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
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  1. Mouse
    Jan 3, 2012
    8
    Not quite as well paced as its base game, but still very compelling. The sections tend to blur together, which only a surrealist would appreciate for their representation of a chaotic conflict on the brink of apocalyptic mayhem. The ending hits you like a .22 to the side of your fiberglass placeebo helmet, but it serves its purpose: heading up to the next section in this epic series.Not quite as well paced as its base game, but still very compelling. The sections tend to blur together, which only a surrealist would appreciate for their representation of a chaotic conflict on the brink of apocalyptic mayhem. The ending hits you like a .22 to the side of your fiberglass placeebo helmet, but it serves its purpose: heading up to the next section in this epic series. Though, my favorite part of this one is actually the recap of it in the beginning of Ep.2. Followed closely by the dynamic dialog between you and Alyx.… Expand
  2. lucidanarchy
    May 27, 2012
    9
    Half-Life 2 being my favourite game ever, I loved everything about the first episodic content and think anyone who has not played it should. Excellent game by a great developer!
  3. e_x_p
    May 14, 2012
    9
    The is possibly the earliest game in the form of DLC. But a goddamn good DLC unlike the greedy cheap contents offered nowadays. It's short but quite worth it.
  4. watithink123
    Nov 3, 2012
    8
    This was really good add on. Not very long though and storys not as good but its still a really good and recommend if you loved Half Life 2. Half Life 2: Episode One 8.2/10
  5. Wpnfire
    Aug 6, 2012
    9
    Valve definitely stepped their game up in Ep. 1, which I didn't think was possible. This game is just simply excellent. The difficulty can still be a bit frustrating at times, and VERY inconsistent, but the game gets so much easier every time you play through it. The music, like in Half-Life 2, is timed perfectly, and I'm not kidding, it plays right into the gameplay. The music selectionValve definitely stepped their game up in Ep. 1, which I didn't think was possible. This game is just simply excellent. The difficulty can still be a bit frustrating at times, and VERY inconsistent, but the game gets so much easier every time you play through it. The music, like in Half-Life 2, is timed perfectly, and I'm not kidding, it plays right into the gameplay. The music selection is also perfect, some rock-oriented music here, some spooky ambience there. The most notable improvement in the game is in the NPCs, namely Alyx. The sense of complete isolation that I felt when I was playing Half-Life 2 is not present in this game. You feel like you're actually part of something, and not someone who just goes around doing everything by themselves, although that STILL happens a great deal. My only legitimate complaint is in the gameplay elements that Half-Life 2 had. Whatever happened to the huge amount of puzzles present in Half-Life 2, you know like physics puzzles? Ep. 1 is mostly combat, which is not a good direction for Valve, because it only makes me think of the features not present in this game that other shooters have. The puzzles were what made this game SO interesting, they need to go back to that. However, I would still rather play this entire episode than play the last few chapters of Half-Life 2. Those were mercilessly hard, and particularly brainless. Speaking of endings...Ep. 1 has to have one of the most epic endings I've ever seen in a video game, and it's all because of the excellent graphics and sound. Seeing such an awesome ending was just what needed to happen after the difficulty in achieving it.… Expand
  6. Spazzie
    Sep 19, 2012
    9
    Date night on the Half Life train. Too bad she had to go home early. Oh well, there is Episode 2 to look forward to. After spending several days with the original Half Life 2, I was disappointed to have completed Episode 1 in just 3 sittings.
  7. sft
    May 22, 2013
    8
    Those darn headcrabs!

    EPISODE 1 starts immediately where Half-Life 2 ended. Basically it’s more of the same, and that’s more than welcome to a fan like me. If you want to know what I thought of HL2 I refer the reader to that review. Suffice it to say I loved it and Episode 1, although not as memorable as its predecessor, is still enormous fun to play. The only criticism I have of this    Those darn headcrabs!

    EPISODE 1 starts immediately where Half-Life 2 ended. Basically it’s more of the same, and that’s more than welcome to a fan like me. If you want to know what I thought of HL2 I refer the reader to that review. Suffice it to say I loved it and Episode 1, although not as memorable as its predecessor, is still enormous fun to play. The only criticism I have of this episode is that Valve haven’t given the narrative development as much thought as they did in HL2 and will do again in HL2 Episode 2. Still great fun though.    … Expand
  8. AWG
    Jun 4, 2013
    9
    Short, quick, sudden... and fabulous. This game is from 2006 and still its graphics are better than many nowadays titles. Also, Alyx is hotter than usual and totally into you. Terrific.
  9. SnipingFalcon
    Jul 11, 2013
    8
    Don't get me wrong, this game is not a bad game, but its not a good game, either. The sequel to the original half life 2 has come! And is it a good game? Yes, is it better than the original Half-life 2? Not in the slightest. I think the most annoying part of this game is the overloading of enemies. Zombine are the second most annoying thing on the planet next to ant-lions. Do ant-lionsDon't get me wrong, this game is not a bad game, but its not a good game, either. The sequel to the original half life 2 has come! And is it a good game? Yes, is it better than the original Half-life 2? Not in the slightest. I think the most annoying part of this game is the overloading of enemies. Zombine are the second most annoying thing on the planet next to ant-lions. Do ant-lions really need to be a thing in the HL universe? The game is fairly short too, only reaching about 2-3 hours worth of game play before leaving you at a cliff hanger, that at the time pissed me off.

