When I were a lad, although I enjoyed most science lessons, I was given the distinct impression that taking a job that included a free lab coat wasn't really the path to a fulfilling career littered with jacuzzis full of Swedish models. Consequently, I focused more attention on IT support. It was far easier to learn and full of people you could feel superior too by fixing things with a few clicks of mouse. I do wonder though, if only Half-Life 2 had been around when I studied for my A-Levels, I might have actually tried to learn the left hand rule for counting wave lengths (or whatever) and would be well on my way to building a gravity gun by now. Sadly, I've learnt far too late from Mr Freeman that after passing those devilish physics exams I'd be rewarded with a life where the most tricky of scientific experiments consisted of plugging in a portal generator, then spending the rest of my time turning aliens into piles of green goo and bullets.
OK, so maybe I have a problem with the idea of a physicist who could justifiably call Jack Bauer a big girls' blouse. At least it fits in well with the far fetched feel of the overall premise, which by the way, is rather interesting. Mr Freeman is awoken from stasis by "that guy with the briefcase" some 10-20 years (depending on which Valve employee you ask) after the events of Half-Life. He is placed on a train heading towards City 17 where he quickly realises that the world has changed significantly since his last waking moments. An alien force called the Combine have enslaved earth using the portal Freeman helped create. It's now up to Gordon Freeman to help the human resistance start a revolution against this alien big brother and free humanity. Intriguing no? There's a bit more to it then that but you get the general dystopian idea.
My problem is, however (yes, here we go again), the rest of the plot development throughout the game. For the next, oh say 15 hours, you're basically told to go over there and lend a hand. Getting there will probably take about 4 hours, then once you arrive you help out by (being the scientific genius you are) murdering an oncoming onslaught of Combine solders. Imediatly after that you're told to sod off somewhere else inevitably far far away to do the same again. It’s only near the end of this epic backpacking adventure that you finally do something of significance and begin to move the story forward. You remember those montages in Indiana Jones movies where a thick red line slowly makes its way across an OS map? The point of which was so you didn’t have to watch the 15 hour mind numbing journey where Indi buys a train ticket, has a quick nap, then sucks on a few Murray mints before he finally gets to the long lost temple of whajamacallit. OK, so here you drive yourself and the Murray mints are replaced with big guns and puzzles, but still. I suppose I can't be too critical - a lot of games do this. The situation is setup for you, then the game pats you on the head and pushes you off into a virtual playground for the next 20 hours. "Now you have fun little one” says the game, “and if you're good I'll tell you what happens next". Fabulous.
So the first moments of HL2 feel as though I'm stood outside in my frog wellies and duffel coat and am told to go play with concrete blocks in the garden again. Then it's as if I’ve just noticed a mislaid spud gun and an orchard in the distance, the possibilities, suddenly, seem endless. This is precisely because the level design in HL2 is the most detailed and absorbing I've ever seen and that’s exactly why it makes me feels like a kid again. You soon realise that the whole game is merely a single path "cattle run" affair, but disguised so well that you're continually fooled into believing in the virtual world Freeman occupies. Along with the mostly physics-based puzzle elements throughout the game, finding the correct path contributes to the overall brainteaser feel of these areas. The only downside to this might be that when playing while not in the most conscious of states will often have you cursing for where the bleeping beep you're are supposed to go. In a more waking state of mind you'll be able to appreciate this design whilst filling your ego with a few, "a ha ha ha, aren't I clever for realising I have to walk across the......", moments. Combined with some unforgettable set pieces, a smattering of new toys and plenty of gun battles this is where the core of the gameplay lies and on its own would be more then enough to keep you entertained.
While not particularly being a core element of the gameplay, a very nice touch that must have taken a respectable portion of the $40 Million budget to develop is the mesmerising facial animation system. Perhaps looking a little smoothed over compared to Metal Gear Solid 4’s implementation, the facial movements of these virtual actors as well as their recognition of your presence and position goes a long way towards humanising them as well as pulling you further into their world. It's a pity then that after forming such a connection to these non-playable chums, it’s so quickly shattered by giving you command of them in battle. During some heated fire-fights they are flawlessly irritating by constantly standing in your way. Then becoming only slightly bearable by being half witted enough to stand in open ground with no cover heroically absorbing bullets that would otherwise have perforated you, if you'd only been a more accommodating target. Perhaps then I’m not too sad that my comrades’ selfless sacrifice for the future of the human race quickly become as hollow as whatever those Valve AI programmers have been stuffing inside their heads.
Usually, the realisation that a game has come so close to perfection would come crashing over me in a wave of disappointment. But you know what, I actually had a thoroughly good time playing HL2. Sure maybe it’s crying out for gameplay that actually develops and progresses the story rather then just filling in gaping holes in it (as do many other games), and sure your comrades have the IQ of a spam sandwich. But, I can hand on heart say I’ve had few other gaming experiences that were as completely enjoyable. Whether you work in IT support or were actually clever enough to pass that physics degree this is a universally satisfying game you can’t fail to enjoy.
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