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This game is AWESOME, don't believe the bad press.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 52 / 56
Date: December 13, 2007
Author: Amazon User

The Good:
The Orange Box for PS3 is an outstanding purchase for any Half Life fan or for those that wanted to play HL2 but didn't have a PC that could run it. This package comes with 5 games which give roughly 30 hours of single player gameplay and infinite online multiplayer.

Included are the titles: Half Life 2, HL2: Episode 1, HL2: Episode 2, Portal, and Team Fortress 2. I have played through all five titles and can say that, on the whole, this is a very good port to the PS3. It has enhanced Hi-Definition graphics and the whole package has a very cool vibe to it.

Half Life 2 and the two expansion episodes are basically intellectual First Person Shooters with a huge emphasis on puzzle solving. HL2 was named game of the year by over 50 gaming publications when it was released. This version is better looking and is almost like playing the game for the first time. Portal is an insanely fun puzzle game where you shoot two portals onto walls and then warp between them to clear levels and reach objectives. It is easily the best puzzle game I've ever played and even better, my wife loves playing it as well. Team Fortress 2 is a fast cartoonish team-based online FPS. You use one of eight character types (engineer, scout etc.) to work together to defend your team's objectives. The game is a blast and has a crazy style to it.

The Bad:
There have been many complaints about this game having longer loading times and worse framerates than the other versions. But, I am here to tell you that these issues are WAY overblown and that in over 15 hours of playtime I have experienced only one substantial framerate drop and the few that popped in were gone within a few seconds and were barely noticeable. In fact, the framerate issues are no worse than they were in Heavenly Sword, or Assassins Creed.

Also, the loading times are longer than the other versions, but only by a few seconds and this is outweighed by the PS3 exclusive console ability to quick save at any point during the game. Loading times are also much worse on other highly praised games like Oblivion. But it does get annoying if you start dying a lot!

The Verdict:
If you're like me, you heard the bad press and got really worried about getting the highly anticipated and acclaimed orange box for PS3. I'm here to tell you that on its own merits as a game for PS3, this game is simply OUTSTANDING. The issues are minimal, and the overall fun and value of this game outweigh any of the negatives. If you only have a PS3, like Half Life, and want the best puzzle game of 2007 (Portal is incredible), then get this now. It may not be the best version available, but it's definitely a version worth getting and is an awesome addition to any PS3 library.

Ignore all the badmouthing, this game on the PS3 is good

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 19 / 22
Date: December 17, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I have played the whole of the Orange Box on 3 systems: a midrange system from a few years ago (Pentium 4, nVidia 7300GTS video card), a brand new system (Intel Core 2 Quad, nVidia 8800GT video card), and the PS3. I have seen the XBox 360 version, but I have not played it myself, so I won't pass judgement.

I will say this: I hate all the complaining about the PS3 version, with everyone comparing it to the other versions. Yes, EA is a horrible game developer, with substandard ports, and Valve should not have handed the Orange Box off to them. Yes, because of this, the PS3 version suffers, both graphically (no 1080p options), and with some drops in framerate (most notably in parts of Episode 2). But the problem with this sort of reviewing is that it is not objective to this game on this system, and deters people from an amazing gaming experience.

The Orange Box is one of the most amazing gaming experiences and gaming values you can get. I don't feel any need to elaborate; most people have either already experienced it, or read any of many reviews giving details in depth. The PS3 version is still that amazing experience, no question. It has semi-long load times, but nothing nearly as bad as I have experienced with other games (in other words, about normal). There are a few framerate drops and graphical glitches, but most (I repeat MOST) people wouldn't notice or care. Again, they are really no better or worse than most other games out there. Normal. My only real complaint is that even with the PS3's capabilities, the screen resolution maxes out at 720p (but then again, that was my main complaint with Heavenly Sword, Uncharted, Motorstorm, and several other PS3 [and XBox] games). But honestly, it still looks absolutely amazing; 720p is still HD, and most people can't tell the difference between 720p and 1080p anyways. I can, but it's really doesn't matter. The quality of the game as a whole does.

