I have heard first hand that the graphics are simply the best ever next to Farcry.
To be honest, Farcry is my pick for game of the year. I have not yet bough HL2 because it is so over priced. And I hear it takes a long time to validate your code to play. And that if you do not have an ISP you cannot play.
And no multiplayer. I smell a Sid Games sneak attack here. Lets release the SP game for $60.00 and then six months later release the MP game for another $60.00. WTF .... People are so stupid that they will accept this practice with open pocket books. We are all sheep in that companies lead us around by our noses.