In this review, we have a blast in the game Half-Life 2: Lost Coast. We find out how well this FPS game plays.
This game was released in 2005 and is an add-on to the previously released Half-Life 2. This game was also the subject to our second first impressions video as well.
We previously reviewed the game Half-Life 2. That game wound up being a great game. So, it made sense to give this game a try.
You start off on the coast. There isn’t much of a story other than you meet a fisherman. The fisherman tells you that the combine forces have built a large weapon. It is up to you to take it out. That’s pretty much all the story you seem to get.
The game itself plays pretty much the same as Half-Life 2, so this review will go through more detailed specifics of this particular game.
You start off with a full compliment of weapons. The only thing that is missing is your upgraded gravity gun. Otherwise, you get at least one clip of ammunition for each gun.
The length of this game is, well, very short. You really only get one level. By the standards of Half-Life 2, this is more like a small section of a level more than a full fledged level. While you might think that, based on the comments on how it’s just an expansion of Highway 17, this can be a bit misleading as far as the level is concerned. What you think you might get is more highway driving, large coasts, and wide sandy areas. You actually get a very rocky terrain next to the water with a very small sandy area. Think about the area under the bridge before getting onto it and consider the idea that you’ll be getting more of that instead.
Unlike the main game, you also get into the action quite quick. Shortly after the fisherman opens the gate for you, you’ll quickly come across combine forces. There will also be many combine forces on various rock ledges, taking shots at you early on. It takes some getting used to, but you’ll probably find yourself wondering where shots are coming from quite frequently.
Generally speaking, this is just a small chunk of a level added onto this game. Some say that this is more of a tech demo more than anything else and that is exactly what it is. The difficulty is a bit steep at first, but you’ll eventually get your bearings if you’ve already played through Half-Life 2. It might be a fun dip into the Half-Life 2 universe, but don’t expect to play more than 2 hours, though the commentary can be interesting at least.
Graphically, this is what the game wanted to show off. There is new lighting features this game is showing off. The game does come off as more realistic looking thanks to the lighting effect. The textures and scenery is also nicely done. The setting is also nicely done. So, considering how short it is altogether, this is nicely done.
Audio is OK, but nothing amazing. There is a splash of music when you find the main weapon, but that’s about it. Voice acting is quite decent as well for what there is in here. Also like the delay effect of the combine voice chatter. So, decent all around.
Overall, this game is an interesting side to Half-Life 2, but doesn’t offer much outside of some new flashy graphics. The difficulty is steep at first and the game itself is extremely short. If you’ve never played this game, you really didn’t miss much. Graphics are great and the audio is decent enough, though not amazing. So, something interesting to play with for an hour or two, but nothing to get too hyped over.
Overall
Furthest point in game: Beat the game.
General gameplay: 17/25
Replay value: 7/10
Graphics: 8/10
Audio: 3/5
Overall rating: 70%
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.