    There are good parts to this game, some of them i had a blast playing through, parts like the hospital, the train station part, and the fact that the game can keep you hooked, and the underground segment was a good idea, but executed poorly with the introduction of zombine and antlions. Overall it is a must have chapter that further develops the half life story with some major flaws.    … Expand
  10. iddqd4
    Jan 22, 2018
    9
    HALF-LIFE с эпизодами до сих пор не устарел, все еще перепрохожу раз в несколько лет на Xbox.
  11. MichMart
    Mar 1, 2014
    9
    Episode One is for me as good as Half-Life 2! And Alyx is a nice character (imagine Episode One and Two without Alyx!). My only issue is the short gameplay.
  12. fateappointed
    Feb 3, 2014
    9
    Story: 8 out of 10, Graphics: 9 out of 10, Fun: 9 out of 10, Controls: 9 out of 10, Ease to Learn: 8 out of 10, Length: 7 out of 10, Re-play: 3 out of 10, Value: 8 out of 10
  13. DanySK
    Oct 19, 2016
    8
    More of the same Half-Life 2, plus there is Dog. Which means that is great game, and you should definitely play it. I have tested it under Linux, and it runs very well: if you play on such platform, grab it!
  14. PublicNuisance
    Nov 25, 2021
    8
    Half-Life 2: Episode One is kind of the black sheep of the Half-Life 2 games. It is a good game in it’s own right but it lacks the innovation of Half-Life 2 and it lacks the story of Episode 2 which is by far the best story arc of the whole series in my eyes. So we are left with a good game that is sadly forgotten in the mix by many because it is the middle child. All of the same greatHalf-Life 2: Episode One is kind of the black sheep of the Half-Life 2 games. It is a good game in it’s own right but it lacks the innovation of Half-Life 2 and it lacks the story of Episode 2 which is by far the best story arc of the whole series in my eyes. So we are left with a good game that is sadly forgotten in the mix by many because it is the middle child. All of the same great game play is back in Episode One. The story in itself is good and enjoyable. City 17 is now a war zone and the game revolves around trying to escape it. The graphics are just as good as Half-Life 2, no better but no worse. The game doesn’t have any of the driving sections of the original. There is however a great level taking place in a hospital which was almost as creepy as Ravenholm.

    I played Episode One on Linux. It never crashed on me. There are once again some AI issues. This time what happened to me was on a mission where I have to lead civilians to a departing train some of them got stuck in a wall corner and wouldn’t proceed making me have to reload a previous save. Outside of the AI issue I noticed no other bugs. There were 4 AA settings; 6 AF settings; a V-Sync toggle; 9 other graphics options and an FOV slider that went from 75-90. You could change the difficulty level at any time as well as manually save at any time. Performance was fantastic which wasn’t surprising given the game’s age.

    Graphics Engine: Source
    Graphics API: OpenGL
    Disk Space Used: 1.05GB (not counting HL2 base game)

    Graphics Settings: All Highest; 8x AA; 16x AF; blur off; V-Sync on; multi core rendering on; HDR full; 90 FOV; 1920x1080

    GPU Usage: 16-52 %
    VRAM Usage: 1022-1398 MB
    CPU Usage: 5-20 %
    RAM Usage: 2.7-3.3 GB
    Frame Rate: 137-144 FPS

    Overall I can’t say too many negative things about Episode One. It does it’s job well which is to further the Half-Life story. It doesn’t innovate but it also doesn’t make anything worse. I finished the game on the hardest difficulty in 3 hours and 48 minutes.

    My Score: 8.5/10

    My System:

    AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | 16GB DDR4-3000 CL15 | MSI RX 580 8GB Gaming X | Mesa 21.2.5 | Samsung 970 Evo Plus 500GB | Manjaro 21.2.0 | Mate 1.26.0 | Kernel 5.15.2-2-MANJARO | AOC G2460P 1920*1080 @ 144hz    … Expand
  15. Tomle1202
    Jun 1, 2022
    8
    Episode One's biggest problem is its short length, but that same downside is the reason for a more focused game with better pacing than the original.
  16. jacob4
    Jun 23, 2016
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An interesting little continuation of the second game, but seriously, couldn't the story be a bit longer? You can seriously beat this game in like a day. But even though the story is short it was nice to to go on an adventure with close companion Alyx and develop a somewhat close connection. The sections of pitch blackness increases the fun game play value, and sort of amps up the horror element. So if were left hanging from the ending of Half-Life 2, get ready to play Episode One and be left on another cliffhanger where you escape City 17 and into the woods, but that's a story for Episode 2!… Expand
  17. azeitona
    Dec 10, 2014
    8
    It's still Half Life, so it's an amazing experience right away. But, for the series standards, it has some down points. Like that underground level, filled with zombies. And it also is too short. But, anyway, it's obligatory for anyone who played Half Life 2.
  18. jelikey
    Mar 19, 2022
    8
    A short little story, but I explained allegedly happened after the explosion of City 17. Back to the Same, ie same graphics, same characters and same gameplay. This does not prevent is good because if it's the same this never bored
  19. aasecr14
    Jan 6, 2015
    9
    Almost as good as the first half life 2. Spectacular gameplay. The antlion level drags a bit, but who cares, you get to blast bugs in the face with your shotgun! If you want to know what happens after HL2, you won't be disappointed.
  20. Heisenberg93
    May 25, 2015
    9
    Episode One was really great. A nice way to continue the story after the end of Half-Life 2. The longevity was pretty good, and it was fun to complete. However it was clear how it was part of a larger project, and that the best was yet to come. Episode One is only an interlude to what will actually happen then.
  21. russiangamer
    Nov 15, 2016
    8
    Геймплейно - это всё тот же HL2. По-скольку игра проходится за 3,5-4 часа, то она не успевает надоесть. Экшн, который в HL2 ближе к концу начинал навивать скуку, здесь делает это наоборот в начале. Но ближе к середине играть становится только интереснее. А вот сюжет... Его тут крайне мало, вопросы остались, а концовка хоть и эпичная опять, но так же обрывается на полуслове, прям сериалГеймплейно - это всё тот же HL2. По-скольку игра проходится за 3,5-4 часа, то она не успевает надоесть. Экшн, который в HL2 ближе к концу начинал навивать скуку, здесь делает это наоборот в начале. Но ближе к середине играть становится только интереснее. А вот сюжет... Его тут крайне мало, вопросы остались, а концовка хоть и эпичная опять, но так же обрывается на полуслове, прям сериал LOST какой-то...
    Вообщем получился крепкий боевик с неплохим экшеном и небольшой частичкой сюжета.    … Expand
  22. Sanastusa
    May 11, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Picking up where Half-Life 2 ended, Episode One added some crazy events to the game that made it feel like a better game. Was a fun playthrough to extend on the story to end on yet another cliffhanger. Thankfully I have episode two installing as I write this review because I need to play it and see what happens. That is what makes playing Half Life 2 so much fun, the ending and not knowing. Needing to play the next episode....or like everyone else waiting for Half Life 3 ;D.
    Positive: Juiced up gravity gun to start and rollermines
    Negative: Still waiting for that kiss with Alyx! Come on!    … Expand
  23. SrPepe
    Feb 23, 2019
    8
    Excelente .
  24. gold
    Oct 16, 2019
    8
    Хоть эпизод в разы меньше 1-й 2 части, но всё ровно игра кажется затянутой. Графика не изменилась, сюжет прост.
    Итог: 8.454/10
  25. KingJailson
    May 30, 2018
    9
    Apesar de curto é muito foda, e ainda prefiro o episodio 1 do que o episodio 2
  26. mr-NachoMen
    Feb 25, 2020
    8
    Half Life 2 Episode one is in short terms a DLC that expands and continues the story of the base game after it ends in a cliffhanger, and it still retains great combat and the puzzle solving from the base game... sadly it does to little to improve over it's predecessor and you basically end off playing the same game but shorter.
    In the whole game there's just one new character or enemy    Half Life 2 Episode one is in short terms a DLC that expands and continues the story of the base game after it ends in a cliffhanger, and it still retains great combat and the puzzle solving from the base game... sadly it does to little to improve over it's predecessor and you basically end off playing the same game but shorter.
    In the whole game there's just one new character or enemy introduced a sort of alien thing that has mind control or something like that... i didn't pay to much attention to that part, and there's one new enemy type... yet another zombie but this has bulletproof vest that makes him handle more damage... out of that there's nothing new.
    The level design is not that amazing compared to the base game and you play in the same environments which are located in "city 17" streets and more streets.
    The combat remains great, I wish they could have add a new weapon or something like that. But no.
    The game has a pretty simple premise and objective... escape from city 17 with a bunch of survivors and that it, let see how it end in episode 2.
    Even that it did nothing to improve, the game stills be enjoyable and fun, and still worth your money... As i mention... it could have been better if they could have add more environments, weapons and more enemies and more new characters, i don't mind the short length.    … Expand
  27. default_access
    Jul 9, 2018
    9
    Few companies tease its customers as well as Valve. 1998's Half-Life ended on an intriguing note, with series hero Gordon Freeman basically being "recruited" by the mysterious G-Man to work for him as a dimension-hopping commando. But fans were really caught off guard by the ending of 2004's Half-Life 2, as Gordon and ally Alyx Vance were caught in a massive explosion. Rather than have usFew companies tease its customers as well as Valve. 1998's Half-Life ended on an intriguing note, with series hero Gordon Freeman basically being "recruited" by the mysterious G-Man to work for him as a dimension-hopping commando. But fans were really caught off guard by the ending of 2004's Half-Life 2, as Gordon and ally Alyx Vance were caught in a massive explosion. Rather than have us wait years and years for the outcome of that cliff-hanger, Valve has taken the series into episodic territory to get us answers more quickly. Half-Life 2: Episode One is the first in a new trilogy of episodes that are scheduled to be released over the course of the next year. (You don't need to own Half-Life 2 to play Episode One, as it's a stand-alone product, though it would definitely help if you did.) And 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.… Expand
