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. AdamD.
    Feb 9, 2007
    10
    Awesome!
  2. ArtemR.
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    The best game I've ever played as well as Half-Life 2. This part is rather short but I was obsessed with the game. I think that Valve is just preparing gamers for something really incredible. Just waiting for the next Episode.
  3. mrbean
    May 19, 2007
    10
    EXCELLENT!! I don't know why many people say this is a "map pack" or else,this is just incredible I love the graphics,I love the gameplay,I love sounds and musics.
  4. jonp.
    May 2, 2007
    10
    best sequel ever ,can't wait for episode 2
  5. AlexM.
    May 6, 2007
    10
    This is where the source engine comes into a world of its own. With the best facial graphics i have ever sceen in a game. For get Farcry, Leave Doom3. Get this, it may be short, but this shows, again, size does not matter.
  6. RobR.
    Jun 10, 2007
    10
    Valve couldn't of made a better follow up to the best game of all time. With an absolutely amazing graphics overhaul, not only is it gameplay-wise greater, graphically it is as well with new, brilliant HDR. Seeing the characters develop does nothing more than intensify the entire series and make you love em' all the more. The absolute ONLY downside is that, it is shorter than Valve couldn't of made a better follow up to the best game of all time. With an absolutely amazing graphics overhaul, not only is it gameplay-wise greater, graphically it is as well with new, brilliant HDR. Seeing the characters develop does nothing more than intensify the entire series and make you love em' all the more. The absolute ONLY downside is that, it is shorter than Half Life 2. But I was expecting that, as I expect it to be with all expansions. Basically, take Half Life 2, squash it up into a compact version, throw in even MORE stunning graphics, you've got Half Life 2 Episode 1. Ending is brilliant as well, epic cliffhanger.… Expand
  7. AnshuJ.
    Jun 21, 2007
    10
    Excellent sequel to Half life, Great Story and gameplay, a bit short but who cares - its Half Life!
  8. ScottH.
    Aug 24, 2007
    10
    Loved the game, the engine for this game is pretty nice and the all around gameplay is about 10 hours for the average person. I enjoyed it thoroughly and I reccomend it to anyone who wants to try it.
  9. EddieI.
    Apr 1, 2008
    10
    This is becoming one of my favorite games to play over and over.
  10. MarshallS
    Oct 23, 2009
    10
    Episode one, in my opinion had much better game play designs than both HL2 and HL2 ep. 2.
  11. DigitalDevil
    Jun 30, 2009
    10
    Get it now!
  12. MalcolmN
    Aug 3, 2009
    10
    Good Game I think its deserves better than an 8.5 . I really like the Half-Life series and I own all of them so far.
  13. JohnW.
    Nov 12, 2006
    10
    This game is just as good as Half Life 2 - just a bit short, but it was fairly priced. I think if you are buying it for the plot of half life, it is a must as it solves and opens up new questions about all sorts of things. You also get Alyx as a sidekick and she isn't too overpowered or underpowered against enemies, and finally there has been graphical updates like HDR.
  14. DominikE.
    Nov 21, 2006
    10
    It's the best game, I've ever played!
  15. MarcoS.
    Oct 13, 2006
    10
    Short but perfect: something new!
  16. AmitK.
    Oct 24, 2006
    10
    Episode One is a fantastic game. Gamers have improved the game to a much greater extent, including AI, Visual Graphics and gameplay. It deserves better.
  17. AdrianS.
    Oct 5, 2006
    10
    I think this episode is very good. It has good physics and no bugs. The graphics are excellent and the playability is also very good.
  18. JonGri
    May 25, 2006
    10
    Like Half-Life and even better, Half-Life2 & Half-Life2:Lost Coast ,yes, Episode One is easily as good or better than all 3 of its' predessors! You will love Half-Life2:Episode One as much or more. VALVE HAS DONE IT AGAIN STEALING ALL THE #1 GAME OF YEAR THUNDER FROM EBGames ElderScrollsIV:OBLIVION. Half-Life2:Episode One Rocks PERIOD!
  19. MatthewB.
    Jun 11, 2006
    10
    I've played many many FPS this quarter and this one is the only one worth my time. The commentary lends a vital human tone behind the scenes of valve. We get to know the process and developer mentality in the commentary mode, the rhyme and reason for most scenes in the game become apparent that way..
