15 Video Games That Every True Gamer Should Have Completed

12. Half-Life 2

"Wake up, Mr. Freeman. Wake up and smell the ashes." So says the G-man, the incredibly creepy dude who follows around Gordon Freeman constantly and speaks with a stutter that surely isn't normal. Our hero, the Freeman, wakes up aboard a train bound for City 17, having spent the last god-knows how long in suspended animation after the climactic events of the first game in the series. Developed by almost legendary game develop Valve, Half-Life 2 built upon the legacy left behind by the original game, used a brand new engine called Source that let us play around with physics and developed one of the most compelling first-person shooter experiences even to this day. Followed closely (well, a few years after) by two episodes that expand the narrative further and develop upon Valve's already stellar experience, Half-Life 2 always stood out for me because of the way it delivers its story. Not once does Half-Life 2 pull you away from Gordon Freeman; no matter what, you're in his shoes and see things through his eyes. Storyline events play out in real time, giving the game a sense of fluidity that is arguably yet to be rivalled in any game release since. There's a reason why people hound the net in pursuit of information about Half Life 3. We've been waiting now for this seemingly mythical title for years, hearing rumours, leaks and all kinds that Valve is keeping completely silent about. It must be in development by now, surely?