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. Pase
    Oct 14, 2006
    5
    Too short!
  2. MarcoS.
    Oct 13, 2006
    10
    Short but perfect: something new!
  3. AaronW.
    Oct 13, 2006
    9
    Magnificent. Was what Half-Life 2 should have been throughout, though Alex's drooling over Gordon getting tiresome.
  4. DaveT.
    Oct 13, 2006
    9
    If you love Half Life 2, you'll love the sequel(s). Can't wait for the XBOX 360 version in HIGH DEFINITION!
  5. EvanE.
    Oct 12, 2006
    10
    I don't know why people are downvoting this, but I love the small bits of great taste of game. I'd rather get small decadent bites rather than eating the best cake in the world in one setting, you know what I mean? Great graphics, great gaming, great acting, Valve has done it again.
  6. MichaelD.
    Oct 6, 2006
    10
    It's very good.
  7. A
    Oct 6, 2006
    9
    Great game! But its so short...
  8. 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.
  9. NathanF.
    Oct 5, 2006
    5
    Poor game, I don't understand why Steam keep ripping people off with these small games... they uses the same engine as HL2 so it should be free... it was fun to find out what happened but I wouldn't buy it.
  10. ToneGIO
    Oct 4, 2006
    10
    Can't wait for the next installment.
  11. AnonymousMC
    Oct 4, 2006
    10
    Very good expansion.
  12. DavidG.
    Oct 4, 2006
    10
    Absolutely good expansion.. but the shortness was bad.. but still I give it a 10.
  13. Greg
    Oct 4, 2006
    7
    The game seemed, in terms of quality, to fall short in comparison to the original HL2 release. There were a few areas in the game where it felt things were just thrown together; or just fell short to the level of experience we've come to know and love. Still a cool game.
  14. KillerDM
    Oct 1, 2006
    6
    To scripted. To much help along the way take away from the suspense.
  15. 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.
  16. LukeB.
    Sep 30, 2006
    1
    Seriously seriously lacking. Dragged through familier landscapes (the long boring walk through the ruined citidel anyone?) with nothing really new to please. What happened to all the new weapons and baddies that were the meat of expansion sets? This is more like a free download created by a fan than an offical pack. Totally not worth the money.
  17. TheodorW.
    Sep 29, 2006
    10
    Excellent Game - just need a co-op.
  18. BrianM.
    Sep 29, 2006
    10
    A great sequel to a great game! Well done Valve, and I look forward to Chapter Two. Perhaps make Ch. 2 a bit longer, like about 10 more hours worth of gameplay. That'd be perfect!
  19. DrannonB.
    Sep 27, 2006
    10
    This game was killer. Absolutly loved it!
  20. DanieleD.
    Sep 27, 2006
    9
    An excellent job, the HDR is used very good.
  21. FrancescoM.
    Sep 25, 2006
    10
    The best game I've ever bought.
  22. MacS.
    Sep 23, 2006
    9
    Great continuation, picks up right where the last one left off. New enemies and leaving wanting more.
  23. KW
    Sep 20, 2006
    1
    Yeah, the game would be great If I could ever get to it. I have installed the game, and spent the last 8+ Hours getting all of these stupid steam updates, and now the Half-life 2 episode 1 update.. What is this, 500mb update? I wanted to play this game 8 hours ago!!!! My estimated download time left is 12 hours, and Im on a T1... These designers should keep in mind that maybe peopleYeah, the game would be great If I could ever get to it. I have installed the game, and spent the last 8+ Hours getting all of these stupid steam updates, and now the Half-life 2 episode 1 update.. What is this, 500mb update? I wanted to play this game 8 hours ago!!!! My estimated download time left is 12 hours, and Im on a T1... These designers should keep in mind that maybe people aren't looking to play online, and therefore do not need all these extremely massive downloads...

    They need to make a way around this steam piece of crap!    … Expand
  24. mxmx
    Sep 19, 2006
    10
    Half-Life 2 Episode One is a must have game.
  25. SergeyP.
    Sep 18, 2006
    10
    Excellent game! Had played with plesure. Waiting for more.
  26. JasonS.
    Sep 16, 2006
    10
    Awesome game. Very Fun with amazing graphics and sound effects.
  27. 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.
