There are tons of video game compilation packages available out there today - some are better than others. Few are as good in content and affordable as The Orange Box, originally released for the XBox 360 in 2007. By the time I bought it, it was only twenty dollars, which was a total bargain - I believe the original price was no more than forty. In any case, The Orange Box is a great find for 360 owners.

     It contains essentially five lengthy video games for a fraction of the price. One of the most memorable first person shooters from the Xbox era, Half-Life 2 is the real star here. It is featured in HD glory (rendering the original Xbox version looking muddy and ultimately obsolete), and it is still a blast to play today. It also features new chapters in the Half-Life saga in the forms of episodes, entitled Episode One and Episode Two. So if you loved Half-Life 2, you'll surely love the upgraded visuals and the extra content for that game.

     Team Fortress 2 is also included and I frankly don't have too much to say in regards to this game. It isn't something that is my forte particularly, and while it isn't a bad game, its not too compelling compared to the rest of the package. It has its moments, but isn't as detailed as Half-Life 2 or as mind-bending as the other brilliant inclusion, Portal. I would say that The Orange Box is worth getting just for Portal alone! It is one of the most innovative and down right clever games I've ever had the pleasure of playing. It isn't the longest game, but it has a brisk pace that keeps your attention and requires it - since it will keep you involved with its intellectual puzzle solving. You'll meet one of the more interesting characters in gLados, a sarcastic, mocking, yet incredibly fascinating AI that supervises your progress throughout the odd experiment of Portal.

     For such a low price, The Orange Box defines what it means to get bang for your buck. It is absolutely worth your time, even if you just play the original Half-Life 2 or Portal.

-Kurt L.

______________________________________________________