I finally completed Half Life 2 last week and I've had some time to think that game over and give my opinion on the game.  I realize this game came out over three years ago so I really shouldn't hold it up to current games like BioShock or Halo 3.  But I can say that Halo 2 came out the same time so I can put it to that test. 

I have a hard time considering this game the best FPS ever.  The game is monopolized early on by some of the worst vehicle levels I've ever played.  Controlling the air boat or the dune buggy is absolutely horrible with the 360's controller.  Both those levels involve a lot of just driving, running away and doing not much else.  The pacing in the first half of the game is very poor since you go long periods of time before doing anything of interest.

The last couple levels of Half Life 2 do pick up the pace and you get some more heated combat but nothing too stressful.  This goes well all the way until the last level.  In that level prepare to be let down with a dull, no skill "boss" challenge to finish the game.  Really Half Life 2 is filled with physics puzzles and they love allowing you to use their gravity gun to solve problems or defeat enemies.  If you are looking for a slow methodical FPS then Half Life 2 is the one for you.  Me, I'll be playing a fast paces action FPS like Halo 2 where you face more then five enemy soldiers at a time.