Is Half Life 2 overrated?

[Sulaco]

It was just like every other single player FPS. Boring with a few gimmicks.

Yes, I greatly prefer side strafing/bunny hopping/camping my way to "PWNING F*CKING N00BS" before being regaled with whatever taunts are big in the 7th grade at the moment.

 

[Moe Zart]

Man, not me. I find Fallout 1 & 2 to be unplayable

Yeah, for all the godlike praise these 2 games get, they're actually quite shallow. I've tried Fallout 1 on five different playthroughs, and I could never get past Junktown before getting bored out of my wits.

 

[shadow9d9]

Yes, I greatly prefer side strafing/bunny hopping/camping my way to "PWNING F*CKING N00BS" before being regaled with whatever taunts are big in the 7th grade at the moment.

I've tried to decipher this, but had no success. Throwing a bunch of cliches together into one incomprehensible slaughter of a sentence doesn't make an argument.

Strafing? If you don't strafe in single player, you will have trouble.

Try "bunny hopping" in BF4 and you will be absolutely annihilated. Huge penalty to aiming.

Camping? Can't capture enemy points or complete objectives while camping. This goes for both BF and TF2.

It looks as though you got crushed 10 years ago in a singular online multiplayer FPS and have been scared of it ever since.

 

[BudAshes]

"I hate things that are popular so half life 2 sucks." -hipster gamers.

I love this revisionist doom 3 history that this thread is bringing out. People reviled doom 3 at the time and I remember getting shit for even saying it was a decent game. Now its cool to say Doom 3 is better than half life 2 which is just stupid. Effing hipsters.

 

[Chaotic42]

"I hate things that are popular so half life 2 sucks." -hipster gamers.

I love this revisionist doom 3 history that this thread is bringing out. People reviled doom 3 at the time and I remember getting shit for even saying it was a decent game. Now its cool to say Doom 3 is better than half life 2 which is just stupid. Effing hipsters.

Once more than 10 people have heard of a game, it becomes unplayably lame.

 

[Veliko]

"I hate things that are popular so half life 2 sucks." -hipster gamers.

I love this revisionist doom 3 history that this thread is bringing out. People reviled doom 3 at the time and I remember getting shit for even saying it was a decent game. Now its cool to say Doom 3 is better than half life 2 which is just stupid. Effing hipsters.

Do you always get this upset when someone doesn't like your favourite computer game?

People need to accept that Half Life isn't some noble sacred cow that everyone should be worshipping.

 

[shadow9d9]

"I hate things that are popular so half life 2 sucks." -hipster gamers.

I love this revisionist doom 3 history that this thread is bringing out. People reviled doom 3 at the time and I remember getting shit for even saying it was a decent game. Now its cool to say Doom 3 is better than half life 2 which is just stupid. Effing hipsters.

Or it could just be that hype causes people to jump on a bandwagon. If anyone criticizes yours precious, they are autowrong just BECAUSE.

Single player FPSs have been boring crapfests since the beginning o time. Coop sliiightly alleviates the tedium, but multiplayer has always been the key. Even Duke Nukem 3d was amazing way back in the modem days. Tons of multiplayer fun on dialup.

Doom 3 was atrocious too.

 

[Sulaco]

I've tried to decipher this, but had no success. Throwing a bunch of cliches together into one incomprehensible slaughter of a sentence doesn't make an argument.

Strafing? If you don't strafe in single player, you will have trouble.

Try "bunny hopping" in BF4 and you will be absolutely annihilated. Huge penalty to aiming.

Camping? Can't capture enemy points or complete objectives while camping. This goes for both BF and TF2.

It looks as though you got crushed 10 years ago in a singular online multiplayer FPS and have been scared of it ever since.

Don't take it personally, I just thought your statement that "all single player fps are boring and just have a gimmick" was worth being shown for an opinion that can cut both ways. Those same generalizations can be flung onto multiplayer FPS; "They're spam fests", "They're ruled by 12 year olds with potty mouths", "TKers and griefers are everywhere" , etc.