A quick breakdown of the framerate issues in each part of the game, for those who care:

HL2: None
HL2, Ep.1: Some during the last levels
HL2, Ep.2: Some at the beginning, some during driving sequences, and at a few points during the last level
Portal: None
TF2: Here is where there is no excuse. ANY framerate problems during a real-time online fighting game causes huge problems. And there are a few.

I should note, the lowest I saw the framerate drop was to around 15-18 frames per second, which is noticeable for those who care, but NOWHERE near the slideshow that some reviews have been spouting. Also, there was a slight delay in gameplay during quick-saving and right after loading, but that's pretty normal for games. Nothing to kvetch about.

For those who need some comparison, I will now compare it to both of my PC experiences.

The PS3 version far outshines my gameplay experience on my midrange system. Load times, framerate, and VISUALS are far superior on the PS3. Would I have complained about the PC version? Not really, because even with the minute long load times, low resolution, and really choppy framerate on my PC, I still really loved the game. So the PS3 version was a huge step up.

With my new system, well, duh, it's going to look and feel better than the PS3 or XBox versions. And it does, very much so. That was expected.

So which way do I prefer, PC or PS3? Well, it's sort of split for me. The PC version is technically superior, and keyboard/mouse controls have always been better than using a console controller. But there was something that tickled me about being able to lie on my couch, watching the game on a huge screen, and hearing footsteps and action all around me with surround sound (I realize you can hook up surround sound on PC's, but how many people actually do? Most people put the money towards their home entertainment systems. And while I have a VERY large widescreen computer monitor, it's nothing like my television.). So I'm honestly split.

Final thoughts (sorry for making this so long):

If you have multiple consoles, and are choosing between this and the XBox 360 version, skip it. The 360 version was directly overseen by Valve, which is reason enough to spring for that as opposed to an EA port (again, I haven't actually played the 360 version, and I really don't like what EA does for games).

If you have the PC version, it's up to you whether or not you want to get it for PS3. Paying twice for the same game may seem a waste, but some people (myself included) like to have the option to play in front of a desk, or to relax on the couch and play. If you're still not sure, I suggest renting the game first to get the experience. That's what I did, and now I've made the decision to get the game for PS3 in addition to the PC version I already own.

If you don't have the Orange Box at all, shame on you! But if you're looking to get it, have a PS3, and your computer isn't mid-high range, the PS3 version is a good choice. (Plus you don't have to deal with Steam, and you can sell or return the game, which you can't do with the PC version)

Hope this helps.

Best Game Package I've Ever Owned - - Portal Blew My Mind

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 9 / 9
Date: January 01, 2008
Author: Amazon User

I bought this game despite some reviewers saying there were frame rate slow downs etc, and I'm so glad I did. This isn't the best PS3 game out (that goes to Uncharted in my book) but this is my number 2 PS3 game.

There are five games included in this package, and each one is mind blowingly good. Portal is the most unique game experience I've had in a long time, and Portal alone is something every gamer should experience.

Then there's the Half-Life 2 series, which includes three variations of that game basically, and countless hours of content. The atmosphere and story is excellent, and again unique. The nice thing about these games is that the story is all told by the things other people say to you, and the things that happen in the environment. This is true of Portal as well. The fact that your character doesn't talk makes it feel more like it's you in the game, and it allows you to have your own thoughts/reactions to what's being said and done, without anyone telling you what your character feels. It's wonderful.

There are some frame drops and the occasional hitching, but this honestly didn't bother me very much at all. It happens rarely, and honestly games in previous generations suffered much worse and didn't stop anyone from buying them, and nor should it stop anyone here. For the most part the game is smooth, with gorgeous graphics, anti aliasing. Most home computers would probably run this game at less detail offered here, and STILL have far worse technical problems. I had my second best gaming experience of the year with this game (Uncharted being number 1) so clearly I think it's a superb addition to any PS3 library.

BEST BANG FOR PS3 OWNERS!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 11 / 13
Date: December 17, 2007
Author: Amazon User

A good game overall, I had owned HL2 for my Xbox a few years ago, beat it, and started playing Orange Box on PS3, overall it is a better experience.

so far I have encountered no framerate problems or anything to keep me from enjoying the game. There are load times but they are not as frequent as the Xbox version and they are not as long as some people say they are.

