Thanks for the great review speechrut. I don't know if you follow the forums or the web site, but if you actually perceived all that from the game, then we're truly flattered. You hit every one of our goal-nails on the head.
Xeno, I haven't heard of anyone having that problem, so I'm thinking it might be something on your machine. Just do the usual (updating video and sound drivers, latest Half-life, re-install NS, if all else fails, re-install Half-life, rinse, repeat). I haven't seen or heard of anything like this, so I think you should be able to get it working soon.