Over two years to finish playing Half-Life 2!

I used to make videogames for a living, so you’d think I’d be playing games all the time. Becoming a parent and running a business doesn’t allow for the hours of commitment playing games can require. In the past few years I’ve indulged none of my personal time to play computer games.

I made an exception for Half-Life 2, and only during my Christmas holidays.

In December 2004, just after the long awaited Half-Life sequel was released, I picked up a copy at EB on sale. The day after Christmas I played HL2 pretty much all afternoon, and probably after dinner. I played for about 3 days, then had to drop my Gordon Freeman alter-ego.

Christmas 2005, same deal, same game, but picking up where I had saved it 12 months earlier. I think I played for 2 or 3 days, getting to about the 8th of 14 levels (yes, I suck).

This year, I was determined to finish this damn game, which is soooo good. Brilliant maps, great characters, good story, weapons and bad guys. Last night about 11pm I finished Half-Life 2.

Talk about good value for your money. I stretched this gaming experience over THREE Christmas holiday breaks!!

Thanks, Valve. You guys created a helluva game. Can’t wait for Half-Life 3, and more jolly festive days fighting off head crabs.