My problem with Multiplayer FPS is that I'm now reliant on (usually) strangers to make my gaming time worthwhile. I don't like that, and don't generally have the time for it.
Sometimes you'll get lucky and have a great group and an amazing experience. Other times it's infested with teenagers, racists, and poor sports, and the experience suffers.
If you have a very limited time window in which to play games, and you need to maximize your "fun" potential, I dislike the "Russian roulette" style crap shoot of whether or not I'll have fun, or it'll be ruined by assholes.

 

[Stringjam]

Single player FPSs have been boring crapfests since the beginning o time.

This says everything about your preference in gameplay and nothing about the game.

People who aren't into single-player FPS shouldn't even be in this thread. I don't like MMOs, so I don't post in threads about them. It's none of my business to jump into the latest MMO thread and ridicule people who do.

It's conceivable to me that other gamers might have different tastes than me, and that (gasp) there isn't anything wrong with that.

 

[Topweasel]

This says everything about your preference in gameplay and nothing about the game.

People who aren't into single-player FPS shouldn't even be in this thread. I don't like MMOs, so I don't post in threads about them. It's none of my business to jump into the latest MMO thread and ridicule people who do.

It's conceivable to me that other gamers might have different tastes than me, and that (gasp) there isn't anything wrong with that.

This isn't the first time either. Check the discussions in the Hardline thread. Though most people seem to be treating that one as a MP game (and having a MP beta doesn't help it) because it's a BF game. But either way I am not a big fan of demeaning people and their preferred forms of entertainment just because it might not be what I enjoy. Oddly enough it's those same people who get overly defensive when their niche is called into question.

 

[BudAshes]

Do you always get this upset when someone doesn't like your favourite computer game?

People need to accept that Half Life isn't some noble sacred cow that everyone should be worshipping.

I don't have an issue with your taste, I have an issue with revising the past due to your hipster ideals.

 

[shadow9d9]

Don't take it personally, I just thought your statement that "all single player fps are boring and just have a gimmick" was worth being shown for an opinion that can cut both ways. Those same generalizations can be flung onto multiplayer FPS; "They're spam fests", "They're ruled by 12 year olds with potty mouths", "TKers and griefers are everywhere" , etc.

My problem with Multiplayer FPS is that I'm now reliant on (usually) strangers to make my gaming time worthwhile. I don't like that, and don't generally have the time for it.
Sometimes you'll get lucky and have a great group and an amazing experience. Other times it's infested with teenagers, racists, and poor sports, and the experience suffers.
If you have a very limited time window in which to play games, and you need to maximize your "fun" potential, I dislike the "Russian roulette" style crap shoot of whether or not I'll have fun, or it'll be ruined by assholes.

Unfortunately, it doesn't cut both ways.

"Sometimes you'll get lucky and have a great group and an amazing experience. Other times it's infested with teenagers, racists, and poor sports, and the experience suffers."- This is demonstrably not true. Every single time I play, I communicate via voip, and others work together with me. I have not encountered a SINGLE racist in my squads in over 300 hours of BF4, for example.

Single player FPSs on the other hand, are always pedestrian experiences. played one and you've played them all. unlike other genres, which can have fantastic single player experiences, FPS games are pretty much all the same.

"I dislike the "Russian roulette" style crap shoot of whether or not I'll have fun, or it'll be ruined by assholes" - Find some servers with settings that you like. If it is a game like CS or TF2, pick a server with good admins, or become active enough with a group that you can become an admin. For a game like BF4, look for squads with decent players and be active and use VOIP to coordinate things. It is as simple as that. Play PC and avoid consoles if you want quality people. Also, pick teamwork oriented games and avoid deathmatch style or games without BUILT IN voip(so everyone can participate).

 

[shadow9d9]

This says everything about your preference in gameplay and nothing about the game.

People who aren't into single-player FPS shouldn't even be in this thread. I don't like MMOs, so I don't post in threads about them. It's none of my business to jump into the latest MMO thread and ridicule people who do.

It's conceivable to me that other gamers might have different tastes than me, and that (gasp) there isn't anything wrong with that.

