i played hl2 and then episode 1 and then gave up. it seemed like all you did was travel down endless corridors or outside environments for ages purely so they could show off their graphical achievements rather than the actual storyline. for example, when you are using that buggy to go along the waterways, i thought that was never going to end. and then the car journey............
not as good as hl1 i reckon which was not only ground-breaking but a great story and constant action.
but each to their own, so enjoy. i love computer games!