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Half-Life 2: Episode Two review
Exceptional
by Laura

*Prince Zuko voice* That can't be it. Where's the rest of it? 

Other reviews6

For me, this DLC is the best, as we finally leave the grim atmosphere of «City 17» and go to the nature. As for me, if «EP1» was an addition to the original «Half-life 2», then «EP2» feels like a separate game because of the sharp and more twisted story. It is also longer in timing. The HDR and graphics are also a joy to behold. Well and of course the flashlight icon on the HUD interface is awesome. Love it!
«Blew my mind»
«Time-tested»
I get the disappointment with the lack Episode 3 now because this really raised the stakes, but it feels like too little too late. Episode 1 was kinda treading water and it took five other games (if you include Gearbox spin-offs) to make good on G-Man actually being a real presence, but he really really is now. Also that last section is kind of a weird thing to introduce so suddenly and then end and it wasn't even that great. But oh well, Valve still makes solid games.
Translated by
Microsoft from Deutsch
.... Ingenious Continuation of the Half Life 2 Story. Unfortunately, the Story takes a not-so-waiting End, which is not one at all. In The middle of the Action, it's all over with Mal and Steam leaves the Fans in the Rain. Presumably a Sequel is not provitable enough, because no Skins are traded here and the Equipment is also available for free. + + + The Single Player is threatened with Extinction + + + rip #
Translated by
Microsoft from Deutsch
The Return of the Crowbar man's Ant Lion and a Car, what more does you need (Free)? Gameplay The two more episodes now offer no major Changes. "Half-Life" stays true to itself, but still continues its good Level design and some good new Ideas. For Example, light Flares for Burning Zombies or the Ability to shine with the Flashlight for Alyx, which then shoots at the illuminated Enemies. But of course you can also look forward to a few new Opponents! In General, I find it astonishing again that you only notice some Possibilities at the third Run, such as all the Gimmicks with the Gravitron. The individual Episodes have about 4 Hours of Play and thus come together to a similar Length to the Main Game. Story The Story starts right after the End of "Half-Life 2" and sweats, we are saved from the Explosion by Vortigaunts. Since the Core of the Citadel explodes, we first try to stabilize it and then escape from the City, helping as many People as possible. The Combinet Troops are scattered and very broken up without Reinforcement and the Air of a Revolution is in the Air. In the second Episode, we quickly try to get to "White Forest," where Dr. Kleiner and Eli Vance Are staying and need our Help while the Combine is building a new Portal. At the Beginning, however, Alyx is injured and with the Help of the Vortigaunts, it goes first into the Mines full of Ant lions, which are super Staged. Then you can continue on the Path again with a new Vehicle, which of course always makes you happy. Graphicat/Sound Graphical is few Innovations, but I felt that more Emphasis was placed on Animations. These not only seem more sophisticated, but are also generously staged. Verdict "Half-Life Episode 1 & 2" are a nice Addition to one of the biggest Milestones that exists in the Video Game industry. They offer a few new Areas, but otherwise stick very much to the Main Game. You can also see the good Level Design and the good Work that Developers have done here. The Episodes are not a Must like the Main Game, but they are still highly recommended! Already read my Review of the Main Game? No? Then take a look at my Curator Group, where I regularly publish reviews.
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Episode Two is easily my favorite entry in HL2, it has the highest highs and is a very complete experience in its gameplay and story. As you may know, the story ends with a cliffhanger but an incredible and organic one, I think that is worth to play the whole series just to get to this episode and let's hope that HL3 or Episode three happen soon.
«Blew my mind»
«Time-tested»