Of course it is preference in gameplay. This is opinion based and that is what is being discussed here.

If you want to avoid other peoples' opinions, don't read online forums.

I attempted to play HL2 single player many years ago, and it was absolutely nothing special. This was the question raised in the OP. It is very much on topic.

 

[shadow9d9]

This isn't the first time either. Check the discussions in the Hardline thread. Though most people seem to be treating that one as a MP game (and having a MP beta doesn't help it) because it's a BF game. But either way I am not a big fan of demeaning people and their preferred forms of entertainment just because it might not be what I enjoy. Oddly enough it's those same people who get overly defensive when their niche is called into question.

"demeaning people"

It is only demeaning if you choose to feel demeaned. Time to get harder skin if you feel demeaned by how others view video games that you like. That or avoid forums.

 

[Topweasel]

"demeaning people"

It is only demeaning if you choose to feel demeaned. Time to get harder skin if you feel demeaned by how others view video games that you like. That or avoid forums.

It's not about having thicker skin or not. Whether I or anyone would take actual offense to what you said or not doesn't matter. It is just easy to seem worked up about something when just basically what was a side comment, on a forum. The fact is you did comment on the type of people and their culture or exposure in a negative light while attempting to strengthen your point of view on your preference. That was meant to be demeaning at some level, maybe you thought of it as a jovial elbow nudge to the stomach. But it was an attempt demean or belittle someone for playing a game-style you don't enjoy. It doesn't take me or anyone else to feel demeaned for your post to be demeaning.

 

[Veliko]

I don't have an issue with your taste, I have an issue with revising the past due to your hipster ideals.

Sorry, what? Is this supposed to mean something?

Who is being a hipster?

 

[shadow9d9]

It's not about having thicker skin or not. Whether I or anyone would take actual offense to what you said or not doesn't matter. It is just easy to seem worked up about something when just basically what was a side comment, on a forum. The fact is you did comment on the type of people and their culture or exposure in a negative light while attempting to strengthen your point of view on your preference. That was meant to be demeaning at some level, maybe you thought of it as a jovial elbow nudge to the stomach. But it was an attempt demean or belittle someone for playing a game-style you don't enjoy. It doesn't take me or anyone else to feel demeaned for your post to be demeaning.

I really have no idea what you are going on about. If you seek to be offended, then you will find what you are looking for.

 

[Rhezuss]

Best FPS i've played. Atmospheric, story is cool, gameplay tight, lots of action.

The other shooter I really enjoyed for it's story was Singularity.

 

[werepossum]

Yeah, for all the godlike praise these 2 games get, they're actually quite shallow. I've tried Fallout 1 on five different playthroughs, and I could never get past Junktown before getting bored out of my wits.

Glad it's not just me - as I was beginning to think it was. lol

This says everything about your preference in gameplay and nothing about the game.

People who aren't into single-player FPS shouldn't even be in this thread. I don't like MMOs, so I don't post in threads about them. It's none of my business to jump into the latest MMO thread and ridicule people who do.

It's conceivable to me that other gamers might have different tastes than me, and that (gasp) there isn't anything wrong with that.

lol +1

Best FPS i've played. Atmospheric, story is cool, gameplay tight, lots of action.

The other shooter I really enjoyed for it's story was Singularity.

I'll have to try that. I'm always looking for another good, cheap shooter to sit in my Steam library in the hopes of one day playing it.

Although oddly, I'm currently having a blast with Counterstrike: Global Offensive (bots - I'm old and slow) which has zero story. Go figure.

 

[Sulaco]

Unfortunately, it doesn't cut both ways.

"Sometimes you'll get lucky and have a great group and an amazing experience. Other times it's infested with teenagers, racists, and poor sports, and the experience suffers."- This is demonstrably not true. Every single time I play, I communicate via voip, and others work together with me. I have not encountered a SINGLE racist in my squads in over 300 hours of BF4, for example.

Single player FPSs on the other hand, are always pedestrian experiences. played one and you've played them all. unlike other genres, which can have fantastic single player experiences, FPS games are pretty much all the same.

