[Lewis Scott Childs]

I'm now getting ready to play through the Half-Life series again, finishing up with Black Mesa. I've clocked more hours on that then the rest of the Half-Life series combined, but I had already played the life out of the originals pre Steam and pre internet PC!

Half-Life has been in my life since the start of the millenium!
I played the original for the first time just over a year after it came out. Shown it by a friend staying over his and the rest is history. Got it and every subsequent release for myself, this is my series and I only waited so long to own it with Steam because I was only just able to get my actual own internet and PC.
Same friend showed me Opposing Force months later, got and played it straight after the first game so felt like one big continuous experience. Loved every second, more of the same but from another perspective and some of what had already been seen from another point of view.
I was there for the actual reveal and then release of Blue Shift, got it just after launch in summer just after finishing High School. Another perspective in which to view experienced events, shorter still but in my opinion even better in detail.

The same friend first showed me Half-Life 2. I first owned and played it myself on the Xbox, of course now do on PC where it began and belongs. Perfect sequel, more of the same but expanded upon with greater technology behind it. Continues the story and gives closure while also bringing up new questions.
When played consecutively with its episodes, a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience in both interactivity and narrative, remaining in the same perspective continuing onward from the aftermath of previous events, introducing new mechanics and continuing to improve the technology, whilst bringing the story to a close even if an unexpected climax.
Now with the advent of Black Mesa I could not be in a better place in regards to Half-Life. I thoroughly enjoy this masterpiece, remember when it was first revealed as an upcoming mod in PC Gamer and followed it ever since, until at last being able to buy and play the life out of the definitive edition just last year!