  28. AdamD.
    Sep 9, 2006
    10
    Awesome!
  29. YoannF.
    Sep 5, 2006
    6
    Great and beautifull, but... too short! I achieved it in two afternoons ... i was expecting weeks of gaming :-( That is a great deception to me ..... When i buyed it (19.9
  30. JamesZ.
    Sep 4, 2006
    10
    Considering what this is: an expansion pack for Half Life 2, this is one of the greatest addons ever. The story is interesting, but allmost TOO fast paced. To compare it to prior Half Life add ons, this was superior (Length of play-wise) to Blue Shift, but not as long as Opposing Force. It's an excellent story with alot of "Jump Factor" Alyx's npc may just be the greatest NPC Considering what this is: an expansion pack for Half Life 2, this is one of the greatest addons ever. The story is interesting, but allmost TOO fast paced. To compare it to prior Half Life add ons, this was superior (Length of play-wise) to Blue Shift, but not as long as Opposing Force. It's an excellent story with alot of "Jump Factor" Alyx's npc may just be the greatest NPC EVer in the history of FPS games. She's the first NPC I've ever seen that can handle herself as well as the "hero" himself (It helps that she seems to be invulnerable, and knows when to duck Snipers.) Now on to the business stuff: (hey, I love the game, but I am a lawyer.) As a Gamer I ALWAYS want more gameplay, but I am satisfied with this length for the money. (But just a Note: Any more cash would require more gameplay / time.)… Expand
  31. 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
  32. KevinJ.
    Sep 1, 2006
    9
    Awsome game. Utilizes their new lighting system perfectly. A little short, but worth the price.
  33. AlcinoP.
    Sep 1, 2006
    10
    amazing continuation for the best game ever. lovely!
  34. HaywoodJablowme
    Sep 1, 2006
    0
    Well I was gonna buy it, but not after reading the reviews. 2-5hrs of gameplay isn't even worth $5 to me. For $20 I could eat a steak dinner and get shit-faced, and it would last longer than this EP based on the reviews. Oh well, I'll wait... in the meantime, I'm going to go fire up that grill and put some beer on ice! Cheers :-)
  35. DevinH.
    Aug 30, 2006
    10
    Amazing expansion for an amazing game.
  36. StephenG.
    Aug 26, 2006
    9
    Good continuation from the original HL2, maybe a little shorter than I would have liked, but it has taken a few sessions to knock it off.
  37. 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.
  38. Uriel.
    Aug 25, 2006
    6
    game is too short even for a episode, especially if it costs about 20
  39. Turtleproof
    Aug 24, 2006
    9
    It was short but sweet. Using the flashlight to such an extent was sometimes exasperating, but the new sceanrios were good, as well as the puzzle elements. Seeing Alyx use a shotgun was great, and her invincibility was appreciated despite how strange it was. Great job on the Zombine voice-overs.
  40. 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.
  41. 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.
  42. JimS.
    Aug 20, 2006
    9
    Over quickly but a great ride. I'll take 8-10 hrs of fun for $16 (B.J. 's Wholesale Club) anyday. Hope Episode 2 comes soon.
  43. RamtinD.
    Aug 20, 2006
    10
    Great game outstanding graphics and worth playing.
  44. DylanT.
    Aug 20, 2006
    7
    should be longer even though its an episode and should have more action and stay with its true meaning.
  45. WillC
    Aug 19, 2006
    5
    I have not yet played the game and so my 5 being my rating is somewhat biased, but the reason I have not yet purchased half life 2 ep. 1 is also do to the pricing. I agree 100% with Jon H. I have not doubt the game is an excellent one, but splitting an entire game into episodes really is a joke. Why not combine them all and call the collective episodes 'Half-Life 3'. WhyI have not yet played the game and so my 5 being my rating is somewhat biased, but the reason I have not yet purchased half life 2 ep. 1 is also do to the pricing. I agree 100% with Jon H. I have not doubt the game is an excellent one, but splitting an entire game into episodes really is a joke. Why not combine them all and call the collective episodes 'Half-Life 3'. Why valve thinks it has to exploit its fans in order to be successful boggles my mind. The half life series is one of the best, people will put their money into whether or not it comes in parts. I for one am also eager and willing to put my dollar down on any of valves new creations, except thats is, when its obvieous my whole dollar is only paying for a quarter of a game.… Expand
  46. dg
    Aug 16, 2006
    10
    The only reason people complain about pricing is because they buy too many games to start off with. I exercise, work, read, then play a game. I stick to Blizzard and Valve usually because they deliver good stories with fun gameplay. They don't "overprice" their games. This episode was only 20$. Consider moderation, and maybe you'll be more appreciative.
