Half-Life 2: Episode One

 PC
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3112 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,622 out of 3112
  2. Mixed: 334 out of 3112
  3. Negative: 156 out of 3112
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. DanieleD.
    Sep 27, 2006
    9
    An excellent job, the HDR is used very good.
  2. TheodorW.
    Sep 29, 2006
    10
    Excellent Game - just need a co-op.
  3. StephenKellett
    Sep 30, 2006
    8
    I found this game had too much of the same thing as in the main game, and gameplay was quite stingily short for the money. On the otherhand, a great game.
  4. ArdjanS.
    Sep 3, 2006
    9
    The only minor downside to EP1 was that it indeed was a little short, but seen in the perspective that several such episodes will create an ongoing storyline, I am very happy with this choice of development path. Price is fine, EP1 is infact worth every penny for true HL2 lovers. Recommend to start in Hard mode to fully enjoy the challenges the game presents you. The nuisance of dieing The only minor downside to EP1 was that it indeed was a little short, but seen in the perspective that several such episodes will create an ongoing storyline, I am very happy with this choice of development path. Price is fine, EP1 is infact worth every penny for true HL2 lovers. Recommend to start in Hard mode to fully enjoy the challenges the game presents you. The nuisance of dieing (and yes you WILL die - many times) only adds to the experience ;-) Other upsides: Marvellous "interaction" with Alyx Fantastic Gfx Challenging puzzels Very nice dev. commentary with background info. Just dont enable it when you play it for the 1st time as it will spoil the game at times (reveals upcoming events) Story is left wide open for next episode Keep them coming!!!… Expand
  5. AlexanderK.
    Dec 13, 2007
    9
    One of my favourite games. That's very intresting and fun, but so shortly. Excellent game with not boring story. A lot of people love this game, and i too.
  6. AdamD.
    Jan 21, 2007
    10
    Awesome!
  7. CemeronB.
    Oct 22, 2007
    9
    Fantastic game.... Great continuation of the second.
  8. ChrisMadsen
    Dec 29, 2007
    10
    This series just can't go wrong. The characters are some of the best in any game, conveying emotion with facial expressions and body movement. You actually care about them as well as feeling supported as you perform heroic acts. The graphics have been bumped up a notch as well with the outside environments being a welcomed change. The new enemies, though few, do add to the mix.This series just can't go wrong. The characters are some of the best in any game, conveying emotion with facial expressions and body movement. You actually care about them as well as feeling supported as you perform heroic acts. The graphics have been bumped up a notch as well with the outside environments being a welcomed change. The new enemies, though few, do add to the mix. Also enjoyed the new car. Just had a whole lot of fun, especially at the end. WoW! The only criticism I have is that it occasionally felt a bit easy. However, I did only play it on normal difficulty.… Expand
  9. Jamil
    Dec 30, 2007
    9
    Adds new elements to combat, full HDR, brand new AI and adds more to the story of Half-Life.
  10. RyszardSkotnicki
    Jan 25, 2007
    8
    Nicely cut. Keeps you on the verge of crushing either the sift W keys or the mouse primary fire. Lovely coulured scenes and the can't-be-mistaken-for-something-else Steam engine :-)
  11. jayRedlief
    Oct 9, 2007
    9
    Great game! very fun, must have played it hundreds of times, pre-order the orange box just for episode 2, the zombie level gave me a thrill! but was to short(if you know what your doing) and would have loved to use the super gravity gun in other levels. And piloting an air vehicle wouldn't have hurt.. ; )
  12. JasonP.
    Feb 16, 2007
    9
    Excellent game. Can't wait till Episode 2 is released. My only disapointment was that it wasn't as big as Half Life 2. HL2 took me weeks to finish. HL2-E1 took me a few days. Other than that.. It would have gotten a 10 from me as the games shelf life is vastly reduced.
  13. BrendonC.
    Feb 22, 2007
    9
    Being able to command some antlions would have been good just after you kill the big warrior one although I know that this would have made call for more enemies.
  14. SteveJ.
    May 27, 2007
    10
    Excellent 1st part of the trilogy, hope ep2 lives up to it.
