Predicted Half Life 2 reviews

[Kristafon]

Im not sure if anyone has done this yet, but here goes. We cant say for sure how good half-life 2 is going to be, all we can do is guess at best, estimate it from what we have seen so far. What is your opinion? This is mine-

Gameplay 9/10
Half-life was genuinley fun. And from what we have seen some of the interactions you can have with the HL2 world look REALLY fun. However I dont not think HL2 will get a perfect score from any fair and unbiased reviewer, because in the end it does not offer a gameplay that is completely new and orginial, and it will just be anouther point and click things die FPS. Yes FPS game are really fun, but in such an overcrowded genre you can have too much of a good thing. Unless HL2 pulls somethings completely new out of the bag when it is released like HL did, it will just be anouther FPS experience not worthy of a perfect score for providing a completely new experience.

Graphics 9/10
When HL2 was meant to be released almost a year ago its graphics where top notch. But a whole year has past, a year seeing the graphical marvels Far Cry and Doom 3. The textures, the lighting, Source simply cant top the engines used in these games to produce such unbelivable image quality. HL2 has been in the works its been outdated already. Sorry. However its redeeming quality is the physics, yes the physics look really pretty. You cant see it in screenshots no but just look at them in a video, the physics do what no texture could. Again no perfect score, i gave it a nine but I think perhaps 85% percent would be more accurate.

Sound 8/10
It sounds good, I guess. However from the videos I have seen many of the music and effect sound clips are repeated over and over. Some of the effects are very good however and I do have faith in the audio designers to create something worthy of the score above.

Tilt 10/10
HL2 will just Rock wateva!

 

[Roland Deschain]

Hmm, asking this question on a HL2 forum is like asking who will win the world cup in an English Pub.

 

[Raziaar]

I don't believe Half-life 2 is rehashing the same old genre at all. Its not just a point click and shoot affair, from the looks of it.

 

[Chris D]

Hmm, asking this question on a HL2 forum is like asking who will win the world cup in an English Pub.

Brazil?

 

[poseyjmac]

blargh hl2 is so far away, id rather guess when the next supposed preload date is going to be.

 

[Absinthe]

I disagree with your reasoning when you score the graphics, gameplay, and audio.

 

[Roland Deschain]

Brazil?

Lol, I should try that next time I go over. I wonder how many of them I can knock out before they throw me out of the pub.

 

[SMT]

Saddest topic ever.

 

[Kristafon]

Saddest topic ever.

There is always one- This is a HL2 forum, dont you dare talk about HL2!

Edit- There are always several

 

[Mountain Man]

Pretty lame thread, dude.

I think the reviews will breakdown into 3 general categories:

1) Folks who are overly enthusiastic.

2) Those who will give an even and thoughtful evaluation.

3) Those with seething hatred for Valve.

 

[B-MAn]

we all have opinions on HL2 and in this forums they;re all gna be a 2 thumbs up, close this

 

[Ashbery76]

The highest rated game ever,mark my words.

 

[Roland Deschain]

The first Doom 3 got like 96%, but after playing it, it was lucky to get above 85% in any review.

I want Half-Life 2 to be good, but lets be realistic, the first 5 official reviews don't mean shit.

 

[Kristafon]

we all have opinions on HL2 and in this forums they;re all gna be a 2 thumbs up, close this

Yeh but how thumbs up? Thats all im trying to ask.
Actualy looking at all the repeating threads that keep coming uo in this forum about the same thing this thread is reasonably original, so go and think of your own idea for a thread which isnt lame, dude, and stop just critising evryone elses.

 

[Roland Deschain]

First Rule of Half-Life Forum: Don't get offended
Second Rule of Half-Life Forum: DON'T get offended
Third Rule of Half-Life Forum: Flaming always ends up with the closing of the tread.

 

[Joeslucky22]

Graphics 10/10

Sound 10/10

Gameply 10/10

Overall 50/50

Best game ever created.

PC GAMER:

Highs: Everything
Lows:Nothing
Overall: Drop the magazine and go buy it.. RIGHT, NOW!

 

[brightgreen]

Physics should be judged in the gameplay department

and you're way wrong about the graphics

 

[SMT]

There is always one- This is a HL2 forum, dont you dare talk about HL2!

Edit- There are always several

Look, soft shell, I didn't say the topic was bad or stupid (though I was sorely tempted to), I said it was sad. It's sad you've come to writing imaginary reviews of an unreleased game, that's all. So chill out.

