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As is says on the back of the box,

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 3
Date: October 29, 2007
Author: Amazon User

And it really is! Think about it... despite the fact you'll be repurchasing Half-Life 2 and Episode 1, you're still getting 3 new gaming bits of content which if you null the price of the latter two, that's basically about 15 to 16 dollars a piece of each game... but if you consider all 5 of them at once, that's basically paying 4-5 bucks depending on where you're buying, and cheaper the longer it stays out and remains a constant hit on the market!

It really is a wonderful bundle of games and will keep your entertained for a good amount of time. I haven't played Half-Life in almost 10 years now and when Half-Life 2 came out in 2004, I was elated but delayed of enjoying it because of such a ridiculously mediocre computer at hand... and the constant fear that my hardware would be outdated the minute I got it. With the fear of obsoletion aside, I've finally managed and figured the best system of computer to buy, videocard that'll keep me happy and I was on my way from joy 3 years delayed.

Best of all, I get the main game, Episode 1 and 2 as well as the expanding, seemingly short-story game that comes along with it, Portal.

As a first time experience with Half-Life 2... it's one of those rare games that gives me hope back into the PC game scene with its invocative story, deep, engaging and suspenseful; I hadn't felt like this while playing a PC game since the original Half-Life... and I was amazed, shocked even, that Half-Life 2 wasn't just another game that came out in the span of the new century with pretty graphics and the cliche knack to involve "physics" into a game to make it seem more realistic and appealing... but truthfully, it has pushed the envelope and breaks my mentality and reason of what just a computer gaming can be, not just a game, but an experience! It's like watching a movie you get to control and if you allow yourself to become immersed into it, let it happen, because this game is really something you shouldn't let pass you by.

Portal on the other hand, has anyone seen the movie Cube? I'll bet everyone has at one point whether they know the movie or not... but Portal feels EXACTLY like how that movie does, except you're alone, can makeshift portals, yet the element of open-ended fear and suspense through survival is always about you. This honestly was the first time I'd been mentally engaged with a game having to strategize, time and figure out your actions that lead to successl which in this case for Portal, failure is not an option, just a humiliation of your intellect; or that was my take on it anyway. Wanna real challenge? Try playing Portal through in one sitting... I'll guarantee you won't be able to without your head spinning from volatile camera and perspective shifts and the fact you'll have to be critically thinking how you're going to solve the puzzles and challenges in this game. This game itself could have been a stand alone product by Valve, but considering it was included with this compilation, it was an exceptional addition and one hell of a game.

Lastly, there is the holy grail to this cove of treasures, and it's the Source-powered game Team Fortress 2. In this original founder and granddaddy of all character-set, team-based gameplay, it has revamped not to be victim of its own hype where all other games such as its own have come. There are no overbearing weapons, no substandard of alternative to result yourself to, there's only good wholesome fun with all the classes you can play as in this game all bearing some major mettle and worth of their own. The gameplay is awesome, it's actually an FPS that's fun to play and the only thing that ruins it, on a personal note, is the fact that your teammates just pretty much suck so if you ever join up in a game full of clanners, leave that server immediately as they more than likely have figured the game and its maps out, working their strategies out on their futile opponents and taking advantage of their disadvantage of those who are still trying to figure this game out... just stay away and join them much later when everyone gains a good amount of experience under their belt for this game-- it's just a turkeyshoot for the clanners really.

Personal comments aside of the gaming experience and for the whole package of this compilation-- it really is one of the best deals, if not THE best deal in videogame history.

It continues a legacy to one of the most provocative gaming franchises ever conceived...

Has a story deeper than any Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear Solid plotline could have (Sorry Snake... but a man who isn't succumbed to nanotechnology-biologics-enhancement and turning 70 years old faster than he grows own hair just doesn't seem to cut it... plus what's the deal with what the Gears in that new Metal Gear Solid sounding like cows and having long dancer legs? I just don't get it...).

Finally, an overall experience past being just a game.

[...]

FINAL THOUGHTS

You can be all about the multiplayer for everyone who considers themselves "gamers" and I'll be treading on minefield littered soil here when I say this, but as much as their are Halo fans, get over that hype... the story was extended just so they could create "a trilogy" and simply so for Microsoft to move on by saying they've accomplished a feat of FPS gaming for everyone to enjoy... innovations, some, because Halo was actually a good hit on the gaming scene but as far as storytelling, scope and feel, there are certainly other games that have came out before, even after it, and continue a legacy much deeper and rich of its creation, for those who honor and respect it beyond it's appeal as just being stated as, "just a game".

Great graphics, little freedom in action.

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 1 / 3
Date: March 20, 2008
Author: Amazon User

I am not a fan of either shooters or action games. Since the Half Life series are a hybrid of the two genres, I had not felt the urge to try them out until now.

The graphics is indeed impressive, and I can see why so many kids like this game. I personally, however, feel the constraints on movement artificial and the puzzles contrived. The game play reminds me of the rail shooters of old. This game is primarily for young boys.

