Half-Life 2: Episode Two Review @ Shacknews

**MIG-31** · Oct 10, 2007, 01:01 AM

Review: Shacknews
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Half-Life 2: Episode Two opens with a "previously in Half-Life 2 episodes" sort of recap montage that is the game's only real concession to the kind of static, cutscene-driven storytelling that still dominates video games. Certainly, some are of the opinion that the Half-Life series, particularly beginning with Half-Life 2, employs its uncommon brand of contextual narrative and in-game cutscenes as just a more interactive version of the traditional style, but such characterizations sell the developer's efforts short

***Zardon*** · Oct 10, 2007, 03:19 AM

it is now unlocked

Erroneus · Oct 10, 2007, 04:10 AM

Whiiiiiiiiiiiiine, screw you EA!

Damn i hate them for pushing retail launch to the 18th here in EU, fuckers!

BlueMak · Oct 10, 2007, 08:53 AM

EA? Half Life 2---EA? what?

calidan · Oct 10, 2007, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueMak

EA? Half Life 2---EA? what?

If you buy it at the store it's published by EA.

***Zardon*** · Oct 10, 2007, 10:07 AM

really good game, very impressed. although I always am. Valve make some beautiful games.

CDsDontBurn · Oct 10, 2007, 10:24 AM

w00t~! i'm so d/ling this through steam

.

**MIG-31** · Oct 10, 2007, 10:27 AM

Im still in two minds to purchase the Orange box (even though it's the cheaper option..

or

Episode 2 at the stand alone price.As i have no interest in the others in the package (excluding HL2 & EP1 which i already have).I don't like the idea of the gift box either.

What to do!!

***Zardon*** · Oct 10, 2007, 02:06 PM

wow that was short - cant have been more than 5 hours long, was just starting to get into the flow and thats it !

**Vikingod** · Oct 10, 2007, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zardon

wow that was short - cant have been more than 5 hours long, was just starting to get into the flow and thats it !

Exactly why Im saving my loot for next months games...

calidan · Oct 10, 2007, 02:19 PM

You're kidding right? Only 5 hours of play. How much longer do you think it is then Episode 1. I don't plan on playing until my break from school which is in 2 weeks. I guess I'll play all 3 straight through now if it's that short.

***Zardon*** · Oct 10, 2007, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calidan

You're kidding right? Only 5 hours of play. How much longer do you think it is then Episode 1. I don't plan on playing until my break from school which is in 2 weeks. I guess I'll play all 3 straight through now if it's that short.

really hard thing to work out, I actually felt episode 1 was longer, although im sure im wrong, people said EP2 was 50% bigger, but I just can't see it. I counted out how long it took me to beat it, probably 4 and a half hours, and at least 30 minutes of that is dialogue.

Don't get me wrong its amazingly well polished and I loved it, but I just couldnt believe it when the credits rolled. I was really only just getting into it. I am quite depressed now, I was looking forward to this for such a long time and its over already.

CDsDontBurn · Oct 11, 2007, 10:25 AM

i was looking at the orange box option. and like how mig said, it is still cheaper, i don't need ep1, and i don't know much about team fortress 2 other than what people have said from the beta. i would get it only for portal and ep2 really.