Some people have come up to me saying “Is HL2 any good?” These people I tend to hit on the head because yes, HL2 rocks.

6 years this was being developed. Was it worth it? God yes. it has:

• A physics engine that actually has a purpose (you can use random bits of scenery as defense AND offense).
• Excellent scalable graphics (my computer truly sucks. Yet somehow it the game is still the prettiest thing I've ever seen and plays at a decent rate)
• Fun and excellent story AND revolutionary (take everything that was good about HL and improve by a 10 times. then add heaps of cool stuff)
• Counter-Strike: Source. Just like CS only much shinier
• Oh so much more

In short, if you like games and you haven't bought this, then you are mentally disabled. if you don't like games but haven't bought this, then the above still applies. Buy it. Love it.

If it was possible I'd give this 42 stars out of 5. Can't wait for HL3

There's so much in this game that's simply stunning. Right across the board it has raised the standard of a true gaming experience into the stratosphere and beyond (and beyond that again).

The Half-Life 2 world is just that…a world. It's real and dynamic. Either by your direct manipulation or not, things happen. Through accident or design, you play an integral role…a part of a living, breathing society. The citizens hold you in the highest regard and I must admit that the hero worship thing does tend to go to your head when you're fighting along side them. At times, they make you feel invincible.

Enough has been written about the graphics and gameplay already. Let me just share a few things that touched home for me:

• the wail and warblings of the Combine Gunship. I love those sounds, they're sooooooo gorgeous.
• Antlions ( when you have the “smelly thing” of course! ) They become such an extension of yourself that it's difficult not to get emotionally attached to the critters.
• the suspension/physics of the Buggy. Perfect.
• Gravity Gun. Fun, fun, fun, fun......FUN!!!
• characters that mumble and blink and emote.

I love this game. It's greatly surpassed my expectations of an immersive first person shooter and left me wanting more. The only criticism I can hesitantly make is that the game is too short.

But in short, well done Valve!

Six years in the making! Was it worth the wait? You bet it was!

Once more you climb into the Hazmat suit of Gordon Freeman – the theoretical scientist who saved the world from aliens in Half-Life. However, in doing so he was forced to work against his will on the side of the mysterious G-man.

So, how is Gordon this time around?

Well, he’s never looked better, thank you. In fact, the graphics are awesome! The people are realistic, and move in a relaxed fluid movement. The metal walls of factories and bunkers run with rust. And water has only been matched by the realism of the water textures of NOLF 2. Those of you who have played it will know what I mean, but it’s very high praise indeed.

Also, the face modeling is great. I found myself studying faces in amazement – until I got shot, and then I had to pay attention to the job at hand!

The sound is great, as usual. They have used very little music, as in the first game, so the sound effects stand out well. The voicing is expertly done. It should be, since they’ve used some of the more well-known television and movie actors to voice it! Get this for a lineup: Michelle Forbes, Robert Guillaume, Robert Culp and Louis Gossett Jr!

I found the AI sometime to be a little screwy, but that can be forgiven for Valve delivering such a first-class game.

So, the verdict? There’s very little wrong with this game, and a heck of a lot right with it. Buy it! Now!