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Half-Life 2 Episode 2 Delayed into 2007

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the i-hope-judith-mossman-can-wait dept.

Eurogamer is reporting that the next episode of Half-Life 2 has been delayed out into 2007. Originally slated for the Holidays this year, their high standards has pushed the delay between Episodes 1 and 2 to 8 months. This information comes as part of an article Eurogamer is running with Valve's Doug Lombardi. From the article: "It's just sort of classic Valve being overly aggressive on our dates. But we're aiming for Q1 right now and we're really far along in the playtest stage. You know, our thing is always that we're trying to make really good experiences and so we're going to manage to that rather than the schedule."

86 comments

  1. Are we really surprised? by thebdj · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I remember how long HL2 got delayed. I bought my ATI AIW 9600 Pro, because of the deal for HL2. Just so happens it got so delayed you only got the key. Of course, they did lots to try to make this up by providing the original HL catalog. These sorts of things happen, this isn't the first game delayed and surely won't be the last, especially when Valve is involved.

    --
    "Some days you just can't get rid of a bomb."
    1. Re:Are we really surprised? by Slovenian6474 · · Score: 1

      I bought the same card for the HL2 deal. Although, after entering the code and playing half the game, valve decided my cd-key had already been activated. I was not a happy camper.

    2. Re:Are we really surprised? by east+coast · · Score: 1

      after entering the code and playing half the game, valve decided my cd-key had already been activated

      We know this is a lie, piracy doesn't effect real people.

      --
      Dedicated Cthulhu Cultist since 4523 BC.
    3. Re:Are we really surprised? by Slovenian6474 · · Score: 1

      Lol, i have the card the cdkey is printed on from the box. I have the reciept for the video card along with proof of purchase. I still have the original box stating that it comes with HL2 (upon release). Correct me if i'm out of line, but I believe that's more than enough proof for valve. Of course, valve never got back to me. That's the only thing I don't like about Valve. They don't care if your cdkey IS infact stolen from you. P.S. As pissed as i was, when HL2DM was released i couldn't hold out any longer and reluctanly purchased what should have already been mine.

    4. Re:Are we really surprised? by east+coast · · Score: 1

      I still have the original box stating that it comes with HL2 (upon release). Correct me if i'm out of line, but I believe that's more than enough proof for valve.

      I agree with you completely. It's crap when this type of thing happens and if a company is using the old CD key system they should have a procedure in place for dealing with situations like this. But still, this is proof that pirates are doing harm to the legitimate public.

      Where did you get this copy of HL2 from with the bad CD key? I'm wondering if your key was "taken" by blunt force or if someone had the oppertunity to open the box and take the key in that fashion.

      --
      Dedicated Cthulhu Cultist since 4523 BC.
    5. Re:Are we really surprised? by Slovenian6474 · · Score: 1

      I bought it at best buy. The box was sealed and (apparently) brand new. The keycode has a scratchy stuff (like lottery ticket stuff) over it so i had to scratch that off to see the key. I had the key in a lock box until the game was released (overkill i know). I'm thinking it was most likely take by blunt force or incidently came up on a keygen before i activated it. The odd thing is, i got to play 1/2 of the game before valve started yelling at me for using an activated key. Although, even through all that, i'm not sour i had to go and buy another copy. I've loved the game and think Valve (even though they don't really care about the customer after you've paid them their money) deserves the cash for that game.

    6. Re:Are we really surprised? by Braino420 · · Score: 1

      I'm a little confused with your story. When I installed HL2, I registered an email address with Steam and then registered my HL2 CD-Key to that email address. If you were able to play the first part of the game, I would assume you did this; which would make it impossible for someone else to re-register your CD-Key. What did I miss?

      --
      They call me the wookie man, I guess that's what I am
    7. Re:Are we really surprised? by Slovenian6474 · · Score: 1

      That's where i was confused! I had pre-loaded the game before it was released. I already had a steam account before that. So i added the cdkey to my account. No problems. I got the game unlocked and started playing. At one sitting i went through 1/2 the game. When i went to go back in the game the next day, it wouldn't let me load it up saying "You cannot play this game because the cdkey you are using is activated under another account" (or some to that effect). I had saved games halfway through the game already! I was surprised as anyone else would be. Then pissed.

    8. Re:Are we really surprised? by Jtheletter · · Score: 1

      Although, even through all that, i'm not sour i had to go and buy another copy.