 

[Raziaar]

Does anyone here except me still like Half-life 2's graphics better than Doom 3? They are different, and I prefer Half-life 2. They are not inferior in my eyes.

 

[Joeslucky22]

How did doom 3 have graphics? you couldn't even see 90% of them.

 

[poseyjmac]

i dont think anyone can accurately compare both games' graphics because they are in totally different environments, i think with doom3's lower resolution textures, it couldnt't pull off some of halflife2's gritty scenes like in the apartment building.

 

[Joeslucky22]

off topic but this is what the room looks like at the end of the tenements video cool.

 

[Lobster]

off topic but this is what the room looks like at the end of the tenements video cool.

God damn i wanna be playing, in all the videos the player bombs past everything so quick, ima spend hours looking in every corner.

 

[Absinthe]

Warning: Following review is based off what we have seen thus far.

Gameplay 9/10
Half-life was genuinley fun. And from what we have seen some of the interactions you can have with the HL2 world look REALLY fun. However I dont not think HL2 will get a perfect score from any fair and unbiased reviewer, because in the end it does not offer a gameplay that is completely new and orginial, and it will just be anouther point and click things die FPS. Yes FPS game are really fun, but in such an overcrowded genre you can have too much of a good thing. Unless HL2 pulls somethings completely new out of the bag when it is released like HL did, it will just be anouther FPS experience not worthy of a perfect score for providing a completely new experience.

If an FPS is repetitive and lacking creativity, then okay. I, however, do not need gameplay to be revolutionary in order for it to be good. If I can tackle problems with creative solutions and have varying situations, good pacing, and smart mapping, then why should it matter if you're just shooting things? Half-Life didn't get perfect reviews because gameplay was new. It got perfect reviews because it had a take on FPS gaming that was creative and engaging to the player. If HL2 can once again raise the bar in that aspect, then I'd gladly give it a 10/10.

Graphics 9/10
When HL2 was meant to be released almost a year ago its graphics where top notch. But a whole year has past, a year seeing the graphical marvels Far Cry and Doom 3. The textures, the lighting, Source simply cant top the engines used in these games to produce such unbelivable image quality. HL2 has been in the works its been outdated already. Sorry. However its redeeming quality is the physics, yes the physics look really pretty. You cant see it in screenshots no but just look at them in a video, the physics do what no texture could. Again no perfect score, i gave it a nine but I think perhaps 85% percent would be more accurate.

But Half-Life 2 has a great balance of graphics and performance. Far Cry was poorly optimized, and most computers choke on Doom 3. Not only that, but both Doom 3 and Far Cry displayed little restraint when it came to their nifty engine features. Half-Life 2, from what I've seen, does not go overboard with it's graphics, and thus has a much more real and down-to-Earth look than the other two games. Also, shouldn't the varied texture work count for something? Or, even better, the excellent animation that has thus far (from what we've seen) surpassed both Doom 3 and Far Cry?
Engine power aside, I would say that Half-Life 2 looks better than the other two. It's far from outdated, my friend. Especially when one considers the engine's ability to be upgraded through Steam.

Sound 8/10
It sounds good, I guess. However from the videos I have seen many of the music and effect sound clips are repeated over and over. Some of the effects are very good however and I do have faith in the audio designers to create something worthy of the score above.

A machine gun shall always sound like a machine gun. Otherwise, I'm not sure what kind of repetition in sounds you're talking about. The environmental effects sound fine. The Combine radio chatter has uncanny realistic and dreaded quality to it. Zombie moans are spine-chilling. The doppler effects of distant gunfire sounds great. The music thus far has matched accordingly to the scenes it accompanies. The voice acting is excellent.

I'm not criticising your scoring. I just don't agree with your reasoning.

 

[lans]

Wow, let's review an unreleased game...

 

[shaggy2039]

I'm predicting that this thread is going to win the "most pointless thread of all time" award...

 

[Joeslucky22]

Ok, lets talk about how much we hate valve or how we all hate the fact that they missed the pre-load again and again and again.

What the F**K do you want to talk about shaggy? go on, start a thread, lets see what you have to say.

 

[Cone-Zone]

If this thread was a gladiator, and i was Ceaser, I would look around and thumbs down

 

[xrdanielalan]

However I dont not think HL2 will get a perfect score from any fair and unbiased reviewer, because in the end it does not offer a gameplay that is completely new and orginial, and it will just be anouther point and click things die FPS. Yes FPS game are really fun, but in such an overcrowded genre you can have too much of a good thing. Unless HL2 pulls somethings completely new out of the bag when it is released like HL did, it will just be anouther FPS experience not worthy of a perfect score for providing a completely new experience.

