Half Life 3 is perhaps one of the most anticipated games of all time, even if it’s releasing only for PC at launch. That’s because the original two games were such trail-blazers, setting a standard for story-telling in the industry. While the original Half Life is given plenty of credit for its in-game interactions, phenomenal level design, realistic and difficult enemy AI and stellar voice acting, it’s easy to ignore the influence of Half Life 2 on the world of gaming.
Half Life 2 marks the first time that physics in a first person shooter actually mattered and could be manipulated and used as a weapon on such a large scale. Havok Physics had its time to shine in Half Life 2. It’s also one of the best examples of pacing in a first person shooter, seamlessly transitioning from a corridor-based shooter to the open world without so much as a thought. Plus the interactions with the characters, right down to then following you with their eyes and reacting as if you’re a real person – who could forget?
In that sense, it’s easy to forget what Half Life 3 would mean to us. It’s not just an FPS – it’s the next step. Perhaps that’s why it’s taking so long. Valve itself perhaps doesn’t know what the next step would be. What do you think Half Life 3 could do to effectively influence the entire genre? Let us know in the comments below.