  28. PalpetineSheev
    Mar 20, 2020
    9
    Of course it isn't as good as Half-Life 1 or 2. It never was going to be and it never planned to be. Its a great continuation of the story from HL2 and very entertaining and satisfying in it's own right.
  29. killer1237
    Oct 24, 2018
    9
    While Episode One is not as good as the base game or Episode Two, it still is a must play for Half Life fans.
  30. RazorSamurai
    Jan 17, 2019
    9
    Намного лучше чем оригинальная вторая часть.
  31. Hayter
    Nov 10, 2019
    9
    Долго не мог придумать, о чём писать, да и какая разница, это всё равно никто не читает.
    Здесь 2к+ оценок, никто не обратит внимание на мой отзыв.
  32. MatikTheSeventh
    Oct 10, 2020
    9
    A great follow-up to the cliffhanger HL2 left us with, but the decision to cut the game into pieces is strange.
  33. SilverOrlov
    Oct 5, 2019
    9
    If you went through the first and second part of the game, then the first and second episode are necessary to fill in the gaps of the story left after the second part.
  34. sebastianali
    Jun 20, 2019
    8
    Este juego sigue la estela de Half Life 2 pero con una inteligencia artificial muy mejorada y unos graficos y diseños de niveles espectaculares. Sin embargo la falta de nuevo contenido y corta duración le quita varios puntos.
  35. trarantino
    Dec 29, 2018
    9
    Игра шидевр! Просто лучшая игра всех времён и народов. Какая графика, какой графон!
  36. NightElves
    Mar 7, 2019
    10
    First expansion to Half-Life 2. The great story continues from where we left Half-Life 2. Alyx is a wonderful partner. Now we just have to escape City 17...
  37. Cz3rw0ny
    Feb 11, 2021
    9
    The story of Morgan Freeman continues, and this is a decent expansion. The changes to HL2 might not be dramatic but with each expansion the graphics were slightly improved.
  38. Soullex
    Nov 29, 2022
    8
    Döneminde ilk çıktığı zaman oynamadığım için. Sonradan oynayınca, ikinci oyundaki mekaniklerin üstüne bir şeyler koymamış olmaları beni üzdü. Sonuçta bu bir ara oyun, demi?
  39. MYP
    Jun 18, 2021
    9
    I know some people consider episode one flawed or sorta like a bridge between Half-life 2 and episode two but i still think it's a perfect expansion pack.
  40. TommyLee
    Feb 1, 2020
    9
    Not as strong as Half-Life 2, but still provides excellent gameplay and a strong continuation of the Half-Life story.
  41. Genek13
    Nov 20, 2019
    8
    Great continuation to the original story. Overall gameplay and mechanics were outstanding :)
    Still enjoyable as hell :) Not a perfect expansion, but still great :)
  42. Shtern
    Jul 3, 2020
    8
    Сюжетное продолжение 2 части под названием Episode one. Если брать только сюжет, то все как обычно прекрасно, но вот с геймплеем становится хуже, потому что эта часть проходится за два часа
  43. Solaris123
    Jun 13, 2021
    10
    It's still Half Life, so it's an amazing experience right away.A little too short but a very cool game. One of the best games ever
  44. Broyn
    Nov 18, 2021
    8
    I can say about the episode that it is very interesting, there are not enough changes, the gameplay has become much more dynamic and the whole game will be accompanied by Alix, who will help us in battle and comment on everything that happens. The main disadvantage is that the first episode is very short. Also appeared, a new type of zombie Zombine,he can get a grenade and run to you toI can say about the episode that it is very interesting, there are not enough changes, the gameplay has become much more dynamic and the whole game will be accompanied by Alix, who will help us in battle and comment on everything that happens. The main disadvantage is that the first episode is very short. Also appeared, a new type of zombie Zombine,he can get a grenade and run to you to blow you up. Although the game turned out to be short, it turned out to be very interesting for one thing. I recommend you go!… Expand
  45. KarolP
    Aug 21, 2020
    9
    Succeed continuation of remarkable game. Short campaign, but diversed enough with few memorable moments. Technical develop is rather unnoticeable. Most of missions are interesting and exciting even today. Like HL 2 game is linear, but the action is well distributed, using Alyx potential to be a great comrade. There are some movement issues (especially blocking on another character) whichSucceed continuation of remarkable game. Short campaign, but diversed enough with few memorable moments. Technical develop is rather unnoticeable. Most of missions are interesting and exciting even today. Like HL 2 game is linear, but the action is well distributed, using Alyx potential to be a great comrade. There are some movement issues (especially blocking on another character) which still were not solved. Episode One's quality is similar to the one from HL 2 and it is definitely worth playing.… Expand
  46. JoshRD
    Feb 5, 2020
    10
    La única contra es que se hace mucho más corto que el anterior, salvo esto es una gran entrega. Entre los gráficos ligeramente mejorados y el gran desenvolvimiento del viaje con Alyx durante el escape de ciudad 17 logra un nivel muy bueno de inmersión y que se mantenga la esencia de la saga y hacer.
  47. Henker
    Apr 20, 2020
    9
    Excellent, first because I found the levels very well elaborated and the story of this game despite being relatively simple, because it was just the protagonist Gordon Freeman and Alyx trying to escape City 17 made the game quite short, but in compensation it made me have a good time more than the previous Half-Life 2 itself.
  48. KapralDominik
    Jul 20, 2022
    9
    Прямое продолжение, вышедшее в виде отдельной игры, хотя тянет максимум на небольшое дополнение. Все также держит темп оригинала, добавляя схваток с новыми противниками, челленжами (одна пуля) и представляя новый взгляд на измененный Сити-17, через который нам и предстоит совершать последний забег. Итого: 9.Прямое продолжение, вышедшее в виде отдельной игры, хотя тянет максимум на небольшое дополнение. Все также держит темп оригинала, добавляя схваток с новыми противниками, челленжами (одна пуля) и представляя новый взгляд на измененный Сити-17, через который нам и предстоит совершать последний забег. Итого: 9.
  49. yangfanhong
    Feb 9, 2022
    8
    It is kind of dlc of that time? Anyway it is a great game, though the name EPISODE ONE is a little weird.
  50. hileger
    Dec 3, 2022
    8
    это шедевр стрельба муа засасываю просто в десны гордона по физике ....
  51. MacMountainGoat
    Sep 27, 2020
    9
    This will go down in history as one of the greatest shooters of all time. Epic story, great blend of extremely dark setting with sprinkles of humor, insane graphics/voice acting/environments for its time, and great blend of puzzle solving and shootout arenas.
  52. drcoomer
    Mar 1, 2021
    8
    A very nice addition to the revolutionary series. Levels lack some variety but the Gordon and Alyx's compelling journey more than makes up for it.

