A reason to consider games a form of art. The most emotionally intense experience for a long time. *SPOILERS*
The second chapter of the Half-Life 2 trilogy is an astonishing achievement, from a company well-known for its quality, Valve.
It's not the graphics, which are out-dated nowadays.
It's not the sound, which is excellent.
It's not the music, which is, as always, atmospheric.
It's about the atmosphere of the game. Its ability to immerse you in a world full of action, mystery and, eventually, emotions. Especially the two last characteristics are very hard to come by in the FPS genre.
You find yourself smiling when Alyx gets shy because of her father's crafty comments.
You are nervous to find out if the missile will be launched, or the Combine will destroy it.
You get sad watching Alyx cry over Eli's dead body.
You can't wait until the third episode, and the feelings that will come with it...
Certainly, there is no usual game that creates these feelings.
Congratulations to Valve. You rock guys!