Half-Life 2: The Orange Box (PC DVD)

Overall, this box represents amazing value at the 7 pounds and 98 British pence that I paid for it.The installation process will almost certainly go wrong for you, however you can fix it by logging into Steam and letting it download the whole thing once you have provided the key.Perhaps this set does not represent the best bits of Half Life ever, but it nevertheless is a solid chunk of fun for several weeks. I had already played the original HL2, and this set still took me about 2 months to get through, whereas a copy of BioShock and BioShock 2 only lasted 2 weeks. I guess I played the latter a bit more intensively but still, this should be on your shopping list, particularly if you don't have the very latest gaming gear.The HL2 episodes are pretty good, if not particularly subtle or deep. The game suffers the usual weirdness of slightly uncanny characters not quite looking at you while they talk at you, while you (Gordon) remain a man of few words (actually none at all). But overall the game plays well and there is a particularly challenging final battle that I thought was a lot of fun.Portal starts out as a moderately interesting puzzle game but does actually develop a bit more depth as time goes on. It's never exceptionally difficult. The ending, was, I thought, pretty spectacular and definitely got a grin and a "LOL" from me.I never play online team games as I am not a teenager, nor do I have a posse. I therefore can't comment on TeamFortress 2. To be honest I have not even loaded it up. Apparently solo play is possible but it wasn't really designed for it. You can let me know how wrong I am about this in the comments.

At the beginning of Half Life 2, I got a weird feeling that I was gonna be disappointed with this. I wanted it to be a lot like the old Half Life's, and when I saw that it was quite different, I quickly became skeptical. But if you give the game a chance... OMG IS AMAZING!.Half Life 2 + Episodes 1 + 2 are as good as video games get! If you can appreciate a good story line, good character development, voice acting, and really take your time to appreciate the game, you really will find yourself having one of the most amazing experiences you can have as a video game lover. I've never been attached to characters in video games before, but Alyx will always have a place in my thoughts. The way the characters are used in this game make it more than just a normal video game. You really develop feelings for certain characters, and some of the events within the game really spark emotions within you.You will have a greater appreciation for the work that goes into certain games after you've played this, and you will learn what an exceptional video game really is. It's very rare that I'm ever so amazed by a game that it will leave a permanent mark on me. I imagine in 10 years time that I will experience extreme moments of Nostalgia over this game. I can go back and replay it whenever I want, but lets face it, there's no experience like the first time you play one of your most favourite all time games. I'll probably wish I could travel back to the time where I was just opening Orange Box, so I could relive the experience over again.I know I must seem like some obsessive freak right now, but I don't care. I don't often get to experience a game like this, so I'll be an obsessive freak if I bloody well want to!-------------------------------------------------------------Portal is also an excellent game. Again, don't let first impressions lead you to become skeptical of a game straight away. I made that mistake with HL2 and I gave Portal time to build, and I'm glad I did! At first it just seems like an extra that Valve threw in as a little gift with HL2, but it turns out to be a superb experience in itself. It's another brilliant, original idea by valve, and as the game goes on, you'll realise how complex it really is. There's more to it then you think at the beginning. It seems like just an arcade/puzzle game to begin with, but you will eventually discover the true gravity of your situation.I'm not going to spoil it for you, but please play it. It's amazing!!!--------------------------------------------------------------Team Fortress isn't bad, but just not my cup of tea. It's a decent online multiplayer game, and it makes Orange Box more of a bargain, as it's probably worth more than just a free extra. More exceptional generosity here by Valve!!--------------------------------------------------------------THANK YOU SO MUCH VALVE! GABEN YOU'RE A BEAST!

I initially purchased this to complete the Half-Life 2 cycle, believing Episode 3 would be just around the corner...Valve seem to have gone all quiet on this, and my thoughts now is that Half-Life 3 and Portal 3 will become a joint sequal to both games.Nevertheless, Half-Life 2 didn't fail to disappoint, offering innovative and original gameplay, especially with the gravity gun.Its a long game, so you'll get some good gamplay out of it, especially with the 2 episodes attached.Remember: don't go in Ravenholme without a torch!The real bonus for me however, was the online game Team Fortress 2. When I'd seen trailers online I thought it looked like rubbish graphics and basic gameplay. How wrong could I be! There are 9 classes, each with their own unique function, from the back-stabbing spy to the medic or scout. Each has its own playing style and tactics. The cartoon graphics merely add to the amusement of this game.The game is easy to pick up, but with much room for expertise, and quickly addictive, with multiple game formats, my favourite being "Payload" where one team has to move a bomb along train tracks into the enemies' base. There is also a cool item system where you can customise your chosen class, particular with hats!Portal was the other main attraction to this boxset. The premise is simple: use your portal gun to out of the rooms in a very loose escape plot. However, its not that simple. There are switches, sentry droids and other obstacles which mean you have to "think with portals" to complete this one. Its a short game but great fun - I completed it in 5 to 8 hours I think.Overall this boxset is great value for money.Whilst these may be considered "older" games, they are still some of the best I've ever played!