HL2 Episode 2 Not Until Spring 2007

eToyChest has an article up entitled Half-Life 2 Bite-Sized Contempt. The author registers his dissatisfaction with the state of episodic content so far on Steam. While he liked Episode One, the projected released date early next year makes it hard to be excited. From the article: "Episodic content could really take off if done correctly, something which so far hasn't been the case. Episodes need to be of decent quality, arrive in a timely manner, and be made available for an attractive price. Then you will create a slam-dunk impulse-buy environment that solidifies the marketplace as a viable one — think iTunes Music Store for games."

Comments

Early and often

[PIPBoy3000]

As someone who put out a number of Neverwinter Nights mods (for free), the more successful mods are those that came out soon after the game's release. After that, having regular sequels ever few months was key. Anything more than six months or so is too long to keep people's attention.

Re:Early and often

[Volante3192]

But this is Valve. HL2 was delayed eons, but it was still spectacular. And HL2E1 was great.
Valve is like Pixar. I'll take the delay because I know I won't be disappointed with what they crank out.

Makes sense

[Lord Bitman]

They're still playing half-life, a game that came out two years ago. Doesnt that imply that they arent the type to drop money on "new" content every month?

Re:Makes sense

[hal9000(jr)]

Doesnt that imply that they arent the type to drop money on "new" content every month?

Not necessarily. I think it means that HL1 is that good. I have both HL1 and HL2 installed but I mostly stick with HL2 mainly becuase I like the game play better. With the exception of Ravenholm (still creeps me out), most of the combat in HL2 is against things that shoot back which I prefer.

However, I think HL1 had better, more engaging, combat against soldiers. The warehouse asassins were fun to shoot. The endless mob fights got tiresome, however

I would happily pay for eposodic if the fights were unique and challenging enough.

Re:$10 is the magical price point

[Volante3192]

I'd disagree. Premium DVDs float around the $20-$25 mark (or very premium in the $30-$40 realm) and on a personal level I think Valve is worth it.

People would always find something to complain about. If everyone's focusing on price that just means they had to find something TO complain about, and it defeats the purpose. "I'd like all the story, interaction, scripted events, fluid gameplay, commentary track and everything else you gave us...but for half the price."

Plus you still have replay value, and other difficulty levels. 5 hours, maybe, but on Easy, Normal and Hard.

I do have a complaint about HL2E1 though... ALYX got to use the smegging sniper rifle and I'm still stuck with the cheezy crossbow. *sigh*...guess it's back to CS or DoD for my sniper fix.

Re:Augh!

[TychoCelchuuu]

Valve says they're still releasing this year. Whoever wrote this article says he got his news from the PC Gamer article, and print magazines are almost always out of date.

WRONG WRONG WRONG

[Doytch]

Who the HELL wrote this story?

Re:Not delayed

[PhotoBoy]

Given how dishonest and inaccurate they were over the HL2 release date I wouldn't put much stock at all in what Gabe says is the release date.