This is the best deal in gaming, that's clear. But there's something "The Orange Box" does that few games do well: It marries tenderness with technology.

We've seen a lot of this lately in other media. Last summer we watched Peter Parker cry repeatedly in between scenes of stunning special effects in "Spider-Man 3." We saw a teenage boy become a man with the help of giant, shape-shifting robots in "Transformers." It's nothing new, of course, to have special effects films reach for the heart strings. Although he has sold his soul with the recent Star Wars films, George Lucas once made us care about real characters struggling for freedom in a fantasy world with his first trilogy. Even the beauty-and-the-beast love story in the original "King Kong" was as impressive as the ape effects.

These are movies — action movies, mind you — that make us feel something. It's long been a criticism of video games that they look great, but they typically don't have the ability to make us feel anything. (That's a debate worth having. Feel free to e-mail me — valvarez@eastbaynewspapers.com — and weigh in. I'd be happy to print your thoughts on this subject.)

I will tell you this: The "Half-Life 2" series (included in "The Orange Box") is not only among the best games I've ever played, but it is touching as well. There are moments — moments I won't reveal here so you can enjoy them without spoilers — that are pure, character-driven drama. Since the drama always unfolds in-game (not in cut-scenes) you're always watching it unfold as a character, not just a viewer. When one character hugs another in the middle of the game you can walk around them and watch from all angles. When a character is in distress or pain or is sad you can zoom in on their faces and watch them feel these emotions. It's hard not to feel it, too. For this, I consider these games monumental achievements.

The full "Half-Life 2" game is packed into "The Orange Box," along with its two mini-sequels (called "Episode

1" and "Episode 2"). These games alone are worth your $60. Aside from making you feel something for a change they are exciting and beautiful, to be sure, with plenty of action and physics-based puzzles to keep even expert gamers busy. I've always been a fan of this series for its intelligent sensibilities and complete lack of ego. Now, these two extra episodes go a long way to propel the art of gaming both in play and narrative.

And it doesn't stop there. "The Orange Box" also comes packed with a short, original puzzle game called "Portal," which is challenging and unique. The final game in the box is "Team Fortress 2." This game is multiplayer only. With so many good multiplayer titles available for the XBOX 360, you could easily pass on this one.

I'll be blunt: I didn't like it.

But the "Half-Life 2" and "Portal" installments are excellent. My copy of "Halo 3" has been gathering dust since I picked up "The Orange Box." That's high praise coming from a Master Chief disciple.

"The Orange Box" is being called the best value in gaming history. If not the best, it sure is close. And if you don't feel something while you're playing through the "Half-Life 2" saga, maybe you should see a therapist (or a priest), because this box has a lot of heart.

You'd have to be a zombie not to notice.

"The Orange Box"

For: XBOX 360, PC, Playstation 3

Score: 3.5 (out of 5)

Why: It's a great set of games, but "Half-Life 2" has

been out for years and "Team Fortress 2" is just plain

weak. However, it is absolutely worth every penny for

any first person shooter fans.

ESRB rating: M for mature (blood and gore, intense

violence)

By Victor Paul Alvarez

valvarez@eastbaynewspapers.com