3rd chapter should be split into half
Being a long time Half-Life gamer, I have always appreciate modders who tries to bring them into the L4D2 universe. This is why alongside with several Ravenholm campaigns I played, this White Forest campaign is another ones I loved it and I'm now repeatedly playing it, therefore I must admit this is quite good! But then again, while there are good side of this campaign, there are also downsides as well. First, let me just say that I like how the crowbar was offered in the beginning. Now THAT is something since we know it represents the Half-Life symbolic weapon. I also like how the cinematic camera points to the City 17 being destroyed at the background first, though it somewhat lacks the Superportal effect but that's another story to comment and I won't get too far fetched about it. Then here comes the Gnome hiding at the comms room. While I love to carry that cute little toy, the problem is whenever I drop (intentionally or accidentally) at certain places like inside the antlion cave, it will fall through the floor. This is quite frustrating. It seems that the developer forgot to add the collision at the cave. I also like how the particular Tank at the cave was modded with different texture. Is that a mini-Hulk I saw? Another thing I love it is when the elevator was being called, it immediately plays the Vortal Combat music. This boosts up my mode to fight zombies when playing with my eight custom Half-Life characters! Now moving on to third chapter. I loved most of the parts such as two antlion guards replaced with tanks smashing out from the mines, the environment, the nostalgia on HL2 EP2 journey etc. However, the third part is too long. Lack of first aids and pills. Too many Special Infected & hordes. Not enough ammo replenishment. This part is so unbalanced. Honestly if it's me, I would rather split the third chapter into half. The first part should have ended up at Freeman Pontifex room where you have to jump through the shelves. Then second part should begin from this same place. That way, this would give a more balance chapter. Finally, I love the finale chapter where you have to restart the 4 engines and wait for the helicopter ride. Every guns and upgrades are introduced at the final part. In conclusion, while there are certain flaws in this campaign, White Forest is still one of the best HL2-ported campaign I would highly recommend. I do wish someone could continue make a White Forest 2.0 where it continues up from the Survivors would explore chapters from EP2's Riding Shotgun onwards. The finale chapter makes me feel like the journey is hardly over for survivors who wish to follow Freeman's footsteps.
Satisfying White Forest sequel
This review was posted before the latest release.