  15. TravisJ.
    May 28, 2007
    10
    A more riveting and humorous adventure than Half-Life 2
  16. Odysseus
    Jun 10, 2007
    10
    Three words: Short but sweet
  17. SB
    Jul 11, 2007
    9
    Very slick and smooth, a bit too short but exellent gameplay!!! Now hope that episode 2 comes out soon!!!
  18. DaveW.
    Aug 25, 2007
    8
    Episode 1 doesn't drop atall in quality from Half-Life 2. The only problem is that it's a bit too short, even for an episodic release. Still, you can't argue the quality.
  19. TimB.
    Sep 12, 2007
    9
    Great graphics. i think it helps in the story line a little but it should have been longer. a little to short on game play in my mind.
  20. NickZ.
    Oct 5, 2008
    8
    It was nice to play some more HL2 and see the story continue. The game play was entertaining and gave me a fright sometimes. The game ended short and lacking, now downloading EP 2 to continue the story. Hopefully EP 2 gives a longer game play experience for the money.
  21. ChazC.
    Feb 24, 2008
    10
    I'm highly disappointed in every person that BELIEVES an expansion pack is about bigger and better. Let valve tell the best story anyone has ever experienced and quit whining!
  22. AndreB.
    Feb 27, 2008
    8
    Episode One comes and gives again the good experience that HL2 gave. But it's way too short. The company of Alyx Vance is very pleasant through the game and makes it different from HL2. It's great to finally see what happens after the "time-freeze" and to play the city 17 from the end to the beginning. From the Tower to the Station, it's a great experience. Unfortunately, Episode One comes and gives again the good experience that HL2 gave. But it's way too short. The company of Alyx Vance is very pleasant through the game and makes it different from HL2. It's great to finally see what happens after the "time-freeze" and to play the city 17 from the end to the beginning. From the Tower to the Station, it's a great experience. Unfortunately, the game is cheaper in US than in Brazil, where I happen to live... Here it's about 60 bucks!… Expand
  23. DG
    Mar 13, 2008
    9
    It's an E X P A N S I O N - not a NEW game! I was satisfied, except for the wierdness never intended to even have an answer. True, Alyx and Dawg were annoying and slow to catch up, but overall, I think it was fun. I'm looking forward to affording Ep 2. I do hope the environments change a bit more in Ep 2...
  24. MatthiasS.
    Apr 4, 2008
    9
    The storyline playing on and you'll find new quest in the tradition of HL2. But in my mind playtime is too short!
  25. TenshihanQ.
    May 1, 2008
    10
    Fantastic lighting and framerate all throughout the whole game. Tons of action and physical puzzle-challenges as well. An excellent follow-up storyline to the epic HL series - as could be expected from author Marc Laidlaw of the Valve-Team.
  26. EricoT.
    Jun 13, 2008
    10
    Great game with better looks than HL2.
  27. ElieserT.
    Aug 25, 2008
    10
    This is one of the best games ever, beautifully done, chossing the weapons is a bit tricky, thats about the only bad thing. You will get scared and your heart will beat fast at times, it gets verry intense, verry adicting. The cinematics are the best because you can move around and look at stuff while its going on, dont go to far or you will not hear the info. I cant wait for the next one.
  28. ChrisDixey
    Jan 6, 2009
    9
    Half-Life 2: Episode 1 is just what fans of Half-Life 2 itch for after finishing the game, it's plot driven, it's challenging and it's fun. Admittedly, without being a fan of the Half-Life series the game has little to bring to the table that can't be found in it's predecessor, however, for anyone who has played Half-Life 2, Episode 1 is plot-heavy, action packedHalf-Life 2: Episode 1 is just what fans of Half-Life 2 itch for after finishing the game, it's plot driven, it's challenging and it's fun. Admittedly, without being a fan of the Half-Life series the game has little to bring to the table that can't be found in it's predecessor, however, for anyone who has played Half-Life 2, Episode 1 is plot-heavy, action packed and really gives more of a focus on everyone's favourite side kick, Alyx.… Expand
  29. KoFF
    May 16, 2009
    10
    Loved the game even though it was kind of short. Liked that you had support from alex throughout almost the entire game. Also loved some of the events that happened such as dogs little car launch at the beginning. The only thing i didnt really like about the game was it felt short and their wasnt really much of a fighting event or boss battle at the end.