    Overall score: 7.8/10
  53. DefaltWorld
    Jun 19, 2020
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Impresionante pero corto
    Imposible encontrarle un punto negativo a este juego, envegecio bien con el paso de los años,tanto en fisicas como en la cara de los personajes que aun me sorprende la de expresiones que tienen para ser un juego de ese año,lastima que no hicieron en capitulo 3 o half life 3 para ver como unian portal y half life
    Esta reseña es cojunta contando los este juego y los dos capitulos como uno unico    … Expand
  54. Onlyclassicvg1
    Jul 15, 2020
    8
    Half-Life 2: Episode One (EP1) es el primer título de la trilogía de expansiones para el videojuego de acción en primera persona, Half-Life 2. El episodio ocurre inmediatamente después del final de Half-Life 2, en los alrededores de la Ciudadela de la Alianza en Ciudad 17. El jugador es obligado a tratar con los efectos de sus acciones durante el primer juego. El episodio es un juegoHalf-Life 2: Episode One (EP1) es el primer título de la trilogía de expansiones para el videojuego de acción en primera persona, Half-Life 2. El episodio ocurre inmediatamente después del final de Half-Life 2, en los alrededores de la Ciudadela de la Alianza en Ciudad 17. El jugador es obligado a tratar con los efectos de sus acciones durante el primer juego. El episodio es un juego independiente; si bien es continuación de Half-Life 2, este no requiere que el juego original sea instalado o registrar una cuenta de Steam para jugar. Esto aprovecha varias mejoras principales al motor Source desde el lanzamiento de Half-Life 2, principalmente el HDR (High Dynamic Range o Alto Rango Dinámico ) y el sistema de animación facial mejorado.… Expand
  55. Schmchr
    Jul 16, 2021
    9
    A great sequel to its predecessor, Half-Life 2, but it couldn't beat it, it's a great game and I recommend it for anyone to play.
  56. schatwal96
    Sep 18, 2020
    10
    BRooooo that ending thats pretty epic
    I think this is better than episode 2, but that game is phenomenal
  57. emilyratesgames
    Jul 21, 2020
    8
    Score: 8
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  58. C4teater
    Jul 25, 2020
    9
    Episode 1 feels like a polished form of Half Life 2 (HL2), albeit very short. This game picks up on what I thought was a satisfying ending in HL2, and has a cheesy way of bringing us back into the story. However, once it gets going it is well written and feels more enthralling than HL2 and ends on a solid cliffhanger that makes you want to play episode 2. The puzzles/map design and fightsEpisode 1 feels like a polished form of Half Life 2 (HL2), albeit very short. This game picks up on what I thought was a satisfying ending in HL2, and has a cheesy way of bringing us back into the story. However, once it gets going it is well written and feels more enthralling than HL2 and ends on a solid cliffhanger that makes you want to play episode 2. The puzzles/map design and fights felt just as if not more difficult. Different parts of the game often gave me a since of urgency whether it was trying not to die or the writing of the plot. Overall, this game is a short but very sweet, unnecessary addition to HL2.… Expand
  59. PatitoCosmico67
    Jul 29, 2020
    9
    Una secuela con una historia relativamente corta, pero que la lleva la historia bastante bien, en todo momento
  60. storygamer
    Aug 30, 2020
    9
    If you love Half-Life 2, its Episode One is an equivalent sequel. Cool story, beautiful graphics, impressive physics and dynamic sound. Fine!
  61. ErayTellezi
    Nov 17, 2020
    8
    Good old days. Asla bitmesini istemediğim oyunlardan birisiydi. Basit ama etkiliydi.
  62. FRIST_008
    Jun 14, 2021
    9
    Целостно и сюжет и геймплей не плохой, но из-за монотонности происходящего, игра не тянет на 10-ку.
  63. Koleck0LP
    Oct 1, 2020
    8
    I enjoyed HL2 EP1 more than the base game the game seemed harder, more arena like and it took me less time to beat it I had less time to get bored. I remember being at the and saying this is a great time for it to end and it did so I feel like the game did it's job.
  64. GVB
    Oct 30, 2020
    10
    Half life 2 continuation... and centered in the best character of all the game!!! Brilliant.
  65. kimi1775
    Nov 9, 2020
    9
    ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎
  66. RinKaiG
    Dec 2, 2020
    10
    Half- Life Episode One is a Masterpiece and Great way to Continue. Your review must be at least 75 characters long.
  67. DavidSoria
    Dec 2, 2020
    8
    Una continuación del Half Life 2 enfocada mas al cooperativo, bien acompañado de una muy buena IA

