Half Life 2: Episode 2 Review

HL2 : Episode 2

Though it came out yesterday, I have just got a hold of the game; its really something; heres my minor review on it:

Graphics - 9/10

The updated version of the source engine; you can tap that, the graphics are superbly well done, HDR still holds its umph, I could not find visual bugs or glitches; though the graphics are not super-top end (i.e. Bioshock), but its still something.

Gameplay - 8/10

Though I am getting tired of the gravity gun, I still love it. One thing I love of the HL series, is that they keep what works, and add more. Though sometimes the game can get a little bit tedious, it is definitely a fine example of an episodic game.

Controls/Sounds - 10/10

Keeping to the WASD form (as any FPS would do)the game plays fine, though the learning curve is a little bit tough for beginners. The game uses the same sounds from HL2, but adds a bit more, everything is well blended; and immerses you in the gameplay.

Average Score: 9/10

New Creative Alchemy patch

Creative Alchemy helps emulate software sound which is lost due to Vista dumping a lot of the main components to run the enhancer, check it out, you must have a Creative Audigy, or Xi-Fi product:

http://connect.creativelabs.com/alchemy/default.aspx

Mac Malware? Mac Gaming?

Macs and Malware:

The Mac has certainly took a nose dive in video games that are compatible with the OS X, so bad in fact that Apple has just said, "Screw it, XP is better", and wham-o here comes boot camp. Boot camp is so successful amongst the noob Mac users that majority of non-techno impaired persons actually use XP over OS X.

My deal with this is; why spend your 1.4k on a Mac thats far inferior to a PC? It used to be because of no malware; but if you read the Mac Magazines for the past few months you will see the emergence of Mac malware and viruses; take that Apple.

Its about time the Mac-o-philes learn that everything is effected by malware and viruses, even linux. What does this have to do with gaming? Well, not much, but its about time, they will get hit hard; and since many Mac users are techno-weenies, it will be a sad sight. Well, at least they switched to XP :)

Macs and Gaming:

To you Mac-o-philes, PHOTOSHOP ISN'T A GAME, photoshop actually runs better on a PC hardware machine. Besides this, there are really no games and no topic on games for the Mac, you get a few good games that run better on a PC equipped machine, you will never be able to run Vista with DX10, because you won't be able to get DX10 cards. which basically means; for that 1.4-2.5k you spend on a Mac, sure you get current generation security for your ported games, but in the long run; your screwed.

Now to the die-hard, Mac-o-philes; theres really nothing I can do to change your mind, but keep this in your head, your Mac, isn't a Mac anymore; its a PC.