  30. AaronW.
    Oct 13, 2006
    9
    Magnificent. Was what Half-Life 2 should have been throughout, though Alex's drooling over Gordon getting tiresome.
  31. DanielHackett
    Oct 22, 2006
    10
    Amazing continuation of the Half Life series, the graphics still look amazing and the new lighting system is breathtaking. Can't wait for episode two. It's a shame that there will be no Half Life 3 in the future but this is excellent regardless. Maybe when all three episodes are released then they'll be combined and then called Half Life 3.
  32. TylerW.
    Dec 24, 2006
    9
    Though visually less polished than Half-Life 2, Episode one feels like some of the better level design and puzzle solving experiences of the series all brought together in one installment. It's well paced, well acted and directed. The NPC support was even stepped up a bit, making Alex feel more like a companion rather than computer AI. Overall, it can't be beat for $15-20 and Though visually less polished than Half-Life 2, Episode one feels like some of the better level design and puzzle solving experiences of the series all brought together in one installment. It's well paced, well acted and directed. The NPC support was even stepped up a bit, making Alex feel more like a companion rather than computer AI. Overall, it can't be beat for $15-20 and offers some great fun that won't eat up all your time.… Expand
  33. ChrisM.
    Jun 11, 2006
    9
    Overall I'm a big fan of the Half-Life franchise and this expansion is no different.
  34. JukkaP.
    Jun 11, 2006
    10
    Absolutely suberb 5-6 hours! Big screen cinema quality gameplay, extremely polished. Only minor gripes are relative shorthness and extremely linear progression, but considering the quality these are really minor gripes! Can't wait to see ep2.
  35. BillP.
    Jun 11, 2006
    10
    The depths of personality and interaction added to Alyx and others is stunning. If you like to run'n'gun this is not the game for you. If you like to move through a real world appreciating all the set pieces Valve has laid out, and can enjoy participating in an environment and paying attention to characters and the things the say, you will have a blast.
  36. StephenV.
    Jun 11, 2006
    10
    A wonderful continuation of the HL2 saga. Intense gameplay that leaves you salivating for episode 2. Rated.
  37. SeanK.
    Jun 11, 2006
    10
    This game feels even more like the original half life than the second one. There are way more electricity effects and surprise effects the first was famous for. It is also way darker than the second game and that made it awesome.
  38. DelaneyS.
    Jun 12, 2006
    10
    What an awesome add-on! It is definately worth the $20 to buy this game. Even though it is noticably shorter than HL2, there is just as much, if not more, fun and surprises packed into this game. zombines.....hehehe, get it, zombines.
  39. JerB.
    Jun 12, 2006
    10
    There's not much you can say about it. The lenght was a bit of a dissapointment, But not because it was so short (it was short) but because it is very consuming experience. Those 4-5 hours seem to pass very fast, simply because it's that much fun.
  40. MiguelM.
    Jun 12, 2006
    9
    Excellent sequel from Half-life 2. The first chapters are very nice, but later sometimes you may experience Deja Vu if you already played Half-life 2. The graphics are stunning, and runs well on a lot of hardware. I thought it was boring at parts, but it caught me to the end, which came too soon like all people say. Comparing 17-chapter Half-life 2 with 2 very large vehicle scenes with Excellent sequel from Half-life 2. The first chapters are very nice, but later sometimes you may experience Deja Vu if you already played Half-life 2. The graphics are stunning, and runs well on a lot of hardware. I thought it was boring at parts, but it caught me to the end, which came too soon like all people say. Comparing 17-chapter Half-life 2 with 2 very large vehicle scenes with only 5-chapter Episode One lets you wanting a lot more. It is good to know that Episode Two comes into the road soon so the wait is little. Finally this game is quite enjoyable, I strongly recommend you buy it if you liked Half-life 2. A pretty good job from Valve, as always.… Expand
  41. andyfinney
    Jun 13, 2006
    10
    Ok, so it costs 23 dollars for us brits but still it's worth the money. It's 4 - 6 hours as other people have stated to complete. It's a triology. Just wait for the others to come out. Coulsd have been longer but they really have gone to town with the physics and graphics. Damn it's still good after 2 years.
