HL2 doesn't come with a death match mode like I had expected, but it was released later. Instead, Counter-Strike: Source (CSS) IS the multiplayer for HL2. It's basically CS, but with the HL2 engine. Inherently, everything in CSS looks much better than CS. There's also numerous objects lying around which show off the physics of CSS. Just about everything has gotten a facelift. The most striking difference is the new maps, they look a lot better as the screenshots below will show. Also, all the weapons have new skins. Speaking of skins, CSS made things simple by only creating one skin for the T's and CT's. This means no more 1337 Krew (very sad). They even upgraded the bomb's appearance; each time you plant the bomb you get to see the actual disarm code. Finally, my biggest praise for CSS is the flash bangs work properly now! Look at the pictures below!

 

CS_Office, old vs new (click for bigger picture).

 

DE_Aztec, old vs new (click for bigger picture).

HL2DM was released around December 1st. Like CSS, it's original HLDM running on the HL2 Source engine. As before, it looks much nicer, physics included. It's still death match, BUT with the gravity gun... I played it for the first time a few days ago, even though I'm not a big DM fan. I'd have to say the experience is generally what I expected. I had a lot of fun picking up objects and hurling them at people. There's even a custom icon for killing people with the gravity gun; great fun! If you're a fan of DM, you'll enjoy HL2DM.

Either he's jumping for joy or he just got nailed by that radiator...

Unfortunately, it isn't out yet, but my expectation for it are very high. What I didn't know was the regular boxed version is only comparable with the bronze package on Steam. If I wanted to play DODS when it comes out, I would have to buy the boxed collectors edition. I still don't know how I'm going to get a hold of DODS once it comes out, but I hope I can just buy it as if it were an add-on for $10-15 bucks. That'd be really nice because I play regular DOD all the time and have a blast killing five-ten people in a row with my Kar98.

There are many mods for HL2 in development that I didn't mention. If you're interested in seeing what mods are being made for just about every game, then you should take a quick visit to the Mod Database. They have over 2000 mods in their database.

Page 1 - Introduction
Page 2 - Single Player
Page 3 - Multiplayer
Page 4 - Conclusion