You've got to be kidding me! The level of interactivity with objects based upon the physics system is absolutely groundbreaking. Their has never been a game that mixes physics into gameplay in a smooth and successful manner. Have you seen any of the videos? Picking up objects with the manipulator and smashing them into enemies bodies, lofting an enemies grenade back at the source, and physically manipulating desks/chairs/oddities for use as cover-fire.

Half-Life 2 offers nothing new? You're a moron.

When HL2 was meant to be released almost a year ago its graphics where top notch. But a whole year has past, a year seeing the graphical marvels Far Cry and Doom 3. The textures, the lighting, Source simply cant top the engines used in these games to produce such unbelivable image quality. HL2 has been in the works its been outdated already. Sorry. However its redeeming quality is the physics, yes the physics look really pretty. You cant see it in screenshots no but just look at them in a video, the physics do what no texture could. Again no perfect score, i gave it a nine but I think perhaps 85% percent would be more accurate.

The Half-Life 2 Source-engine is a completely scalable graphics environment. The newest screenshots and video top those two games you previously mentioned not only in balanced graphics, but:

Scalability - HL2 can be successfully/enjoyably played on a low-end machine. Now only that, the newest of hardware will utilize the engine to the maximum. Future updates will be instituted to keep the engine fresh.

Customizability - Game will ship with(editor) and allow for download(SDK) a complete set of tools. The developers have insured that the community will be able to successfully edit the game in a timely and confortable manner without compromising quality. XSI(modeling), Facial Poser(to manipulate facial movement), Demo Recording and Playback(self-explanatory), and many other unconventional tools have been included. No other games offers this type of dedicated products.

Longevity - Half-Life 2 pays for itself in spades. By offering community driven modifications, constantly updated first-party content, and re-worked/re-released games VALVe has allowed for equal quality and quantity.

The fact remains: No other game or company has provided the level of content with a consistent level of quality in one complete package. Not only that, at the cost of one game, you get an infinite amount of dynamic gameplay oppurtunities.

It sounds good, I guess. However from the videos I have seen many of the music and effect sound clips are repeated over and over. Some of the effects are very good however and I do have faith in the audio designers to create something worthy of the score above.

Make up your unwarranted, unproven, and biased mind. You have viewed and experienced content on a constantly updated level. For you to subjecate portions of one movie and relate it to another is completely moronic. VALVe has stated countless times that Half-Life 2 will include dynamic sound-effects and music. Not only that, an unchanging score has been specifically recorded for certain events.

Since you have the audacity to review VALVe Software's material in such a manner, I'll shall do the same for you:

Content 0/10: Compares completely different gameplay experiences to an obviously new experience. Example: Let's compare an enclosed area such as Doom III(graphically), to an open-ended game such as Half-Life 2. Doesn't work. Not only that, apparently Half-Life 2 is outdated in comparison to Far Cry because the engine is scalable.

Validity 0/10: Fails to provide adequate examples to back-up claims. Doom III and Far Cry are excellent games in their own right. To make comparisons instead of contrasting between the material is just plain ignorant.

Believability 0/10: This statement says it all: "HL2 will just Rock wateva!"

Overall -10/10: 'Nuff said.

Saddest topic ever.

Quoted for emphasis.

 

[Absinthe]

I'm getting real ****ing sick of this "Thread Critic" BS that's been increasing here as of late. If the topic's redundant, then let the mods deal with it. If you think a topic sucks, then stay out of it. If you think an argument is pointless, then please don't contribute your worthless two cents by saying "This is pointless". And for the love of God, don't post those stupid "arguing on the internet is for retards" pics.

Everybody needs to mellow the Hell out. Except me, because I'm perfect.

 

[^Ben]

As someone said first 5 exclusive reviews don't mean crap.

Can we say inflated scores for early previews of games?

 

[poseyjmac]

inflated scores for early previews of games

 

[^Ben]

U win da prize!!!

