I can now see why people are so pissed off waiting for the follow-up.

After completing the game, I now think that, yes, it's better than Episode 1. I just had to get through those stupid caves and get to the car for things to GREATLY improve :)

Episode 2 introduces every one of its new mechanics/features in sort of a newbie-friendly manner that makes the experience as satisfying and meaningful as possible. Of course, this was the case for virtually every Half-Life game, but something about EP2's storyline adds to that experience. It might be due to how the game constantly keeps you on your toes given the Citadel's state and the Combine's change of plans. Also, Episode 2 gave Alyx a bit more depth into her character which made it worthwhile to save her despite the tedious (in my honest opinion) playthrough of the Antlion caves. It also made her more tolerable as a companion compared to Episode 1.

Just like a lot of us, Episode 2 is my favorite one in the series. Half-Life 2 plus Episodes 1 and 2 might be the best gaming combo of all time. The mythology is deep, far-reaching, and engrossing; graphics have held well; face animation/voice acting are excellent and reach L.A. Noire-like levels most of the time. An amazing series of games and one that I will recommend to ANYONE interested in science fiction and/or first-person shooters.

I can now see why people are so pissed off waiting for the follow-up. After completing the game, I now think that, yes, it's better than Episode 1. I just had to get through those stupid caves and get to the car for things to GREATLY improve :) Episode 2 introduces every one of its new mechanics/features in sort of a newbie-friendly manner that makes the experience as satisfying and meaningful as possible. Of course, this was the case for virtually every Half-Life game, but something about EP2's storyline adds to that experience. It might be due to how the game constantly keeps you on your toes given the Citadel's state and the Combine's change of plans. Also, Episode 2 gave Alyx a bit more depth into her character which made it worthwhile to save her despite the tedious (in my honest opinion) playthrough of the Antlion caves. It also made her more tolerable as a companion compared to Episode 1. Just like a lot of us, Episode 2 is my favorite one in the series. Half-Life 2 plus Episodes 1 and 2 might be the best gaming combo of all time. The mythology is deep, far-reaching, and engrossing; graphics have held well; face animation/voice acting are excellent and reach L.A. Noire-like levels most of the time. An amazing series of games and one that I will recommend to ANYONE interested in science fiction and/or first-person shooters.