Steam can't ruin this must-buy package

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 3
Date: January 21, 2008
Author: Amazon User

If you're considering buying this game, you've probably read a bunch of reviews. If not, all you need to know is that this game comes with 5 superb games bundled into one 50 dollar package. Nuff' said. In addition, you also get the unmentioned Peggle Extreme and Half Life 2: Lost Coast. They don't really add much to the package, but they're nice little extras.

I'll keep my positive comments about the games brief (everything has already been said in more professional reviews). Half Life 2 (as well as episodes 1 and 2 - which I have yet to play) is one of the best shooters I've ever played, and the physiscs are a blast to play with. Portal is the most fun I've ever had (and probably ever will have) with a puzzle game, even if it only takes 3 hours to beat. Team Fortress 2 is the most frenetic and enjoyable shooter I've ever played. Even if you're not a fan of the genre, the unique character classes coupled with the comic-book-like style make this game stand out.

As far as Steam goes, it's a double-edged blade. Many users (especially those without an internet connection) are upset about needing to install Steam in order for these games to be played. That is a very valid complaint, and one that can't just be written off. If you feel like playing a game, but Steam's servers are "too busy to handle your request," you're pretty much screwed.
But there are also some upsides to Steam: playing your games without inserting the discs (except to install them), commnunity features such as integrated friends list and Steam ID pages, the ability to buy/download games from the comfort of your own home, etc. In my opinion, the pros of Steam outweigh the cons, especially since the system is reliable the majority of the time.

For PC owners with a broadband internet connection, this is a must-buy. Don't let the negative reviews hold you back from experiencing this awesome package.

Haven't played yet, but important note!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 3
Date: January 11, 2008
Author: Amazon User

I haven't actually played the game yet (Portal, to be specific). But here's some important information.

I purchased The Orange Box as well as Half-Life 2 and Half-Life 2:Episode One, as I was under the impression I needed to buy all three. Nope!

If you buy The Orange Box you get these games:

Half-Life 2
Half-Life 2:Episode One
Half-Life 2:Episode Two
Half-Life 2:Lost Coast
Half-Life 2:Deathmatch
Portal
Peggle Extreme
Team Fortress 2
Half Life Deathmatch:Source

So while I'm out a little bit of money I didn't need to spend, hopefully this will help prevent anyone else making the same mistake.

Fist Impression's Aren't Not always right

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 3
Date: January 11, 2008
Author: Amazon User

Ok I got home installed it, and was ready to kill everyone that worked at valve by the time I finished Episode One, started episode two but the taste left in my mouth from one didn't allow me to make it past the first ant spider thing. So I thought I'd relax and play portal the puzzle thing. I start playing thinking this is fun not half life fun but fun, then I get to end and as I expect I'm going to be killed (sorry for the spoiler) All I can say is that is only the beginning. THIS is by far one of the best GAMES I have ever played, short and leaves you wanting more, more game time and more questions then you can throw a stick at, about half way though you figure out this is one of the most disturbing games but not sure way, OMG this game is so incredible. DID not see that coming and if you haven't started yet, and are dissatisfied with the rest of the package before you dust off the old 30 cal just take Portal for a test drive.

ALL I can is PLEASE Valve don't F@@k up portal the way you F@@ked up Half LifE!!!!!!

Quite the disappointment

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 1 / 7
Date: February 20, 2008
Author: Amazon User

After waiting for a very very long time for this edition of Team Fortress to finally release, I was excited to pay and download through "Steam". What a smack in the face that was. This was most likely the biggest waste of money. I almost cried from pure disappointment. The map layouts are almost exactly the same as TFC maps. It seems all that was done is the designers added a new layer of graphics over the old layout. After so much time being spent on this, I would have hoped for a better product.

Oh yeah, where are the grenades? How does a shooter game exist without having grenades?

TFC has TF2 beat by a long run. Purchase TFC (Half Life 1 Anthology) instead.

best deal

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 1
Date: March 31, 2008
Author: Amazon User

5 games in one.

EXCELLENT story in the HL2 and 2 add ons. Very cinematic and movielike. FUN FUN FUN

Orange Box Rox

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 1
Date: March 28, 2008
Author: Amazon User

This game is exactly as all the great reviews say. I don't have much to add, it's a great game.

Great chapter for HL2

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 1
Date: March 20, 2008
Author: Amazon User

Another great chapter in the HL2 saga. I bought this to get HL2 Episode 2. I gifted away the other games.

Still worth it for the sale price I paid.

Great Deal

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 1
Date: March 17, 2008
Author: Amazon User

Couldn't ask for a better PC game. Portal is short but extremely fun (3-8 hours). Episode two is more of the same from the half-life series, good graphics and even better game play. I highly recommend you pick this up if you have never played half life two yet, its one of the best 1st person shooters out there. Just make sure you have an internet connection for steam (online software validator).

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