Question that may have already been answered (HL2 story)

[jasonh1234]

I want to try and introduce my gf to 1st person games. She likes things with story more than action but I think she might be able to get into HL2. Has Valve said anything about the story of HL2 in regards to that it can carry itself without having to have played HL1 first?

 

[DimitriPopov]

Yeah theyve said you could do that definetly, even if you watch the new e3 Video gabe mentions that the opening sequences reintroduce experience players and teach new players about the world of Half Life

 

[marksmanHL2 :)]

Yup, they have said that one of their main aims was to make it so that both people new to the game and old timers will both be able to enjoy it.

 

[tokin]

Yeah, people can play HL2 without ever even hearing of the first one and still be ok and learn everything.

 

[Darkside55]

All of that being said, you might as well introduce her to Half-Life during the wait. That way she can get the backstory as well, and it might help her get into HL2 a little more. She'll probably be anticipating how things pan out after the end of HL.

 

[Mechagodzilla]

Getting her the source versions of HL, OP4 and BS would be the best course of action, IMO.

Knowing more about the first games would undoubtedly be a bonus when playing HL2.
Just look at all the stuff that's coming back.

If you're playing HL2, you learn that Eli is a nice guy who you've met before.
If you play HL1 first, You know about the cascade, about who he is, about whatever he's talking about.

Same thing with the 'gaunts. HL1 would show firsthand how they used to be evil, rather than just telling it to you.