Plus, you don't have to worry about Steam, like you do for the PC version.

HL2 = 10/10
HL2 EP 1 = 8/10
HL2 EP 2 = 9/10
Portal = 9/10
TF2 = 10/10

Orange Box = Greatness, no matter what system you buy it for.

Don't believe the bad press!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: December 30, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Frame rate issues are sooooooo overexaggerated! This is one of the best titles available for PS3, buy a copy without doubts!

There are always ways to perfection, and that's what all the complaints are about, because other releases of this game-set are slightly better, but the improvements are VERY insignificant, and if there were no other editions - no one would even complain about the performance of this one. It's all about the fanboy war of XBOX against PS3, so PS3 fanboys feel betrayed by Valve because XBOX release is slightly better. Please, just ignore this silly war, or you'll miss such an outstanding release.

A must have!

Great game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: January 26, 2008
Author: Amazon User

I bought this on PS3 because I've had enough of upgrading my PC (I'd rather just get a huge TV now instead). My PS3 has been a paper weight for almost a year until I got this game. I have HL2 on the PC but not the extra episodes or extra content that comes with the Orange Box. I was a bit hesistant to buy this as most review sites made this game sound like it is unplayable on the PS3. Now, I can't help but think those reviews were sabotage attempts because those opinions couldn't be further from the truth. The visual differences between this version and HL2 on the PC are insignificant. I had one instance of slowdown during HL2 (not once during Ep1/Ep2/Portal/TF2) and it lasted a whole 3 seconds tops. EA actually came through in my opinion. Great game! Now if I could only get used to playing FPS games without my keyboard/mouse :S

great game and great value

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: February 14, 2008
Author: Amazon User

like a lot of people I wasnt able to play team fortress online and was getting very frustrated with it. I was trying to play through the wifi on the ps3 and I soon relized that in order to play I had to hook the ps3 into a cable modem router. For some reason it wont let you play team fortress through the wifi, even though it is no problem with COD4. Overall a great buy.

EA servers ruin overall experience...

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: December 28, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I am still giving this series a 5 star review despite EA's inability to get this game squared away online. For starters the Half Life series in general was a major breaktrough in shooters. Never before had we seen the
the likes of a game that delivered so much action with such fascinating impressionable characters and a smart storyline to boot. Simply put HALF LIFE 2 is an experience that picks right up where its predecessor left off. Gordon Freeman is once again transported from reality as we know it to a chaotic world where he must encounter ungodly monsters and situations. Episodes 1 and 2 add to the stories complexities, and they are complex but nontheless enjoyable. The action is fast, fun and thought provoking. Enjoy the contents of this box, if you were ever going to drop $50 - $60 bucks on a game this is the one, it will be in your collection forever. The only sad thing is that EA sports cannot seem to get its servers off the ground. I ve read though numerous boards to find I am not alone. A lot of players blame "port fowarding" for this problem but I myself am not sure. So, get going FREEMAN the ORANGE BOX awaits or does it?

Super great title for PS3!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: March 08, 2008
Author: Amazon User

If you have a PS3, then you need The Orange Box. Halflife has always been a favorite of mine, and since my computer stoped running it, I was very excited to get it on my PS3. The rumors that the critics and 360 fanchildren say about the framerate being bad and it having horible load times are complete lies. The framerate runs at a constant 30FPS which is what the game is designed to run on. I've only noticed a few, and I mean VERY few dips in the framerate. And as far as the load times go, if you can't wait 10-15 seconds for a game to load, then perhaps you should not be playing video games. Halflife 2 and the other 2 episodes runs better on my PS3 than they did on my old PC. Also, Portal is one of the most inovative games out there, a must try. As far as Team Fortress goes, I don't have my PS3 online so I can't give a review on that, but I've heard its really good. Hands down this is one of the best titles for the PS3 to date. If you are an old Halflife fan, or a first person sci-fi fan then this game is for you!

Brilliant as usual but...

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 18
Date: December 12, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Pros: Improved graphics, awesome physics, best sequel ever
Cons: Frame-rate sometimes gets really really choppy (almost unplayable)

However, this is a must own for every PS3 owner!

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