The highly anticipated release of Half-Life 2, a first-person shooter video game developed by Valve Corporation, was a major event in the gaming industry. Initially announced in 2003, the game's release was delayed several times due to issues with the game's engine, Source, and the theft of the game's source code. After a prolonged development period, Half-Life 2 was finally released on November 16, 2004, for Microsoft Windows. The game received widespread critical acclaim for its engaging storyline, immersive gameplay, and advanced graphics.
The release of Half-Life 2 was a significant milestone for Valve Corporation, as it marked the company's transition from a small, independent game developer to a major player in the gaming industry. The game's success was fueled by its innovative gameplay mechanics, including the use of physics-based puzzles and the introduction of the "zero-point energy manipulator," also known as the "gravity gun." The game's storyline, which continues the story of theoretical physicist Gordon Freeman, was also widely praised for its complexity and depth.
Key Points
- Half-Life 2 was released on November 16, 2004, for Microsoft Windows.
- The game was developed by Valve Corporation using the Source game engine.
- Half-Life 2 received widespread critical acclaim for its engaging storyline, immersive gameplay, and advanced graphics.
- The game's release was delayed several times due to issues with the game's engine and the theft of the game's source code.
- Half-Life 2 is considered one of the most influential and successful video games of all time, with over 12 million copies sold worldwide.
Gameplay and Features
Half-Life 2 introduces several new gameplay mechanics, including the use of physics-based puzzles and the introduction of the “zero-point energy manipulator,” also known as the “gravity gun.” The game also features a variety of vehicles, including a hovercraft and a muscle car, which can be used to navigate the game’s environments. The game’s artificial intelligence (AI) system is also highly advanced, allowing for more realistic and challenging enemy encounters.
Storyline and Characters
The storyline of Half-Life 2 continues the story of theoretical physicist Gordon Freeman, who is awakened by the G-Man, a mysterious figure who seems to have control over Freeman’s actions. The game takes place in a dystopian future, where Earth has been occupied by an alien force known as the Combine. Freeman must navigate the game’s environments, completing tasks and fighting against the Combine forces to uncover the truth about the occupation and the fate of humanity.
| Game Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Game Engine | Source game engine |
| Platforms | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Xbox, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 |
| Release Date | November 16, 2004 |
| Developer | Valve Corporation |
| Publisher | Valve Corporation, Electronic Arts |
Impact and Legacy
Half-Life 2 has had a significant impact on the gaming industry, influencing the development of first-person shooter games and the use of physics-based puzzles. The game’s advanced graphics and immersive gameplay also set a new standard for game development, raising the bar for future games. The game’s storyline and characters have also been widely praised, with the game’s protagonist, Gordon Freeman, becoming an iconic figure in the gaming industry.
The game's success has also led to the creation of several sequels and expansions, including Half-Life 2: Episode One and Half-Life 2: Episode Two. The game's modding community has also been active, with several user-created mods and maps available for download. The game's influence can also be seen in other games, such as Portal and Counter-Strike, which have also been developed by Valve Corporation.
What is the release date of Half-Life 2?
+Half-Life 2 was released on November 16, 2004, for Microsoft Windows.
What is the game engine used in Half-Life 2?
+The game engine used in Half-Life 2 is the Source game engine.
What are the system requirements for Half-Life 2?
+The system requirements for Half-Life 2 include a 1.7 GHz processor, 512 MB of RAM, and a DirectX 9.0c-compatible graphics card.
In conclusion, the release of Half-Life 2 was a significant event in the gaming industry, marking a major milestone in the development of first-person shooter games. The game’s engaging storyline, immersive gameplay, and advanced graphics set a new standard for game development, influencing the creation of future games. The game’s legacy can still be seen today, with its influence evident in other games and its continued popularity among gamers.
