Half Life 2 Episode 2 continues the improvements started by Episode 1, however it does fall short comparatively in a small number of things that Episode 1 finishes. It brings back the chapters that seem to overstay their welcome, but also adds great new mechanics, maintains better pacing than the base game, and introduces new enemy types that are challenging and fun to fight.

Having played Half Life 2 Episode 1 directly after finishing the base game, I feel that it resolves many of the issues I had with Half Life 2. Each chapter has great pacing and feels well packed with story, combat, and puzzles. A great way to continue the story of Half Life and address criticisms of the base game.

Half Life 2 is a fantastic follow up to Half Life, however, it does have it's faults. The campaign feels like it overstays it's welcome in some chapters, where as there are standouts like "We don't go to Ravenholm..." and "Nova Prospekt" which I feel are the best the series has to offer. Overall Half Life 2 was worth my time and everyone should play such a classic piece of gaming history.