  42. AndyC.
    Jun 17, 2006
    9
    Fabulous game. There's a lot of suspense and drama. Your computer needs to be quite fast to run it and there are some very slow load-up times, so it gets a nine.
  43. ArthurA.
    Jun 17, 2006
    8
    It's a very good game, good script... but... we've already seen this kind of gameplay earlier: in HL2. New grafic features are nice, but we've already seen them in Lost Coast. And, especially, the game is EXTREMELY SHORT. But if you love HL2, you MUST purchase Episode One.
  44. HolyCrap
    Jun 18, 2006
    10
    Very great game sure its a lil short, but its only $20 all you people are say what a waste of $20. so what a waste of an hour of work...yeah right all you people giving it 2s should shut up and go away HL2 Ep1 is a great game.
  45. ChrisG.
    Jun 19, 2006
    9
    It was an amazingly good game to play with.I only give it a 9 because it was thrilling and full of action, but it had been so short. I fell that 20$ were way too much for it.And besides, I got very answers.
  46. TylerC.
    Jun 21, 2006
    10
    I was astonished at how amazing this installment was. yes, it was twenty bucks but i thought it was still a pretty good value. if you want to play it again, i'd say download fakefactory's cinematic mod. very well worth it.
  47. Jay
    Jun 25, 2006
    9
    I liked it, it was one of the hardest games I have played, I got though it in a little under 3 hours. Same type of ending as Half-Life 2....come on, give Gorden a break now and then, you guys are gonna throw him in knee deep next episode, so give him a break for once.
  48. VanL.
    Jun 29, 2006
    10
    Awsome game with amazing gameplay and as always, wonderful graphics. Other people comment about how short the game was, well if they had a life and a brain they would realize that they were paying for a EXPANSION not a whole series.
  49. RogerV.
    Jul 16, 2006
    9
    Extremely cool, but maybe too easy.
  50. MikeS.
    Jul 16, 2006
    10
    Truly without a doubt the BEST Game I have ever played! The visiuals, action, thrill and fun that has been put into this game! HL2 is one of the greatest games yet to any PC Gamer, I highly recommend that you get this game!
  51. Flamz3d
    Jul 19, 2006
    10
    Awesome game, brilliant concept.
  52. MatheusR.
    Jul 19, 2006
    10
    this game is relly coll but is relly smart..the hl2 is 12 capters and this just have 4 including video of hl2 episode two.
  53. PatrickD.
    Jul 25, 2006
    9
    Excellent storyline addition, which satiated while still saying absolutely nothing. The only real quip I have is the lack of length. Other than that, Valve really out-did themselves, coming up with unique and creative puzzles and scenarios.
  54. AndreyK.
    Jul 27, 2006
    10
    The Best Ever!
  55. JamesV.
    Jul 28, 2006
    9
    Great addon to the Half-Life 2 story, a bit short. It offers a diffrent kind of single player experience with teamwork. Very cool.
  56. JavierMorawski
    Aug 12, 2006
    10
    Awsome game... it kind of does not make sense without playing the first Half-Life 2 but it was great!
  57. RandyM.
    Aug 23, 2006
    9
    Astounding in almost every reason the first one was. But, with no new weaponry, and it's insanely short campaign, i'll have to deduct a point.
  58. RichV.
    Aug 26, 2006
    9
    it was a very good game and i really enjoyed it, and i cant wait to see ep2, and Alex Vance is Hwat.
  59. HarryT.
    Sep 12, 2006
    10
    A deeply immersing and addictive game, that features a solid story and amazing graphics. A must have for any gamer's collection.
  60. JasonS.
    Sep 16, 2006
    10
    Awesome game. Very Fun with amazing graphics and sound effects.
  61. SergeyP.
    Sep 18, 2006
    10
    Excellent game! Had played with plesure. Waiting for more.
  62. mxmx
    Sep 19, 2006
    10
    Half-Life 2 Episode One is a must have game.
