Half-Life 2 Confirmed for PS3 and Xbox 360

While speaking at Electronic Arts' annual summer press event, Valve Software's Gabe Newell announced that Half-Life 2 will definitely arrive for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Better yet, the ports, which are scheduled to ship simultaneously with Half-Life 2: Episode Two for the PC, will include official Half-Life 2 content available at that point, including Episode Two.

While Newell didn't announce every bit of what will be on the disc, the PS3 and X360 versions of Half-Life 2 will include adjunct titles like Half-Life 2: Episode One and the just-reconfirmed Team Fortress 2. Counter-Strike: Source is also a possibility.

[Marriot VP]

and how old is this PC game, quit beating a dead horse.

[andy capps]

I'm still playing this game online. Granted it's a couple years old, but it's still a better game in all aspects than almost any first person shooter out there. Actually, I don't think I've ever played a better one, so this is great news. Now I'll be able to have maximum settings that my current PC isn't able to handle.

[OutpostCommand]

I dont give a donkeys balls how old it is.
If its coming to console, w00t !

[ds6220]

when the material is this freakin' brilliant. Any fan of FPS on the PC knows how important this game is and was. This game (and the original Half Life before it) is like Halo to the minions on Xbox that never really played a FPS before they bought an Xbox. Add that to the fact that in order to run the game at full specs when it came out you had to have a beast of a PC (although, admittedly, it ran great scaled back. Valve knows how to code) and everyone needs to play this game. Yes, it was on the Xbox, but let's just forget that for the moment. No way is Half Life 2 a dead horse when Valve has just released Episode One and Episode Two is on the way.

[Bluemayhem]

It would be a great game even if it is a port from the pc/xbox. However, lets not get too hasty and port Counter Strike as well. CS was a disaster on the old xbox and CSS on the 360 will be garbage as well unless it will support keyboard and mouse.
Playing CSS with a controller is pathetic, any other dumb shooter like doom/prey is fine but not this game.

[OutpostCommand]

Ive actually never played CS on a console (Its OMFG PWNAGE on PC)
If they do release CS, then lets hope its better than you put it forward to be.
Another port from PC I would like to see is BF2.
There was one half-****ed attempt made by EA, but BF2:MC was nothing like its older brother.
If they release BF2 on PS3....damn it, im in Heaven !

[specialguest]

people say Xbox360 is the king of FPS and that maybe true base on the games, but it does really suck to play FPS with a control pad.

i don't understand why the 360 are not allowing keyboard/mouse support for gaming yet. maybe in the future, they'll announce it.

as for now, i know the PS3 has already confirmed support of keyboard/mouse for gaming. http://www.ps3today.com/Blo...

[andy capps]

The PS3 will support it, but it's still up to the devs to implement it in their game. It also causes some extreme balancing issues when players with keyboard and mouse are playing against players with controllers online. Maybe you could have rooms that were only for KB/M when the machine detected that they were present, or maybe you could have it optional for the brave console controller souls that wish to go against the KB/M crowd.

[soccerstar]

I completely agree bf2 for the pc kicks a** but the modern combat games for the consoles absolutly suck

[Capt CHAOS]

PC Mouse gamers keep on complaining about having to use the controller, it's actually not that bad a system, because we have analogue movement and analogue aim, as opposed to just analogue aim (though alot more accurate). Also don't forget, you have all the controls right at your finger tips. So quit moaning.

Console control pads are cool.

[Bluemayhem]

Yeah Man, I know CSS online is the shizz!
Its just one of those games that requires you to "aim" and not just point the xhair towards your opponent and miraculously you shoot him even though you are in a middle of a jump.
Thats why controlers are good for frantic shooters without recoil etc...

[beaucauchemar]

I'm with many of you saying that CSS for the PC is practically perfection. But chances are great that the 360 port will feature keyboard/mouse support...hopefully. And just imagine how great it would be with both the key/mouse support PLUS improved visuals on a solid, Live-enabled 360. Wow.

Also, I think TF2 is definetely due for a revival. All those hours of fun I had with 2fort and dustbowl building sentrys and sniping slow HW guys. And now on the 360? Valve, you have impressed me big-time.

