Half-Life 2

[Rinnhart]

The FPS is one of my least-favorite genres - I'm still waiting for a realistic "person simulator" that doesn't feel like a hovercraft with a gun arm sticking out the front of it.  The ideal system would be 1st/3rd person toggled, with a useful targeting reticule for 3rd person that would require mouse manipulation to keep it fair.  Head bob, stride effect on sniping, momentum, etc. would be crucial.  I just think it's really silly to have realistic physics when your character can run backward at 30 mph with perfect glide and zero fatigue.  The tactical challenges caused by being a "real" person, seeking covering, and dying in 1-2 hits would be frustrating at first but also deep and fascinating.  Instant medkits are ridiculous as well.

All that being said, I am extremely impressed with this game.  It is my favorite FPS since Doom II.  The atmosphere is top-notch, and the revolutionary play opportunities unveiled by the use of the gravity gun give me a lot of hope for the future.  Of the "mega 3" (Doom 3, Halo 2, HL2), this is the only one I feel not only met the fans' expectations, but blew the doors off.  If only the ending wasn't so shoddy and the premise so unrealistic that it takes you out of the game - it's nearly perfect.  Kudos.
:o
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If I wanted to play a game that required me to overcome ALL the weaknesses of being human I'd go hang out in the woods with an Airsoft rifle.

One's #$%&ty aim shouldn't be a game mechanic, or at most make it optional should you feel the need for a handicap. 1-2 hit deaths favor less interesting, less skillful forms of gameplay.