  63. MacS.
    Sep 23, 2006
    9
    Great continuation, picks up right where the last one left off. New enemies and leaving wanting more.
  64. NickJ.
    Nov 11, 2007
    8
    While this game is good, and it's graphics are nice, it isn't quite as addicting as regular HL2.
  65. TylerE.
    Nov 14, 2007
    10
    Half-Life 2 was excellent and this is a wonderful -continuation- of the story. This is NOT an expansion pack, it's not Half-Life 3! Valve does more with their engine than any other company. A "next gen" game might have 8 billion triangles per character, but if it can't run on less than a $4k computer, who cares? HL2:E1 looks amazing, sounds amazing, plays amazing. The physics Half-Life 2 was excellent and this is a wonderful -continuation- of the story. This is NOT an expansion pack, it's not Half-Life 3! Valve does more with their engine than any other company. A "next gen" game might have 8 billion triangles per character, but if it can't run on less than a $4k computer, who cares? HL2:E1 looks amazing, sounds amazing, plays amazing. The physics puzzles, level designs, and npc characters are wonderfully constructed and fun to interact with.… Expand
  66. StewartA.
    Oct 22, 2007
    8
    This game was up to the usual Half Life standard on gameplay and graphics although I feel that it was a little short and the storyline could have been a little better, although all in all a very good game!
  67. MattHoade
    Jan 25, 2007
    10
    This game is awsome it shows what games should be able to do. It takes Action games to a new level. Can't wait for Episode 2 and 3
  68. pcgeek
    Mar 14, 2007
    9
    It was a fun and exciting add to the original. However is was far to short. I hope it don't take to long to release episode 2. Was definitely well worth the money.
  69. Ben
    Apr 22, 2007
    10
    People have to remember that this game is one third of a whole, and for less than 1/3 of the price, you cant expect it to go on forever. Its really 10/10 great job Valve!
  70. OneBit
    May 14, 2007
    10
    This is not a game, it's a harrowing adventure! A++
  71. JonathanL.
    May 22, 2007
    9
    Great game, could be longer and could have more AI interaction, but apart from that, great gameplay and good storyline.
  72. MichelT.
    Jul 11, 2007
    9
    Great game. Same great feel as Half Life 2. A little short but, I like how valve is releasing it in small sections. Brilliant move. A must play for HL fans.
  73. SilviuF.
    Aug 21, 2007
    10
    Although I agree that this expansion is way too short than any normal expansion and it's way to expensive because of the short time to play, it's the same hl2 and it for sure deserves the best rating. god bless valve for creating such a wonderful game, I forgive them for this EP One robbery, I can't really wait for the next episodes.
  74. FalkoN.
    Aug 21, 2007
    10
    Perhaps my 10 rating is a bit too generous, but I do believe this game deserves a lot of respect. Personally, the first time I played it through (and I used cheats from Lowlife and on) I was extremelly satisfied even though it was a bit short. However, when I played it through a second time with an entirelly new computer (that means graphics turned way up) I began to notice how stunning Perhaps my 10 rating is a bit too generous, but I do believe this game deserves a lot of respect. Personally, the first time I played it through (and I used cheats from Lowlife and on) I was extremelly satisfied even though it was a bit short. However, when I played it through a second time with an entirelly new computer (that means graphics turned way up) I began to notice how stunning this game really looks with the new lighting effects givnig it a beautiful touch. I also played it through with no cheats which really improved my experience. I used the the gravity gun the entire time in the third time I played it and believe me, there's nothing better than lighting a zombie on fire and then flinging him back with a rock. Priceless. However, I did see how this installment might have been a bit boring and confusing if you haven't played Half Life 2. So my suggestion for people that are planning to buy this game: Buy the Half Life 2 + 1 pack off of Steam or just buy Half Life 2 and Episode 1 seperatelly.… Expand
  75. TeodorIkonomov
    Aug 29, 2007
    10
    The Best Game Ever
  76. MightySanta
    Sep 17, 2007
    10
    Ep1 is one of the best games besides for HL2. If you liked HL2 you must get this game. Be sure not to play this game until you've played HL2.
