Developed By: Valve Software
Published By: Sierra Studios
- Not since Jedi Knight has there been a shooter that is so driven by its story
- The game offers seamless transitions between actual gameplay, scripted sequences and the interface
- Valve's mastery of the Quake II engine replaces the need for disruptive cutscenes, text subtitles or anything else that would distract from Half-Life's gaming experience.
- Quick level load times serve to keep players focused on the action
- Substandard multiplayer performance over the internet
- The scripted sequences force players onto a linear path, virtually eliminating the ability to explore. Note: Many view this feature as a "High"
- Half-Life becomes instantly anti-climactic once players leave Earth
What else were you expecting? Half-Life swept Game of the Year awards at almost every single print and online game publication, including Sharky Extreme. Valve's first creation is more a movie than a game, and blends elements of adventure and horror into a no holds barred action game.
There's no mystery to Half-Life's success. Half-Life is a game whose whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Every part of the game, the weapons, the level design, the scripted sequences, the skeletal animation, the story driven plot, the sound effects… everything is intricately pieced together to form the greater piece that is Half-Life. You can't put your finger on any one of its great aspects and say "Half-Life is great because of this". It's great because of its perfect synthesis.
Interestingly, Valve had a finished product in 1997. Doubts and displeasure with their existing product forced the game back to the drawing board for over a year, an agonizingly long time for fans anticipating Half-Life's release. We can say without a doubt though, that the wait was worth it, and then some.
Be sure to check out our review of Half-Life.
