HL2 is here!

[Howitzer]

I downloaded the game release files through Steam this morning At 4:00am Arizona US time on the 16th. Fuging cool game.

However. I ordered the HL-source and just loaded it. But It is not source. I don't know what is up with this. But it is the older High-res version from several years ago. Unless they just aren't updating any of the models. Anyone heard anything about this? If they are trying to pass it off as source....we are getting ripped off.

[Raest]

I bet HL:S has incorporated some of the newer features - i.e. the new water etc. I havent finished downloading mine to compare yet.

Besides HL2 is keepin me occupied

[Rickety]

A question for any techies. HL2 runs very smoothly but when I enter a newer area or come across new areas, notable, outside areas, I get stuttering. i.e. A short pause in both game and sound. I think this may have to do with pre-loading textures? Any ideas?

[Head_Case]

I had a heck of a time getting the game up and running. I brought it home from the store at 3 pm est on Tuesday Nov 16 and installed it. After installation, I then had to register online through steam and couldn't connect for over an hour due to heavy volume. Finally, by 5:30, I was registered and started the game. No sound!!!! So I stopped and downloaded new sound drivers and finally I was ready (by 6:30). Once into the game, I found it to be a little slow in places. Also, the load times between levels took 30 seconds. Not as quick as the original game, but then it must be loading 50 MB every load.

But the game is fun!! I only got to the third chapter last night and I won't be able to play for the next 5 days, but I'll be dreaming about it.

[Mormegil]

If you are having sound problems and your drivers are up to date, you may want to check that the game options are set correctly too. I have not so good speakers and the game was running 5.1 Dolby. I made the change and most of my issues went away. I say "most" because I still have minor sound pausing when shifting areas. This load time is starting to get annoying.

[morte]

ok guys but is it worth it? I am looking at the price tag here in Australia - $129 for the DVD edition (I think street price will come in around $115 if I hunt around). Is this game really worth all the hype? I am reluctant to fork out that much on any game (well SWG lol) and I know Sid Meier's "Pirates" is due end of month andI will be getting that one (still have my original Commodore 64 version of that here somewhere)... also advertised on the limited edition box is Half Life source, and CounterStrike source... what is this? source code from the first games? for what purpose? Is this why the limited Ed is $40 dearer than the cd release? Mmmm feedback appreaciated...

Cheers
Morte'

[rubicon]

Hmm, I wouldn't get the fancy-pants collectors edition myself - I don't think its worth that much. The Silver steam edition is the sweet-spot I reckon. So many games for just under $80AUS.

I'm starting to get a sinking feeling though - the more I play the less it seems like a game and the more it seems like a physics sandbox. Its just a little sparse for my taste. Are valve heading down the id path and making engines, not games?

[Adsa]

Originally Posted by rubicon

I'm starting to get a sinking feeling though - the more I play the less it seems like a game and the more it seems like a physics sandbox. Its just a little sparse for my taste. Are valve heading down the id path and making engines, not games?

I'm with you there rubicon.

[Head_Case]

I think all you guys who are negative on HL2 are overreacting a little. If you liked Far Cry, you'll love HL2. It's worth every penny!! I think the expectations were so high that ANY game that came out would have trouble living up to the hype, although I was a little disappointed with Doom3. But HL2 is going to became the best game I've ever played. I don't know how you could choose Pirates over HL2. I would choose Supreme Ruler 2010 over Pirates but not over HL2.

As to which version to choose, I only know of two versions:
1. Collectors Edition: DVD containing HL2, Counter Strike Source, and Half Life Source, as well as an HL2 shirt (XL only) and a small booklet on how the game was made and screenshots, and
2. Regular Edition: 5 CDs containing HL2 and Counter Strike Source.

Add a strategy guide to the regular edition and it's costs the same as the collectors edition and is well worth it. Best strategy guide I've ever seen also!! I picked up the CD version for $54 (US) and the strategy guide for $15 (US) when purchased with the game ($10 off full price). The DVD version was $80 (US). And from what I read, the source version of Half Life isn't that much different from the original. It basically adds some physics to the water.

My suggestion is to go with HL2 CD version and pick up the strategy guide (even if you are like me and don't read the walkthrough of a section till after you've been through it in game yourself.) There's enough additional content to be worth the extra $15. And PLEASE, don't compare HL2 with a rehashed OLD game like Pirates.

[mayday]

G'day morte, I reckon the bronze or silver pack available through steam is the way to go. I think (from what I've played so far) its a top game and worth the $78 AUD I forked out for the bronze pack.

Counter Strike Source is basically the same Counter Strike game as before but with the new source engine running it. Again I like it very much and this was included in the steam bronze pack I bought.

I have all the original HL games and add ons so the rest didn't really interest me. Whatever takes your fancy, but no I don't think any game is worth $100+. But this is a good game, check out steams offers. Only negative there would be the d/l time etc.

Hope this helped.