Recent reviews by IlBarco

When someone mentions the Source engine, my thoughts immediately turn to the original Half-Life.
Half-Life is a landmark first-person shooter with a unique blend of platforming elements and immersive storytelling. For its time, it offers a diverse array of weapons and enemies. The level design is outstanding, keeping me thoroughly entertained, though there were a few instances where it wasn’t entirely clear what to do or where to go (a skill issue on my part, I guess!).

The game’s atmosphere is truly enchanting, with intriguing locations, memorable enemies, and well-developed characters that maintain your curiosity throughout. The graphics and sound design, while dated by today's standards, were groundbreaking at the time and contributed significantly to the game's immersive experience.
Half-Life also had a significant impact on the gaming industry, influencing countless games that followed and setting a new standard for narrative and gameplay integration.

One thing to note is that Half-Life is a relatively short game. While this isn’t necessarily a flaw, it’s something to consider if you’re thinking about purchasing it. The game’s focused experience is both a strength and a consideration for those looking for a longer playthrough.

I highly recommend giving Half-Life a try, especially if you’re interested in the history of gaming or enjoy well-crafted first-person shooters.

The game loop is very simple: you put on a mask at the start of the level and then clear the building of Russian mobsters. I won't discuss the story in this review, as it's something the sequel focuses on more.

The controls and mechanics are very easy to pick up. You can push people down and execute them, pick up weapons and guns, and use or throw them to accomplish the task of killing everyone in the level. The game is centered around the concept of violence, with almost every action focused on causing harm. The fantastic soundtrack keeps you pumped and adds to the hectic atmosphere as you clear each level, perfectly matching the visuals and theme of the game.

One thing to note is that it can be a bit frustrating on some levels at first, as the game can be quite challenging due to the fact that it only takes one hit to kill you. However, once you get the hang of it, these challenges become more manageable.

Another thing that kept me hooked in this very short game is the ambiance and atmosphere. The bright colors and charming pixel art are reminiscent of older retro games but with a modern twist.

I really enjoyed experiencing Jack's character before Borderlands 2, as well as other characters. The story is good, and the mechanics and gameplay are similar to the other Borderlands games, with the addition of laser guns and cryo as a new element.

However, there are a few things to consider before buying this game:

The game is short, and the postgame content is almost non-existent unless you buy the DLC , which I wholeheartedly suggest because it's really good.

Some parts are painfully boring to go through , a problem it shares with Borderlands 2 in my opinion. However, since Borderlands 2 is much larger, it's somewhat excused.

Good concept
Meh gameplay
Ugly design
3/10 never again