When I was a kid, I remember when these gameplay demos were coming out for Episode 2 and this one lives by me the most. Although I LOVE the final battle in Episode 2, I am reminded that it could have even be BETTER. I think the reason it was downgraded was for performance issues, since this was getting ported over to the Xbox 360 and PS3 in the Orange Box Bundle, or it may have been too much for the player to handle. But, like look at this gameplay, it is a complete warzone! I wish the final battle would have been like this. SAD!
I think it would have been possible. After all, base HL2 had some sections that were just as nuts as this. But I feel they probably pulled it back as it was becoming too much for players to handle (you can even see when the person doing the demo turns on God Mode at 15 health).
Yeah I saw that too LOL.
This would've been thrilling, yes. But large-scale battles were evidently extremely difficult to play in, as danger would be coming from every angle, and the player would become easily overwhelmed. The thought makes me wonder, however - what if there were a system in place that would make the battle-zone more bearable without diminishing or downscaling the fight? Perhaps if there was a "Focus System" of sorts that made enemies less likely to engage with you depending on how many enemies, and how many of said enemy, you were fighting at that moment. I believe a system like that would make large fights like this, not only possible, but very re-playable.
Dealing with the Striders, Hunters, Soldiers, and Gunships would've been a PAIN for most players, you can even see the player turn on godmode and take a few Strider shots at 2:28. Only upside, besides how cool it would look, is that the Elites would be able to serve as a good AR2 ammo supply.