  47. 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!
  48. DmitriyM
    Aug 12, 2006
    7
    Great game. Awesome storyline and very quality execution. Nothing new besides the story however, I think I counted 1 new monster and that's about it. Still fun though. The only reason I give it a 7 is it is VERY short. It took me about 5 hours to beat, and I'm a very slow and curious player... saving and loading until I find the perfect way through an area. This game should have Great game. Awesome storyline and very quality execution. Nothing new besides the story however, I think I counted 1 new monster and that's about it. Still fun though. The only reason I give it a 7 is it is VERY short. It took me about 5 hours to beat, and I'm a very slow and curious player... saving and loading until I find the perfect way through an area. This game should have cost $10, not $20, if Valve keeps being this greedy, I'll have to think twice before buying the next episode.… Expand
  49. MH
    Aug 10, 2006
    5
    This game is a puke* because its short, 20 bucks!!!! I did not like the ending cause gorden and alyx just drive of with a train, you could have made the player shot some combien during the ride and shot some of those crapie shopers. Where are new weapons??? Where are rebel Zombies??? and. those antlion holes are all over the map why not put a new monster in play? But still a good game, notThis game is a puke* because its short, 20 bucks!!!! I did not like the ending cause gorden and alyx just drive of with a train, you could have made the player shot some combien during the ride and shot some of those crapie shopers. Where are new weapons??? Where are rebel Zombies??? and. those antlion holes are all over the map why not put a new monster in play? But still a good game, not worth the 20 dollars.… Expand
  50. N.R.S.
    Aug 10, 2006
    9
    Quite a good little journey. The whole thing made me almost feel like I was in an interactive movie. Great pace and frequency of the scripted scenes. Keep up the good work.
  51. RichardG.
    Aug 9, 2006
    10
    This was an excellent guardian of the legacy of Half Life. The new graphics engine did make a huge different. New momentums even though it is hard to keep up the blazing thrills discovered in the previous versions.
  52. JonH.
    Aug 9, 2006
    3
    Half - Life 2: Episode One is ok but paying the cost of a full price game is a rip off! It's is very small and takes next to no time to finish it, fun as it maybe i think the makers are being gready cutting a game into epiodes. Just bring out the full game and i we be glad to pay full price! if you put all the little episodes together to make it the same size as Half Life 2 it will Half - Life 2: Episode One is ok but paying the cost of a full price game is a rip off! It's is very small and takes next to no time to finish it, fun as it maybe i think the makers are being gready cutting a game into epiodes. Just bring out the full game and i we be glad to pay full price! if you put all the little episodes together to make it the same size as Half Life 2 it will end up costing about $100.00, sort it out valve its not fair!… Expand
  53. SeanS.
    Aug 8, 2006
    9
    It was a game that made me awe through visual beauty and wonderful gameplay
  54. SteveH.
    Aug 5, 2006
    5
    The game lived up to being a Half-Life 2 game the one time it worked. Since then the game won't run.
  55. Mr.ddee
    Aug 3, 2006
    10
    ->HL1 = the bests game ever made ->HL2 = the bests game ever made ->HL2ep1 = the bests game ever made.
  56. DrewH.
    Aug 2, 2006
    9
    It was a great continuation to the story and the graphics and AI are top-notch, it was a tad to short and hopefully the second episode can keep the momentum.
  57. CalebM.
    Aug 2, 2006
    9
    Any fan of the Half Life series will like the gameplay and storyline in episode one. However, finishing the game the first time you sit down and play it will leave you wondering if you got 20 bucks worth of a game. You would expect at least one new weapon but all you get is the same type of gameplay as the first with a couple different use your head puzzles. It is a good continuation of Any fan of the Half Life series will like the gameplay and storyline in episode one. However, finishing the game the first time you sit down and play it will leave you wondering if you got 20 bucks worth of a game. You would expect at least one new weapon but all you get is the same type of gameplay as the first with a couple different use your head puzzles. It is a good continuation of Half Life 2, but, you are left wishing you got more for your money at the end.… Expand
  58. MarkSaccomandi
    Aug 2, 2006
    7
    Nice game, I enjoyed playng it. The only problem is that it was way too short (you could easily finish EP1 in an evening, and that is a little too fast for 20$). And playing at difficult level was still too easy (Half Life was much more challenging). But a part from this it is a very good game
  59. GuyS.
    Aug 2, 2006
    9
    Brilliant game, bit too short.
