I haven’t updated PlanetPhillip for a while with any new maps and mods because I have been playing Episode 2. Yes, you heard that right and those of you with good memories will be eager to point my statement in my Episodic Content Rant where I said “I
I am tempted to buy it now 😛
Are you going to do “Streaming Podcasts” for all posts now on?
If you can afford the Orange Box then I don’t hesitate to say “buy it!”
I’ll try streaming podcasts for the non-map and mods posts. It’s my first one and I’ll need to get a routine to shorten the time it took.
I picked up a 360 over Christmas with the orange box and I’m currently part way through Episode 2. Having played Half Life 2 on both PC and XBox now I have to say I prefer the xbox version, it just feels nicer to play and my aging computer struggled with the nicer effects. Hopefully Valve do another good package for Ep 3 or at least offer it at a much reduced rate.
I knew you couldn’t resist!! The Orange Box was in the pic I sent ya! I have to agree it is fun to play, with a cliffhanger ending! Guess I’ll have to wait for the next one. BTW, the forum lists a mod for HL2 E2, Offshore EP2 Beta5, I’m about half way thru it, the author states it’s in development and testing, with lots of bugs! It is not to bad, but the frame rate jumps around alot. DL it and give it a try if you dare, but besure and read the instructions carefully! As far as HL2,EP2 goes: 🙂
AI, I know about the mod and have already downloaded it. I’ll post some details on it soon.
Add me in as another voice saying that Episode 2 is a great game. It’s very well balanced, and forces you to think, and fight, differently.
Have you played Portal yet? It’s even better than episode 2.
Can’t wait for episode 3/portal 2.
“episode 2 rocks” hehehe
I tried portal and dont really care for it.I have played that mod for sp2 and really like it but it’s a death match unless you are REALLY good.Episode 2 really brought out some new stuff(I hate most of em(enemy’s)) as far as content and graphic’s,and it really is an eye pleaser.I really hate I cant buy it at the store without buying everything I allready own.I bought episode 1 by itself why not 2?
Oh yes, matey. Episode 2 certainly does rock!
Even though I’m in perpetual love with Portal and playing ALOT of Team Fortress 2, (I’ll admit I’m hooked) I’ve found HL2: Episode 2 to be pretty much the best part of The Orange Box. (Apart form the old content)
I’ve only played it around 4 times and still haven’t gotten around to completing the last 2 achievements I need. (I’m proud of myself for getting the infamous ” Little Rocket Man” AKA Gnome achievement. I still need to get ” Neighbourhood Watch” and “Get Some Grub”) Overall, I think it’s a worthy addition to the Half-Life name.
Much of the game’s criticism comes from the first few chapters, where you face mainly zombies and antlions with mostly rehashed gameplay ideas mechanics. While I do agree with this, I pretty much don’t care. I had fun the whole way through and that’s all there is to it.
One of the best things about the game is the set-pieces. They’re amazing, engrossing and the character interaction is believable and emotional. I’m not spoiling much here, but Dr. Magnusson is a great character, if somewhat of a pompous ass… But his interactions with Dr. Kleiner are brilliant (Though a tad clich I’ll admit) and his character model and skin is nothing short of amazing!
Yes, to anyone reading, get The Orange Box. Everything in it is brilliant, especially EP2. But I can’t help but show love for the other two newbies, TF2 and Portal, as they’re both brilliant in their own right. (Even if Portal’s story is actually part of the Half-Life universe)
Oh. The ” Get Some Grub” achievement? Last time I tried doing that, I was one antlion larvae away from completing it. I missed ONE GRUB! BAH!
I gave in and bought it on Steam last night, still downloading as I write this….It was Philip’s recommendation that pushed me into going for it…!
@ Andyb The fact that the stand-alone version took a while to come out was a big off-putter for me too.
(DL is still at 75%, how slow is Virgin??)
I thought you could, in fact here it is: Episode 2 on Steam.
Although for a few bucks more you can get the Orange Box.
REMEMBER EVERYONE:
If you already own games in the Orange Box you can give them away to other people. This could make some great prizes for PP if anybody was willing to provide them.