-Beau

P.S.
Plus, I have managed to hold off playing HL2 pending the 360 port news. Now I'll be able to try it for the first time on a brand new system and I'm sure it will be worth the wait.

[TheXgamerLive]

They need to do an all new version for the XBOX 360 or atleast let everyone know that a HL3 is on it's way but we need original episodic content and not ports.

[zonetrooper5]

i may already have these games on my PC and run them at medium settings but i will get it on the xbox 360. for PS3 and xbox fans, this is on the bestest news that has come for a while.

[The Real Deal]

It will have episode 1 and 2 included in it. Also there will be extra modes like Portal.

[The Real Deal]

This is good news for the ps3. If it wasn't coming for the xbox360 I would buy a ps3 for that game.

[THAMMER1]

It really dose not mater. The only people who complain are people who cannot use one or the other. I can use both very well, but I prefer a joystick more because of the keyboard gives me a bigger cramp than the dual shock. And the since of realism. Pulling a trigger is much more satisfying than clicking a mouse and keyboard. PC purest have really big egos for no reason other than how slow they have adapted to joysticks. And joystick users have no reason to at least try a key boards and mouse but the learning curve is long.

[Bluemayhem]

Egos have got nothing to do with it and neither does preference. Do you think someone who is playing a competitive CSS game gives a s**t whether it is more satisfying to pull a trigger or a mouse button??
It is about precision of movement and aiming accuracy. I play on my 360 quite a lot especially the run and gun shooters like Black,Doom3 and Halo and a controller is fine for that (autoaim anyone). But playing CSS on a controller is travesty and thats a fact.

Therefore the only tantrum throwing kid is you in here.

[The Real Deal]

Your right. Its funny because the only reason computer gamers use a keyboard and mouse is because at one point that was their only option. Before Gamepads where released for the computer gamers were forced to use keyboard/mouse for games. Now they think its better. Because they have adapted to it. When gamepads were first release for the computer they didn't even have duel analog sticks. It wasn't a good option to use gamepads back in the day with a computer game. But with Sony and Microsoft perfecting the gamepad with duel analog sticks, and the game Halo. First person shooters now feel more immersive with a game pad. Rumble when you shoot, Rumble when the ground shakes, Rumble when you get shot or when your heart is beating low, and the triggers give the feel of shooting a gun more pleasurable and immersive. Times have changed and computer games are loving what they were forced to love due to constrictions early on in computer gaming.

P.S. I would rather play the game and feel like I'm in the game than click the game. Click here...Click there....That was cool when there were no other choices. But games have evolved from the old cave man click and shoot days. lol..... Yes its more accurate. But is it more fun? Its a matter of brain constraints and opinions.

[TheXgamerLive]

This is the 21st century where anything is possible with today's controllers and feels easy to use and excellent to use. If your a mostly PC player and maybe point and click is your thing, I personally am much more immersed with my controller than a point and click mouse. Yes, I could adjust to it but why go backwards in gameplay, I dont want to unless it's the games only option.

[specialguest]

hahhaha you said : Immersed
isn't Immersion adding rumble and all that good stuff to the 360's controller? anyway, with their new-generation rumbling/vibrating abilities, it would add a new experience to FPS that you won't get with a keyboard/mouse.

[TheXgamerLive]

It was the proper context for the way in which I was speaking. Think about it.

If the game give's everyone a chance to choose which they'd like to use, then that would be best it seems. If your truly comfy with your set up then you'll have fun playing for hours upon hours at a time. And, with Windows Vista coming out now everyone can play through XBOX live anywhere and to which this title will rock.

[ASTAROTH]

This is a really good game, but is a litle late. Ive played the XBOX version an even with its framerate problems is graphically good. The only reason developers want it on next gen systems is MONEY baby. I dont see it as a must own title for neither the PS3 or 360, unless you havent played it on PC or XBOX. episode 2is a plus so you decide.

[The Real Deal]

Yes there is money to be made but it will include episode 1 and episode 2 plus new content like Portal. Its a good game to have in your collection of top notch xbox 360 or Ps3 games. Thats for sure. Remember...not every gamer who owns a console plays computer games. This gives millions of people a chance to play Half Life, Counter Strike, Episode 1 & 2, and more.

