Newb Looking for a shooter

[Monk]

I will agree that HL2 was very dull and a huge letdown by comparison. It was moderately pretty, the physics gun was ok, and the setting was reasonably well done. On the other hand, the gameplay was very boring and predictable, levels completely uninspired, I found the atmosphere non-engaging and the storyline quite lacking. It was not a worthy successor to the 1st, IMO.

I couldn't disagree more, in fact I would use your entire argument against HL2, against HL1.

I found HL1 slow, boring, and just a hair short of tedious to play through. The concept is interesting, but its overall execution and presentation is lacking at best. it just wasn't very fun. In contrast I found HL2's gameplay, story and atmosphere much more compelling than the first.

I just realized the HL debate can be summed up as thus: What do you like more, jumping puzzles or physics puzzles?