[quote]What’s worse is when a new game comes out and it’s lone unique quality is a new gun. When finding new ways to kill things qualifies as innovation, the medium as a whole suffers.[/quote]

I'm inclined to disagree, simply because of the gravity gun in Half-Life 2.  The physics engine made using that gun so incredibly satisfying.  From killing enemies with flying exploding barrels, to stacking boxes and crates to reach seemingly unreachable heights, one gun completely made that game.  Without it, HL2 would have been an average shooter at best.

I hanve't finished Half-Life 2 but based on the opening alone, I'd say it has more going for it than just one new gun.

The funniest aspect of this is when FPS start invading other games - like Fable 2 or Oblivion. I cannot wait until this trend ends.

I just posted a story here with very similar themes.  I agree with much of what you say -- and applaud you for wisely keeping your word count down.  Give Mr. Harris my regards.

@Daniel:  I just mean gameplay-wise.  If you take the gravity gun out, it's a pretty standard (slightly unpolished, imo) shooter with some awkward vehicle segments.  Yes, one could likely make a case for the quality of the graphics, characters, mysterious story, etc. when noting positives of the game... but for the gameplay, the gravity gun made that game.

I am so sick of FPS games in general, I've never been a fan.  I respect the genre but can't stand the games and it seems like those are the only type of games coming out anymore.

@Adam And the genre doesn't even have the decency to stay out of RPGs any more! (Looking at you, Mass Effect 2! You're a little too shooterish for me.)

@Bryan, if you take the core gameplay mechanic out of any game it makes it a standard affair, I can think of a lot of RPGs where this rule also applies. just try enjoying each game for what it is instead of being angry for what it isn't, or play less shooters so you don't get burnt out on them as easily. 

@Omar: Whoa, easy, I'm not annoyed with HL2 or shooters in the least.  I love shooters (not burnt out on them, and never will be) and I had an incredibly satisfying time with the gravity gun in HL2.  I was merely refuting Daniel's point that one gun can't completely change a game for the better.  My overall view of my recent first playthrough of HL2 was positive, thanks in large part to the gravity gun.

I agree with Daniel regarding Half-Life 2 -- the gravity gun doesn't "make" the game, which is well-revered for many other reasons. The weapon merely serves to prevent the latter portion of the game from becoming stale by turning the combat mechanics entirely upside down.

@Bryan

"I'm inclined to disagree, simply because of the gravity gun in Half-Life 2.  The physics engine made using that gun so incredibly satisfying.  From killing enemies with flying exploding barrels, to stacking boxes and crates to reach seemingly unreachable heights, one gun completely made that game.  Without it, HL2 would have been an average shooter at best."

Then you do agree with the author without realizing it. You used the gravity gun for things besides shooting people like a normal gun and enjoyed it. If there was no gravity gun, would you have enjoyed the game as much?

I normally avoid FPSs as i usually suck at twitchy games. The only one i really enjoyed to the end was Metroid Prime which many forget, technically, was a FPS. The environment was so engaging and begged to have every nook and cranny explored.

@Rich: The difference between Daniel's and my opinion is that he's peeved by one unique gun being a game's lone quality.  Contrarily, I don't mind when a game does that.  My overall view of HL2 was positive, and that's all that really matters to me.

I agree with the original author.  I do play shooters, but I have absolutely no interest in playing any more story-based single-player FPS games right now.  I'd absolutely play a first-person game with no shooting.

(Penumbra: Black Plague and Mirror's Edge are in my backlog.  My favourite parts of Fallout 3 have nothing to do with combat.)

Excellent article Daniel!

I love Half-Life 2 and as you stated, the non-shooting parts stand out to me too. There's not that much emotion going on when you're simply shooting enemies. It's the other characters that make it, exploring the world, and the surprise of encountering new situations.

But in Half-Life 2 and subsequent episodes, those sequences are mostly linear. Making a first-person game with more choice and freedom in telling the story would be a mighty challenge indeed. My ideal Half-Life Episode 3 would be gestures for Gordon, so that you can change the direction of the conversation while still keeping the immersion.