    Cambiando un poco el final de Half Life 2 mostrándonos a un G-Man "vulnerable" ante un conjunto de Vortigaunts uniendo sus fuerzas (cosa nunca antes vista literalmente) estos nos teletransportan a través del espacio-tiempo lejos de la explosión mientras esta ocurre, despertándonos entre las    Una continuación del Half Life 2 enfocada mas al cooperativo, bien acompañado de una muy buena IA

    Cambiando un poco el final de Half Life 2 mostrándonos a un G-Man "vulnerable" ante un conjunto de Vortigaunts uniendo sus fuerzas (cosa nunca antes vista literalmente) estos nos teletransportan a través del espacio-tiempo lejos de la explosión mientras esta ocurre, despertándonos entre las ruinas con el objetivo de salir corriendo de ahí pero antes teniendo que volver a aquellas instalaciones a retrasar una explosión para recién ahí irnos al ♥♥♥♥♥♥, esa es la introducción.

    Apenas comenzamos es obvia la intención de esta entrega a darnos una experiencia cooperativa, Alyx esta desde el principio hasta el final a nuestro lado y nosotros necesitamos de ella tanto como ella necesita de nosotros, al principio siendo nosotros los que permitirán avanzar (gracias a el Arma Anti-gravedad) para luego ser nosotros los que dependamos mucho de ella (ya que inicialmente no portamos armas de fuego), incluso hay ocasiones en las que nosotros solamente podremos alumbrar a los enemigos para que ella los mate, pero esto va mas haya ya que hay ocasiones en las que incluso estando separados existe la cooperación, como cuando Alyx usa el Rifle de la Alianza para despejarnos el camino a la distancia.

    El diseño de los escenarios es increíble, tiene muchos escenarios y distintas situaciones, en especial el Final Boss, que no es mas que un Strider, pero que a falta de armamento y escenario favorable para el jugador este Strider de lo cuales aniquilamos bastante presenta un verdadero reto.    … Expand
  68. Richard_dias
    Aug 14, 2023
    8
    They kinda dropped the ball with this one as far as I'm concerned (compared to HL2 and HL2:EP2 it is not as good), but still a pretty good game. Besides that, you need to play it before you go to Episode Two, which is one of the best games ever made.
  69. TremendousMan
    Apr 25, 2021
    9
    Episode 1 felt really short, it was still very good but not the perfect continuation like Half-Life 2.
  70. nazarkin123
    Mar 11, 2021
    8
    A little too short but a very cool game. One of the best games ever IMHO. Suggested.
  71. SadenRedTT63
    May 21, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Episode one is not exactly a new experience, and it doesn't advance the story that much. Episode 1 and 2 should have been combined together and packed into one episode, but i think Valve was really scared about developing the next Half-Life experience for another 6 years. The gameplay in episode 1 is more challenging, the puzzles got a bit simpler but they are still ok and above average, the atmosphere is what really makes this episode awesome, Valve art directors nailed the tone and feeling of the situations in this game, that part where you have to wait for the elevator was so good; it reminded me a lot of the last of us; a game that came 7 years after episode 1. Half-Life 2 episode 1 is still a fantastic first-person shooter continuation of the legendary Half-Life 2, yes, it is very short but it's worth your time and money.… Expand
  72. BrainlessCowork
    May 26, 2021
    8
    This is required playing if you love Half Life! It actually raps up the ending to Half life 2 without stringing you along which is always a good thing. Its just long enough to not feel short and there's enough story that i definitely feel like a got my moneys worth with this one. The Gun-play carries over from Half life 2 and still is amazing and it seems they fixed a lot of the clippingThis is required playing if you love Half Life! It actually raps up the ending to Half life 2 without stringing you along which is always a good thing. Its just long enough to not feel short and there's enough story that i definitely feel like a got my moneys worth with this one. The Gun-play carries over from Half life 2 and still is amazing and it seems they fixed a lot of the clipping issues I was having with the original. So all in all this games deserves the attention it got and still gets every day by the gaming community that loves and cherishes it.… Expand
  73. Ka3rA_freeman
    Jun 8, 2021
    9
    این اپیزود برای ادامه دهنده این بازی عالی بود فقط یکم زود تموم شد ولی پایان نفس گیری داشت
    در کل عالی بود
  74. Goodbadcritic45
    Jun 26, 2021
    9
    I never liked Valve's idea of episodic entries but hey that was their choice. I'm just giving my idea about it. The first episode of Half-Life 2 definitely puts you in some memorable and immersive moments but it isn't the perfect Half-Life 2 that i was expecting. The episode's length is surprisingly short and i finished the whole thing in two days. The lack of environmental variety and newI never liked Valve's idea of episodic entries but hey that was their choice. I'm just giving my idea about it. The first episode of Half-Life 2 definitely puts you in some memorable and immersive moments but it isn't the perfect Half-Life 2 that i was expecting. The episode's length is surprisingly short and i finished the whole thing in two days. The lack of environmental variety and new weapons definitely is present but as this is more Half-Life 2, i won't take that into consideration. Episode one is definitely worth playing but its length may disappoint some of the players.… Expand
  75. Torment3837
    Jul 12, 2021
    9
    The first episode of Valve's episodic nature to continue the story certainly was a brilliant piece of first-person shooting but it lacked the true diversity and innovation that Half-Life 2 brought with itself. Episode 1 had some very high moments in particular the hos3and the core and also some meh ones but in general the levels were executed perfectly. The best feature that this gameThe first episode of Valve's episodic nature to continue the story certainly was a brilliant piece of first-person shooting but it lacked the true diversity and innovation that Half-Life 2 brought with itself. Episode 1 had some very high moments in particular the hos3and the core and also some meh ones but in general the levels were executed perfectly. The best feature that this game added to the franchise was Developer Commentary; hearing all these fascinating behind the scenes stories was so refreshing.
    Episode 1 did improve some of the flaws from the base game such as the poor ally AI or interacting with the antlions and etc. In general Episode one feels and plays like a lesser experience but the writing and art direction simply makes up for it; the atmosphere of each Half-Life 2 title just gets better and better and Episode 1 is no exception.    … Expand
  76. EatmeApart881
    Jul 20, 2021
    9
    The first episode of Half-Life 2 is more great Half-Life 2 and still tremendously enjoyable. But it's rather short. I finished it in five to six hours in my first playthrough and three to four hours in the next ones. That might be my only issue with this episode, other than that it continues the story flawlessly.
  77. notidentified3
    Jul 30, 2021
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great game. It's very entertaining. Although I didn't like the elevator part, where there was zombies. it was a bit difficult. I had to give it a few tries. Another thing, is that it was short. In conclusion, I think it's worth it.… Expand
  78. bruhman54
    Aug 2, 2021
    8
    It was good. Pretty much just Half Life 2 but a bit more. It was a bit short but Episode 2 makes up for it. Play it. The AI also improved well and Alyx is a great character to lighten up the mood.
  79. HyptoGamer
    Oct 8, 2021
    9
    Episode One is a great ride for Half-Life fans but its short length definitely turned down some people at the time. It has some of the most iconic and memorable character moments with Alyx and the adventure feels more gruesome and intense compared to the original title. There's a sort of urgency throughout the game that pushes you to continue through some of the scariest places inEpisode One is a great ride for Half-Life fans but its short length definitely turned down some people at the time. It has some of the most iconic and memorable character moments with Alyx and the adventure feels more gruesome and intense compared to the original title. There's a sort of urgency throughout the game that pushes you to continue through some of the scariest places in Half-Life's dark world and Valve's brilliant art and level design really show themselves during this chapter. Alyx's AI had a great jump making her a real companion during the game and seeing a corrupting City 17 really gives me shivers everytime that i go through it. There are still moments of challenge when the game puts you through some disturbing and unnerving moments making this chapter still a memorable piece from Half-Life's cryptic world.… Expand
  80. mariavkj
    Apr 19, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Pika, e gostei d+ que a Alyx tá por perto a maior parte do tempo, só foi meio curto… Expand
  81. DonldTrump_45Th
    Jan 26, 2023
    8
    Hello, this is a default review because i'm forced to use 75 characters. I'll edit this review in the future talking about the game, don't worry ;)

