If you liked the first one, it's impossible not to be head over heels for this game. The story line, voice work, and structure is the best I've played since Red Dead Redemption, and has the feel of a true Half Life full release. All of the new puzzle pieces (the gel, light bridges, etc) are introduced one at a time throughout the game, only forcing a few scenarios where you feel a bit overwhelmed. Graphics are, as expected from any Valve release, nothing short of spectacular. Lots of different textures and unique attributes from board to board. Soundtrack is a notch above where it was last time, bringing a higher sheen to the overall polish of the cinematic feel of this release. The online co op may go overlooked, but it's one of the more innovative online experiences I've played on the 360. The level of complexity mixed in with the amount of co operation is optimum. It's obvious valve poured hundreds of hours getting these maps just right. None of the maps have cheap work arounds, or annoying inconsistant solutions when compared to the campaign. For fans of the half life saga, there are plenty of tie-ins to keep you prying around the immense, and lonely Aperture Science monolithic cathedral for hours digging around for clues for the inevitable Half Life Ep. 3
