the second i stepped on the train in the intro sequence, i knew this was half life 2. this is easily the best game i have ever played, and i think can only be surpassed by a half life 3. i've been waiting years for this to come, and it finally has- and every day was worth the wait.
Everything in the game is perfect. the surroundings, the gameplay, the pace, the enemies, placing of puzzles, enemies, ammo, boxes is extremely well thought out. the physics engine, which im sure everyone has heard about, is unsurpassed by any other game. the environment is so detailed and interactive that you can get a soda can from a machine, and throw it at the combine soldiers!
this is all good, but the best thing about the game is the engine. i'm playing on an athlon 900 with a geforce 4MX video card. this computer doesn't play any game out now thats decent- i can barely play vietcong- and i can play half life 2 and it still looks amazing!! hats off to valve.
this is just a quick rundown, but i can't reccommend a game any higher. go get it cowboy!