[andy capps]

Agreed. I can't wait to play these on Max settings on PS3 and have all the other extras.

To the above poster asking for a Xbox 360 Half Life original title that is exclusive to the console.. dream on. That will not happen. If anything, it would be exclusive to PC as that's where Valve's roots are.

[ASTAROTH]

For the first time I agree with your comments. I said it coul be a reason enough to bring the game to consoles and its money. I bougth it on XBOX. But its a plus to play episode 2 in next gen. Its a very good FPS indeed.

[PS360PCROCKS]

this is very good news indeed

[The Real Deal]

At least in 2007 with live anywhere we (xbox360 owners) might be playing Half life2/Counter Strike with PC windows Vista gamers. Thats going to be fun. And with the new games coming out in 2007 using Direct x 10 and XNA, they should look unbelievable on the PC and xbox 360. I have to give it to Microsoft...they knew what they were doing when they made the 360. It connects pc gamers with console gamers. It gives people a choice. If they want cutting edge pc games they don't have to keep upgrading their PC. They can experience the same games in HD on their home theater system with the 360. Then you ad the exclusive and 3rd party content. Its pretty cool.

[mikeeno7]

Call me spoilt, but i want Half-Life 3. Sure, Half-life 2 will be good on 360, but we need to move on now.

[The Real Deal]

I'm sure its coming. But remember, they are still adding episodes. So the console version will contain all the new episodes and new content. But the day will come where Half Life 3 will be released on 360, ps3, and Computer.

[The Real Deal]

Wouldn't it have been great if the ps3 used live anywhere....If Microsoft let them use it for a fee. Then PC gamers, Sony gamers, and xbox 360 gamers could communicate and play games together. Devs have already said that cross platform games will look the same. So it would be fun. Instead of Sony trying to copy xbox live which is easier said than done. If Sony just paid to implement it in their consoles. Because the thing is, you don't build an online community over night. It just doesn't happen. xbox live is close to hitting 6 million users and when live anywhere launches it will include PC gamers. Thats huge and can only be done by Microsoft. Just a thought. Something to make gamers more united rather than divided.

[andy capps]

I hate to spoil your theory, but Valve has said that the episodes coming out now are considered Half Life 3. I believe they're supposed to be 3 episodes in total. I was a little disappointed that they weren't completely revamping the engine and everything, instead of just adding a few more graphical tweaks. At the same time, at least we didn't have to wait another six years, right? :)

But about your other theory, I think it would be great if everyone was able to play together. I doubt Valve would stop using Steam for their online games, and make their users pay a fee to play their PC game when they've been playing this long for free. You also said that PS3 would benefit from using Xbox Live's service for a fee, because MS has worked out everything and you can't just bring this out overnight. I agree with you, but, Sony has been working on the new online service for 3-4 years. By that token, they should have a pretty good handle on it by November. Not saying it won't have bugs, Xbox Live for 360 had several bugs and is a continual process of implementing new changes. And Sony's will probably be the same way. I'm hoping that they don't take several months to fix the bugs, such as MS has usually done with security flaws in their Windows OS. But yes, I think that PS Online, HUB, or whatever they call it will have some hiccups. I'm just saying that I don't think they've been sitting on their butt for 3-4 years doing nothing, and that it should have a pretty good online system at launch.

[The_Firestarter]

Ummmm, I'm pretty sure that Valve said that this episodic content IS HL3. So, for the 360 and PS3, they'll be getting Half-Life 2.6 and then being able to download HL EP.3 later.

[The Real Deal]

Though I respect your views and opinions I would have to say we are all HOPEFUL that Sony can pull it off with their online plans. Sony's expertise has always been in hardware and Microsoft has been in Software and services. But what I was saying about online anywere with the ps3 was purely hypathetical. I know it wouldn't happen but it would be cool. And as far as valve and the pc market. Windows Vista will change many things about PC online gaming for the better. YOu make it seem like paying 20 cents a day for a unified online experience for ALL games with cross platform to cellular to handheld chatting and messaging is bad. Thats 20 cents a day. you have to put it in perspective. That is simply amazing that you can
A. video chat
B. Game invite
C. Play games on PC/360/cell phone through one unified service
D. Download games to your xbox 360 from your cell phone or PC when you are not home.
C. Be able to modify content on your computer then implement it in your game on the 360.
D. Play ALL GAMES whether it be an MMO, First person shooter, platformer, Racing game, ect... against PC rivals using xna and direct x 10 in both. The possiblities are endless and there is great fun to be had.
So all that. For 20 cents a day. People need to stop making it seem like you have to pay soooo much to play online. NOOOOOO...you pay so little to play online, video chat, compare stats, text message, game invite, download videos, download demos, and with the Direct TV being added soon...Download and watch HD movies as well....For 20 cents a day. 50 dollars a year. 4 dollars a month. 1 dollar a week. Its an Unbelievable value and to be connected worldwide with PC gameers when Vista launches.