"I dislike the "Russian roulette" style crap shoot of whether or not I'll have fun, or it'll be ruined by assholes" - Find some servers with settings that you like. If it is a game like CS or TF2, pick a server with good admins, or become active enough with a group that you can become an admin. For a game like BF4, look for squads with decent players and be active and use VOIP to coordinate things. It is as simple as that. Play PC and avoid consoles if you want quality people. Also, pick teamwork oriented games and avoid deathmatch style or games without BUILT IN voip(so everyone can participate).

So your anecdotes can beat up my anecdotes?

You're being silly, defensive and pedantic. Because you claim not to have experienced these rampant issues, or have the free time available to coordinate with groups of trusted people, in no way whatsoever invalidates any of my experiences or assertions.
I have around a thousand combined hours between Left 4 Dead and L4D 2. Hundreds in Arma, DayZ, Battlefield, Bad Company, and around half a dozen others going back to the MSN Gaming Zone days on dial-up.
I've been around the block.

You simply cannot refute the fact that in MP your fun is still largely dependent on other people making the experience worthwhile, and if you're someone who doesn't have hours on end to devote to finding the right group every night, sorry, it's still a crap shoot. I can't TELL you the number if times in L4D, an older CO-OP game, it has been ruined by a TKer suddenly turning and gunning everyone down inches from the safe room door. Or "nerd generals" incessantly trying to order everyone around, and then getting audibly upset when things don't go their way or someone doesn't follow orders.
And don't even get me started on DayZ.

Sorry, my time is more valuable than that. If I can prearrange a game with steam friends, sure, more than likely we'll have a blast.
But your asinine assertion that these things just don't happen is only trumped by your saying that all single player FPS are the same.

If that's your preference, fine, more power to you, but bombastically attacking anyone who points out experiences that contradict you aren't winning you any arguments.

 

[shadow9d9]

So your anecdotes can beat up my anecdotes?

You're being silly, defensive and pedantic. Because you claim not to have experienced these rampant issues, or have the free time available to coordinate with groups of trusted people, in no way whatsoever invalidates any of my experiences or assertions.
I have around a thousand combined hours between Left 4 Dead and L4D 2. Hundreds in Arma, DayZ, Battlefield, Bad Company, and around half a dozen others going back to the MSN Gaming Zone days on dial-up.
I've been around the block.

You simply cannot refute the fact that in MP your fun is still largely dependent on other people making the experience worthwhile, and if you're someone who doesn't have hours on end to devote to finding the right group every night, sorry, it's still a crap shoot. I can't TELL you the number if times in L4D, an older CO-OP game, it has been ruined by a TKer suddenly turning and gunning everyone down inches from the safe room door. Or "nerd generals" incessantly trying to order everyone around, and then getting audibly upset when things don't go their way or someone doesn't follow orders.
And don't even get me started on DayZ.

Sorry, my time is more valuable than that. If I can prearrange a game with steam friends, sure, more than likely we'll have a blast.
But your asinine assertion that these things just don't happen is only trumped by your saying that all single player FPS are the same.

If that's your preference, fine, more power to you, but bombastically attacking anyone who points out experiences that contradict you aren't winning you any arguments.

1. Name calling is only name calling.

2. It isn't an anecdote. It is 1000s of hours of 99.999999% the opposite of what you are claiming.

3. "have the free time available to coordinate with groups of trusted people"- Did you read my posts? I go into BF4, go into a squad where their ratios aren't 1/20, and then talk as needed. People often start talking back, but at the very least, they listen when you tell them that they are being shot from the left, behind a rock.

4. "Arma, DayZ, Battlefield, Bad Company" Also, you mentioned LFd1 and 2. Since Bad Company is battlefield, I will group it together. I also assume that you are talking about PC only, since otherwise it would mean that you really didn't read my post at all.

a. I am not familiar with Arma enough to comment.

b. Dayz is a chaotic game with no built in voip. This already breaks two of my rules of finding competent and reasonable people. Pick a team based game with voip built in. Not a game built around paranoia and backstabbing, which is what Dayz is about.

c. BF- Explained above. Are you playing pc, using your voip in squads in game?

d. LFD is a coop single player game. It'll be hit or miss because of this.

