Half Life 2 released

The original game had some good ideas, but they've been taken so much further with this release. The characters have fantastic detail on their textures and great facial expressions. The animation seems so flexible, they must have worked hard on the actual engine under the hood. The expressions add a lot to the mood of the moment, and how you think the characters are feeling.

There is a huge open air playing area. The transitions from inside to outside are pretty smooth and the game seems to flow well around the different sections. All the maps flow together quite seamlessly. I think it will take Leo a while before he can find his way through the whole game. The water is relealistic as open water. The spray is not convincing tho'. Need a bit more power and metaballs or particle to make it more like the real thing. Refraction is good. Either looking into the water, or being under the water. Feels right.

The physics are great. Are the physics from Havok? They seem quite accurate. Mixed with the rag doll effects, the bodies seem to fall naturally, even from high places. It just adds to the natural feel of the whole program, so you can sit there and get involved with the story with less things shouting at you saying "this is technically wrong".

I might even have a go at playing it! Mostly I just watch my son Leo and friends. They are more adept at playing the game, especially when the crabs are around. I am just impressed by the sheer thought that has gone into the coding and the textures. It is something that I'd like to have worked on. It must be fun indeeed.