5/5 ★ – bercay's review of Half-Life 2.

GOAT, a masterpiece, a revolutionary game. It’s astonishing that back in 2004 they managed to release a game with such cinematic presentation, rich storytelling, fantastical elements, fluid gameplay, and incredibly detailed facial animations. While playing, you get so absorbed in the story that you almost feel like part of the resistance. In every way, it’s a perfect game—even by today’s standards. The only flaw, and in my opinion a significant one, is that Gordon Freeman doesn’t speak. I understand why they chose to do this, but instead of making us feel merged with the character, it often makes you feel weak and disconnected during every line of dialogue or cutscene. I’m sure Gordon is acting according to his own will and desire, but saying nothing at all makes him feel like a mere task-doer. It’s as if you’re constantly being manipulated into action, with no real choices of your own. I hope that if the series ever continues, they won’t leave Gordon silent and mute like this.