HL2: Episode 2 in winter

By Robert Purchese Published 7 February, 2007

Orange and black box details.

Half-Life 2: Episode 2 today moved one step closer to completion as EA announced a winter (2007/2008) release date for the retail version of the game (last we heard it was summer).

It will launch in two different boxes - one orange and one black. The black box is just for PC gamers, and will include Episode 2, Team Fortress 2 and Portal.

The orange box has all of that plus Episode 1 and the original Half-Life 2 game. This is also available on PC, as well as Xbox 360 and PS3.

Episode 2 will expand on the story of Gordon Freeman as he battles his way through City 17 and past its bizarre inhabitants. You might want to stay away from the game's trailers if you're scared about spoilers.

Team Fortress 2 is a team-based multiplayer game with a swanky cartoon-style. You can pick from various roles from engineer to spy, from soldier to sniper. Something like this over Xbox Live has us very excited indeed - head over to Eurogamer TV to whet your appetite.

Finally, Portal is a single-player experience fit to tie your brain in knots. You'll use a portal gun to manipulate your environment and objects, and it looks set to have a similar impact to the gravity gun in Half-Life 2.

If you haven't already, and you probably have, head over to our review for Half-Life 2 and Half-Life 2: Episode 1.

Picture of Robert.

About Robert Purchese

Bertie is Eurogamer's Senior Staff Writer. When he's not hunting down news stories he's often found playing with his kids or gabbling about fantasy games and strange online worlds.

Read more articles from Robert by visiting the Robert Purchese archive page.

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Comments (58) Latest comment 5 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Santino #1 5 years ago

    sexy, on the pc of course

  • Huxley #2 5 years ago

    Winter?, Winter!, win-ter?

    This makes me realise just how good Sam & Max is at this episodic bit.

  • Bertie Verified Senior Staff Writer, Eurogamer.net #3 5 years ago

    Pretty chuffered I can play the original, ep 1, and ep 2 all on 360.

  • JediMasterMalik #4 5 years ago

    That is a long fucking wait.

  • bunglebonce #5 5 years ago

    As in Christmas '07 or Feb/March '07?

  • Corvus #6 5 years ago

    Please tell me that by winter they mean between now and the end of february, as opposed to by the end of 2007! If not it kind of makes a mockery of the episodic model. They may as well have just spent another 4 years on a proper sequel.

  • spongebob #7 5 years ago

    Awesome news if it really means February-March or even early April. I am buying the PC version the moment it appears on Steam.
    Edited by 1 at 07/02/07 @ 17:10

  • Pulsar_t #8 5 years ago

    According to Wikipedia it's 3rd Quarter 2007, will likely be revised to Q4.. Fuck you Valve and your so-called episodic shit. Just call it "expansion pack" from now on. Gits.

    Better waste money on a Wii than a lame GPU upgrade.. can't wait for a proper modchip - to play quirky Japanese games of course :p Half Life can go fuck itself.
    Edited by 2 at 07/02/07 @ 17:25

  • TwistidChimp #9 5 years ago

    Here's hoping winter means soon. If its slipped again, then that takes the piss somewhat. Still its Valve, i.e. worth waiting for to get it right.

  • absolutezero #10 5 years ago

    What a joke waiting the better part of a year for another 4 hours of game time.

    Episodic gaming is a good idea in theory but Valve have just proved that really its a pile of shit.

  • BrokenSymmetry #11 5 years ago

    This article would be a lot more helpful if it mentioned which winter (2006/2007 or 2007/2008, or even later?) is meant here....

  • Gulag #12 5 years ago

    I'm inclined to agree. Either having one of the most successful and avidly followed FPS franchises gives you the power and resources to get episodic gaming right, or it doesn't.

    Obviously, in very real terms, Valve can't hack it in that arena. While I understand that the level of experience they are putting together is demanding in terms of art, models, testing, etc. the fact is that 'Episode 2' has been delayed for over a year now. That sort of slippage eats into you credibility after a while.