      Not slighting you, I definitely personally understand the need-it-now tech mentality. But unfortunately it's exactly that sort of behavior that software companies rely on these days to continue not caring about legitimate customers getting listed as pirates by the companies' flawed DRM systems. They know we (or at least a profitable percentage of 'we') will pay no matter what, sometimes more than once like in your case. I'm reminded of the quote from Fight Club regarding car company recall costs vs lawsuits: "If A + B * C is less than the cost of a recall, we don't do one." Sad but true. There needs to be a citizens lobby group (imagine that, needing a specific lobby to convince public representatives to actually represent the public) to get some laws passed to mandate companies using DRM have systems in place to handle false positives. And why not? These companies have gotten so many laws passed for their protection (beyond copyright and patents you have the DMCA for example) but with absolutely no clauses that require them to handle innocent casualties of these DRM systems. There's ALWAYS going to be false positives, no system will be perfect. But with no legal requirements for an avenue of redress, most companies just shrug of the sub-1% of customers who get screwed by the system. If these media companies want extra legal protections for their works then they need to make an equal concession to administrate fairly, which includes timely handling of issues. Especially in cases like yours where the consumer possesses indisputable proof of innocence. Whew, what a rant, sorry!

      In the future though I recommend working up some good old fashioned indignation and rage and putting up a big stink and a big fight before just rolling over and repaying for something you know - and can prove - you legally bought once already.

      --
      -- I'm not a pessimist, I'm a realist. It's not my fault that life sucks so much. --
    9. Re:Are we really surprised? by Slovenian6474 · · Score: 1

      I can agree with that. I would have done just that if i DID pay full price for a game and that happened. The copy I received was a FREE copy with a purchase of an ATI card at that time. I had plans to buy one of those cards before they offered the card but that did seal the deal. Had i paid $60 for the first copy, i would have put up a HUGE stink! Paying a total of $120 for HL2 would be insane. You are right though. I was fighting it up until they released the HL2DM (my favorite game of all time was the original HLDM so when this came out I HAD TO PLAY IT NOW!). If something like this does happen in the future, i am going to be taking your route and fighting it until i get what i rightfully should have. Very good points you made.

    10. Re:Are we really surprised? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      this is proof that pirates are doing harm to the legitimate public.

      I don't think you can make that conclusion from his post. All you can say is that that it's evidence that the perception of piracy is doing harm.

      I'm not taking a position on piracy. I am merely pointing out the proper logical conclusion from his post.

    11. Re:Are we really surprised? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      P.S. As pissed as i was, when HL2DM was released i couldn't hold out any longer and reluctanly purchased what should have already been mine.

      Thanks for encouraging another company to screw me over.

      -- The American Consumer

    12. Re:Are we really surprised? by KDR_11k · · Score: 1

      Sounds like a bug. Wouldn't surprise me, Steam had LOTS of bugs back then.

      --
      Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
  2. No problem here... by NOCjock · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm still trying to get past the zombies at the elevator...

    1. Re:No problem here... by eln · · Score: 1

      Oh, that's easy. Play on commentary mode, and when things get too intense, start one of the commentary tracks going. While the commentary is playing, blow everyone away while you're invulnerable.

      Or did you want to get past it without cheating? In that case, my strategy the first time around involved a lot of running in circles and firing at random. Somehow, it worked.

    2. Re:No problem here... by spyrochaete · · Score: 1

      Here's a hint for ya - you know the "zombines" that suicide-bomb you with grenades? You can pull the grenade out of their hand with the gravity gun. You could toss it right back at them but that elevator sequence is pretty cramped. It'd probably be best to just lob it out of harm's way.

    3. Re:No problem here... by mrbooze · · Score: 1

      I didn't think that section was *that* hard, though probably amongst the most difficult of the episode.

      Anyway, I believe I saw in a steam update recently that they toned that encounter down a little.

    4. Re:No problem here... by amliebsch · · Score: 1

      Use the flares! I discovered this during the second play-through. They littered the area with flares, which I originally thought was just to provide light while your battery recharges. But if you use the gravity gun to launch the flares at zombies, the flare will start them on fire. If you're lucky, they will then start each other on fire. The flare falls to the ground after it starts the zombie on fire, so you can even use until it burns out.

