Half-Life 2
Rise and shine, Mr. Freeman
Valve's Half-Life 2 redefined first-person storytelling with physics-based gameplay, facial animation, and the Source engine that powered a generation.
Overview
Half-Life 2 arrived six years after its predecessor and raised expectations across the board. The Source engine delivered unprecedented facial animation and physics simulation. The gravity gun made environmental interaction central to combat. City 17’s oppressive atmosphere told stories without cutscenes. Valve proved that single-player shooters could be art.
Fast facts
- Developer: Valve.
- Director: Gabe Newell (overall); various leads.
- Engine: Source (debut title).
- Setting: City 17, Eastern European dystopia.
- Physics: Havok integration; gravity gun gameplay.
- Episodes: Episode One (2006), Episode Two (2007).
Technical achievements
The Source engine showcase:
- Facial animation: characters emoted believably.
- Physics integration: objects behaved realistically.
- Gravity gun: physics as gameplay mechanic.
- Water effects: impressive for the era.
Environmental storytelling
Showing rather than telling:
- City 17: oppression visible in architecture.
- Combine presence: occupation felt through details.
- No cutaways: camera stays with Gordon.
- NPC relationships: Alyx became beloved through interaction.