    I'm a huge fan of Half-Life, and I'll play it to death when it comes out, but as of now I'll believe it when I see it, because Valves mouth is writing cheques it's ass can't cash.

  • Eighthours #13 5 years ago

    This is quite silly. There'd better be a great deal to Episode 2 now.

    I also think that they should release the big pack without Ep 2 in the summer for 360 and PS3. Winter is just too late for it... they can release Ep 2 on its own for a reasonable price and it'll sell.

  • Bertie Verified Senior Staff Writer, Eurogamer.net #14 5 years ago

    This article would be a lot more helpful if it mentioned which winter (2006/2007 or 2007/2008, or even later?) is meant here....

    Oh, ah, yes. It just says winter 2007 in the press release, I sort of assumed that meant November+ this year.

    I'd like to be pleasantly surprised though :)

  • Rambaldi #15 5 years ago

    Fucking hell: HL2, EP1, EP2, TF2 and Portal in one package?

    Excellent!

  • TheMoonRat #16 5 years ago

    It was about 18 months from HL2 being release to Episode 1 being released. And with this delay, it will be about 18 months from Episode 1 being released to episode 2 being released. Is 18 months between releases really that episodic?

    On the other hand, it took 6 years from HL1 to HL2, so on current pace the 4 1/2 years it will take between HL2 and the final Episode 3 being released is an improvement.... i guess...........

  • Bertie Verified Senior Staff Writer, Eurogamer.net #17 5 years ago

    Fucking hell: HL2, EP1, EP2, TF2 and Portal in one package?

    Excellent!

    Yep! But then there's no word on cost...

  • dllord #18 5 years ago

    Wow valve delays Halflife2 by 1 year! ive heard that somewhere before!

  • Artemus #19 5 years ago

    Episodic.

  • MaskedDave #20 5 years ago

    Stop your bitching and just go play something else.

    Or is the release of this game *that* important to your lives?

    Don't get me wrong, I love Half-Life to pieces, but Jesus Christ I'd rather they spent the time to get it right rather than rushing it out to meet some arbitrary deadline.

  • Nova5lag #21 5 years ago

    Wooo cant wait! Bring it on.

  • smelly #22 5 years ago

    Weren't they SUPPOSED to be coming every 3 months?

  • Brogan #23 5 years ago

    this is just dumb the console version's going to be running into games like halo 3 and GTA4 plus it''ll like 3-4 years old by then.

  • Gulag #24 5 years ago

    My problem isn't that they're failiing to meet an 'arbitary' deadline, but rather the deadlines they set themselves.

    Valve are in the enviable position of not having to answer to a publisher or anyone else (including the fans it seems). So when they said they would have a game out by such a date, I was inclined to believe them, seeing as they were setting their own pace and were best placed to make realistic predictions about when their game would be ready.

    From what I've seen over the last year, they might as well be getting the headcrabs to write the project deadlines. I'm a patient guy, I'll wait, take all the time in the world to get it right. Just stop telling me it's nearly ready and then pushing it even further back. That's what S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is for. (Which I'm looking forward to BTW.)
    Edited by 1 at 07/02/07 @ 18:40

  • n3rdh8r #25 5 years ago

    Episodic delays...

    And they don't cost us a thing.

  • dolphan #26 5 years ago

    Hmph. It had better be good.

    Who am I kidding? I can't be cynical about HL. *hugs steam*

  • Monkey_Chops #27 5 years ago

    So how the flying fuck is this "episodic gaming"? The rate they're churning this out at, it's no bloody different to any other "full" game. 2007/2008? Bah!

  • ph101 #28 5 years ago

    Couldn't care less about a wait for episode 2 - though HL2 is great not like I planned my years gaming around it lol. Portal looks great, i'm more bothered that's not out sooner, and for the wii too.

  • zendragon #29 5 years ago

    Winter of 2008 that is.
    By chance it's when DNF comes out.

  • [TR] #30 5 years ago

    @TheMoonRat: "Is 18 months between releases really that episodic? "

    Yes! Every few months you get to have a rage episode when you read about more delays for 5h of game.

