A truly cinematic experience. On par with the original and the advances it made at the time.
Episode 2 combines all that was great and adds more emotion than I've ever experienced in a game. Like a great movie, or even a series of books where you really get to know the characters, this game propels you further into the story of Gordon, Eli, Alyx, etc., than any before it.
The graphics, though not absolute state of the art, still have a quality about them that always makes them feel fresh. Sound effects top-notch as always.
But it's the story. If the graphics didn't improve one iota, I'd still be waiting anxiously for Episode 3.
Yes, it was short, but it was worth every penny.