  20. ChrisC.
    Jun 11, 2006
    10
    Absolutely amazing. The line between game and movie is blurred even further with this new installment of Half Life 2.
  21. EduardoF.
    Jun 1, 2006
    10
    I am the first!! yupi!! I knew this game was going to be the best, cuz i ve played half life 1 and 2 andall the mods existence. Now lets wait episode 2 and 3 :D
  22. AdamM.
    Jun 1, 2006
    10
    Better than HL2. I really loved Half-Life and Half-Life 2, but Episode One is by far my favorite of the series. Alyx is a great "side-kick", and is very helpful... I am looking forward to more gametime with Alyx at Gordon's side throughout the next two episodes, and Half-Life 3. This game is intense; however, does get a bit too excessive with all of the enemies being fought at one Better than HL2. I really loved Half-Life and Half-Life 2, but Episode One is by far my favorite of the series. Alyx is a great "side-kick", and is very helpful... I am looking forward to more gametime with Alyx at Gordon's side throughout the next two episodes, and Half-Life 3. This game is intense; however, does get a bit too excessive with all of the enemies being fought at one time. The graphics are enhanced (HDR), which makes it incredible. This is probably my favorite game ever.… Expand
  23. BrodieS.
    Jun 10, 2006
    10
    Great game, story follows on very well from the previous. Cant wait for Episode 2.
  24. DavidS.
    Jun 1, 2006
    10
    This is just BEST game ever. I love it.
  25. SamD.
    Jun 10, 2006
    10
    A little shorter than I would have liked, but Valve made up for it with an extremely polished game. Can't wait for Episode 2 :)
  26. BretC.
    Jun 1, 2006
    10
    One of the best single player FPS expiriences outside of the other Half-Life Games. In fact, its too good. It was so good I could stop playing it untill I beat it in one sitting with only a couple breaks. Each part of the game segways into the next so well theres no good place to stop untill its over.
  27. RufusGartonSmith
    Jun 14, 2006
    10
    By far the most intense game I have played in a long time, a major step away from the Half-Life 2's signature "it's just around the bend" half-hour vehicle sequences. Makes fantastic use of the source engine to produce fantastic visually rewarding landscapes and cityscapes. The panic and urgency of the rather unenlightening plot is reflected in the fact that the actionBy far the most intense game I have played in a long time, a major step away from the Half-Life 2's signature "it's just around the bend" half-hour vehicle sequences. Makes fantastic use of the source engine to produce fantastic visually rewarding landscapes and cityscapes. The panic and urgency of the rather unenlightening plot is reflected in the fact that the action doesn't seem to stop. When it does, you can be sure an interesting puzzle is ahead of you... and not one involving piling bricks on a see-saw as a means of getting to a higher ledge. It is fairly expensive (you should have preordered!) for the 5-6 hours experience that it provides but you can be sure that it's replayable many times over. Listening to the commentary (which I recommend you do after you play the game through at least once) makes it very obvious how much work, editing and fine-tuning has gone into making this fantastic game. I look forward to episode 2!… Expand
  28. -AnToN
    Jun 17, 2006
    10
    Come on people 20$ is 20$, you can't expect the same amount of play time as hl2 for 20$, if you think about it by the time you have 3 episodes you would have payed 60$, and you will have about the same play time as hl2 execpt we payed 100$ for hl2, I payed the money got the game and finished it in about 2 and a half hours, i wasnt expecting anything new from this episode and i Come on people 20$ is 20$, you can't expect the same amount of play time as hl2 for 20$, if you think about it by the time you have 3 episodes you would have payed 60$, and you will have about the same play time as hl2 execpt we payed 100$ for hl2, I payed the money got the game and finished it in about 2 and a half hours, i wasnt expecting anything new from this episode and i enjoyed it alot, i WILL buy the next installment and the one after that. Just a thing to think about, would you have said the same thing about hl2 is it was in episode form? yes you would have... how many hours did it take you to play hl2, it took me about 8, so if we pretend it was in episodes, 3 episodes = less than 3 hours a episode , see what im trying to get at? Its a good game and well worth the money… Expand
  29. KileH.
    Jun 2, 2006
    10
    This was great, a little short but valve gave us exactly what they said they would, YAY VALVE. heh, it was awesome...