  77. killtacular
    Sep 29, 2007
    10
    Awesome continuation to an incredible game. It will be confusing for anyone who hasn't played Half-life 2 so playing that before Episode 1 is a must. The graphics are excellent and it introduces several new gameplay features, expanding the Half-Life 2 storyline in many ways. Creating an awesome expirience to continue a spectacular series.
  78. Wildsnail
    Feb 24, 2008
    10
    Perfection! Probably the most entertaining 5 or 6 hours I have had playing games. I rated Half-Life 2 as one of the best games I have ever played and this just distills the HL2 experience - removing the slower parts, increasing emotional attachment to the characters and ramping up the adrenaline. It may be short, compared to a full-price, full-length title but it seems to me that all Perfection! Probably the most entertaining 5 or 6 hours I have had playing games. I rated Half-Life 2 as one of the best games I have ever played and this just distills the HL2 experience - removing the slower parts, increasing emotional attachment to the characters and ramping up the adrenaline. It may be short, compared to a full-price, full-length title but it seems to me that all Valve have done is strip Episode One of all that is unnecessary and leave an incredible gaming experience that I'll never forget.… Expand
  79. RandolphG.
    Mar 27, 2008
    8
    First: this is an EPISODE not a complete game, so it's short as a chapter of a book leading to the next chapter (Episode 2). It's an experiment of sorts by the developers to break up a big long game into episodes so that if one episode has problems & complaints they can fix it for the next episode. Ok, now for me it was a bit too difficult and had one point that seemed First: this is an EPISODE not a complete game, so it's short as a chapter of a book leading to the next chapter (Episode 2). It's an experiment of sorts by the developers to break up a big long game into episodes so that if one episode has problems & complaints they can fix it for the next episode. Ok, now for me it was a bit too difficult and had one point that seemed impossible to get through, however my rating is based on that there was not so much storyline involved in this one and the site was not my favorite (The Citadel). Episode 2 promises to be fantastic from what I've seen in terms of action (and hopefully story). Love the series though!… Expand
  80. BenF
    Apr 29, 2008
    9
    Realy good game, but short only reason it is not a 10... most of you people say that you dont get a gun till late in the game well you start off with a grav GUN!!! and the best bart is you can kill people with it just like a GUN very good game just short
    P.S. it was funny seeing people rosting humans on a fire :)
  81. MantasK.
    May 31, 2008
    10
    Very good game, in which sometimes you use your brain.
  82. Bozo4154
    Oct 18, 2009
    10
    To carry on with the GREAT Adventure is Bliss! Graphics and Gameplay still 100% A Big Clap goes to the Valve team, Imaginative, Storyline, Action, Thrill, With just a few Quid! Hope the trail continues, ESPECIALLY an extension to the Lost Coast, It's short and Sweet and would be a big Punch if there was a continuation to complete it's Adventure. Come On Valve, Give it a Kick To carry on with the GREAT Adventure is Bliss! Graphics and Gameplay still 100% A Big Clap goes to the Valve team, Imaginative, Storyline, Action, Thrill, With just a few Quid! Hope the trail continues, ESPECIALLY an extension to the Lost Coast, It's short and Sweet and would be a big Punch if there was a continuation to complete it's Adventure. Come On Valve, Give it a Kick Start back on trail.… Expand
  83. JeradMiller
    Jan 26, 2009
    10
    excellent balance of solo work and team work with alex. Never got confused on what am i doing or where am I going like the first game. Good ammo placement, never stocked completely but not hitting zombie's with a crow bar repeatedly. Didn't feel helpless or god like throughout. Keep it up Valve
  84. Billy
    Jul 27, 2009
    10
    It's not that long nor is it much more than Half Life 2 but It has everything you loved about HL2. This time you are with Alex. She talks WAAAAY too much but she is a bit useful for fighting off the enemies. The story line will be very confusing to you if you do not first play Half Life 2. This not so much an expansion as it is a continuation of the story line, as it begins exactly It's not that long nor is it much more than Half Life 2 but It has everything you loved about HL2. This time you are with Alex. She talks WAAAAY too much but she is a bit useful for fighting off the enemies. The story line will be very confusing to you if you do not first play Half Life 2. This not so much an expansion as it is a continuation of the story line, as it begins exactly where HL2 left off. the game though, finally makes use of the sprint thing early on. Personally i think that this is a great continuation of HL2.… Expand
  85. PhillipB.
    Nov 13, 2006
    9
    This game is off the hook, aside from a great story it has super cool graphic effects and will keep you play all night long. its sorta short but the difficult ranges and the game change completely with each level. I finished it in about 16 hours on easy, and am still struggling to clock it on hard so it is a thrillingly fun expieriece. get the full game from steam now for only $20 US!
