After last year, I never would have predicted that I'd be sitting here watching #1 look so natural out on the field. Not athletic necessarily, pulling her spaghetti straps up, but willing, which I'd take in a second over athleric if I have to choose. She's a natural leader, truly--in this context anyway; let's not talk Candyland--wanting her teammates to succeed.
I'm proud.
Fargin' Half Life 2. I've been having these one day per week marathon sessions and barely was able to scrape myself out of bed this morning.
What is it about this game...I doubt that I can say anything that hasn't been better said in gaming reviews. Alyx is just such a compelling character: cute, tough, vulnerable. Her facial expressions are nigh perfect and ever moment VALVe spent working on them was worth it .
The game constantly has you on the run. From the moment you land, you can't stop moving or your ears will ring with the trademark tone.
If you look at it at from 10,000 feet, or even 1,000 feet, the story isn't that original; it's your standard alien invasion fare with many stereotypical characters. But when you look at the details, and more importantly, the combination of story and action, it's very compelling. The fact that you never slip into third person, never speak, and rarely are watching a cinematic instead of participating in it means that you, the player, feel responsible and integral.
To think that I never would have played this game if Apple stuck with PowerPC (as I missed and still haven't played the original HalfLife)....