HL2: Episode 2 details revealed

New details have been revealed of Half-Life 2: Episode 2 - and if you don't want to spoil any surprises, you'd best stop reading right now.

According to the latest issue of PC Gamer US, as detailed on the Steam forums, Alyx is still alive and well in Ep 2. She's joining Dr. Freeman on his mission to deliver the combine packet to Eli and Kleiner, who have set up a base in the missile silo.

You can expect as many different environments as those found in Ep 1, including a mine shaft, and an upgrade for the Gravity Gun. There's also a brand new weapon called the Strider Buster, plus a ramming vehicle which can be used to blast through waves of Mini Striders. We'll get to learn more about the mysterious Vortigaunts, and even the G Man himself.

And finally, a "yet-to-be-announced multiplayer game will ship with Episode 2," apparently - but no further details of this have been revealed so far.

Half-Life 2: Episode 2 is due out in time for Christmas.