I just finished Half Life 2 - the ending is... fairly spectacular. It leaves you with that same helpless, unfinished business feeling that the first one left you with, and left it wide open for Half Life 3. I'm impressed. It took a LOT of time, I'm guessing 20 hrs or maybe more, as I lost count. It was enjoyable throughout - and I could see myself replaying it again. I only used the cheat codes a few times, and mainly to get more ammo - rockets are great for anti-personnel use as well as anti vehicle.