5. "if you're someone who doesn't have hours on end to devote to finding the right group every night"- Finding a decent server with setting you like should only take about 5-10 minutes and you then favorite it if you like it. This only has to be done one time. I have a grand total of 5 BF4 servers that I frequent. Then, all you do is pick a squad with players that aren't .00001k/d ratio and start talking as needed. Ta da! Your whole premise is flawed here.

6. As for being dependent on people, yes and no. For TF2, yes, it can be. However, if you have a list of 5-6 good servers with admins, it pretty much eliminates any problems. Then, take the initiative and use the built in VOIP to communicate. "I am getting the flag right now, coming back on the bridge as we speak." "I have ubercharge.. need a demo. Get ready.. 3. 2. 1... GO!" Etc. Use some initiative and magically people will start working together. Just requires one to have a personality.

7. Again, Dayz is BASED on the idea of backstabbing and every man for themselves. Tenuous alliances at best and no in game voip. So, what in the WORLD are you talking about, bringing it up for THIS discussion!?

8. My BF4 ID is uadarthmaul. You are welcome to add me and play together. I could show you how easy it is : ).

 

[Topweasel]

I really have no idea what you are going on about. If you seek to be offended, then you will find what you are looking for.

I am not offended. Because I know where it is coming from. I am not even perturbed and in the previous thread was only hoping to open your eyes.

But it's not hard to see your attempts to either belittle their expierence

I marginalized the story because the stories in videogames are 99/9% absolute garbage. The worst tv shows out there have better stories than some of the best videogame "stories" imo. This even includes the adventure genre.

You actually admitting that you were in fact marginalizing their experience. Based on your opinion.

Then there is this gem also in-regards to people enjoy SP FPS games.

. I think people just have no clue what a good story is, and haven't read a good book or seen a good tv show, etc.

Again people don't have to take offense to it. It doesn't have to super sharp or really mean spirited for someone to see for what it is. It is a demeaning comment about the type of people in your mind that would play an FPS SP game.

 

[shadow9d9]

I am not offended. Because I know where it is coming from. I am not even perturbed and in the previous thread was only hoping to open your eyes.

But it's not hard to see your attempts to either belittle their expierence

You actually admitting that you were in fact marginalizing their experience. Based on your opinion.

Then there is this gem also in-regards to people enjoy SP FPS games.



Again people don't have to take offense to it. It doesn't have to super sharp or really mean spirited for someone to see for what it is. It is a demeaning comment about the type of people in your mind that would play an FPS SP game.

You are entitled to your opinion. I stand by what I said. It is how I feel about the genre and for good reason.

 

[Topweasel]

You are entitled to your opinion. I stand by what I said. It is how I feel about the genre and for good reason.

In your opinion for good reason. But if you really stand by it then don't back pedal or try to push it off as a sensitivity thing. It was meant to be demeaning just own up to it. You don't care for SP FPS games and the people who would play them.

Which makes me wonder why you would come into a SP FPS thread, even if it was about whether it was as good as people remembered? You already have decided that it was crap like the other 99% of SP FPS's, it's a type of game you detest in the first place. Does that kind of invalidate your opinion on the matter?

 

[shadow9d9]

In your opinion for good reason. But if you really stand by it then don't back pedal or try to push it off as a sensitivity thing. It was meant to be demeaning just own up to it. You don't care for SP FPS games and the people who would play them.

Which makes me wonder why you would come into a SP FPS thread, even if it was about whether it was as good as people remembered? You already have decided that it was crap like the other 99% of SP FPS's, it's a type of game you detest in the first place. Does that kind of invalidate your opinion on the matter?

You want me to "own up" to your opinion. Hilarious.

I came into this thread because it asked a question that I could answer. I did. Time to stop crying about it.

No one cares what your assumptions are. They are strawmen. They lead you to the conclusion that you already decided. Your made up concoctions cannot be used as factual evidence. Your made up thoughts definitely, in no way whatsoever, invalidate my opinion.