 

[poseyjmac]

*cracks knuckles* ahhhhh

 

[Caminante]

Im not sure if anyone has done this yet, but here goes. We cant say for sure how good half-life 2 is going to be, all we can do is guess at best, estimate it from what we have seen so far. What is your opinion? This is mine-

Gameplay 9/10
Half-life was genuinley fun. And from what we have seen some of the interactions you can have with the HL2 world look REALLY fun. However I dont not think HL2 will get a perfect score from any fair and unbiased reviewer, because in the end it does not offer a gameplay that is completely new and orginial, and it will just be anouther point and click things die FPS. Yes FPS game are really fun, but in such an overcrowded genre you can have too much of a good thing. Unless HL2 pulls somethings completely new out of the bag when it is released like HL did, it will just be anouther FPS experience not worthy of a perfect score for providing a completely new experience.

Graphics 9/10
When HL2 was meant to be released almost a year ago its graphics where top notch. But a whole year has past, a year seeing the graphical marvels Far Cry and Doom 3. The textures, the lighting, Source simply cant top the engines used in these games to produce such unbelivable image quality. HL2 has been in the works its been outdated already. Sorry. However its redeeming quality is the physics, yes the physics look really pretty. You cant see it in screenshots no but just look at them in a video, the physics do what no texture could. Again no perfect score, i gave it a nine but I think perhaps 85% percent would be more accurate.

Sound 8/10
It sounds good, I guess. However from the videos I have seen many of the music and effect sound clips are repeated over and over. Some of the effects are very good however and I do have faith in the audio designers to create something worthy of the score above.

Tilt 10/10
HL2 will just Rock wateva!

Don't you think the graphic score is a bit too hight? Let's face, HL2's graphic are not or perhaps slightly better then the UT2004's 3 years old technology. The only thing i totally agree with you is on the gameplay score and this will be mainly thanks to the physics engine. A 8.5 overall score would be more realistic.

 

[^Ben]

No HL2 graphics are much better then most games out bar stalker.

Graphics aint just shadows you know?

8.5............. From what we have seen the game beats out doom 3 and farcry and many other medicore games out this year that got higher then 8.5 and you want to give it an average score?

I expect the first set of reviews to be in the high 90's then when gamers get their hands on the game i expect to see more honest reviews.

And a big IMO

Edit it may seem like im calling doom 3 and farcry medicore but that's not what i meant(even though i don't think they deserved the scores the got)

 

[Neutrino]

Predicting reviews? This is just getting sad.

 

[shaggy2039]

Ok, lets talk about how much we hate valve or how we all hate the fact that they missed the pre-load again and again and again.

What the F**K do you want to talk about shaggy? go on, start a thread, lets see what you have to say.

okay...relax...I just think doing a mock review of a game before it comes out is really pushing it...and why are you implying that I should start a thread? I'll start one when I have something legit to discuss...

 

[Head_Crab_04]

Brazil?

Brazil have won the cup regularly. England has not for a while. He chose England for that extra bit of irony.
:E

 

[lans]

Don't you think the graphic score is a bit too hight? Let's face, HL2's graphic are not or perhaps slightly better then the UT2004's 3 years old technology. The only thing i totally agree with you is on the gameplay score and this will be mainly thanks to the physics engine. A 8.5 overall score would be more realistic.

Ok sonny - they aren't amazing - but you are going a bit overboard, they are not 3 year old POS.

Graphical ratings consist of:

Animation
Shadowing/lighting techniques
Special effects
Quality
Art direction


Half-life 2's animation is way more realistic than any game produced thus far bythe unreal 2 engine. The lip synching and facial expression tech is still unmatched, even if the source engine is an year old. That I can confidently say by looking at the videos alone.

Shadowing and lighting are source's weak area - but we still aren't aware of it's full capabilities.

Special effects - Theseinclude shader effects and small neat effects like reflectivity and so on. Every small thing is considered here, and source does it's job well - just look at the neat specularity and dust effects in de_dust alone.

Quality - this area covers attention to detail. Easily, source has the very crisp textures - just look at the trainstation and apartment vids for proof. High poly models, which while don't use extensive normal mapping still look extremely good - the textures on faces themselves are around 1024x1024 - look at the G-man model for example: you can literally see pores on his face, and notice the gloss around his temple. This is kind of stuff you don't see in 3 year old engines.

Art Direction -

City 17's convincing gritty and eastern european look - apartmentswith a lived in feel, The combine citadel's design itself. Character design, concepts - everything looks very intriguing. Art direction is the most important factor in graphics and HL2 is very succesful at it.

Basically valve has pretty much done their homework with all of these things - and that is definately more than 8.5.