Botolf's Top 15 HL2 Saga Levels [SPOILERS]
By Botolf 6 Comments
15.
Point Insertion
[HL2; Chapter 1]
My second-favourite opening of the series, stepping off of that train into the dystopia of City 17 was a joy, pure and simple. I'd stop under the holoscreens to listen and think about Breen's arguments, and I was transfixed by the activities of the faceless and intimidating guards. The run from the guards in the apartments and the roofs had my blood pumping, and the introduction of Alyx was a welcome surprise.
14.
A Red Letter Day
[HL2; Chapter 2]
Lots of character interaction and story in this short chapter, which is always a positive thing when it's not in a cutscene. Also, you get the crowbar and HEV suit here, so it's pretty generous with the goodies.
13.
To the White Forest
[HL2: Episode 2; Chapter 1]
Introduced me to the awesome super portal & wooded settings, and set up tension between myself and the Hunters (Valve's ability to manipulate feelings and attitude am godly). Also introduced me to the fresh scenery of antlion tunnels and acid workers, both are a definite bonus.
12.
T-Minus One
[HL2: Episode 2; Chapter 7]
The most powerful and emotional ending of the saga easily, and what an ending it was. I didn't become all that emotional over the death of Eli, but the grief of Alyx nearly had me in tears. Every time I reach that ending, I can't speak. It's haunting.
11.
Lowlife
[HL2: Episode 1; Chapter 3]
The chapter that convinced me to like fighting zombies, in large part thanks to Alyx's constant companionship (I always smile at the things she says or does during this level). It opens with the stalker train (a great bit of narrative here), and the crash, and ends with that adrenaline-filled dash to the elevator from a horde of zombies.
10.
Our Mutual Fiend
[HL2: Episode 2; Chapter 6]
Reunion with old friends, silo attack, dumping the gnome, more character interaction and plot development, and an exciting final battle, that's it in a nutshell. But yes, it is indeed awesome, there's simply too many good elements in it to list. On the final battle, though, the Strider busters prove to be more thrilling to use than any mere rocker launcher, and there's no feeling in the world like finally repelling that last Strider surge that almost breaks your lines.
9.
Riding Shotgun
[HL2: Episode 2; Chapter 4]
Driving a car that doesn't suck certainly makes this chapter enjoyable, and finally getting the opportunity to make a Hunter suffer is good as well. We get to see some more capabilities of the Advisor, and we end up running over zombies and blowing up a Combine chopper. An extremely varied chapter, I must say.
8.
Nova Prospekt
[HL2; Chapter 9]
My favourite prison ever! Turrets, antlion minions to control, giant plugs ripe for the yanking, Breen monologue, etc, it's all just good stuff.
7.
Under The Radar
[HL2: Episode 2; Chapter 5]
Crawling on your stomach to kill the autogun is fun, but getting back on the road with Alyx is even better. White Forest Inn ambush, it is epic, it is heart-pounding. You just know it's good when Hunters crash through the door to the basement or jump in through a large living room window. The hidden radar caches appeal to my inner looter, and Dog fighting the Strider is too epic for mere words.
6.
Entanglement
[HL2; Chapter 9a]
I rate Entanglement higher than Nova Prospekt for mainly two reasons a) Alyx plays a prominent role from the beginning (So glad to see her appear, it's a sign of epicness ahead), and b) More character interaction.
5.
Our Benefactors
[HL2; Chapter 12]
One of my favourite original HL2 levels. The setting is simply awesome, and the super gravity gun fills my heart with glee. Breen addressing you so many times during the level is awesome, it's a constant reminder of why you're here and why that bastard has to be taken down. The long rides in the body harnesses show a lot of the Citadel's inner workings and secrets, and feel really immersive.
4.
Urban Flight
[HL2: Episode 1; Chapter 4]
Another high point of Episode One, especially once you reach the hospital. Full of zombies. And badass music. Hell yeah! Also, the sky is very pretty to look at.
"What kind of hospital is this?"
3.
This Vortal Coil
[HL2: Episode 2; Chapter 2]
Contains quite possibly the most fulfilling encounter I've played in HL2, you know the one I mean. Every last red sensor light glaring, the hordes heading your way, and then the music begins. Antlions and vortigaunt energy filling the air to a blaring battle tune, that's a definite high point of the episode and of the series for me. Totally unforgettable. Then the chapter becomes even better with the entrance of G-man and the healing of miss Vance.
2.
Direct Intervention
[HL2: Episode 1; Chapter 2]
This chapter kind of blurs in my mind with Undue Alarm, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. This section, though short, is simply amazing. Combine an awe-inspiring vista with fun energy-ball puzzles (seriously, energy-ball puzzles are just so gooood) and satisfying combat and story tidbits, and you have a favourite for me.
"Hurry back"
1.
Undue Alarm
[HL2: Episode 1; Chapter 1]
My favourite HL2 opening hands-down, it just blew my mind. The character interactions with me and each other, the warm sunset and the unstable Citadel in the distance, there's nothing I can find at fault with it. Going back inside the Citadel was a blast, Dog tossing you over the abyss followed by "the ride" always succeeds at exciting me. The setting inside is perfect, the progression is engaging. Also, super gravity gun improves anything.
Log in to comment