10 Biggest Graphical Leaps Between Video Game Sequels
3. Half-Life (1998) To Half-Life 2 (2004)
An entry involving my favourite game, Half-Life 2. It’s crazy to think that in only six years there could be such a gorgeous jump between the graphical styles of Half-Life 1 and its second instalment. The original Half-Life, showing the resonance cascade that caused the alien outbreak, is known for being the title that proved to the industry that first-person action games could be more than corridor shooters. Instead, adding story elements and characters that interacted with the silent protagonist, Gordon Freeman.
As per Valve, Half-Life 2 took that seed and grew it further, creating a beautiful world players could traverse through, be it on foot, hovercraft, train or teleportation. Starting in City 17, quickly running through Ravenholm and ending at Nova Prospekt. Though, it’s important to remember that Half-Life 2 didn’t just innovate in its looks, the biggest technical achievement for the Source Engine’s use in-game was its physics. It allowed the player to pick up, throw and weaponise lots of variably weighted objects that tied to puzzles, progression or the Gravity Gun. Next to that, you have character interaction which involved reactions such as Alyx not liking you shining the flashlight in her eyes or other NPCs changing action dependent on what you were doing. Honestly, you could write an essay on what the jump to Half-Life 2 brought to the table.