    My final rate is: 8
  82. JJ2FAS4U
    Dec 28, 2021
    9
    For Xbox 360
    Atmosphere: 9
    Enjoyment: 9
    Gameplay: 9
    Graphics: 8
    Music: 8
    Story: 9
    Total: 8.67
  83. petrkozak13
    Dec 12, 2021
    8
    Not as good as the original Half-Life 2 but still an awesome game. Must-play for every Half-Life fan.
  84. Targaryen006
    Jan 21, 2023
    9
    Good Things(+)
    -main Story
    -gameplay

    İt Could Be Better

    Bad things(-)
    -play time

    on record:4h
  85. Trollfacebuddy
    Jul 31, 2022
    10
    It starts with one thing I don't know why
    It doesn't even matter how hard you try
    Keep that in mind, I designed this rhyme To explain in due time All I know Time is a valuable thing Watch it fly by as the pendulum swings Watch it count down to the end of the day The clock ticks life away It's so unreal Didn't look out below Watch the time go right out the window Tryin' to    It starts with one thing I don't know why
    It doesn't even matter how hard you try
    Keep that in mind, I designed this rhyme
    To explain in due time

    All I know
    Time is a valuable thing
    Watch it fly by as the pendulum swings
    Watch it count down to the end of the day
    The clock ticks life away

    It's so unreal
    Didn't look out below
    Watch the time go right out the window
    Tryin' to hold on, did-didn't even know
    I wasted it all just to watch you go

    I kept everything inside and even though I tried
    It all fell apart
    What it meant to me will eventually
    Be a memory of a time when I tried so hard

    I tried so hard and got so far
    But in the end it doesn't even matter
    I had to fall to lose it all
    But in the end it doesn't even matter

    One thing, I don't know why
    It doesn't even matter how hard you try
    Keep that in mind, I designed this rhyme
    To remind myself how I tried so hard

    In spite of the way you were mockin' me
    Acting like I was part of your property
    Remembering all the times you fought with me
    I'm surprised it got so far

    Things aren't the way they were before
    You wouldn't even recognize me anymore
    Not that you knew me back then
    But it all comes back to me in the end

    You kept everything inside and even though I tried
    It all fell apart
    What it meant to me will eventually
    Be a memory of a time when I tried so hard

