Gaming by Miksa

Half Life 2: Episode Two offers the best gameplay experience in the series, along with intense action, terrific story, gorgeous visuals and awesome sound effects.

The Half Life phenomena started at the end of the 20th century, when Valve introduced its action packed, first person shooter to the unsuspecting gaming community. Eight years later, the Half Life brand evolved through a series of successful products including the award winning successor Half Life 2, the world famous Counter Strike and the multilayer focused Team Fortress. And two years after going episodic, the Half Life franchise reaches a new level, with the introduction of the second episode. Although short in length, Half Life 2: Episode 2 offers unmatched Half Life experience, which will leave you begging for more.

The Story so far (and beyound)

[Half Life] Many things have changed since Gordon Freeman had his legendary ride in the Black Mesa delivery train. Following the great catastrophe that torn the facility apart, Freeman was waging a never ending battle with the vile alien intruders, the zombified personnel and the military forces sent to secure the area. Aided by the mysterious G-man, Freeman succeeded in closing the portal between Earth and the border world Zen.

[Half Life 2] But, apparently things didn't turn out as planned. Gordon being put in stasis chamber for unknown number of years, is finally released in the mysterious City 17 by the G-man, in order to help humanity once more. Earth in this apocalyptic future, is assimilated by an alien force, known as the Combine, which turns humans into some ghastly species, programmed to follow their cause. To make matters worse, the leader of the Combine is Doctor Breen, a scientist and former member of the Black Mesa personnel.
Freeman quickly takes matters in his own hands, and aided by his old (Dr. Clainer, Barney Calhoon and Ely Vance) and new (Alyx and Dog) comrades, manages to start a revolution against the common foe. After countless battles, in and outside City 17, Gordon finally manages to defeat Breen in his Citadel, but...

...[Half Life 2: Episode 1] the Combine forces are still present. In a new chain of events, Alyx and Gordon realize that the Combine are trying to establish connecting with their home world to call for aid. In a desperate act to destroy the Citadel, Gordon manages to overflow the reactor of the huge building and thus, lead it to its destruction. In a last minute escape, both he and Alyx manage to catch the train leading outside City 17...

Another train, another beginning

And thus, we arrive at the very beginning of Half Life 2: Episode 2. This time around, the main idea is to get to White Forest, a large rebel base in the nearby mountains.
The explosion that destroyed the Citadel (and most of City 17), has created a huge portal - a gateway from where Combine reinforcements may come through. Gordon has to escort Alyx safely, and make sure that the data package they are caring, do not fall to the nasty hands of the Combine.
With an army marching to intercept them, and a new mountain terrain waiting to be explored, Gordon and Alyx have no other option, but to face "the unforeseen consequences".
The story and setting in Episode 2 make up for a 5 to 6 hours of intense gameplay, though veterans of the series might finish the game in less than 4 hours. The feeling of shortage in length is easly replaced by the repetition value, supported by the superb gameplay.

Gameplay

What made this game so good from the very beginning was the simple and addictive gameplay. As one of the greatest first person shooters, Half Life developed a formula which combined intense action, simple puzzle solving and small cut scenes. Though the action and puzzles got improved greatly over the transition from Half Life to Half Life 2, the real stand out came with the small cut scenes. The game incorporated many events that were happening all around, which made for an incredible, movie like experience. Variations from simple combat between ant-lions, through portal storm, demolition of a bridge or an enormous power core explosion, brings enough amount of special effects, that really deepens the core gameplay even further.

Dog in action

This is probably the biggest reason why Episode 2 feels so alive. From the moment when you take control of Gordon Freeman's actions, you get to feel that you belong to the new surroundings. Never before in a Half Life game, we start to actually care for the other characters, while trying to accomplish some greater goal. Though this may sound a bit idealistic, you just need to try the game on your own, to decide whether this is true or not.

The action itself is stronger then ever. With superb weapons that still posses cool firing sequences, and also, the powerful "feedback" from your opponents, you will never experience Episode 2 as a walk in the park. No matter the level of difficulty you've set to play on, weapons still "feel" realistic and their impact is relevant to what you would expect in a FPS game. Aside from the regular guns and rifles, the uniqueness of the gravity gun comes into play, more then often, for this time around, there are far more toys to play with. Its not wrong to assume that each situation that would require taking several enemies, can be easily resolved using the gravity gun and some explosive barrels. Though gas bottles and explosive barrels pack a lot of punch, you can always use rocks or radiator ribs to get the job done if you want to add some variety to your fighting technique.

