understood within the context of the game's story development and the player's role in the game world.

Conclusion​

The statement is an opinion that captures a critical perspective on Half-Life 2, but it doesn't represent a universal truth about the game. While some players might agree with the points raised, many others would strongly disagree, pointing to the game's critical success, innovative design, and lasting impact on the gaming industry as counterarguments. The diversity of opinions highlights the subjective nature of video game experiences and the different aspects that can resonate with different players.

 

[MasterofThunder]

I will state that I feel Half-Life 2 is a glorified tech demo for the Source Engine. If that wasn't painfully obvious to anyone who played the game, even on launch, I don't know what to tell you. The gameplay is second-rate even by Half-Life standards, and takes a back seat to shoving in all the technological advancements that Source brought to the table. Much of the game can be boiled down to "whoa look at those physics" or "whoa look at those sweet facial animations!". People seldom, if ever, discuss Half-Life 2 on the merits of it's gameplay. It's always in the context of physics and the gimmick gravity gun. The storyline is also woefully inconsistent with the barebones plot of the first game, and retcons in characters that were never seen nor mentioned during the events of Half-Life. The game even treats you, Gordon Freeman, as some messiah figure which is a laughable attempt to make the plot seem grander and more sophisticated than it really is. And why is Gordon treated in this matter?, he was the one who started the resonance cascade to begin with!. People should be rightfully furious at this guy, and wish bloody death upon him, yet there is some bullshit "prophecy" that he's going to save the world?. Give me a break.

Nice AI generated copypasta

The statement reflects a subjective opinion about Half-Life 2, and while it has points that some players might agree with, it also contains several points that are widely debatable. Here are some considerations:

Points of Agreement​

1. Tech Demo Perception:
   • Graphics and Physics: Many players did indeed marvel at the advanced physics and graphics that the Source Engine brought to Half-Life 2, particularly at launch. The gravity gun, facial animations, and realistic physics were groundbreaking at the time and drew significant attention.
2. Retcon and Storyline:
   • Inconsistent Storyline: Some fans of the original Half-Life might feel that the storyline in Half-Life 2 was inconsistent with the first game and that certain characters were introduced without prior mention.
   • Messiah Figure: The portrayal of Gordon Freeman as a messiah figure can seem exaggerated and might not sit well with everyone, especially given his role in the original game's events.

Points of Disagreement​

1. Gameplay Quality:
   • Critical Acclaim: Despite the opinion that the gameplay is second-rate, Half-Life 2 received widespread acclaim for its gameplay mechanics, level design, and narrative integration. It is often regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time.
   • Innovative Mechanics: Beyond the physics and facial animations, many players and critics appreciated the game's pacing, variety of gameplay experiences, and the integration of environmental storytelling.
2. Community Discussions:
   • Gameplay Merits: While the physics and gravity gun are often highlighted, discussions about Half-Life 2 frequently include praise for its gameplay, story, atmosphere, and overall design. The game is celebrated for its ability to blend action, puzzle-solving, and narrative.
3. Gordon Freeman's Role:
   • Narrative Complexity: The idea of Gordon as a savior can be seen as adding depth to the storyline. The game's narrative explores themes of resistance, survival, and heroism in a dystopian world, which can be compelling for many players.
   • Story Development: The treatment of Gordon Freeman as a hero can be understood within the context of the game's story development and the player's role in the game world.

Conclusion​

The statement is an opinion that captures a critical perspective on Half-Life 2, but it doesn't represent a universal truth about the game. While some players might agree with the points raised, many others would strongly disagree, pointing to the game's critical success, innovative design, and lasting impact on the gaming industry as counterarguments. The diversity of opinions highlights the subjective nature of video game experiences and the different aspects that can resonate with different players.

Now THAT'S an AI copypasta.

 

[Morenatsu.]

So are your posts a tech-demo of how retarded you are?

 

[MasterofThunder]

So are your posts a tech-demo of how retarded you are?

I'm a tech demo of yourself if you weren't a furry and had better taste in video games.

 

[racofer]

 

[Hace El Oso]

Just came here to post it, pretty damn good.

 

[NecroLord]

Yeah.
Now let's see it in the original game.

 

[aweigh]

really good half-life 2 video about the Combine regime, learned a lot of stuff i never knew. mainly from the voice lines said by the combine during battle.

crazy how most of this stuff will never be known by the player unless they stop and listen to the dialogue, and in the combine soldier's case that's pretty much impossible during normal gameplay.

 

[Average Manatee]

Just a thought but if the magical anti-procreation field is real and has existed for 20 years then humanity is already effectively dead by population collapse even if the combine were defeated instantly at the start of the game

 

[Rövtomte]

Just a thought but if the magical anti-procreation field is real and has existed for 20 years then humanity is already effectively dead by population collapse even if the combine were defeated instantly at the start of the game

Yeah, but that'd make for a very short game lol.