  60. MikeF.
    Jul 31, 2006
    5
    Too short. A pretty boring money grab on what was a great game. Not worth buying, and not worth playing. Looked great, but too bad not enough time was put into making a worth-while product.
  61. Jack
    Jul 31, 2006
    10
    This Game Is Amazing! You Can Not Get Any Better Than This!
  62. ArielZ.
    Jul 30, 2006
    9
    Its Games like these that make life worth living. The first add on in the origanal series made a great impact although short, it did answer a lot of questions but left be hide a lot more to be uncovered. Great game all around!
  63. 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.
  64. 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!
  65. VitRa
    Jul 28, 2006
    10
    My Regardes to HF team. It is the most wanted game. I thought its not worth it cause i played HF2 I was wrong, wery wrong, i can say that EP 1 is even better). But to short), it all ends very fast and i felt really apset. I think we should wait even HF 3 with most live Char we have ever seen)It Can Be Freeman, but i suppose his name will be not Gordon). (You should teach him to talk, and My Regardes to HF team. It is the most wanted game. I thought its not worth it cause i played HF2 I was wrong, wery wrong, i can say that EP 1 is even better). But to short), it all ends very fast and i felt really apset. I think we should wait even HF 3 with most live Char we have ever seen)It Can Be Freeman, but i suppose his name will be not Gordon). (You should teach him to talk, and to be careful with objects i think) Waiting for Ep2 and saing bravo with my cap off.… Expand
  66. MattB
    Jul 28, 2006
    8
    An excellent game with amazing AI, story, and gameplay. However it was over before you noticed, and too similar to HL2. After seeing the trailer for the next episode I see that they've added a new enemies (or enemies) and hopefully a new weapon or two. If your a penny pincher, wait till these episodes get bundled.
  67. RickO.
    Jul 27, 2006
    6
    It was enjoyable, but definently not what I expected.After beating the game so quickly i feel very dissappointed that there was barely anything new. It has an excellent story line, but that's it. Only recommended for people who are die hard fans of Half life.
  68. AndreyK.
    Jul 27, 2006
    10
    The Best Ever!
  69. MichaelM.
    Jul 26, 2006
    8
    I just finished playing the game thought for the first time and I have too say that I was overjoyed on what I saw. I was happy with the game in that it keep true to HL2 in that it never got boring and keeps you on your toe's with new puzzles. Also new and fun ways too kill your enemies. and is it just me or has the AI gotten better. overall though the game didn't provide much inI just finished playing the game thought for the first time and I have too say that I was overjoyed on what I saw. I was happy with the game in that it keep true to HL2 in that it never got boring and keeps you on your toe's with new puzzles. Also new and fun ways too kill your enemies. and is it just me or has the AI gotten better. overall though the game didn't provide much in the way of a new expectance itself as much of what happen it Ep.1 is just quick redo's from HL2. it did provide to the story of HL2 and was a great continuation of HL2. One more big concern I have is will freeman lose his weapons at the beginning of each episode since they will be made as separate games or will each episode be and expansion of the last. I really don't want to have to be yelling at the beginning of Ep.3 saying that someone should get that man a back pack so he will stop losing his gun!!! also if I treat all the eps like one game losing my guns all the time would get really tedious. And one more thing. they did very well in the original with the creation of original weapon, monsters, and different types of battle conditions, which I saw little of in this game. Lets make these episodes like a real expansion not a VERY well put together fan scenario with only old enemies, weapons, and worlds. OK I might sound a little like I didn… Expand
  70. 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.
  71. KarlP.
    Jul 24, 2006
    6
    Episode One is about 1/4 the playtime of HL2. Much like the Sin episodes you should wait for all of them to be released in some giant collection before I buying each one.
  72. EvaF.
    Jul 24, 2006
    10
    It's a great game but it's so short.
  73. 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
  74. Mike
    Jul 22, 2006
    7
    Overall this game was unimpressive. The graphics and new HDR lighting were awesome, but the environments were sometimes dull and incomplete (a feeling likely caused by a lack of atmosphere sound). The characters were dull and the dialogue was slow and boring (The very beginning is a great example). Why can't I learn more about these characters? Why can't they be exciting and Overall this game was unimpressive. The graphics and new HDR lighting were awesome, but the environments were sometimes dull and incomplete (a feeling likely caused by a lack of atmosphere sound). The characters were dull and the dialogue was slow and boring (The very beginning is a great example). Why can't I learn more about these characters? Why can't they be exciting and funny? The gameplay doesn't support the story. There are few details of the story revealed through the gameplay. Some people might say, "screw the story". Well fine, then make the gameplay great. Do something new, THINK! you have one of the best gaming engines at your finger tips and thats all you can come up with? Also, this game along with HL 2 needs a harder gameplay setting. This game is way to easy compared to Half-Life 1. Where was a new boss battle? Why did I find myself fighting the same "bosses" from HL2 in Episode One? I understand you didn't introduce mystery creatures in HL2 that we didn't get to fight then so how can we fight new creatures in Episode One. Answer: I don't care, the designers dug themselves into that hole so fix it. $20 dollars for this. Recycled Half-Life 2. I gave this review a seven because I love Half-Life and this game was solid all around but when the developers bore you with a game that has so much potential it just makes you wonder why they made it at all.… Expand
  75. EmilH.
    Jul 22, 2006
    10
    This is by far the best game i have ever played.
  76. ThomasA.
    Jul 22, 2006
    9
    I am close to give it a 10, i enjoyed this small episode than i enjoyed whole HL2, the reason is as simple as this: it contains much less boring parts in it. The voiceacting keeps the same high quality and while the lip syncing is top notch, some facial expressions arent quite just there yet. The scripted sequences with Alyx and Dog are absolutely lovable, and having Alyx doing pranks on I am close to give it a 10, i enjoyed this small episode than i enjoyed whole HL2, the reason is as simple as this: it contains much less boring parts in it. The voiceacting keeps the same high quality and while the lip syncing is top notch, some facial expressions arent quite just there yet. The scripted sequences with Alyx and Dog are absolutely lovable, and having Alyx doing pranks on the player in the darkness makes her really feel like a person, a fearless one atleast. The darkness can be abit overwhelming when you have a flashlight that leaves alot to wish for, and the almost too frequent use of the gravity gun made me cringe at times. What i really liked about this that i was able to finish it in about 4 hours, one straight sitting with only a toilet break every now and then, when i played HL2 i only played 2h at a time, just because i knew it was larger and frankly, quite boring. I will defenitely be getting the second episode, and are waiting unpatiently for it.… Expand
  77. 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.
  78. Flamz3d
    Jul 19, 2006
    10
    Awesome game, brilliant concept.
  79. 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
  80. JayceM.
    Jul 18, 2006
    10
    The game is absolutely fantastic...not only did steam/valve just make another addition, they improved the story, graphics, AI, and everything. Truly, the game is a site to behold...if you don't mind length that is, as it is a bit short. But other than that, a perfect game worth getting.
  81. 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!
  82. RogerV.
    Jul 16, 2006
    9
    Extremely cool, but maybe too easy.
  83. 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
  84. AndersT.
    Jul 14, 2006
    10
    2 words: Great game!
  85. MarkO.
    Jul 13, 2006
    4
    How can anyone give this more than 4 or 5. Great physics and visuals don't disguise that a very short evening of gameplay for £20 is a rip-off. Very linear again. There is nowhere to wander or discover off the story path and this makes the city and the game feel dead and lifeless. Like Half Life 2 it never manages to make you feel that there is a real moving, breathing world How can anyone give this more than 4 or 5. Great physics and visuals don't disguise that a very short evening of gameplay for £20 is a rip-off. Very linear again. There is nowhere to wander or discover off the story path and this makes the city and the game feel dead and lifeless. Like Half Life 2 it never manages to make you feel that there is a real moving, breathing world (think Far Cry) out there behind the locked doors and dead end streets and corridors. I think true innovative and imaginative gaming is being swallowed up by technical innovation and the Great Big Steam - Money Making Machine.… Expand
  86. RobertF.
    Jul 11, 2006
    7
    Typical great game play, I enjoyed what was there. Very entertaining, but I expected much more for my $20.00. I could not recommend it to anyone for that reason.
