The Orange Box

PC, Xbox 360, PS3

The Orange Box is, with out a doubt, the best deal in video game history. Because this is really 5 games in one, I?ll review each section separately.

Half-Life 2:

HL2 is easily one of the best games of all time. With a stellar cast of colorful characters and a very interesting storyline, this game is the cream of the crop for gamers. This game may look slightly dated, but still easily competes with today?s graphics. Although the game isn?t particularly long, it satisfies with a very interesting cliff-hanger. Anyone who hasn?t played HL2 is missing out on the best gaming experiences ever.

Half-Life 2 Episode 1:
Episode one takes place right where HL2 ends, and satisfies. Though not quite good enough to overcome HL2, Episode one is still a great gaming experience. Episode one continues the HL2 storyline, with a few interesting plot twists along the way. Although it can be completed in around 4 hours, it?s still an extremely gratifying gaming experience.

Half-Life 2 Episode 2:

 Episode two is the most recent addition to the Half-Life universe. With an emotional storyline and great firefights, this is the best part of Half-Life. Be sure to prepare yourself for the ending of this game, which leaves a very large cliff-hanger and a surprise so amazing it kept me in shock for days. Once you are done with this game, your whole view of Half-Life 2 will change.

Portal:
Ah Portal. What can I say about you? Mere words can?t describe how amazing you are. Portal, even though it?s short, is my favorite game of all time, and is sure to surprise everyone who plays the Orange Box. Portal is one of the most mind bending game ever created. By using you Portal Gun you can create portals on the wall, ceiling and floor. The puzzles continue to get harder as you progress until they become real head-scratches. This is easily the best part of the Orange Box.

Team Fortress 2:

 TF2 is an ok game, but it can?t compare to the other games in the Orange box. Yes, it is a solid online game with some depth, but each map only supports one style of gameplay. The Classes are varied enough to keep fanboys playing for a long time, but everyone else will find better games to play in a short time.

Overall: The Orange Box is 5 games for the price of one?need I say more?

10/10