The scene opens up around the same time it did when you played as Freeman. There are some hints and foreshadowing that things are not quite right, as you can gather from some of the conversations, and the situation deteriorates pretty rapidly after that. Some scared scientists will try to help you along the way and you'll discover some nasty surprises along the line. The game progression follows the path of its predecessors, with the protagonist navigating his way through some fairly simple puzzles in order to get surprised by the sudden appearance of insidious enemies. You turn wheels, move boxes, and switch levers as the situation demands it. At this point, however, it's gotten predictable. The element of suspense and fear still exists, but not through any feature of the expansion game itself. I felt as though some of the puzzles just bogged things down and served no plot purpose, as if calling out, "you know the routine by now". Now, some people may argue that more of the same is a good thing, especially when it comes to this venerable series. However, I fundamentally believe that if you are going to make someone shell out thirty bucks for a game, it shouldn't just be the same thing rehashed in a slightly different setting.

All is not lost, however. Whether or not you buy this package depends on several critical factors: are you a huge fan of the series; do you have Opposing Force; and are you content with mediocre visuals? If you have the original and the first expansion pack, you only pay $20 dollars, but all you get is some visual enhancements and a few hours of fun that you could probably get through Counterstrike anyway. If you are a real fan of the series and plan on getting Opposing Force anyway, then it makes sense to get the three-in-one deal. Ultimately, HL:BS doesn't have enough inherent merits to stand on its own--or any merits at all other than some new levels and a different story line. Placed in the context of what you already own, your veneration for Half-Life, and how much money you have, the purchase may be a good option depending on your situation.

Not a pretty view...is that my brain or my leg?