    This is just getting stupid by now. Valve should just change Ep2's name to HL2:Forest or something and come out with some good 10+ hours of gameplay.
    Also ditch the episodic gaming idea. Let others do it right without having to fight uphill because Valve gives it a bad name.

  • Bitkari #31 5 years ago

    Come on, just give us the PC version via Steam now, and let the Peons wait for their ports.


  • chiz #32 5 years ago

    The HL2 engine is already looking dated. It'll look prehistoric in a year!

  • Tomo #33 5 years ago

    Very disappointing news. Wasn't it supposed to come out a few months ago?

    I feel a bit shafted for some reason :/

  • a.d.venturer #34 5 years ago

    Dated compared to what? Its still the best looking FPS engine that you can play on the PC...

    But Valve can go fuck themselves sideways. I want TF2 and Portal now. Not to mention Dystopia v1 and Minerva map 3.
    Edited by 1 at 07/02/07 @ 20:38

  • Drakron #35 5 years ago

    Since Valve backstabbed Vivaldi thinking that STEAM would be TEH FUTUR!!! with everyone using the "download and play" and it did not work so well ... just like their episodic idea.

  • UncleLou #36 5 years ago

    I am sure Valve are crying into their pillows at night.

  • spongebob #37 5 years ago

    So is it coming next winter or this winter?

    Oops. I read the article again. It is indeed NEXT winter. Goddamnit. Maybe I won't be buying it. I hate these delays. Valve is just taking the piss.
    Edited by 1 at 08/02/07 @ 05:02

  • symmetry #38 5 years ago

    What many of you are failing to realise is that this is as big as a full game. I mean think about it FFS: Episode 2, Team Fortress 2 AND Portal. And that's not to mention the fact that they have to port all of that AND the original HL2 AND Episode 1 to TWO consoles!!

    And another thing, with all the delays to HL2 in its various guises, have they ever failed to deliver something less than absolute excellence?

    GIVE THEM A BREAK FFS!

  • spongebob #39 5 years ago

    They should just say it's coming out when it's ready, not promise to put it out "in the summer" or something like that. That's why people are slightly irritated.

    Anyway, one more reason to wait for STALKER. I really hope it's a good game so I have something to enjoy this winter. Btw, it's pretty cold, isn't it?

  • ArcMonkey #40 5 years ago

    I'm with symmetry on this one. I wish they'd release soon for the PC and port to consoles later...
    I'm happy to wait, I'd be more dissappointed if it turned out buggy, unfinished, not great. Its not like we're out of games to play. And HL2 looks dated? Compared to what? I still haven't played a single game that looks better! And it doesn't look like everything in the game is covered in vaseline!

    And quit your bitchin', you're gonna play it anyways!

  • dudefella #41 5 years ago

    Haha, that's like 3 years after HL2. Episodic content my ASS, Valve!

  • Tomo #42 5 years ago

    I disagree with symmetry - the whole idea behind this is that it's episodic content. It's supposed to come out frequently, which has gone to pot.

    Besides, the other two are mods anyway. It's not like they're working with a new game engine either.

    Of course I'd rather wait for it knowing that it'll be excellent as a result, but it's more disappointing having episodic content pushed back from promised release dates - even more so than entirely new games.

  • Xune #43 5 years ago

    Valve brought in the team from narbacular drop to develop Portal. TF2 has been in development for years now. So in all honesty what the hell is taking so long to produce Episode 2?

    If the delay is down to the effort needed to port the content, that's just a big slap in the face to PC users and makes Steam redundant.

  • Shrui #44 5 years ago

    Could it be a condition of the deal with EA to distribute it to the consoles?

    If I had both a 360 and a PC and Ep2 came out on the PC first then I'll buy the PC version on Steam and thats money that bypasses EA (yay!) and goes to Valve. If it comes out on both at the same time then there is more of a 'chance' that I might by the Xbox version and money goes to EA as well?

    Not that I'd favour a console FPS over the same version on PC but thats my personal opinion. Others might have preference or other reasons to go the console way.

    Is this feasible (in a sucky way)?