Shooting is still both fun and engaging

As from Half Life 2, Alyx still accompanies and aids you in your main quest. In Episode 2, she is again ready to shoot some zombies and Combine soldiers, though her role in this sequel is much different from previous titles. There are some story elements here which we not spoil for you, but lets just mention that Alyx has never been so fragile before.
Other allies will often lend their aid in the fast progression towards White Forest. The most significant being the Vortigaunts, the noble aliens who did not use to be so noble in the original Half Life. These aliens are both powerful and wise, but the most interesting thing about them is their affection towards Gordon Freeman. They will comment every action you make, adding a decent amount of comedy in grim situations.
Human rebels also appear on several locations, adding to the hysteria and comedy to some extent, when dealing with, lets say a swarm of ant-lions.

Vehicles as a new asset to the game made their appearance in Half Life 2, and Episode 2 is a good example in continuation of that practice. Its a great way to separate the "on foot" action and hit and run speedways, but Episode 2 manages to implement them both. With the superb handling and strange absence of mounted firing gun, Gordon's new ride will provide some epic moments on the bumpy road to White Forest.

Mr. Freeman's brand new ride

Enemies

HL2: Episode 2 introduces two new types of enemies into the series. The first, known as "Hunters" are Combine scouts, sent to retrieve the stolen data package from the Citadel. Hunters are fast and deadly, and pack quite the punch. They usually come in packs, using hit and run tactics which can be a real pain, especially if you play on higher level of difficulty.
The second type of brand new enemies are the toxic ant-lions. These green bugs have range attack which fills the victims bloodstream with poison, that can kill in a matter of minutes. They usually attack with the regular ant-lions, aiding them from behind, making it difficult to avoid both melee and range hits at a time.
Other than hunters and the toxic ant-lions, there aren't any new surprises in a form of new enemies. This said, you will have plenty encounters with some of the older buddies, including the heavily armed Combine soldiers, the towering Striders, and the good old zombies. The last have same new surprises, like the kamikaze combine-zombie, that holds a grenade while running to intercept you.

Fast, strong and deadly - the brand new Combine Strider

The enemy AI has somewhat improved, with troops no longer running aimlessly to their doom, or zombies trapping themselves in corners. Soldiers will throw grenades and occasional run for cover, ant-lions will fly to pummel you, and headcrabs will occasionally scare the crap out of you.
There are a few glitches here and there, but in the long run, you won't even bother to notice them.

Graphics

Considering the fact that the Source engine is more than 3 years old, HL2: Episode 2 is still a looker. Some of the newer technologies like the High Range Dynamic Lightning helped things look and feel much better, although even with this options turned off, the game still looks decent.
Friendly character's models are detailed and memorable, as well as the ones used for the enemies. Their movement and actions are fluid and well paced, making the transition through the game feel almost real.
Ever since Gordon and Alyx left City 17, the wild surroundings (including the mountain side) interpreted a significant shift in Half Life scenery. Although there are still some dark corridors and ventilation shafts to dig through, Episode 2 offers some of the best outdoors experience ever seen in a FPS game. The whole environment is highly detailed, varying from tall trees, buildings, photo realistic water, and the occasional burning wreckage.

Green and memorable - the Episode 2 scenery

Music and Sound

Unlike other shooters where every scene is backed up by some music theme, Half Life has always used a different approach. Most of the time you play without any musical background, and every once in a while, when something spooky or significant happens, the music comes into play. And HL2: Episode 2 is no exception to the formula. You will find yourself paying no attention to anything but the action, when suddenly some cool rhythm backs you up. It can really make you experience the action on a whole new level.
The sound is flawless as expected, with many of the retro effects appearing here and there, including the tough rumble of flying bullets and the always imposing explosions for your ears. The satisfaction doubles when using headphones or 5.1 surround system, which takes you in the center of the sound battlefield. Voice interpretation is theme of the series, and is still top notch. Each actor delivers enough personality in each character, whether friend or foe, and certainly backs up the positive atmosphere.

While waiting for Half Life 3...

Summary

Half Life 2: Episode 2 follows up to the incredible success of the series, providing even more exciting new features, lots of action, and mystery that will make you came back while waiting for the next title. Though it might feel a little short, it is still fun to play and has enough memorable moments, creating a huge repetition value.
Suffice to say, this is one Half Life, you have to play, no matter what the G-man might say :)