  30. KevinM.
    Jun 2, 2006
    10
    Simply amazing i cant wait for the next episode!
  31. TuomoL.
    Jun 2, 2006
    10
    I can say that this game has the most interesting and therefore the best story ever, which almost by itself is a reason to give this game a 10. If this game didn't have a story like this, the score would be about 8. The game is quite short, but I find it worth all the money. It's great to have a more interactive and a lively companion fighting alongside with you. I actually I can say that this game has the most interesting and therefore the best story ever, which almost by itself is a reason to give this game a 10. If this game didn't have a story like this, the score would be about 8. The game is quite short, but I find it worth all the money. It's great to have a more interactive and a lively companion fighting alongside with you. I actually didn't feel like that Alyx was just a clumsy bot in my way. It's been a while from the last time the "wow-factor" of a game has been this high as it was in this game. In fact, the last time it was with HL2 original :D.… Expand
  32. TomP.
    Jun 2, 2006
    10
    Don't forget - it's better to have 4 hours of perfect gameplay-expirience, than playing a 12 hour boring standard-shooters.
  33. RichardC.
    Jun 26, 2006
    10
    This was superb. I was on the edge of my seat wondering if I was going to make it out alive. I knew I needed to be cunning and fast. When will the next episode begin? You are to good at this to let it end there, there has to be another one.
  34. z0mbieJesus
    Jun 26, 2006
    10
    this game is just awesome.
    as i got it over steam, only cost me £12.80 (conversion rates r0xors)
    its well worth the money, and hardcore hl fans shouldnt be so annoyed just because its about 6 hours long, just over £2 an hour, cheaper than some adult phone lines. and well worth it
  35. ChrisD.
    Jun 3, 2006
    10
    I will admit, this game felt shorter than expected, and when I finished it left me wanting more. But hey, isn't that what a good game is supposed to do? The animation anvances in Alyx was incredible and the storyline is greatly advaced in this expansion. I hope Alyx returns in episode 2, the additon of a partner through most of this game was a fantastic descision on the part of Valve.
  36. FireBird
    Jun 3, 2006
    10
    Cost
  37. BenC.
    Jun 3, 2006
    10
    The very meaning of the word's "short but sweet". Despite the length, gameplay was interesting, challenging, and nearly every aspect of HL2 was upgraded. Hopefully HL2:ep2 will continue this trend of improvement.
  38. Grant
    Jun 4, 2006
    10
    Excellent episode. Price is more than worth the gameplay, and the developer commentary is top-notch. Fun, tight, and a definite must-buy. Paying a little extra for episodic installments is worth it, compared to waiting 5 years for a behemoth epic game.
  39. VikramP.
    Jun 4, 2006
    10
    Too Good!! Lots of hard work put into it.
  40. Equistonaut
    Jun 5, 2006
    10
    This game was fantastic, and managed to introduce a few new twists and turns throughout its expected episodic span. This release was darker than Half-Life 2 and fullfilled the Half-Life tradition of spine-tingling action. An evening of yelping at 'zombines' well spent.
  41. TheGreatWhite
    Jun 5, 2006
    10
    I have to give it a 10, altho many ppl that complain about how short it is, they missed the title - EPISODE, it is an awesome continuation, I love it!
  42. MagnusJ
    Jun 6, 2006
    10
    Superb game this Half Life. Like none other. Can't wait for the sequel to ep 1.
  43. NigelN.
    Jun 7, 2006
    10
    The best FPS experience i've ever had. Better than hl1 and hl2 combined.
  44. Darwel
    Jun 7, 2006
    10
    Nejlep
  45. RyanO.
    Jun 7, 2006
    10
    Very very well done. although i see no new scenarios i did get to see the teaser to episode 2 and the forest parts look phenomenal and i can't wait to play against those mini striders!
  46. JonasR.
    Jun 8, 2006
    10
    This is definately a nine or ten, it would have been a clear 10 if it lasted a bit longer, but it's only an episode after all (and the low price reflects that). They've done some nice updates to the engine, but most importantly the story unfolds almost continously through the entire game. No long boring parts at all!
