hl2 isnt a crap game, as i understand it I ended up starting argument that 4 hours of gameplay (at least on first playthrough) is not enough for a mod
I suppose it is very opinion based, you either see it like myself, episodic content is a degradation in gaming itself where whatever increase in quality cannot be equated with the loss of actual 'gameplay-time', or you are so enthralled by the quality you dont actually mind.
Theres also the fanboy 'do no wrong' crowd that wouldnt bat an eyelid if Valve setup Steam to sell gallows to Zimbabwe.
We can still express our opinions on the matter though, discussion would be a bit boring if it was based on hard facts.
I managed to guess the murderer before the final quest
Given he practically says 'I dont like the dark brotherhood much cough wink nudge' it wasnt that subtle
The 'clensing' was one of the most morally terrible quests I've ever had to do in any rpg though, nomatter what Id done before I found becoming a genocidal maniac a little tough.