2. Episodic Content
Whilst it was never new to provide gamers with episodic content once the credits had rolled on the original saga, Valve certainly took it to a new level of quality. Episode 1 directly followed Half Life 2 and was too many, a bit disappointing, mainly due to its short length. But once you put it in a package with Episode 2, you realise why it was the way it was. Episode 1 simply tells the story of getting out of the main backdrop that Half Life 2 stays in for its entirety. Once out of the City, Episode 2 is where it really shines. Without the grand success that was bought on by HL2, there wouldn't be any continuation of a great story and we wouldn't have one of the best expansions the gaming world has seen. Episode 2 is so different, so fresh and challenging, that Valve can be forgiven for the slightly lacklustre Episode 1. This is credit to Half Life 2 in general, for it was everything that was expected, a huge plaudit considering how much weight was on its shoulders from the countless awards lauded on its predecessor.