      --
      If you don't know where you are going, you will wind up somewhere else.
    5. Re:No problem here... by NOCjock · · Score: 1

      Thanks for the tips guys! I'm through!

  3. No problem by GreenPenInc · · Score: 2, Funny

    I'll just hop into a slow-time warp, and bam!

  4. The Curse of TF2 by Digitus1337 · · Score: 1

    Half-Life 2 Episode 2 is set to ship with Team Fortress 2. The vaporware curse lives on!

    1. Re:The Curse of TF2 by Ford+Prefect · · Score: 1

      And, according to a Mr. Gabe Newell himself, the release of TF2 is to be coincident with the Rapture.

      At this point, I'd be suspicious if a Valve game was released on schedule. Their understanding of the concept of time is a little ... unusual, to say the least.

      --
      Tedious Bloggy Stuff - hooray?
    2. Re:The Curse of TF2 by zlogic · · Score: 1

      Hehe... Half-life 2 Episode 2 sounds almost as bad as Intel Dual Core 2 Duo Second Edition :-)

    3. Re:The Curse of TF2 by remembertomorrow · · Score: 1

      http://fortress-forever.com/

      If they beat Valve to a release, it would be totally awesome.

      --
      Registered Linux user #421033
  5. Quality by CodemasterMM · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Valve's games constantly have very high quality, outstanding story and very enjoyable gameplay. To make their game as perfect as possible, I feel that giving them another 3-4 months is acceptable.

    Good luck, Valve! Expect me to be buying Episode 2 soon.

    1. Re:Quality by FortKnox · · Score: 1

      DAMN STRAIGHT! I'm glad the parent said something, or I'd have to jump in. For the experience I got with Episode 1, I say, take your time, Valve... that way we KNOW it will be good when it comes out.

      Deadlines have killed even the strongest franchises. Anyone else remember Ultima IX?

      --
      Good quote, too many chars. Seriously, the slashdot 120 char limit sucks!
    2. Re:Quality by splodger75 · · Score: 1
      Expect me to be buying Episode 2 soon.
      Not too soon, apparently.
    3. Re:Quality by Slovenian6474 · · Score: 1

      I'm with you on that one. The whole halflife series is my favorite, so if Valve wants some more time to make it better, not a problem. I'll just be patient and know i'm getting my money's worth when it does come out.

    4. Re:Quality by Don_dumb · · Score: 3, Insightful

      HL2 was infamously delayed but unlike other postponed and hyped games (cough, *Daikatana*, cough), it really was worth it.
      This site is full of stories of producers releasing games before the developers want it to happen. I am glad Valve still has the right priorities.

      Incidentally I have just played through HL2 again and was reminded just how great it was (I kept finding ways to do things that I didn't notice before), now I am off home to get Ep1.

      --
      If this were really happening, what would you think?
    5. Re:Quality by Ford+Prefect · · Score: 3, Funny
      Incidentally I have just played through HL2 again and was reminded just how great it was (I kept finding ways to do things that I didn't notice before), now I am off home to get Ep1.

      If you're looking for other, highly apocryphal single-player Half-Life 2, there's always my very own MINERVA. People seem to quite like it. Some mini-reviews from random forums:

      "Despite the website that oozes more angst and self-hatred than an emo concert at an emo convention, this is worth downloading."

      "That pompous, cliche tone gave the sense that a smarmy Brit with two dictionaries, three encylopedias and a latin textbook shoved up his ******* was faxing you orders. That might fly in Far Cry or some other attempt at remotely-located-brainiac-is-playing-God/head-game s-with-you, but not the HL2 universe in which this is situated."

      "A second-rate Half-Life 2 mod."

      "i made a box map with a giant penis that has better lighting that this shit"

      "So the deal is I am going to break up with my girlfriend, stop going to college, quit my job and make the best game in history, and make fun of adam foster in the credits for his use of shoddy worksmanship which has befuddled you all."

      I read it all on the internet, so it must be true... ;-)
      --
      Tedious Bloggy Stuff - hooray?
    6. Re:Quality by LMN8R · · Score: 1

      haha, those comments are awesome. That's your mod? I really enjoy the two episodes released so far and can't wait for the third. Any idea when that will be?

    7. Re:Quality by 88NoSoup4U88 · · Score: 1

      I very much enjoyed HL2 (even after its delay), but I don't think it was flawless (remember the sound-stutter bug?). But the 'invisible' updating by Steam surely helps in quickly erasing such problems (at least for me), and to this day I think it was worth every penny I paid for it.

