Half-Life 2: Episode 1

Having left the story of Half-Life 2 on the mother of all cliffhangers, this instalment picks up an hour later. The introduction of High Dynamic Range lighting as well as even more clever ways of playing with the fantastic physics engine means the player feels much more involved as they watch City 17 crumble around them.

Gameplay wise, its bigger, badder and the player has some extra help in the form of the gorgeous Alyx Vance. The player is made to feel genuine love and compassion for her as the relationship between the two characters develops beyond simple teamwork.

As Gordon and Alyx escape through the city meeting ever more zombies, including the new Zombine super-zombie, the player feels both helpless and emboldened at different turns.

This game will suck your life away for a good eight hours and is second to none in the richness of story, character acting and emotion.

The biggest let down is how short it is - but we won't have to wait long for Episode 2 which will include Team fortress 2 and Portal along with the story.