 

[NecroLord]

Just a thought but if the magical anti-procreation field is real and has existed for 20 years then humanity is already effectively dead by population collapse even if the combine were defeated instantly at the start of the game

They didn't really thought this through.
The more time passes, the more I am inclined to not play Half-Life 2 unfortunately.
The same cannot be said of Half-Life, which I can always play and know I will have a good time.

 

[ghardy]

The more time passes, the more I am inclined to not play Half-Life 2 unfortunately.

I first played Half-Life 2 in 2017. I had an an old set of (I think) five CDs that came in a box with a page of instructions. The discs had a Windows installer, and I had long since moved on from Windows (to Linux).

I had to commandeer a Windows machine at home, run the Steam wizard, install the game, backup the game files, copy the backup archives to my own machine, and import them into Steam.

Anyway, for a while the magic was on. I was taken in by the opening (G-Man's great), and the initial sequences until Barney handed me a crowbar and set me on Route Kanal. The magic burned away little by little.

I remember feeling even at the time that Route Kanal was too long, the pistol sounded weak, the combat sections were ... eh. A thought came to me which I later put into words, "OK. We'll have to finish this. Let's get through."

This sense was strengthened during the hoverboat segment with its smattering of "clever" puzzles.

Anyhow, I see that if I detail all the parts of the game as I went through them, this post would get long and tedious.

High points:

• Atmosphere
• Ravenholm
• The bridge
• Facial animations

Low points:

• Weapons
• Puzzling placement of puzzles; this took away from the flow
• Being harangued by the primary characters
• Awful squads

I have tried from time to time to replay HL2, but I just can't. (Hmm. I realize I get the same feeling whenever I have the impulse to run Diablo 2 again. The menu's great, the initial setting's great, the characters look fun and interesting. But when I see the opening to The Underground Passage, I say, "That's it! I'm done.")

 

[Hobknobling]

really good half-life 2 video about the Combine regime, learned a lot of stuff i never knew. mainly from the voice lines said by the combine during battle.

crazy how most of this stuff will never be known by the player unless they stop and listen to the dialogue, and in the combine soldier's case that's pretty much impossible during normal gameplay.

Yeah, this was a promising channel before the dude trooned out. Very unfortunate.

 

[ds]

I first played Half-Life 2 in 2017. I had an an old set of (I think) five CDs that came in a box with a page of instructions. The discs had a Windows installer, and I had long since moved on from Windows (to Linux).

I had to commandeer a Windows machine at home, run the Steam wizard, install the game, backup the game files, copy the backup archives to my own machine, and import them into Steam.

You could have just activated the CD key from the box in the Linux version of Steam (Games → Activate a Product on Steam…). And even if you had to go through the Installer, Steam runs under Wine and once added to your account you should have been able to install it on any other Steam install you are logged in without moving over a game backup.

Puzzling placement of puzzles; this took away from the flow

Yes, Half-Life 2 suffers from being a Source-engine physics tech demo.

Awful squads

Don't forget to reload, Mr. Freeman!

I still like the game well enough even with its flaws and replay it about as often as HL1. Might be nostalgia.

 

[NecroLord]

Don't forget to reload, Mr. Freeman!

That stupid squad mechanic...

Completely unlike Half-Life, which used to be a game about exploring a big research facility and fighting aliens and military sent in to clean up the mess.

Still, I'll take Half-Life 2 with its faults over much of the shit that comes out nowadays.

 

[Rövtomte]

really good half-life 2 video about the Combine regime, learned a lot of stuff i never knew. mainly from the voice lines said by the combine during battle.

crazy how most of this stuff will never be known by the player unless they stop and listen to the dialogue, and in the combine soldier's case that's pretty much impossible during normal gameplay.

Yeah, this was a promising channel before the dude trooned out. Very unfortunate.

Suicide in 3....2....

 

[aweigh]

really good half-life 2 video about the Combine regime, learned a lot of stuff i never knew. mainly from the voice lines said by the combine during battle.

crazy how most of this stuff will never be known by the player unless they stop and listen to the dialogue, and in the combine soldier's case that's pretty much impossible during normal gameplay.

Yeah, this was a promising channel before the dude trooned out. Very unfortunate.

lmao i just saw that, decided to check out the recent videos and saw this gross ugly troon begging for money. crazy shit...

 

[Average Manatee]

Yeah, this was a promising channel before the dude trooned out. Very unfortunate.

>man sterilizes himself and destroys all relationships IRL
>"Lemme tell you why these guys are evil for doing this in a video game"