Half-Life 2: The Orange Box review (PC)

Half-Life 2 is one hell of a game. Almost three years since its release it still sets a benchmark for storytelling and gameplay construction. The pacing wasn't always perfect, but overall there have been few games since then that have really challenged Half-Life 2 as the best first-person action adventure around.

Vavle's dream of episodic gaming didn't quite pan out following the release of Half-Life 2. The first episode came rather late and certainly wasn't all it could be. But its place in The Orange Box is a must for the whole saga to appear complete – in one setting – at least until the release of Episode Three.

Episode Two

But what of the new content here in The Orange Box? In addition to the two pieces of Half-Life 2 we've already experience there's the puzzle experience Portal, Half-Life 2: Episode Two and Team Fortress 2.

Let's deal with Half-Life 2: Episode 2 first of all.

Those of you who found the first episode rather disappointed should not be dissuaded for taking a punt on this new chapter in the story. Vavle has created a real gem here, one that's long enough and certainly of a high enough quality to have been released on its own.

Obviously I'm not going to reveal any of the story, but suffice to say as you accompany Alyx through the episode and tackle new enemies such as the acid antlions you head towards a satisfying and surprising climax. In fact I found the plotting and final sequence of Episode Two to be much better than the latter part of Half-Life 2.

While Episode Two does feature some new enemies and a much more open and attractive game world than City 17, the gameplay never strays too far from the familiar. Valve has wisely created an expansion that never betrays its origins.

There's around seven hours of gameplay to enjoy here and that actually feels rather generous in context of The Orange Box as a whole. Each of the six chapters will take you around an hour or so and while some are better than others the impression is of a beautifully crafted apology for the first episode.

Variety is the name of the game here and its quite a surprise to move from environment to environment. A journey underground into a hive is particularly thrilling and the look of this location is in stark contrast to other chapters – yet at the same time always feels like Half-Life 2.

Portal

The most interesting game in the The Orange Box is Portal, a real work of genius from Vavle. The puzzle-based gameplay requires the player to understand quite a number of concepts, but the manner and pace in which these are introduced is never frustrating.

As your skills developer – especially in terms of using the Portal gun – you'll be wishing that Valve didn't include the device in the original Half-Life 2, it's even more fun than messing around with the gravity gun.

A surprise is the the way that Portal, far from being a stand-alone game, fits into the Half-Life universe. The only disappointment is that Portal is so short, some concepts aren't used as much as you would hope and you're left wanting more. Thankfully we will be getting more.

Portal is a superb diversion in the HL2 universe and shows that Valve is still a factory for brilliant ideas and not just resting on a popular and established franchise.

Team Fortress 2

The bright, clear, cartoon-like graphics of Team Fortress 2 is bound to put a few players off. I can understand that. But that is a shame as TF2 is a really great team-based multiplayer shooter.

Everyone will find favourites from the nine classes on offer and each is beautifully introduced via tutorial videos. From medics, to spies, to engineers, there's plenty of learn and master to become a really good TF2 player. There may only be six maps, but they are gorgeously crafted and clearly tested to the nth degree.

Beginners are likely to stick with established offensive character classes, but once you've earned your wings do give more tricky classes such as engineer and pyro a go. The game always offers plenty of feedback to help you play, understand the tide of the battle and to work well with teammates without using voice communications.

Team Fortress 2 has been a heck of a long time coming, but the polished gameplay and neat ideas it is packed with once again demonstrate that Valve is a developer on a real roll.

The Orange Box

This package is really quite astonishing. You may baulk at paying again for HL2 and Episode One - but you can just give those to a friend. Half-Life 2: Episode Two is worth the price of admission alone and you'll have no doubts of that when embroiled in the thrilling final chapter of that episode.

Then there's Portal, a work of sheer genius that will have you laughing with surprise and delight as you become an expert wielder of the Portal gun. It really is that good.

And of course, once you're ready to play with friends there's Team Fortress 2, another game that clearly could be sold separately.

Some might say that Valve is crazy, putting all these gems in one box. But in doing so it has provided a clear statement of its place among the top ranks, offering value for money as well as truly superb gameplay.