As is increasingly common these days there will be a realistic physics engine, with lots of chuckable objects to amuse yourself with, such as chairs and bottles. But the physics isn’t just for impressing the new player for it will be integrated into the gameplay itself, not to mention the fact that it will increase the massive amount of interactive depth that made the first title so compelling. Another thing that made the first game so long-lasting and widely loved was the ease with which the mod community could fashion new worlds from the game’s code. This time round have made the process even easier, with many tools to be provided, allowing even the most code-fearing of gamers have a tinker. All the physics, lip-synching, environmental effects and animations will be mostly automated (Valve are even using one of the animation systems used by Toy Story creators Pixar), and as the engine has been built entirely from the ground up the team had the opportunity to make sure that their code could be everyone’s code. Although there is a note of caution – the level of detail now standard in the levels means that mod artists are going to have their work cut out for them. Although I personally have a sneaking suspicion that won’t stop a single one of them.

Alongside the immersiveness of the game world and the compelling storyline it was the AI of that brought the game to such vivid life. This time round they will be less reliant on scripted events, no longer to the degree that once an event is triggered it will pan out the same every time, such as the scientists falling to their deaths in the lift at the begining of the game. Rather, the AI will be more focused on what is happening around it and deciding on how to react accordingly. An example given in the magazine is of a radio lying on the ground, hissing out static which draws a character towards it to have a listen. If the player were then to shoot out the radio then the AI will have to figure out what a reasonable reaction would be. Another example is of the AI being confronted with a door. In the past you were probably safe behind a door, due to the mysterious ability of doors to reset the baddies memory and make your existence, well, non-existent. This time you will have to keep in mind that the enemy can burst through the door, open it, burn it or drill a hole clean through. The enemies will be able to climb ladders and jump up to places that even the player can’t reach. Yes folks, this time you really are going to be fighting for your life.

Supposedly the system specs for this monumental game will be very reasonable. Zone's previewer claims to have played the un-optimised code on a 2GHz P4 with no stuttering, and the minimum specs are being touted as low as a P3 700 with 128MB ram and a 16MB graphics card. Which you can imagine will make the game look pretty crummy, but it does seem that you will not need an uber-PC to get the best out of the stunning engine. But you may want to have a sweet graphics card to enjoy all the amazing specular, particle and other assorted effects that are promised. The bad news is you only have five months to save up for that new card. Yes, the game is slated in for a September 30th release, this year, and since the Valve team have been hard at work on Half-Life 2 since the first one went out the door and have sunk most of the money made from the first one right back into the development of the sequel, that date should hopefully stand firm.

In a few weeks Half-Life 2 will be properly unvield to the world at the E3 event in LA. So you’ll just have to wait until then for further information, unless you buy the new issue of PC zone, which I heartily recommend. I’ve only just touched the surface of some of the depth covered, so there’s still plenty to find out. Not to mention those sumptuous screenshots. All in all, we’re expecting a triumphant return for the G-man in this 40 hour epic, oh and in case you’re wondering, no, this is not an exclusive.

By Sam Gibson