  86. EricL.
    Nov 25, 2006
    10
    An absolute wonderful expansion to the revolutionary Half-Life 2 game. The interaction between Freeman and Alyx is beautiful, well thought out and perfectly executed. There were times where I found myself reminiscing of the past and laughing because of Alyx cute remarks. A splendid game which should be played by every fan of Half-Life X.
  87. RikiH.
    Nov 28, 2006
    9
    The game, the story, the weapons, and the characters are great but the game itself is relatively short. there are other episodes coming out so I guess that the story will be longer.
  88. ChrisB.
    Dec 18, 2006
    8
    i love hl2:episode one, but i can only love it for 3 hours total? this is an incredible game, but incredibly too short. i suppose the $20 wasn't too bad, though.
  89. QuentinL.
    Dec 27, 2006
    10
    I loved playing through this game as much as I loved playing through Half-Life 2. I was disappointed by the length of the game, but the low price tag makes me feel better about it. This is just a small extension to the story line with 2 more on the way. I can only hope that thhay can be as great as this one. (And longer)
  90. DanielD.
    Dec 28, 2006
    9
    The game mechanics are always top-notch, just like in HL2 the original, so its no suprise that this game gets high rating with me, I wish it was a tad bit longer thou.
  91. JamesHeard
    Nov 25, 2007
    10
    An excellent sequel to legendary Half-Life 2, very worthy of exceptionally high praise. In my opinion, included in this episode are not only all the gameplay elements that have made the franchise so popular, but several new things.
    I really liked how all the characters (most noteably Alyx Vance) seem more developed and capable of expression to Gordon,eachother, and their environment. It    An excellent sequel to legendary Half-Life 2, very worthy of exceptionally high praise. In my opinion, included in this episode are not only all the gameplay elements that have made the franchise so popular, but several new things.
    I really liked how all the characters (most noteably Alyx Vance) seem more developed and capable of expression to Gordon,eachother, and their environment. It makes them seem more human, thereby adding to the ever-increasing level of realism in the Half-Life universe. The improved facial animations and dynamic range graphics come a long way to enriching the gaming experience.
    I also found the cliff-hanger ending was very suspenseful and effective to suit the mood the game had imbued into the player up to that point. For those who have played Half-Life 2 and enjoyed it, and I believe that's practically everyone, playing Episode 1 should be your next gaming endeavour. If you like it a mere tenth of how much I do, I'm sure it will become one of your favourites.
    This game is truly superlative.    … Expand
  92. Tubie
    Oct 9, 2010
    8
    It's hard to come up with a follow up after making what might be the perfect game (HL2) but this expansion or addon is great in itself and if it wasn't for the hype the ratings would be much higher. I would recommend this to anyone, even people that were not huge fan of the original game.