  87. JohnN.
    Jul 11, 2006
    10
    A great episode, well done on continuing the series.
  88. ChristopherB.
    Jul 10, 2006
    10
    absolutely incredible the hospital and the elevator battle in particularly good... the hospital in particular was reminicent of silent hill the scares were much more artfufully done... bravo!
  89. 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.
  90. TobyK.
    Jul 9, 2006
    9
    EP1 is a very good addon. I don't agree with those who say that it's too short. Remember that you didn't pay the full price, just one-third. And that is what you get with EP1: one-third of an addon. There are still 2 episodes more to come which i'm realy looking forward to play.
  91. 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
  92. XCoder
    Jul 9, 2006
    10
    The only game makes me non-sleeping before job.
  93. John
    Jul 8, 2006
    6
    I'm sorry but I will not vote higher than 6 for ANY episodic game, however great it is as I have no intention of promoting games that in the UK cost £20 ($30) for 5-6 hours of gaming! It is too expensive and I can see where episodic gaming is going. Where your PC can run Episode 1, it only manages to run episode 2 and needs a new something (that Valve have 'partnered with) I'm sorry but I will not vote higher than 6 for ANY episodic game, however great it is as I have no intention of promoting games that in the UK cost £20 ($30) for 5-6 hours of gaming! It is too expensive and I can see where episodic gaming is going. Where your PC can run Episode 1, it only manages to run episode 2 and needs a new something (that Valve have 'partnered with) to run episode 3. At least with a whole game you don't need to upgrade half way through to play the last third of the game and it probably hasn't cost you $6 per hour of gaming. On that basis can you imagine what a 30 hour game will cost in a couple of years?… Expand
  94. DavidL.
    Jul 8, 2006
    8
    It's amazing!! But it's too much short and the extra: Half Life Deathmatch Source it's too bad, it's the same than the old Half Life Deathmatch.
  95. Parker
    Jul 7, 2006
    7
    fun to play continues the story but i was really dissapointed one the gravity gun was used like one third the game second way way to short third it said i needed to update a bunch of stuff i did and it still syas it i had to lower the game setting even though my computer surpasses the reccomend requirments forth alyx seems to be pretty strong surviving grenandes and like ten people fun to play continues the story but i was really dissapointed one the gravity gun was used like one third the game second way way to short third it said i needed to update a bunch of stuff i did and it still syas it i had to lower the game setting even though my computer surpasses the reccomend requirments forth alyx seems to be pretty strong surviving grenandes and like ten people shoting her all at once fith the endind ahhh why do they have to end them like this its like straight up oh my gosh what next then in a second that it are you kidding me. and finally 20 dollars for a couple hours of gameplay i barely play games that much really and i got this done in a evening no not even an evening more like two or four hours come on guys you cant expect me to pay for a couple hours. the only reason it is a 7 is because of the story i really enjoy all of the action in the game lets hope that EP2 is longer thats all i ask oh and to reviel the plot some more all we now guy kills bad guys aliens help wierd thing with a mask follows you and a dude in a suit ahhhh.… Expand
  96. Miles
    Jul 7, 2006
    9
    Great stroy really sucks you in. Only problems are way to short i really wish they could have given it a little more time at least i hop EP2 will come out real soon to make up for short gameplay.
  97. CaseyG.
    Jul 7, 2006
    6
    Good Game, Good story, good graphics, Very Short!
  98. AndrewF.
    Jul 7, 2006
    8
    It is Half Life 2 with a little new material, but not enough in my opinion. It was also too short, but the graphics and action etc. make up for that.
  99. TSeckerson
    Jul 7, 2006
    3
    I'm sure it would be a very good game if you could get it to load. I have had it for 3 days know, spending hours on it tring to get it to load. All I keep getting is an error saying, "hl2.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience." I'm ready to try and return it today!
  100. JeffF.
    Jul 6, 2006
    10
    Incredibly entertaining, Alyx is a very intriguing and likable character.
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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
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