Speaking of which, crawling through the duct space this week: The game of gravity guns and physics fun that is Half-Life 2.
Released on November 16th, 2004, Half-Life 2 is applauded by many as the "Game of the Decade" upon its debut. Developed alongside Valve's new Steam software and Source engine of the time, the game displayed incredible graphics, animation, and an impressive physics system that ended up being a core feature in the game's many puzzles and firefight moments. The game centers around silent protagonist, Gordon Freeman, who awakens on a train car pulling into an unfamiliar city under the control of a ruthless police state known at the Combine. As Gordon pushes forward, he finds himself thrust into an underground war between Black Mesa scientists, the Combine, and your favorite zombie head-crab aliens. While a fairly linear adventure, there is a certain amount of freedom to be enjoyed still, venturing off the beaten path and finding completely optional areas, such as abandoned homes or hidden camps. And players are often rewarded for these efforts with extra supplies and memorable encounters, be it with NPC's, enemies, or clever little Easter Eggs, such as the often reappearing and mysterious G-Man or Lambda symbol.
