The Orange Box contains some of the highest quality FPS action available.
I haven't played team fortress or Portal enough to give an accurate review, so I'm going to break down HL2 and Episode 1 and 2 into separate mini-reviews in order to simplify things.
- Half Life 2 -
What can I say? Its Half Life 2. A port of the highest rated PC game of all time and a superb FPS all around.
Plot- Engaging. This game has a good story set in a believable world portrayed by endearing characters, and gives a sense of purpose to the action. The atmosphere contributes to the plot and Interaction with NPCs adds life to the setting, making the impossible situations feel even more real. Overall , the plot drives the game forward realistically, never becoming too far fetched, and will keep you interested up to the games final moments.
Presentation- Great graphics. No texture popping, realistic character animation, great physics, as well as beautiful scenery and locales. In short, what you would expect from a Half Life game.This game has wonderful voice acting that really brings the characters to life, satisfying weapon sounds, and atmospheric ambient noise. From the chatter of Combine soldiers to the shriek of a flaming zombie, Half Life 2 has superbly detailed audio. You will soon learn to dread the call of a headcrab right before it strikes!
Gameplay- Classic Half Life. You run, shoot, problem solve, strategize, drive vehicles etc... The action is well paced, and evenly spreads out the different locations you will travel through (I may complain though that the ant lion segments grew a little wearisome). Half life 2 has satisfying combat with GREAT controls and a good variety of weapons. The puzzle sequences are fun, but never detract from the action or slow things down too much. My only complaint is that the travel sequences, while well executed, get a little old after some time, and that even though the locales are evenly spaced, some locations are used a little too long for my liking.
Verdict- Level design complaints aside, Half Life 2 is a great FPS and a worthy addition to any game connoisseur's collection.
I give it a 9.3
- Half Life 2; Episode 1 and 2 -
The Short Of It- The Half Life 2 Episodes are more of the same Half Life formula we all love. This isn't to say they aren't without their own flair however. Both games have great moments. They are fast paced, have great variety, gripping plot, memorable characters, and intense action, but Episode one lacks a little in variety. I actually enjoyed Episode 2 more than HL2 itself.
Plot- Together, the episodes have a terrific plot that carries through both games, making you genuinely interested in what happens next. This adds a whole new level of fun, and makes you actually care what happens to the characters.
Presentation- Pretty much the exact same as HL2. Good all around, great physics and some new environments. It has great weapon and environmental audio, as well as menacing sounds for new enemies.
Gameplay- Same controls and action as HL2, with the addition of terrific new enemies and some truly epic battle sequences, particularly in Episode 2.
Conclusion- As a whole, I would say these two games are even better than HL2. They have better variety, better battles, and better plot imho, and are great FPSs
Ep 1- 9.0
Ep 2- 9.4