Half-Life 2: Raising the Bar

This is definitely not to be missed. If you're a Half-Life fan, or just in love with concept art, this is a must! This is a in-depth look at the concept art from both Half-Life games, and it's filled with commentary all the way through. Yes, it's hard to find now and expensive, but totally worth every penny. It's not a guide on how the games were made, but more of a gallery of beautiful artwork and models that helped bring the games together, from pencil to screen. Absolutely beautiful, and lots to offer. I completely recommend this!

This is a very good book detailing all the behind the scenes stuff with Half Life 2. It also has very good artwork detailing some of the familiar characters in game. Well worth the read if you are a fan.

So I'm a huge HL nerd - full disclosure. I love this book. It was used...certainly showed it. Someone donated it to Goodwill somewhere in the midwest and they put it up on Amazon...smart cookies. Just lots of cool concept art and anecdotes from the development of the HL games...plus some other Valve stuff...CS and such. I love the architectural concept art. If you're as big a nerd as I am, you definitely need this book on your coffee table.

This book tracks the creation of the Half Life II world from concept art to final product. It is, simply, amazing. Not since a book of concept art for Star Wars (the original 3) have I encountered concept art so clearly building a complete world(s) with as much detail, passion, and creativity. It's been a few years since HL2 hit the market, and we've since seen the introduction of HL Lost Coast, Episode I and Episode II, each of which build and add to the HL2 world in a organized and entertaining way. I have to believe the continuity throughout each installment of the HL world comes in large part because they laid such a solid foundation in their creation of so much beautiful, detailed concept art. Some of the materials displayed in the book missing from HL2 have shown up in later installments. It seems even years ago they knew where they were headed. What you will not find in this book are details on the source engine, details on the writing process behind the storyline, or any mention of the delay in production of HL2. This is a book almost exlusively about the visual art present in the game. No matter where the storyline for HL2 ends, this book will show where it began, and how concepts led to one of the greatest games, and franchises, in PC gaming history. If you're a fan of Half Life 2, buy this book. You will not be disappointed.

This is the perfect book for the Half-Life nerd, such as myself. I can't believe it took me this long to purchase. I'm not a reader but I flew through this in a matter of days.

I see some new copies of this book are selling for a lot. If I had an unwrapped copy, I wouldn't sell it for less than half what people are offering now ... simply because the art and game tidbits are amazing and I'm sure I'd want to buy another copy. It always gets a look on my coffee table.

This book is a great coffee table book that shows insight into the making of HL2. Lots of sketches and even alpha information on HL1. If you're expecting a book with lots of interviews from the dev team prepare to be disappointed.

Arrived in great condition - my son loves it

The product was shipped from the US to the Netherlands in quite a fast timespan. The description matched the product, there were only minor blemishes on the dust jacket, and as far as I can see no blemishes on any of the pages. The book itself is fantastic and a *must* for any true fan of the Half-Life series, giving deeper descriptions to the design of the NPCs, levels, atmosphere, etc. of Half-Life, Counter-Strike, and Half-Life 2. The images are of a high quality. I can highly recommended this rare book.

Un des meilleurs artbook, beaucoup de croquis et d'artworks, essais graphiques et contrairement à ce que le titre laisse penser, le livre aborde les deux Half Life. Et en plus des tas d'anecdotes (en anglais) sur les coulisses du développement. Un très bel objet.

A Half Life fan must have

Ce livre est excellent. Le nombre de croquis de production est impressionnant. Un livre de choix mais difficile a trouver.

This book and the game Half Life 2, has had a massive influence on me. Seeing the art and the world of Half Life 2 inspired me to 3d modelling and computer games design/level design. I now work in the games industry, and even after all these years looking back at the game and this book still makes me think wow. Valve really did raise the bar back then and now look at where they are. Lovely art book, with some insight.