half-life was so much better than halflife 2

[kkirspel]

I always hate missing these discussions and other members saying exactly what I would have said first...

HL2 is immersive, brilliant and one hell of an experience. It's also ageing. Also, it's dystopian and subconciously depressive. Also, we all dev for it so we know it inside and out which sorta ruins it.

The first time I played Half-Life 2 I was like "holy shit this is amazing." Things like the tire swing, and the hanging legs in Ravenholm; the simplest things they did in HL2 were incredible to me. But ever since I began modding for the game, none of it really impacts me. I'm sure that if I never got in to Source modding, or game design in general for that matter, HL2 would still have that "feeling" to it.
All I can do is think about those days where I first played the games, and then I can remember that feeling, but I can't really... emulate it... or something like that.

I liked the driving part too, it was pretty relaxing when compared to the sand traps section. God that part was tedious.
If anything I think the best parts of HL2/EP2 are when you're driving, and IMHO the strider battle at the end of EP2 was the best thing in the series so far.

Yeah, I know: bump.
Just look at my face, does it look like I really care?

Of course not; I'm much too possessed by the Christmas spirit atm.

[Ashfall_2008]

I think I'll have to judge this based on the shiver down the spine factor.

If I include episode 1 and 2 for HL2 and compare against HL1 I still find it hard to find enough moments in HL2 that sent that magic shiver down my spine.

HL1 I'd list the following moments...

The Intro.. the first 10 mins were and still are the best introduction to a game world ever made.

The Marines Arrive... when that scientist gets blown away you know youre in real trouble.

The fan room puzzle... amazing use of physics at the time and a brilliant puzzle..

Scientist falls from ladder down the lift shaft... dare you try it!

Giant claw creature in test fire chamber... when you finally nail him its an amazing sense of achievement

Surface Tension jump from dam... between a rock and a hard place. The most amazing game set piece ever made in my opinion.

Being knocked out and dragged to the crusher...

The ninjas... i miss the ninjas!

HL2
Seeing the first Strider.. whoah
Playing ball with dog
Ravenholm... all of it!
Strider fight outside town hall
EP2 Stalker fight in house
EP2 Antlion fight in silo
EP2 Magnus Device fight ending.. true slice of action.

Those are my moments and on the whole I think HL1 wins out for sheer magic gameplay!

[Plague]

The chase by the Metro Police through the apartments is worth mentioning.

[Zaki90]

I've played through that chase part atleast 8 times. It's really exhilarating no matter how many times I play it.

Half Life is a fun game. But I feel like there is too much action. Parts drag out sometimes and you never really have a clear indication of what exactly is going on and what you should try to look for.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE exploring in game worlds. But exploring without a general idea of what to do for 20 minutes is not fun.

I find that Half Life 2's story and atmosphere is more absorbing. Especially with such fantastic voice acting and the well fleshed out characters. It really draws you there.

I love both. But I have to say, I enjoyed Half Life 2 slightly more.

[neoviper]

I don't think It's possible to authoritatively say which is the better game, completely objectively, but I'm all for sharing an opinion on which you personally enjoyed more. Personally, I loved half-life 1 far more than 2, it was the first real shooter I'd ever played, and it was amazing the sense of place it delivered. I was completely immersed in the environment of the black mesa research facility, and obviously the overall quality of it is quite high.

HL2 brought the technical quality and possibilities to a whole new level, but it didn't touch that sense of being there I had gotten from HL1, even if the story and atmosphere were more fleshed out. I'll be the first to admit that rose tinted goggles are probably playing a large factor in my choice here, but that doesn't really change anything for me, I can play them side by side today and still enjoy HL1 more.

[Valar]

IMHO HL2 is better for one reason - the game still looks and plays awesome to this day. While HL clearly looks outdated, HL2 doesn't.

[Gary]

IMHO HL2 is better for one reason - the game still looks and plays awesome to this day. While HL clearly looks outdated, HL2 doesn't.

Yeah... keep telling your self that.

[Valar]

nah, thought i'd just post and be done with it ;P

[vcool]

People forget to put visuals in context of time. Back in 98 HL was as immersive as HL2 was in 04.

[Valar]

No i literaly meant HL2 looks great in todays standards. Let alone its story and the amount of thought and talent put into it will put any current title to shame.
MHO. Peace.

[Gary]

People forget to put visuals in context of time. Back in 98 HL was as immersive as HL2 was in 04.

I am, Valar said HL2 looks good by today's standards. I don't agree, but it did look awesome when it came out.

[Zephelin]

Why do you even care about visuals, they haven't upgraded since 2006 - just new shaders and PhysX

[Gary]

What? Are you being sarcastic? I really hope you are...

[Dr. Delta]

I never really played HL1, I began with HL2, tried to play HL1 but was disappointed by the lack of a gravity gun and HL1 just looks like 'any' old shooter, even though the gameplay is somewhat different.

[Zephelin]

You got a point Delta