      I haven't gotten around in buying Episode 1 yet (still busy with Prey), but I will probably buy it once Episode 2 comes along.

    8. Re:Quality by Ford+Prefect · · Score: 2, Interesting

      haha, those comments are awesome. That's your mod? I really enjoy the two episodes released so far and can't wait for the third. Any idea when that will be?

      Yup, it's mine - final part of Metastasis should get released by the end of the year. Or something. Before Episode Two, anyway. ;-)

      Actually, despite being in a very much corporate environment right now, I think I'll reboot this 'ere MacBook Pro into Windows XP, and let the office ring with the sound of gunfire. And other noises associated with MINERVA development. Bonus points if random co-workers look at me strangely...

      --
      Tedious Bloggy Stuff - hooray?
    9. Re:Quality by RiscIt · · Score: 1

      Speaking of things that aren't finished...... ;-)

      Or is it?

      I haven't played through Minerva in awhile, but I remember it ending deep in the bowels of the map ro.... I mean the shaft... to be honest I have no idea where I was, but I remember it didn't have an ending, and it stopped in an airlock.

      Has there been more added? Is it done? yes? no? ETA? gimme gimme gimme! :-D

      I know these may seem like obvious questions, but the website is a little less than clear....

    10. Re:Quality by kannibal_klown · · Score: 1
      Yup, it's mine
      If that's really your MOD, then let me thank you. I REALLY enjoyed the first two parts. I'm not big on MP games or mods, so I was glad when someone mentioned Minerva (great SP MOD).

      Anyway, keep up the good work! I can't wait for part 3!
    11. Re:Quality by Cruise_WD · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I should hope it's a little more than "acceptable."

      Game developers should be free to take as long as they like in making a game.

      Sure, that means they may release a game with graphics that are three years out of date and gameplay elements that have appeared in several other games too. So don't buy it.

      If, however, it's an amazing game with superb gameplay balance and rock-solid out of the box, then go get that sucker.

      I'm not "waiting" for any game - I have more than enough to do in the meantime that I'm happy to play a game as and when it's available and I have the time (I'm still trying to complete FF7, for crying out loud). Why should we care how long developers take?

      --
      [ cruise / casual-tempest.net / xenogamous.com / transference.org / quantam sufficit ]
    12. Re:Quality by Don_dumb · · Score: 1

      Cool. People just giving me games. I will give it a go.
      Thanks

      --
      If this were really happening, what would you think?
    13. Re:Quality by Total_Wimp · · Score: 1
      Valve's games constantly have very high quality, outstanding story and very enjoyable gameplay. To make their game as perfect as possible, I feel that giving them another 3-4 months is acceptable.
      The quality thing is all good and fine, but would you accept that excuse for a 4-month delay from, say, "Scientific American," or "Motor Trend"? How about the next episode of "24"?

      The fact is, I waited a long time for both Doom 3 and Half-Life 2, both for "quality" and other reasons, and this wait wasn't a big problem for me. But if Valve expects me to buy into the "episodes" thing, they better give me some regularly spaced, relatively quickly released entertainment. I shouldn't be wondering if the wait for the next chapter will be doubled to the better part of a year.

      This is not an apeal to lower quality, it's an apeal to be respectful of the consumer of serialized entertainment. If they're going down this path, then they should understand what the assumptions are when you publish something called an "episode." If they can't do that, maybe this isn't really isn't the type of gaming experience they should be pursuing.

      BTW, "Seinfeld" had to meet strict deadlines. It seldom had quality problems. "Deadline" and "Quality" are not mutually exclusive terms.

      TW

  6. Episode 2? by tygerstripes · · Score: 0

    Wait... Hang on, does this mean I missed the release of HL2?

    --
    Meta will eat itself
  7. DirectX 10 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This was probably designed to allow them to release the Episode as DirectX 10 cards begin to hit the market, rather than having to try to patch it from a DX9 release.

  8. Vista-compatible by SheeEttin · · Score: 1

    They must be holding out to make it fully Vista-compatible...

    But to be a little more serious, if they have such high standards, why didn't they set more realistic dates in the first place? It's better to be early than late (except from some marketing standpoints).

