Ok when I said 'amazing', I meant its cool as far as one level can go! You only get the beginning of a story of some kind, and the level design gives you more of an impression of freedom. It's nicely done, with some extra touches.
But other than that its just one level that looks exactly like HL2 as you say! Worth trying tho!
BTW Lost Coast comes out 'next week'!! Dunno how seriously to take this even though Valve cant possibly be lying the 7th time....can they?? :P