P.S. I haven't ran into any bugs with xbox live. And they have added many updates since the console launched. But they were all updates to improve and add features. They seem to be on top of it. Its a great value for a unbelievable service.

[andy capps]

I definitely respect your opinion. Much more so than most 360 owners on here. So I am happy to have some intelligent dialog going on here. Let's keep that up. :)

About the $50 Live fees.. There is just something in me that balks at paying $50 a year for something that I do now on PC's for free. The difference is that Xbox live integrates it into a user-friendly package that is pleasing to the eye. For me it's not the price, because $50 is cheap when you consider it's over a whole year. But regardless, I may end up getting a 360 fairly soon or it may be some time later. Either way, I'm definitely getting a PS3 and hope that they're able to get a good online system up.

The bugs that I was referring to were not necessarily bugs, but just improvements that were made, that a lot of people had been calling for for quite some time. In other words, it's much more full featured now, than it was at launch. And it will continue to grow, I'm sure. I was just saying that I hope that Sony continues to add features to PS HUB (or whatever it'll be called) continually and often.

Vista does look really nice by the way. I'm just wondering how much of a system hog it will be. I've got the new beta version of Windows Media, and while looking great, it seems somewhat slow and unstable. It's probably a combination of the fact that I need to upgrade my processor and a few other things, and that it's also a beta version. They've said that you can adjust the settings for Vista, but I hope they can have Vista work well for everyone, just scale things back like in Half Life 2 if you have a not so great system.

[The Real Deal]

Think about this and let me know your thoughts. Can you buy a computer and video chat, text message, access leader boards, game invite, check your friends and see instantly what game they are playing and how far they are in a game? Can you see that your friend is playing a game and see in real time what the score of the game is? And more importantly can you do any of those things right now on a computer for free? So thats my thing. You can play games on the PC online but thats the extent of the service. live anywere is much much more than just playing games against one another. Its a community of gamers who can do many other things together besides playing games. If it was xbox live and you could only play games on it I could totally agree with you being hesitant to paying anything when you do it for free on a computer. But yeah, I like chatting with people who just want to information share and bounce opinions off eachother. Thats cool. And I believe thats what this site was intended for. No one gets defensive that way and everything is fair and fun to talk about.

P.S. I can't wait for Sony to release some info on their online plans. Thats a big selling point for me personally. I don't care much about browsing the internet from my ps3 though. I heard you can do that. That would be silly. Dreamcast did that when it launced. I use my personal computers for that kind of stuff. If Blu ray wins the format war, thats probably when I would get a ps3. Or if a MUST have title gets announced that won't be coming to the 360. So I'm keeping my eyes and ears open for any ps3 info that gets released before launch. But right now, I'm very pleased with my purchase of the 360. I'm curious about the Wii. I'm not sure If I'll get one yet. I guess I have to see it in action.

[gamerriffic]

cssource on consoles. halflife2 multiplayer.. thats about all i play at a computer cafe. now to get that on my ps3.

this is great news for x360 and ps3, who cares if the game is old. the source engine is being used in newgames like dark messiah, or sin.. source.. and age doesnt matter, i and millions others play cs 1.6 still. css and hl2 on a HDTV. cannot wait.

[Arsenic13]

best dicision ever! downloadable content here i come!

[Mikey_Gee]

The HL stuff is fantastic and really a leading if FPS games.

The online is also very well put together.

This is one FPS that does not get stail as far as I am concerned

[Dazzboi360]

Hey guys here my gamertag - NinjaGBlack24 if anyone is interested ;)