  9. TF2 vs. Duke Nukem Forever by Xest · · Score: 1

    If the rumoured release of Duke Nukem Forever this year is true then TF2 which is being released with Episode 2 is going to be on it's way to taking longer than Duke Nukem Forever.

    TF2 was originally due out in 1998 as a mod for Quake 2, since then it's seen numerous engine moves, it's no suprise that it's being delayed again along with Episode 2 as Valve I'm sure have yet to ship a product without putting it back a few times ;)

    Still, Prey made it out the door which almost brought me to tears, I've been waiting for that since around 1995, so having been about 10 years late it's still got the crown for longest PC game development time I'm sure ;) I loved Prey to bits so I'm glad it finally saw the light of day, let's just hope TF2 makes it to the same standards as well!

    1. Re:TF2 vs. Duke Nukem Forever by Duds · · Score: 1

      The current Prey isn't Prey, that was cancelled. A different team later got the rights and started from scratch so that doesn't count.

      Where as DNF is celebrating it's 10th year of the same team apparently doing fuck all.

    2. Re:TF2 vs. Duke Nukem Forever by DJRikki · · Score: 1

      "Where as DNF is celebrating it's 10th year of the same team apparently doing fuck all."

      I didnt know the British government were behind DNF

  10. You know what they say.. by Supersonic1425 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Good things come to those who wait. HL2 was definitely worth the long wait.

    1. Re:You know what they say.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      GFX engines aside: (HL1 / 1000) > (HL2 * 1000)

      Come on Black Mesa! We want HL:S proper! :)

  11. Check out these YouTube clips! by The+MAZZTer · · Score: 1

    http://www.forumplanet.com/planethalflife/topic.as p?fid=2348&tid=1938761

    Some good stuff in there... EP2 is looking better than EP1, and I'm willing to give them some more time with it.

  12. Idea? by no.17 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    It better ship with a free headcrab/crowbar gift pack.

    1. Re:Idea? by zlogic · · Score: 1

      Forget about headcrabs! An included gravity gun will definetly boost sales!

  13. Which means... by hollismb · · Score: 2, Informative

    That the XBOX 360 version will be delayed as well, which is fine, because there is a fairly good selection of titles coming out for it this holiday season (Splinter cell, Rainbow six, F.E.A.R.). For those that don't know, the upcoming XBOX 360 version ships with Half Life 2, Episode 1, Episode 2, Portal, and Team Fortress 2, all on the same disc. That's a pretty good deal for 59 bucks if you ask me.

  14. Episode 1 by Turn-X+Alphonse · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I honestly don't care.

    Since I picked up Ep 1 I've had nothing but trouble with it, Valve tech support has been little more than a joke and I'm still waiting for a patch to fix the basic things. How urgent is it to fix a major bug which stops scripts (this means you can't play at all) running? Acording to Valve it's not even remotely important, since they'd rather quick fix a hard part of the game then releasing a real patch so I can play the damn game.

    I gave Valve a chance with HL2, I gave them another chance with episode 1. Now I've run out of good will and I just want my damn games to run out of the box (should note there was a bug to even INSTALL it which required a work around). So Ep 2 can come out now or never for all I care. Untill Valve get decent tech support which does more than direct you to the FAQ you use to contact them I'll take a look again, but untill then I can find enough HL2 mods to last me till the end of time.

    --
    I like muppets.
    1. Re:Episode 1 by Brothernone · · Score: 1

      Anyone else had this kind of trouble. I've had no problems with EP1 since i bought it. You using Steam or a store bought copy? I'm interested to know if this is a large problem. Valve is known to have shotty tech support and their forums are a joke, but i've not once had trouble with my own installations of valve. I Loved HL2 and ep1 was no dissapointment. I'm not partial to the episodic content idea, but if they could just make the game a little longer i won't mind puttin out the cash for it. I don't mind if they're pushing back production, because valve is one of the studios i still respect. They take the time to release a good product on most ocaisons.

      --
      He whom you called four-eyes yesterday, you call Sir tomorrow.
    2. Re:Episode 1 by kannibal_klown · · Score: 1

      Sorry to hear that. I didn't have a single problem with Ep1; it ran flawlessly on mine.

    3. Re:Episode 1 by spyrochaete · · Score: 1

      I had a small problem with HL2 a while ago. I had some difficulty contacting Valve's tech support (the FAQ said to click a link that wasn't there) but when I finally wrote to them they got back to me within 48 hours. Otherwise I've had no trouble.

