2 thumbs up for HL2 Episode 1

[Polish3d]

Looks like they DID improve the graphics afterall. The textures and such are slightly improved on some things, mainly adding that shiny effect, but they've also added HDR, motion blur (awesome!!!) and depth of field along with perhaps more ... it really gives a cinematic effect to the whole game, and the style is much more HL1 type fun. Better than HL2 IMO, wish it were longer, I think its about 4-5 hours of gameplay but for 17 (now 20) bucks, it's worth it IMO. Both depth of field and motion blur I hope quickly make it into other games. Excellent cinematic quality thanks to these two

 

[Maximilian]

Do you buy this in the store? Or is it a steam only thing? It sounds pretty sweet.

 

[Gautama]

Steam only i believe

 

[thilanliyan]

THey said retail eventually.

 

[Gravity]

I have about 3 hours in the game right now. I'm a bit sea sick.....I'm running the 7900GT with the HDR and the effects are quite impressive. Gameplay is pretty good but tough. I hate the dinky flashlight gordon has....but overall, happy with my steam purchase.

Gravity

 

[5150Joker]

Cool gonna pick this up today.

 

[the Chase]

Wow - that's high praise coming from you Frackal- if you say it looks good- it looks GOOD. Might have to give it a shot.... And thanks!

 

[Greenman]

What are the two multiplayer games that come with it?

 

[Golgatha]

Originally posted by: Greenman
What are the two multiplayer games that come with it?

HL2 Deathmatch and HL Deathmatch: Source

The gameplay is excellent.

 

[Noema]

:thumbsup: I really like it as well.

Though I'm feeling a bit of motion sickness as well. That had NEVER happened with a FPS before to me, and I've played pretty much every major one since the good 'ole Wolfstein 3D.

Must be the fast-paced gameplay+HDR+the blurr effect.

 

[Polish3d]

I'll try to get some screens up. They definitely did a better job with this one IMO than HL2 itself in terms of enjoyment of gameplay.

 

[1Dark1Sharigan1]

Been playing for a while and I agree it's better than HL2 original. HDR+tone mapping definitely creates a more immersive experience. But I didn't notice any motion blur or depth of field effects that everyone has been talking about. Am I missing something?

 

[JBT]

Agreed it is good. I have only played about an hours worth so far but its been great to that point.

 

[Avalon]

I've played about an hour's worth, and I'm liking it as well. Seems as good if not better than the original. I only wish it was longer, like how Opposing Force was to HL1 (best expansion EVAR).

 

[Polish3d]

Originally posted by: 1Dark1Sharigan1
Been playing for a while and I agree it's better than HL2 original. HDR+tone mapping definitely creates a more immersive experience. But I didn't notice any motion blur or depth of field effects that everyone has been talking about. Am I missing something?

The motion blur is subtle, but definitely there and really gives it that smooth cinematic feel. The depth of field I THINK is in there, but cannot be 100% sure because I'm not even sure what to look for besides a subtle effect of what I expect it to be, hard to describe. I think it's there though

 

[1Dark1Sharigan1]

Originally posted by: Frackal
The motion blur is subtle, but definitely there and really gives it that smooth cinematic feel. The depth of field I THINK is in there, but cannot be 100% sure because I'm not even sure what to look for besides a subtle effect of what I expect it to be, hard to describe. I think it's there though

Went back and seems there's very, very SUBTLE blurring, but I was expecting Garry's-mod kind of motion blur so that's why I didn't really notice. Also the depth of field doesn't seem to be there at all as when I focus on a character up close the background doesn't blur at all.

 

[Kromis]

http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=646446

Retail is out already.

 

[fliguy84]

I picked up my reseved copy at the local EB Games today. Been playing through it for about 3 hours now. I've noticed the graphical face lift and now since Alyx is by your side most of the time, it adds more to the gameplay realism

 

[Polish3d]

Originally posted by: 1Dark1Sharigan1

Originally posted by: Frackal
The motion blur is subtle, but definitely there and really gives it that smooth cinematic feel. The depth of field I THINK is in there, but cannot be 100% sure because I'm not even sure what to look for besides a subtle effect of what I expect it to be, hard to describe. I think it's there though

Went back and seems there's very, very SUBTLE blurring, but I was expecting Garry's-mod kind of motion blur so that's why I didn't really notice. Also the depth of field doesn't seem to be there at all as when I focus on a character up close the background doesn't blur at all.

Oh ok, you're right on depth of field then. I thought it was something else

 

[bunnyfubbles]

Originally posted by: Avalon
I've played about an hour's worth, and I'm liking it as well. Seems as good if not better than the original. I only wish it was longer, like how Opposing Force was to HL1 (best expansion EVAR).

Yeah, the HL1 expansions were pretty solid, I'm not so excited about these HL2 "episodes", they reek too much of money grubbing...

 

[JBT]

Just finished it. Probably took 3.5 to 4 hours to finish. EP2 looks like its going to be even better. That kind of landscape is more of my kind of thing.

 

[Jase03]

HL2 is a great game.....but Episode 1, I wasn't impressed. Sure the graphic are bad to the bone. Overall I felt the game was way too short, and too much dark areas where you had to use your flash light. As long as it took to be released I expected more! They used a bunch of the same areas/mapping. So not a lot when into it, just the next chapter of the story. Kind of like the new SIN series. I guess the new way of games are one story w/10-12 game Episodes...great for story lines, little hard on the wallet. Paying 20 bucks for each episode not sure about that???

HL2 (the 1st one) I too could only play for an 1/2- 1 hour, before I started getting motion sickness. When that happens you know the game is GOOD!

 

[Noema]

This game is one of the best designed interactive enterteinement experiences I've ever played. It oozes polish, there's no fluff, no filler. Who cares if it's 4 hours long, when those 4 hours play like they play in Ep1. I can't wait for part 2.

 

[Gautama]

Pics!

 

[Gravity]

Originally posted by: Jase03
HL2 is a great game.....but Episode 1, I wasn't impressed. Sure the graphic are bad to the bone. Overall I felt the game was way too short, and too much dark areas where you had to use your flash light. As long as it took to be released I expected more! They used a bunch of the same areas/mapping. So not a lot when into it, just the next chapter of the story. Kind of like the new SIN series. I guess the new way of games are one story w/10-12 game Episodes...great for story lines, little hard on the wallet. Paying 20 bucks for each episode not sure about that???

HL2 (the 1st one) I too could only play for an 1/2- 1 hour, before I started getting motion sickness. When that happens you know the game is GOOD!

I'm glad someone else mentioned the motion sickness. I was sick like a freakin dog after 3 hours....had to lay down.....good game!!