  47. MorganR.
    Jun 8, 2006
    10
    Amazing interaction and WOW the story is just getting better and better. Please don't let Alyx die! I think I love her. LOL. It really takes the game to a new level of drama and intensity and is fun the whole way through. I hope episode two isn't too far behind because I just have to know what happens next! It's short, but I've never played sweeter. Thank you Valve!
  48. RichardR.
    Jun 9, 2006
    10
    Great game, very exciting. I loved the Zombines!
  49. LeonG.
    Jun 9, 2006
    10
    Yes, Yes, Y-E-S. As long as you are mindful of your surroundings the game isnt difficult because Its not a grind through enemies shooter, its a game you figure out. Its all set pieces and set-ups that allow you to be the hero in a truly awesome series of action sequences. Looks awesome, plays great. Best single player fps experience currently happening anywhere!
  50. JohnN.
    Jul 11, 2006
    10
    A great episode, well done on continuing the series.
  51. RobB
    Jul 1, 2006
    10
    Awesome game. the graphics are just as good as the lastone, but the expansion to the story is why i really wanted to play it. The ending was very good, and I can't wait for Ep2 to come out. The fact that it is short doesn't really matter to me, because of the fact that it is an expansion to HL2, not a stand alone game.
  52. JonathanV.
    Jul 16, 2006
    10
    Great Episode, After seeing the end of HL2 I couldn't wait to see how they survived that. The graphics are amazing. Too bad my X1600 can't keep up with the HDR at 1280x1024 :(. Can't wait to see what happens in Episode 2 after they show [spoiler omitted]... Some how. Episode 2 is also supposed to be about double the length of Episode One from what I've heard. I Great Episode, After seeing the end of HL2 I couldn't wait to see how they survived that. The graphics are amazing. Too bad my X1600 can't keep up with the HDR at 1280x1024 :(. Can't wait to see what happens in Episode 2 after they show [spoiler omitted]... Some how. Episode 2 is also supposed to be about double the length of Episode One from what I've heard. I can't wait! Good job Valve. Go out and buy this game now!… Expand
  53. E.H.
    Jul 19, 2006
    10
    $20 is nothing for a game of this calibur. I cant imagine another game that would have delivered such a high rate of entertainment in such a small few hours of play. Amazing graphics, superb AI, and beautiful set pieces. It also doesnt descend down the route that so many sequels (in films and gaming) do today, by simply adding more monsters and bigger guns. Instead, Valve have crafted an $20 is nothing for a game of this calibur. I cant imagine another game that would have delivered such a high rate of entertainment in such a small few hours of play. Amazing graphics, superb AI, and beautiful set pieces. It also doesnt descend down the route that so many sequels (in films and gaming) do today, by simply adding more monsters and bigger guns. Instead, Valve have crafted an intruiging and stylish continuation to Hl2 in Ep1. Albeit quite short, it leaves the gamer hungry for more. I give it 10/10 because almost every element of this game puts other FPS's to shame. It's simply a revolutionary devolpment in gaming. I reccomend it to HL fans and new gamers alike.… Expand
  54. MG
    Jul 2, 2006
    10
    The best expansion pack I have ever played for any game. With most packs, you get a lously game with nothing new, just a few more places to run around. But with EP1, you get your new maps, but it's jam-packed with enough story and excitement to make it it's own game. And for the babies complaining about it being too short: Great things take time to make. For example, a giantThe best expansion pack I have ever played for any game. With most packs, you get a lously game with nothing new, just a few more places to run around. But with EP1, you get your new maps, but it's jam-packed with enough story and excitement to make it it's own game. And for the babies complaining about it being too short: Great things take time to make. For example, a giant redwood tree takes 200 years or so to be elevated to it's giant stage. Not everything in the world has to be fsat and rushed out of a factory. Great things take time, and are worthwhile in the end.… Expand
  55. EmilH.
    Jul 22, 2006
    10
    This is by far the best game i have ever played.
  56. RichardH.
    Jul 23, 2006
    10
    Yes it was short, but it is episodic now, so they would be short, but put together they would take between 12 to 16 hours to complete, its not so short all together! And the $20 price tag isn
  57. EvaF.
    Jul 24, 2006
    10
    It's a great game but it's so short.