      For the record, I bought HL2 in a box and Episode One on Steam. I've been so incredibly satisfied with Steam that I've bought a couple more games and don't regret for a moment not owning a box. I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble playing such fantastic games.

    4. Re:Episode 1 by Unc-70 · · Score: 1

      Lots of people have had crash/lock-up problems, see this 47 page thread on the problem http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.p hp?s=ba8aabc64afc836e73033b7bd2d1781b&threadid=444 078

      I love HL2&ep1 but I have had a lot of problems with it (but not HL2 oddly) and I live in the hope of an update that will sort it. I would love to buy ep2 but I will wait a month or so and see if others have the same problem before I cough up.

      --
      Ye have made your way from the worm to man, and much within you is still worm.
    5. Re:Episode 1 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'm done with Valve as well. I got Half-Life:2 as a christmas gift, and was very excitied until I found out that the discs were *encrypted* and had to be unlocked by the Mother Ship at Valve in order to install. It's a shame because HL2 was a lot of fun once it started to work. It just wasn't worth being treated like a criminal. I'll never purchase anything from Valve again.

    6. Re:Episode 1 by Turn-X+Alphonse · · Score: 1

      Well the biggest problem I've had is that any forums I goto I get accused of being a pirate for one. It's the same error the early priated version has, but they found a fix for it, where as Valve isn't fixing it.. WTF is that?

      http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&safe=off&sa=X &oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=datacache+dll+ half+life+2&spell=1 Google link for the easiest way to ID the problem.

      --
      I like muppets.
  15. HL Ep 1+2+3 by Kamineko · · Score: 1

    Does anybody know if Valve are planning to release all three episodes for a low price when they're all released?

    1. Re:HL Ep 1+2+3 by spyrochaete · · Score: 2, Informative

      PC Gamer magazine's previes of Episode Two a couple of months ago confirmed that yes, a Half Life 2 complete compilation will be for sale after the third episode is released. No doubt they'll sell a mega pack including Half Life Source and its expansions as well.

    2. Re:HL Ep 1+2+3 by Kamineko · · Score: 1
      Cheers, thanks for that. :)


      Guess I'll just wait for Episodes and Portals to be complete.

    3. Re:HL Ep 1+2+3 by spyrochaete · · Score: 1

      If you own HL2 and you have a fairly beefy computer (good enough to run HL2 at max detail at a good resolution and framerate) do yourself a big favour and drop $20 on Episode One. I was really skeptical at this episodic release and pricing scheme but Valve packed a whole lot of gaming goodness into the 4.5 hour first expansion. I really love Episode One and you will too. :) When all is said and done, $60 for about 14 hours of expansion packs amounts to a very fair price - especially since each of the 3 episodes are designed with mega intensity in mind!

    4. Re:HL Ep 1+2+3 by Kamineko · · Score: 1
      When all is said and done, $60 for about 14 hours of expansion packs amounts to a very fair price - especially since each of the 3 episodes are designed with mega intensity in mind!


      I'm afraid I don't agree with you there.

    5. Re:HL Ep 1+2+3 by spyrochaete · · Score: 1

      Well, if you care, here's a review of HL2:E1 that I wrote shortly after completing the game for the second time. Buy or don't buy whatever you wish, but you're missing out on something grand, sez I!

      http://demodulated.blogspot.com/2006/07/review-of- half-life-2-episode-one.html

    6. Re:HL Ep 1+2+3 by Kelbear · · Score: 1

      I don't know if the episodic medium did anything to help improve quality.

      However, at the same time, I didn't feel that quality suffered in anyway either. Getting the same amount of play hours and effectively the same price.

      However, I though EP1 was better than HL2. And I loved HL2. I just can't attribute this quality to the medium is all. I think Episode 1 was better than HL2 primarily because they've just grown more experienced. HL2 taught them some lessons, and after playing through the commentary you see what those lessons are and can compare them to how HL1 and HL2 played out.

      EP1 was a much tighter overall experience since the developers are just getting a better feel for pacing and gamer moods. They're used to their tools now too. I'm definitely buying EP2 and EP3.

    7. Re:HL Ep 1+2+3 by KDR_11k · · Score: 1

      I didn't play HL2 past Ravenholm so I don't think that "you must buy Ep1" bit applies to me...

