Half-Life 2: the Orange Box: The most Exciting Gaming Experience

The official announcement of the Valve Software’s Orange Box last year is regarded as the biggest bargain in the history of video games. This might not go down too well with you and seriously speaking there have been some excellent additions to the list till now, but nevertheless, it can easily be regarded as the best Xbox game till date. The Orange Box includes Half Life 2: Episode Two, Portal and Team Fortress 2, plus full versions of award-winning Half Life 2 and Half Life 2: Episode One for an engrossing first-person action experience.

Today, the game is three year old. Let’s begin by discussing the Half Life 2 and the reasons why it has gained such immense popularity in such short a span. The challenges, puzzles, riveting storyline and the effects that the game has been successful in delivering are unparalleled. We take it here for granted that the game will have a huge fan following as the PC and original Xbox version was a huge hit. The ruins of the Citadel and City 17 were a perfect scenario and proved to be an engaging setting but it pales in comparison to the Episode 2.

Once again in part 2, the players assume the role of Gordon Freeman. He is a scientist who undertakes the task of saving the Earth from hordes of gruesome alien attackers. The characters and settings in Half-Life 2 are almost life like, having accurate physics properties, behaving in a humanly manner and having physical properties of their real-life counterparts. Adding to the drama, the enemies plan, adapt, and respond to the player's actions.

In the second part, the storyline moves forward and the environs are changed. Apart from the life like graphics, the other factor that enhances the whole gaming experience is the voice of the female AI overseer that alternately supports and taunts you throughout your travels. One disadvantage that needs to be mentioned here is the frequent and lengthy load time. Rest all is just too great, too entertaining and too engrossing. Certainly, it is one of the most exciting gaming experiences of the year 2007.