  58. JohnA.
    Jul 28, 2006
    10
    Although it was short it was a great game overall. One of my favorite games ever! I hope they make episode 2 soon they keep ending it and i want to paly more!
  59. Jack
    Jul 31, 2006
    10
    This Game Is Amazing! You Can Not Get Any Better Than This!
  60. RoyB.
    Jul 9, 2006
    10
    I keep this short. I may be not a huge fan of bringing games into our room in different episodes but it wont keep me down from saying I enjoyed this one alot again just like with HL2 itself. Maybe there hasn't changed much but it wouldn't keep me down from having a lot of fun again. The atmosphere is again top and the engine is still state of the art. Btw. The engine got a great I keep this short. I may be not a huge fan of bringing games into our room in different episodes but it wont keep me down from saying I enjoyed this one alot again just like with HL2 itself. Maybe there hasn't changed much but it wouldn't keep me down from having a lot of fun again. The atmosphere is again top and the engine is still state of the art. Btw. The engine got a great boost since HDR Lightning is introduced. Great story to... I can't wait till I see what happens in the second episode.… Expand
  61. MilamberB.
    Jul 9, 2006
    10
    Fantastic graphics, solid gameplay in a short bitesize piece. If Valve released these every six months or so they will be starting a great epic.
  62. dg
    Aug 16, 2006
    10
    The only reason people complain about pricing is because they buy too many games to start off with. I exercise, work, read, then play a game. I stick to Blizzard and Valve usually because they deliver good stories with fun gameplay. They don't "overprice" their games. This episode was only 20$. Consider moderation, and maybe you'll be more appreciative.
  63. RamtinD.
    Aug 20, 2006
    10
    Great game outstanding graphics and worth playing.
  64. PraedorA.
    Aug 24, 2006
    10
    Excellent gameplay, great visuals (as usual for HL) and, best of all it allows me to continue playing. I was saddened to see the end of HL2 knowing that it would be a while before another game in the saga came along. Episode 1 gave me just the fix I needed to get me along to the next fix.
  65. FrancescoM.
    Sep 25, 2006
    10
    The best game I've ever bought.
  66. TheodorW.
    Sep 29, 2006
    10
    Excellent Game - just need a co-op.
  67. AdamD.
    Jan 21, 2007
    10
    Awesome!
  68. 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
  69. SteveJ.
    May 27, 2007
    10
    Excellent 1st part of the trilogy, hope ep2 lives up to it.
  70. TravisJ.
    May 28, 2007
    10
    A more riveting and humorous adventure than Half-Life 2
  71. Odysseus
    Jun 10, 2007
    10
    Three words: Short but sweet
  72. 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!
  73. 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.
  74. EricoT.
    Jun 13, 2008
    10
    Great game with better looks than HL2.
  75. 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.
  76. 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.
  77. MarcusD.
    Oct 18, 2006
    10
    Despite some possible system freezes, this game absolutely rocked. I will play it again and again. Hopefully an update will be available soon.
  78. 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.
  79. 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.
  80. 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.
  81. StephenV.
    Jun 11, 2006
    10
    A wonderful continuation of the HL2 saga. Intense gameplay that leaves you salivating for episode 2. Rated.
  82. 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.
  83. 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.
  84. 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.
  85. 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.
  86. 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.
  87. 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.
  88. 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.
  89. 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!
  90. Flamz3d
    Jul 19, 2006
    10
    Awesome game, brilliant concept.
  91. 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.
  92. AndreyK.
    Jul 27, 2006
    10
    The Best Ever!
  93. 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!
  94. 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.
  95. JasonS.
    Sep 16, 2006
    10
    Awesome game. Very Fun with amazing graphics and sound effects.
  96. SergeyP.
    Sep 18, 2006
    10
    Excellent game! Had played with plesure. Waiting for more.
  97. mxmx
    Sep 19, 2006
    10
    Half-Life 2 Episode One is a must have game.
  98. 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
  99. 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
  100. 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!
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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

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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.
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  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.
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  3. IGN
    85
    A brief, stylistically claustrophobic experience whose polish and personality manage to keep things moving.
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