Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #332007 in Books
• Published on: 2003-09-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Customer Reviews

... only when you've completed the game! NOT BEFORE!
OK, firstly we are all aware that Half Life 2 is a truely unique game, most particulary the story, and mainly the graphics (that is if your GPU can handle the power!) When i first play this game I was blown away on how good it was, the game created the right atmospheres at the right times, tension rising at particular parts and not forgetting those times when you start to panic (my mates laughed at me for that :S). These are the elements that make HL2 such a big success.

If you've not played the game before or completed it, then this guide will spoil it all, reveal all the twists and story from as soon as you turn the first page, and that would be a waste of the odd £35-£44 on the game (depending if you got the collectors edition :P) the story has been built precisely for the player and it would be a shame if you actually knew what was coming up before it happened. This guide will show you every hidden location, all items in all areas, how to defeat enemies and much much more, this is a great companion to those who want to play it through a 2nd time, but I would strongly recommend that you purchase this after the completion of the game, or if you can't resist, buy it but store in a safe place.
I have to admit I have been tempted at times but let me tell you this, the story has a unique twist! and its more rewarding if you discover it yourself :P

But dispite what I just said, the ultimate choice is yours!
those that still want to buy it, try and get as far on it before the guide arrives, and those that already completed it- GAME ON!

Must have for a half life fan
Ok, i've seen the other reviews bickering about this, and calling it a big spoiler, bu thats a very narrow view.
This guide is a superb book, which complements (rather than destroying) the half-life 2 experience. I wouldn't reccommend reading it on your first play through the game, as it could spoil the plot, but for any fan who decides to play through again and wants to get the full experience, it's a must-have.
Full of tips, easter-eggs and secrets, its a great read and WELL worth to £10-odd pounds i paid for it.

Live and Let Live
I wish people would stop dictating to other gamers how they should or shouldn't play. If someone wants to buy a strategy guide and follow it to the letter, that's up to them - as long as they enjoy themselves, what's it got to do with anyone else? If you never use guides and would rather play through on your own, that's okay too. THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG WAY TO PLAY!!! Personally I always try to play through on my own, but like to have the guide handy just in case I get REALLY stuck.

However, if you are thinking of getting this guide but don't want the plot revealed, beware. Some guides give you a 'spoiler free' walkthrough but this one does not. I haven't actually used my copy as yet, but it very clearly states at the beginning that the book includes spoilers. So you may want to resist the temptation to flick through the guide before you need to...