    I tried so hard and got so far
    But in the end it doesn't even matter
    I had to fall to lose it all
    But in the end it doesn't even matter I've put my trust in you Pushed as far as I can go For all this There's only one thing you should know I've put my trust in you Pushed as far as I can go For all this There's only one thing you should know I tried so hard and got so far But in the end it doesn't even matter I had to fall to lose it all But in the end it doesn't even matter    … Expand
  86. Chemiker
    Sep 4, 2022
    10
    Без 5 секунд как посмертно награжденные герои и спасители земли от оккупации Альянса, реанимированы и готовы к следующему бою!
  87. Mastereed
    Mar 31, 2023
    9
    THE BEGINNING OF THE END

    BEFORE WE BEGIN: Half-Life 2: Episode One is a continuation of the story after the ending of the base game, deepening the rivalry between Gordon Freeman and his allies against the Combine forces. Episode One was developed by Valve Softwares in 2006 and is their first game to take advantage of the power of HDR technology, previously tested with Half-Life 2: Lost    THE BEGINNING OF THE END

    BEFORE WE BEGIN:
    Half-Life 2: Episode One is a continuation of the story after the ending of the base game, deepening the rivalry between Gordon Freeman and his allies against the Combine forces. Episode One was developed by Valve Softwares in 2006 and is their first game to take advantage of the power of HDR technology, previously tested with Half-Life 2: Lost Coast.

    ODD VISIONS:
    The game, being a continuation of a cliffhanger, begins abruptly, seeing Gordon Freeman and Alyx escaping from the Combine tower due to the events seen in Half-Life 2. The player starts off with only the energy manipulator, which soon transforms into its electric version. Being a stand-alone game, the beginning is built to be playable even by those who had not played the first one, offering the typical Valve learning curve.

    RUN FREEMAN RUN!:
    The gameplay of the first episode of Half-Life 2 is divided into two focal points. The first is the level design, i.e., everything including the puzzles and the approach to the game map, which is extremely superior to the first title. The introduction of several new mechanics brought a breath of fresh air that the first title needed. The second point, on the other hand, is the lack of new weaponry, which certainly brings boredom to anyone who played the first title and was already a limitation of Half-Life 2 compared to the first one. New enemies have also been added with this chapter, leading to new uncomfortable situations and consequently different approaches to combat. Finally, the plot turns out to be simply a continuation of the combat against the Combine forces, not leading to particularly interesting intrigue and ending with another cliffhanger that will introduce the second episode.

    RED SKY AT NIGHT, SHEPHERD'S DELIGHT:
    Aesthetically, apart from the addition of HDR, and thus improved in-game lighting and shadows, the graphics and models turn out to be identical to those of the first chapter.

    “WE’LL SEE ABOUT THAT”:
    As with the graphics, the audio part turns out to be the same as Half-Life 2, with the addition of several new original OSTs.

    BUT WHY 9?

    PROS:
    The pros of this title are numerous. The level design has been enhanced and improved a lot compared to the first title, but most importantly it has been thickened so as not to create boring void zones, which were present in the first title. In addition, there are numerous interactions and surprises in the puzzles that are very surprising. In addition, the game areas are, at least personally, much more interesting than those in the first one, even adding more frightening and anxiety-provoking areas based entirely on the use of the flashlight being completely immersed in darkness.

    CONS:
    The cons, on the other hand, besides the lack of new weapons, lies in some extremely boring game situations, such as the train part, where the player is required to go from point A to point B more than five times. Also, there are too many situations where the player is required to stand still to listen to dialogues, making those phases much more boring and lowering the tension and atmosphere.

    RATING
    Gameplay: 10+
    Music: 8
    Story: 9
    Level Desing: 10+
    _    … Expand
  88. Hyperfailure
    Nov 27, 2022
    8
    (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
    ┻━┻ ︵ ヽ(°□°ヽ)

    ┻━┻ ︵ ＼( °□° )／ ︵ ┻━┻

    ┬─┬ノ( º _ ºノ)

    (ﾉಥ益ಥ）ﾉ ┻━┻

    ┬──┬ ¯_(ツ)

    ┻━┻ ︵ヽ(`Д´)ﾉ︵ ┻━┻

    ┻━┻ ︵ ¯(ツ)/¯ ︵ ┻━┻

    (╯°Д°）╯︵ /(.□ . )

    ʕノ•ᴥ•ʔノ ︵ ┻━┻
  89. bakpak
    Dec 18, 2022
    8
    It still good since its half-life, but its not as interesting. Only 1 new enemy and you don't approach differently to other enemies but the dark gimmick is quiet fun.
  90. threeoftendie
    Feb 5, 2023
    9
    Это одна из первых игр моего детства. И, несмотря на возраст и недостатки, о которых я сейчас узнаю от других, она не кажется мне плохой
  91. Magical_Viktor
    Apr 30, 2023
    8
    Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»
  92. armadonpower
    Jun 11, 2023
    10
    Episode One's intense action, seamless storytelling, and improved AI make it a worthy continuation of the Half-Life 2 saga.
  93. mawwex
    Jul 19, 2023
    9
    Really good but has the same style and architecture so it gets kind of boring, some of the bossfights feel drawn out and it doesn't have that same story-building that draws you forward automatically in other VALVe titles and the other Half-Life 2 parts.
  94. nemix3d
    Sep 10, 2023
    10
    Despite some possible system freezes, this game absolutely rocked. I will play it again and again. Hopefully an update will be available soon.
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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 »