The least you should do is give them to people you think might enjoy them.
Does each game in the OB come with a seperate key?I just want a bloody EP2 on a disk.No download or nothing I just like actually having physical evidence that I bought something.
Yeah, I’ve got a Half-Life 2 and a HL2: Episode 1 gift to spare. Haven’t found anyone to give ’em to, so if you need prizes for a competition, I’m the man.
I was actually gonna state that I have the gifts in the Orange Box donation post, but it seemed somewhat off-topic…
The few bucks are really worth it.
I found Portal simple brilliant for it’s humour alone.
And I’m not a big multiplayer fan, but I am simply in love with TF 2.
Add to it that you are hardly paying for HL 2 and EP 1, it’s well worth it.
Also I have a spare HL2 and EP 1 gift, so I’m willing to part with them.
I don’t understand this complaint, there is little in games that haven’t done already in another game (sequel or not). It’s how you bring it that makes it interesting.
Manual_Monaro I’ll send you an email tomorrow.
Berrie can you contact me becasue I don’t have your email address.
A Big thank you to you both.
45 min in and worth 26bucks!!!
well got to our mutual fiend,not too bad at all!!!so far my only complaint would be the car,no steering -heavy sluggish-i know its a little more realistic but some power steering please:)
Power stering lol.Granted it would be nice but if your being hunted I’d rather have anything.
On the ending I did not care for the amount of enemies one after the other or the amount of them.It is damn near impossible.
fun fun fun even on my lower end pc the game plays great very smooth.i started with very modest graphics settings then full on, though my aim hasnt improved.the strider battle kaos:)
Glad to hear it.
I know what you mean about the aim. I hope this new content is used in some mods soon.
finished, and well alittle quick or I wanted more, mostly more .very nice so much so i,m starting over in easy to try and get all the achievements{dam striders} cant wait for ep3
That’s what I love about the Source engine… It looks good, is flexible and runs great – Though you might not be able to push out every effect with a low-end graphics card, the game is still there and it’ll most likely be a smooth ride.
Oh yeah, I have no problems with the new car. I love it! It feels so tight and refined, especially compared to the HL2 buggy, which feels a bit loose and sluggish-ish…
Can I also mention something else I forgot?
***SPOILER***
The ambush at the White Forest Inn was ace! The first time I DID NOT expect it! (Though I was curious as to why the shield pylons were there)
I hopped out the car near the pylons and explored the inn a bit. Alyx complained about the fact that we should be going, so I hopped back in, geared up and… BANG!
I jumped out of my seat. Before I knew it, that sick music started up the shields threw up and Alyx shouted “It’s an ambush!” as Combine soldiers closed in.
One the best moments in the game.
***END SPOILERS***
I also forgot to mention how fun the Hunters are to fight. They’re so expressive and their AI is amazing!
Have enjoyed it so far…but am in the middle of Our Mutual Fiend, and for the life in me can’t quite get my act together enough to beat the waves of striders (on medium setting)….very frustrating!I suppose its better than complaining that it was too easy!
Even on my 6200 it plays really smoothly too which I had been a bit worried about, I’ve had all manner of driver issues & “Out of memory” errors on and off for ages, but not here….phew!
Apologies for the double, but I did eventually get through….and then, what a shocker! ….Definitely couldn’t see that one coming!
Enjoyed this far more than Ep1, and isn’t the combat so much more full-on!
The Achivement system is a very nice bonus shows the Player they really accomplishing something within the game.
The gameplay was alot fun I like having a sidekick to watch my back I really thought it was kool when Alyx grabbed a Shotgun in ep1 Hospital level I hope she continues on through ep3.
The last level is the best challenge plus it had many routes to go from. Infact I compare this Save-The-Base mission like Star Wars Empire Strikes Back Hoth Battle.:)
The Gravity Gun right at the beginning Rocks with so many things to toss at enemies including new stuff like boulders & explosive cannisters.
I hope the cave levels get made into other sp mods they are both spooky & neat.