Consolation Prize

They say that “all good things come to he who waits”. An adage that certainly feels relevant as I’ve only just completed Half Life 2: Episode Two even though it has been nearly a year since the release of The Orange Box. I can now at last join the millions around the globe whom are anxiously awaiting the concluding chapter in this trilogy of episodic content – whenever it finally materialises.

So here we go again with another finely scripted, beautifully paced game that kicks off immediately after the events of Episode One as Gordon Freeman regains consciousness in the wreckage of the train - derailed by the portal storm from the Citadels destruction - which he and Alyx Vance used to escape from City 17. Reunited with his companion Alyx, and the familiar zero-point energy field manipulator (gravity gun) the pair set off in haste for the “White Forest” resistance stronghold with there precious cache of transmission data they’ve recovered from the Citadel. The Combine haven’t of course given up on there quarry, and our fleeing protagonists will be pursued mercilessly throughout.

Whereas its immediate predecessor took place in the claustrophobic surroundings in and around City 17, in contrast Episode 2 is mostly played out in a more open rural environment with trees aplenty, rocky outcrops, mining outposts, and abandoned dwellings. All of which add a great deal of diversity to the surroundings. I’m not sure whether it’s the new locales, but Episode Two certainly looks the more visually impressive entry of the series thus far even though it’s using the now ageing “Source Engine”. Whatever the reason for the apparent improvement, it would all be for naught if it wasn’t backed up by the solid level design we’ve come to expect from Valve.

Maintaining the high standard of its predecessors Episode Two drives the story forward at a good pace providing moments of revelation, shock, and awe. There’s never really a dull second and an action sequence is only a shot away, but even during the more serene moments both the dialog and the level of interaction between primary and secondary characters is just so good that the game deserves your utmost attention at all times. Half Life 2 is renowned for its dramatic and cinematic action set-pieces which are interspaced throughout the game, and Episode Two certainly doesn’t disappoint. It even feels like Valve have upped the ante this time and provide a host of memorable encounters; from an “Aliens” inspired defence of a resistance hideout, a panic strewn introduction to the new Hunters, and a climactic mother of all battles with Combine forces. As soon as the fast paced beats of the incidental music starts pumping you know you’re going to be treated to something special. This is adrenalin inducing and heart pounding event driven gaming at its very best.

I could mention that the repertoire of weapons haven’t changed, and the fact that the majority of adversaries that Gordon will encounter have all been seen before, but when a game is this good does that really matter? No. Besides, to stop you from becoming too complacent Valve have thrown in some very formidable additions with the Antlion workers, the aforementioned combine Hunters, and a new game mechanic in the latter stages which you’ll be thankful for!

The Orange Box consistently manages to impress with every game played and Episode Two was no exception. Criticisms that were levelled at Episode One with regards to its duration have no place here, and a first run through may take between six and seven hours to complete - a decent length for what is in effect just a third of a full game. Episode Two is a worthy finale to my time spent with this glorious compendium of top class titles. There’s only one thing that would have made The Orange Box even better: Episode 3. We can, for now however, only dream.

I read recently they said they were focusing on Left 4 Dead right now and then they would focus on Episode 3. Hope it is not too long.