really surprised by this one! the dramatic contrast between light and dark makes for the best visuals of the series. there's a very "first console game made by a pc studio" vibe to this, where the story is sparse, the lore is extensive and unexplained, and the levels are clearly individually designed rooms strung together, each a little challenge taking a few minutes to clear. i love that the characters aren't talking constantly. the scenario variety is not as dramatic as the sequels, which are "cinematic setpiece" games, but each chapter still feels distinct from the last both in setting and encounter design.

cover is not just a place to hide and reload, but an avenue of relatively safe movement where you can flank and reposition. it is enforced by high incoming damage, and there are few enemies per encounter, but each of them are dangerous enough to matter, and spongy enough to last. this makes headshots, chainsaw kills, and closing emergence holes important and rewarding. it's easy to see why this was a hit in 2006, and still a fan favorite now.