WIRED Staff
Culture

Slideshow: Gamers Rewarded With Another Life

It doesn't break new ground, and the plot is a little sparse, but thanks to its visual quality and ability to suck you into its world, is probably the best game of 2004. By Suneel Ratan.
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PC Gamer gave the game the highest rating in the magazine's history, dubbing it, "The most important game you'll ever play." That's a stretch.Half-Life 2

See related story: Gamers Rewarded With Another Life

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Half-Life 2 follows 1998's smash Half-Life, which redefined the genre of so-called first-person shooter games by emphasizing narrative and adding such elements as interactivity with non-player characters to provide clues and advance the story.Half-Life 2

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In terms of gameplay, Half-Life 2 doesn't break new ground.Half-Life 2

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The visual effects and sound design in Half-Life 2 define a new standard for an immersive PC or video-game experience.Half-Life 2

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Half-Life 2 affirms that in computer gaming, context is king.Half-Life 2

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Game developer Valve has created a game that looks and plays well across a variety of systems – a significant technical achievement.Half-Life 2