13 out of 13 people found this review helpful.
Too good to be true...my computer agrees!
Date of Review: Jul 22, 2005
The Bottom Line: If you have an above average computer that satisfies the system requirements of the game, as well as a fast, constant Internet connection, buy this game.
Anyone considering purchasing this product should be aware that this game is probably the most advanced of its kind yet. Not only do the graphics make me question "how will they ever get better than this?" due to their immense life-likeness, the physics are astounding, giving the feel that you ARE Gordan Freeman. Not to mention the gameplay...perhaps a bit empty at times, compared to its predecessor, however compensated by its graphic perfection, and still excellent.
Anyone considering purchasing this product should also be aware of the fact that though this game may seem "too good to be true," it may in fact be just that. Confirm that your computer can handle the minimum specifications, which are as follows: 4.5 GB of Hard Disk space, 1.2 Gigahertz processor, 256 MB RAM, Windows 2000 or higher, etc.. I just recently bought a new computer with top of line specs, and it works great. I was using a slightly older one previously, and although it more than matched the minimum specs, i felt like the computer could give out at any moment. Minute long periods of "loading" would take place at certain times during gameplay, and moving the mouse too rapidly could result in spastic jerks and freeze-ups. My version was on DVD-ROM, so make sure you have a DVD drive also.
Not only are the computer's specs important...make sure you have a good Internet connection, preferably a 24/7 connection. You need this because of a nasty little program called Steam. Steam was created by Sierra to stop illegal copying of the game. Though it may have achieved this, the average, responsible consumer pays the price. Your game must periodically be "updated"...I never noticed a difference. Steam can be confusing and frankly irritating.
I for one, used Counter Strike Source, the online multiplayer game that comes with this package, so this Internet-related feature did not bother me much (plus I had ADSL). Source is a great game. The best there is in shoot 'em up multiplayer action. But for people who just want to play Half Life 2, sitting for half an hour watching your game "update" can feel unnecessarily obnoxious. In fact, I think you even need to be online to start up the game...
In my opinion, as long as you have a good computer and a good, constant Internet connection, this is the perfect game.
If not, then reconsider buying this product.