      And 20€ for 4.5 hours is a bit much considering how many games (granted, slightly older ones) you can get at that price point that will last you much longer. Knowing Valve I can get Prey for 20 € before Ep1 even drops to 15.

      --
      Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
    8. Re:HL Ep 1+2+3 by spyrochaete · · Score: 1

      Well, definitely don't play Episode One before finishing the original. Are you really forced to buy it for 20 though? I'm in Canada and I bought the game on Steam for $20 USD with no tax.

      If you play shooters to shoot then definite get Prey as it's a great action game with cool weapons. But if you play shooters for the experience of a virtual world then DEFINITELY play through HL2 because its world just keeps getting more beautiful and believable with every step.

    9. Re:HL Ep 1+2+3 by KDR_11k · · Score: 1

      I suppose I could buy Ep1 online but for that I'd need a credit card.

      But if you play shooters for the experience of a virtual world then DEFINITELY play through HL2 because its world just keeps getting more beautiful and believable with every step.

      Dunno, I didn't like the atmosphere and the scripted sequences. The former made me want to stop playing, the latter made the whole thing look like an animatronic display since noone ever reacted to what your character did outside of pushing the button he was prompted to push.

      --
      Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
    10. Re:HL Ep 1+2+3 by spyrochaete · · Score: 1

      Dunno, I didn't like the atmosphere and the scripted sequences. The former made me want to stop playing, the latter made the whole thing look like an animatronic display since noone ever reacted to what your character did outside of pushing the button he was prompted to push.

      You've got to have scripted sequences in a story-based shooter. There's really no other way to do it. At least HL2 adds a little immersion to these sequences since the NPC eye tracking is EERILY realistic - when they look at you they look right into your eyes and follow you around the room. Also, for example in the gravity gun introduction area, there are areas in the lab that trigger additional optional dialogue if you use or even just look at certain objects. I've never seen that in an FPS before.

      At least the scripted sequences are in sensible places. In games that give the illusion of an open-ended environment, like Call of Duty, scripted sequences sometimes look silly and out of context. In HL2 the scripts occur in quiet areas or in time with the action. It's done even more effectively and transparently in Episode One as Alyx has all kinds of hand-to-hand combat scripts that activate SEAMLESSLY with enemies.

      I'm sure you're getting tired of all my praise so I'll go easy on you. :) All I can say is to play all the way through HL2 when you feel like it. Wait for a dark, rainy evening, turn off the lights, and turn up the sound. If you're a real pro, crack open a window so that you feel a chill while you play. There are fewer virtual worlds more enveloping as those in the Half Life universe and I love just examining the environments aimlessly as much as I enjoy blasting through them.

  16. It's a Creative Process and all, but... by p0tat03 · · Score: 1

    I commend Valve for doing the right thing and delaying the game to avoid compromising its quality. I enjoyed HL2, though I haven't had a chance to play Episode 1, Valve games are consistently great.

    That said, we've been building games for what, 20 years now? While it's commendable to do the right thing when a delay inevitably hits, the industry as a whole has more delays than on-time releases, or something. Is it not possible to do it right the first time AND hit the schedule?

    Where's the problem coming from? Overaggressive scheduling?

    1. Re:It's a Creative Process and all, but... by spyrochaete · · Score: 1

      Where's the problem coming from? Overaggressive scheduling?

      Definitely. Extending the schedule means paying a lot of people's fulltime salaries and publishers and financiers have little patience for this.

      You're 100% right that Valve games have benefitted greatly from extending release dates. I replay their games on a pretty much annual basis and the high quality is what makes games as old as Half Life still enjoyable today. 5 years from now everyone will remember Half Life 2 for its outstanding quality, not its release date or stolen source code.

    2. Re:It's a Creative Process and all, but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Developer optimism and marketing being overly aggressive.

      Developers always think they have it all in hand, especially after doing a few already they think they know all the issues that will crop up (I know, I am one and I still make that mistake) plus its an ego thing that they can whip it out in next to no time.

      Marketing and the suits want an aggressive date so the company stays up on the news, the pre-orders keep coming in and they don't fall behind, especially when there are other companies that would love to eat them for lunch.

    3. Re:It's a Creative Process and all, but... by kungfujesus · · Score: 1

      the problem is coders browsing /. when they're supposed to be coding

  17. What about Portal? by g051051 · · Score: 1

    I doin't care about EP2 after the sidappointment of EP1, but I'm really looking formward to playing Portal. Is that delayed as well? God, I hope not. The video made it look like a lot of fun.

