LogFAQs > #929106137

68. Ravenholm (16 points)
Nominated by: Xeybozn (2/5 remaining)

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Importance: 4
Fear: 4
Snake: 8

Ravenholm is just about the point in the game where Half-Life 2 goes from action-packed FPS to straight-up survival horror territory. It is one of the most famous horror levels in gaming, and serves as a fantastic example of how to inject a genre shift into your game without ruining the pace or missing a single beat. Forebodingly dark from the onset, Ravenholm is infested with headcrabs and zombies, and armed with your Gravity Gun, you are forced to use your environment against the encroaching threat. There are even barrels and traps to help you along. There's a sense of isolation throughout the area, but you do meet Father Grigori, one of the last remaining survivors in the former mining town. Though there's still a healthy focus on action, ammo can be scarce and the way you advance through the town with perfectly crafted set-pieces reminds you of just how compelling and atmospheric Half-Life 2 can be, with clever puzzles and character interactions that make you feel involved despite Gordon being a silent protagonist. The enemies are just challenging enough to make them scary, coupled with unnatural movements and extremely startling sounds. There are creepy easter eggs you can notice if you're attentive enough, such as a baby's moans, the screams of survivors, and even terrifying monster sounds. After all, as everyone says, there's a reason we don't go to Ravenholm.
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I try in vain to slumber, my reveries gripped by violent terror. My only salvation, the shock of awakening. Something is very, very wrong here.