Half-Life 2 Q

[Deltapooh]

I'm thinking about buying this game, but after surfing the net, I'm left with some serious doubts. Since Armchair General did a nice review of it, I though this would be a good place to try and clear up a few things.

1. Does CS:Source come with Half-Life 2, or do you have to buy the Collector's Edition?

2. Do I have to be connected online to play Half-Life 2 in single player mode?

3. Does Steam's anti-piracy software screw up computer hardware like some of the compliants I've heard about SuperPower 2?

4. Does Steam require a monthly subscription fee?

5. How is multi-player with this game? (Not the most important issue, just wondering)

Thanks.

[Redwolf]

I'm thinking about buying this game, but after surfing the net, I'm left with some serious doubts. Since Armchair General did a nice review of it, I though this would be a good place to try and clear up a few things.

1. Does CS:Source come with Half-Life 2, or do you have to buy the Collector's Edition?

2. Do I have to be connected online to play Half-Life 2 in single player mode?

3. Does Steam's anti-piracy software screw up computer hardware like some of the compliants I've heard about SuperPower 2?

4. Does Steam require a monthly subscription fee?

5. How is multi-player with this game? (Not the most important issue, just wondering)

Thanks.

1) if you buy through Steam (download) then I think you need the silver package to get CS.

2) once you downloaded and registered you can cut your Internet connection and then switch Steam into offline mode. However, if you reconnect it automatically goes back to online mode. Good invasion of privacy, IMHO.

3) no, actually for the Steam (download) version there doesn't seem to be intrusive copy protection on your computer at all. You don't have a CD to start from. Protection seems to be via the Steam account exclusively. I have no idea what happens if you move your installed package to another computer.

4) No.

5) No idea, didn't try yet.

I have mixed opinions about Steam, documented in the second half of this:
http://www.cons.org/cracauer/hl2-stutter.html

[Deltapooh]

Thanks for the information. :)

I was thinking about buying it in the store. I've seen it for $35 over at Naval Warfare's store.

[KG_Norad]

Drop by your local game shop and read the box. I can't remember for sure but I think CS Source comes with the regular copy of the game.

[mr_clark]

Drop by your local game shop and read the box. I can't remember for sure but I think CS Source comes with the regular copy of the game.
It should come with the regularly available pack with is the bronze pack or something, there it is included. If you buy it only via Steam, or as a localized version (at least here in Germany you didn'T get CS:Source with the original release version available.).

[Overseer]

I'm thinking about buying this game, but after surfing the net, I'm left with some serious doubts. Since Armchair General did a nice review of it, I though this would be a good place to try and clear up a few things.

1. Does CS:Source come with Half-Life 2, or do you have to buy the Collector's Edition?

2. Do I have to be connected online to play Half-Life 2 in single player mode?

3. Does Steam's anti-piracy software screw up computer hardware like some of the compliants I've heard about SuperPower 2?

4. Does Steam require a monthly subscription fee?

5. How is multi-player with this game? (Not the most important issue, just wondering)

Thanks.
1) Yes. CS:Source comes with all versions, Retail or any of the online packages.

2) You have to validate online at least once, after that there are ways to play offline.

3) No.

4) No.

5) Depends which multiplayer you mean, right now the multiplayer is CS:S and HL2DM, both have their fun factor. However, there will be mods coming out over the next x years that should be quite enjoyable.


I would really suggest buying it online, I resisted it at first, but for this, it's the best way to do it.

[Ivan Rapkinov]

get Bloodlines if you're mainly after it for single play though.

[MomoJak00]

get Bloodlines if you're mainly after it for single play though.

Right on! :coolban:

Just be willing to play an RPG.

[Deltapooh]

Thanks for all the advice.

I would really suggest buying it online, I resisted it at first, but for this, it's the best way to do it.

Hmmmm, I wonder if that's because installation CD-ROMs is a *itch. I bought the game, and ran into an error during installation. Thank God I have two DVD drives. Otherwise I would be screwed.

The plus side is I was about to get the Prima Strategy Guide with the money I saved :D

get Bloodlines if you're mainly after it for single play though.

I don't follow RPGs, at least not since I got a computer and discovered tactical sims and wargames. Didn't know about Bloodlines until you recommended it. Based on what I've read and seen, I just might buy it as well.