    1. Re:What about Portal? by g051051 · · Score: 1

      According to TFA, not only is Portal delayed as well, but the content is only about 4 hours long! What a big disappointment.

    2. Re:What about Portal? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The whole package is delayed: Portal, TF2, HL2:EP2. Obviously, they won't release Portal as a stand-alone, when it's one of the selling points of EP2. Besides, they can't charge for an experimental gimmick, can they? Surely they wouldn't release it for free... ;)

    3. Re:What about Portal? by MarcoAtWork · · Score: 1

      you can just play the 'original' portal game instead, not as nice graphics but I think it's about the same gameplay (or so I've heard, I haven't installed it yet)

      http://www.nuclearmonkeysoftware.com/narbaculardro p.html

      --
      -- the cake is a lie
  18. Worth the Wait by i_ate_god · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I'd rather Valve refines and refines some more untill their video games are perfect.

    HL2 is so meticulously detailed in all aspects. It's refreshing that Valve lives up to its artistic priorities before their business ones.

    --
    I'm god, but it's a bit of a drag really...
  19. Make it longer by 4D6963 · · Score: 1

    I think I express everybody's concern when I say I hope this means Episode 2 will be longer than Episode 1. Episode 1 was so short that I finished it the day after I begun, and I was even going fast, more like saving/loading all he time to save ammo and HP, and a bit for fun too :-). And I must say that I never finished such a game before, even in weeks.

    --
    You just got troll'd!
    1. Re:Make it longer by spyrochaete · · Score: 1

      I finished the game on release day and I was really disappointed when it ended, but in retrospect I definitely feel like I got my $20 worth.

      Also, one of HL2's best features is its autosave function. I dropped the habit of F5ing all the time after playing HL2, and I don't think I regretted relying on autosave even once in Episode One. It's so well done that I neglect to save while playing other FPS titles and I often get disappointed when I have to replay an entire level.

  20. Oh well. by the_REAL_sam · · Score: 2, Interesting


    HL2 Episode 1 didn't even work after I shelled out the $20 for it. I complained online as did many others. No fix after 6 months. Who knows, perhaps they'll fix their bug by then. Otherwise I'm not going to buy Episode 2.

    YOU LISTENING TO ME, VALVE?! OTHERWISE I WON'T BUY IT!!!!

    Until I get a better system. But I'm not going to buy a new computer just for your game.

    --
    "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." -Jesus Christ The Lord's Prayer
    1. Re:Oh well. by l33t+gambler · · Score: 1

      You already tried Eposide 1? I'm going to finish Half Life 2 with SMOD and
      bind "q" host_timescale "0.3"
      bind "g" host_timescale "1.0"

      All people should enjoy Half Life 2 physics (from Havoc?) before commenting on "needing" a PPU or real-physics capable GPU.

      http://jooh.no/clips.html

      --
      Teasing the nobles, and rightfully so!
    2. Re:Oh well. by the_REAL_sam · · Score: 1


      No, I didn't get Episode 1 to work. It crashed every time I launched it.

      In fact, I reinstalled my entire OS, and it STILL didn't work.

      No need to be impatient; they'll get around to fixing the bug...?eventually?

      --
      "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." -Jesus Christ The Lord's Prayer
  21. Valve time by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Valve_Time

  22. Steam = more expensive by ShadowsHawk · · Score: 1

    I was disappointed when I purchased EP2 through Steam for two simple reasons.

    1. I saw it for $12 a week later at BB.
    2. It was really short. Really, really short.

    On the plus side, I did enjoy what little there was. Still not worth $20 though.

  23. PvP Reference by Tz-Auber · · Score: 1

    When you're there don't forget to grab Jade's boob!

  24. Re:Steam is actually good. by SynapseLapse · · Score: 1

    I felt the exact same way when I purchased HL2. Why shouldn't I be trusted with the software I purchased and *forced* to run this steam POS?

    That is, until I had a hankering to play to HL1 again. All I had to do was activate the HL1 key in steam, and Valve let me download HL1 without having to install it from the Cd. Plus, they gave me every single expansion pack (Blue Shift!) that was released for HL1. That's what makes Steam great, as long as you remember your user name and password, you can always install the games in the future. Even if the cds get lost/damaged.