  • rufio #45 5 years ago

    i've seen on a few other sites that its out in fall 07, maybe thats just the states, but i'm hoping it'll be on steam at that time.
    also, its $40 for black and $60 for orange

  • Wite_Noiz #46 5 years ago

    Delays make WiNo sad :(

    Every time Valve delays a Half-Life episode, Jesus kills a kitten


    @Drakon
    "Since Valve backstabbed Vivaldi thinking that STEAM would be TEH FUTUR!!! with everyone using the "download and play" and it did not work so well ... just like their episodic idea. "

    What you smokin', boy?
    Steam has been a huge success for Valve. The Valve-Vivaldi break-up was because Vivaldi started doing digital distribution and pay-for-play of HL2 without consulting Valve.
    Edited by 1 at 08/02/07 @ 11:05

  • Xune #47 5 years ago

    It's possible Shuri but if that's the case it makes a nonsense of Valves split from Vivendi.

  • Garulon #48 5 years ago

    "Could it be a condition of the deal with EA to distribute it to the consoles?"

    EA want to sim-ship on PC, 360 and PS3. Word is the PC and 360 versions are _ready_ but squeezing Source onto the up-its-own-arse stupid design of the PS3 is causing EA major major problems.

    Fucking PS3 owners. You should all die in a fire.

  • spongebob #49 5 years ago

    Yeah, yeah, we all believe the "word". Actually, PS3 and Sony are resonsible for global warming as well.

  • Garulon #50 5 years ago

    "Yeah, yeah, we all believe the "word". Actually, PS3 and Sony are resonsible for global warming as well. "

    You have another explanation for Gabe Newell savaging a platform he's developing a game for?

  • spongebob #51 5 years ago

    Until I see an official announcement or at least an interview with someone from Valve saying that they're postponing Episode 2 because PS3 is such a bitch to dev for, I'm a non-believer. I find it REALLY hard to believe that X360 and PC versions are finished and they're just sitting on some hard drive until Autumn so they can release them all three at the same time. Maybe, and this is a big maybe, if Sony had paid Valve some serious money, they might do such a stupid thing. It's still unlikely.

  • kangarootoo #52 5 years ago

    "Half-Life 2: Episode 2 today moved one step closer to completion"

    Only insofar as we all move closer toward the end of time, surely.

  • spongebob #53 5 years ago

    rdexter takes the pot for joke of the day :)

  • ph101 #54 5 years ago

    Marketing is cross platform but costs a lot, hence different platforms need to be released at the same time. AT A GUESS.

  • SomaticSense #55 5 years ago

    Was really looking forward to this being out in the summer. Now it's going to get lost in all the Halo 3 hype.

    Now I've got to choose which I want more, Halo 3 or this. I don't want the same situation as last year, where RS: Vegas' gameplay was dulled by Gears of War's similar cover/shoot gameplay just a couple of weeks earlier. RS: Vegas would've left a much bigger impression on me if it hadn't been released so near to Gears.

    Only one FPS for me this winter, meaning the other will have to wait. But which one.....

    /sigh

    Should've expected it though, what with Valve's consistent release dates - consistently late.

  • gnarl #56 5 years ago

    If episodic game release is every 18 months, then EA have been releasing episodic sports games for years. And while the art style of half-life is good, I imagine it will start to look dated graphically by episode 3 at this rate.

  • Xune #57 5 years ago

    The Source engine is supposedly designed so that as aspects of it become outdated they can be replaced without having to redo everything else. It allows Valve to, for example, incorporate DX10 into Source as they did with HDR and 64bit processing. However with Valve's seeming inability to get anything done in a reasonable time frame, I'm not sure how much that will help them.

    You know things have gone to shit when they have to wheel out Doug "Out-by-30th-Sept-03" Lombardi though.

  • Melan #58 5 years ago

    Play some other games while you wait. There are a lots of different good games. Its just a game.

    It will problely be good, but it is not the second coming of Christ. You life will problely just be changed for 5-7 hours, and then you will be back on the internet complaning about DNF. ;)
    Edited by 1 at 17/05/07 @ 21:42