Overall: I have never played Half-Life on the PC and was awaiting its arrival on the console. I was not disappointed, this game is amazing. I highly recommend this game. Gameplay: The controls are laid out very similar to Halo 2. Almost all of the items in Half-Life 2 are interactive which brings a lot to this great game. Graphics: This is one if the best looking Xbox games ever, the visuals are amazing. The player models are very well done and the environments are pretty big. Sound: The voice overs in Half-Life 2 are done very well, the weapon sounds are very realistic as well.
Overall: The "thinkg man's shooter" comes to Xbox. While those who played this title on PC may be let down with some of the graphics, everything else is the same. A great sense of environment, cool weapons, varied enemies and the crappy ending. But just like watching your favorite movie again and knwoing what't going to happen, it's still way worth the trip, even if it may be a little short with no multiplayer. Gameplay: Simple, responsive controls, engrossing story, plus some answers (and more questions) to the Half-Life mythos. Really cool weapons and great phyiscs really make you want to replay it to see how you could do things differently or better. Only drawback would be the frequent, albeit short, load screens. Graphics: The best looking fps on the xbox, while some may contest why this one wasn't released on the 360, it's still great looking and fun. While not the best looking game on the Xbox itself, the little things in cityscapes, character and enemy models are still great too. Plus some of the weapon effects are way cool to see. Sound: The background music is forgetable at best usually, although can set the mood of frantic, creepy or tragic. Once again many of the original sound/weapon effects from the first game (spin-offs included) make it the Half-Life universe and make it believeable. Voice acting done well also, often conveying much emotion. Suggestions: I believe there may be an expansion for this one on PC. So instead of doing the "Doom 3" thing and adding the expansion onto the original with a reduced price tag...add it to the original but bring it to the 360, perhaps with some exclusive content. I think the main reason this one didn't get much press on it's release was due to the 360 launch. 1) You get to take advantage of the powerhorse 360 for the graphics, AI, etc. 2) Get a sure to sell big-name FPS title in early on the 360. Other than that, great job again Valve, from start to finish.