  93. MrWhite1337
    Aug 22, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very very gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood.… Expand
  94. davenbettridge
    Sep 26, 2011
    9
    Half Life 2 has obtained legendary status as one of the most flawless modern games BUT the question does need to be asked: is Half Life 2 over-rated? My answer is Yes as all things are flawed (even Half Life 2), that's not saying the game is not one of the best the industry has provided in recent times, it is however just an interactive game with a lot of copied elements of other scienceHalf Life 2 has obtained legendary status as one of the most flawless modern games BUT the question does need to be asked: is Half Life 2 over-rated? My answer is Yes as all things are flawed (even Half Life 2), that's not saying the game is not one of the best the industry has provided in recent times, it is however just an interactive game with a lot of copied elements of other science fiction, it's not as original as many claim. Half Life 2 has awesome graphics, innovative physics, game play, fabulously designed levels and game moments but my point is that it shows how lacking and unoriginal the rest of the industry is - that many would claim Half Life 2 to be better than it actually is. If Half Life 2 is the best there is in single player gaming - then video games truely are lacking... HL2 is still a real achievement and Valve has something to be proud of.â… Expand
  95. GolovA
    Jun 10, 2015
    9
    Even though i played it first 8 years after its initial release, i enjoyed the game thoroughly due to its beautiful marrying of story-telling and pacing. Sounds simple, but most games (almost all) miss this masterful harmony in their gameplay. Half-Life 2: Episode 1 stars off from what seemed to be the end of the prequel and blows it out into a complete and full story of its own withEven though i played it first 8 years after its initial release, i enjoyed the game thoroughly due to its beautiful marrying of story-telling and pacing. Sounds simple, but most games (almost all) miss this masterful harmony in their gameplay. Half-Life 2: Episode 1 stars off from what seemed to be the end of the prequel and blows it out into a complete and full story of its own with skill and eloquence; the game does not let you rest until you finish it - always on the brink, always hurried on, always on the move, and always inside the story - i as a player loved the experience.… Expand
  96. gilas18
    Nov 11, 2011
    8
    I found this episode a very good one, it picks up where the original game stops and as the game its basically the same but somehow i felt bored after a couple of minutes, its mainly because you play almost alone during the chapters, althought i liked it very much.
  97. shaun37
    Oct 26, 2011
    8
    Great fun as a whole and a welcome improvement in graphical quality over HL2 due to the inclusion of High-Dynamic Range and other subtle effects. Valve has worked wonders with the development of Alyx as a character in this game, with the help of industry leading facial animations and voice work. The enemy AI has been improved a decent amount and the level design is tight and intense (notGreat fun as a whole and a welcome improvement in graphical quality over HL2 due to the inclusion of High-Dynamic Range and other subtle effects. Valve has worked wonders with the development of Alyx as a character in this game, with the help of industry leading facial animations and voice work. The enemy AI has been improved a decent amount and the level design is tight and intense (not in a negative way). Unfortunately the game is too short for the standard asking price @ roughly 3-4 hours long, however those 4 hours were some of the most intense and fun I have experienced in a shooter in a long time. Recommend you buy it on special or as part of the HL Pack or Orange Box.… Expand
  98. cmpgk1024
    Nov 5, 2011
    9
    Half-Life 2: Episode One is an excellent game. It continues the great story started in Half-Life 2, and improves on the experience in multiple ways, such as the shading, lighting, and AI. Alyx accompanies you the entire time, and it makes for no boring and lonely levels like Highway 17 from Half-Life 2. Its only drawback is the incredibly short playtime, at 6-7 hours.
  99. Mushe
    Jun 12, 2012
    9
    If you liked the first, is a safe buy this episode, as history is its strongest point. In this episode there are not many new features such as HDR technology is incorporated and a significant improvement in the facial expressions. The campaign can be very short while somewhere a bit dense when we meet again with the zombies, but still very good because it lets you continue the story.
  100. Ztride
    Jan 20, 2012
    8
    An good follow-up to its mighty predecessor, altough it was very short (but also very cheap). It doesn't really change much from HL2 rather than just continue the story for a few hours.
Page:

Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best PC Game of 2006
1
#1 Most Discussed PC Game of 2006
82
#82 Most Shared PC Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 61 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 61
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 61
  3. Negative: 0 out of 61
  1. Eurogamer
    90
    Just like the original Half-Life 2, Episode One keeps the player entertained almost the entire time through perfect pacing and by being inventive, surprising and getting the basics absolutely right. It's a wonderful advert for the excitement that true episodic content can generate when approached the right way.
    Read full review
  2. GameSpot
    87
    Episode One is a memorable romp through the Half-Life universe, with gameplay that's even more satisfying than that of "Half-Life 2." The only downside is that, due to its episodic nature, it's over far too soon.
    Read full review
  3. IGN
    85
    A brief, stylistically claustrophobic experience whose polish and personality manage to keep things moving.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »