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. AlexanderK.
    Dec 13, 2007
    9
    One of my favourite games. That's very intresting and fun, but so shortly. Excellent game with not boring story. A lot of people love this game, and i too.
  2. William
    Nov 26, 2007
    5
    Episode 1 is exciting, interesting, immersive, and fun. But it is _way_ to short. It has just a few hours of gameplay. By the time I felt I was getting back into the story (continued from HL2), the game was over; finished before lunchtime on the first day I played it.
  3. JoeM.
    Nov 26, 2007
    5
    This game provides no new environments or story. you could easily skip from hl2 to hl2e2 and not miss a beat, While what is here is done well it is just too short and doesnt help a game with an already patchy story. The gfx and sound both look good, but nothing new over hl2, The AI is much improved and reacts very well to various challenges. Overall this is a mediocre filler game. Pros: This game provides no new environments or story. you could easily skip from hl2 to hl2e2 and not miss a beat, While what is here is done well it is just too short and doesnt help a game with an already patchy story. The gfx and sound both look good, but nothing new over hl2, The AI is much improved and reacts very well to various challenges. Overall this is a mediocre filler game. Pros: Gameplay Gfx and sound AI Cons: Story Length Repetitiveness.… Expand
  4. JamesHeard
    Nov 25, 2007
    10
    An excellent sequel to legendary Half-Life 2, very worthy of exceptionally high praise. In my opinion, included in this episode are not only all the gameplay elements that have made the franchise so popular, but several new things.
    I really liked how all the characters (most noteably Alyx Vance) seem more developed and capable of expression to Gordon,eachother, and their environment. It    An excellent sequel to legendary Half-Life 2, very worthy of exceptionally high praise. In my opinion, included in this episode are not only all the gameplay elements that have made the franchise so popular, but several new things.
    I really liked how all the characters (most noteably Alyx Vance) seem more developed and capable of expression to Gordon,eachother, and their environment. It makes them seem more human, thereby adding to the ever-increasing level of realism in the Half-Life universe. The improved facial animations and dynamic range graphics come a long way to enriching the gaming experience.
    I also found the cliff-hanger ending was very suspenseful and effective to suit the mood the game had imbued into the player up to that point. For those who have played Half-Life 2 and enjoyed it, and I believe that's practically everyone, playing Episode 1 should be your next gaming endeavour. If you like it a mere tenth of how much I do, I'm sure it will become one of your favourites.
    This game is truly superlative.    … Expand
  5. TimM.
    Nov 24, 2007
    2
    The first four chapters are dire, the last is excellent. Unfortuneately you have to trudge through the first four to get there. Like the original HL2 there is too much story and not enough gameplay. Too much going from A to B and not enough action.
  6. 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
  7. NickJ.
    Nov 11, 2007
    8
    While this game is good, and it's graphics are nice, it isn't quite as addicting as regular HL2.
  8. CarlF.
    Nov 10, 2007
    3
    Boring level design dragged down further by NPCs that seem to be designed to either block your way or expose themselves to enemy fire. I also expected more of the storyline, but unfortunately this is just a filler episode.
  9. ChrisDickens
    Nov 4, 2007
    6
    Merely a decent FPS experience with obnoxious puzzles thrown in to lengthen the disappointingly short playtime. While the remarkably flawless inclusion of Alyx as a constant companion certainly added an interesting element to the gameplay, Episode 1 lacks the ingeniously designed fights and thrills of it's predecessor, and none of the new positive aspects are given enough time bloom.
  10. StewartA.
    Oct 22, 2007
    8
    This game was up to the usual Half Life standard on gameplay and graphics although I feel that it was a little short and the storyline could have been a little better, although all in all a very good game!
  11. CemeronB.
    Oct 22, 2007
    9
    Fantastic game.... Great continuation of the second.
  12. ShodenB.
    Oct 20, 2007
    3
    I've been waiting for the first and second episodes of HL2 but it was a very big disappointment.. Graphics: Same graphics that has been used in HL2 which is very old compare to the new next-gen games. (GoW, GRAW 1 - 2, Darkness, Call of Duty 4, ...etc) Gameplay: Pretty same as the old HL2.. no improvement at all. I got really bored after playing it for around 3 hours trying to see I've been waiting for the first and second episodes of HL2 but it was a very big disappointment.. Graphics: Same graphics that has been used in HL2 which is very old compare to the new next-gen games. (GoW, GRAW 1 - 2, Darkness, Call of Duty 4, ...etc) Gameplay: Pretty same as the old HL2.. no improvement at all. I got really bored after playing it for around 3 hours trying to see how long it'll be the same old game. Throughing balls in the first mission kinda sucks and repeating it sucks more. In the second mission it's all "dark" and very minimal ammo has been giving. Also, the same NPCs already been reused again. Sound: Reused sound from the previous HL2. Nothing new about it. Last comment. Episode one is really disappointment in my opinion hence they didn't add anything except new areas. (same old environments)… Expand
  13. RobA.
    Oct 12, 2007
    7
    Felt more like a user mod than a professional game. Tedius areas and very little plot advancement.
  14. JasonD.
    Oct 11, 2007
    3
    This game I am sure is great if it worked. I am a huge fan of the half life saga and it is a shame that Valve is not creating an update that will fix the bug that is plaguing many of its users. I am currently playing Episode 2... but I wish I could play them in sequence as they were meant to be played.
  15. MalteB.
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    Awesome new episode in the Half-Life universe, great gameplay, very recommended!
  16. LukeK.
    Oct 9, 2007
    10
    The Half-life series will always hold a special place in my heart. With stunning graphics and game play that blows your mind. The follow up support and needs of peformance side of the game really show through and is the best game for budget gamers looking for the extra bang for their buck.
  17. jayRedlief
    Oct 9, 2007
    9
    Great game! very fun, must have played it hundreds of times, pre-order the orange box just for episode 2, the zombie level gave me a thrill! but was to short(if you know what your doing) and would have loved to use the super gravity gun in other levels. And piloting an air vehicle wouldn't have hurt.. ; )
  18. SimeonM.
    Oct 4, 2007
    4
    I've just played through this game, so here are my fresh impressions. Positive: - a lot of new puzzles and ideas - some new enemies - I kind of liked the zombie chapter for finally giving some real use to the flashlight. Negative - No strong atmosphere/immersion, at least for me. HL2 was way better in that respect - Story can be summed up in about three sentences - Music doesn't I've just played through this game, so here are my fresh impressions. Positive: - a lot of new puzzles and ideas - some new enemies - I kind of liked the zombie chapter for finally giving some real use to the flashlight. Negative - No strong atmosphere/immersion, at least for me. HL2 was way better in that respect - Story can be summed up in about three sentences - Music doesn't do anything to create an atmosphere either, and is just used to underline dramatic scenes. That was a problem in HL2 as well. - Alyx praises you for every lame and obvious solution you come up with - Important areas with gates feel confining. If you're worried the player will miss something important, just use a cutscene! What's the use in "don't take control from the player" if you then confine him to a small room and want him to look at a specific thing?… Expand
  19. JosephG.
    Oct 3, 2007
    8
    I would have given this game a 9 - the usual great storyline unfolding etc all rank this game highly. The increased partnership with Alyx made this very good. Being deaf - subtitles made this game just almost perfect. What bought the score down was that it was perhaps a bit short. This could be forgiven if Episode Two came out soon after - ie 6-9 months later...but not over a year (and I would have given this game a 9 - the usual great storyline unfolding etc all rank this game highly. The increased partnership with Alyx made this very good. Being deaf - subtitles made this game just almost perfect. What bought the score down was that it was perhaps a bit short. This could be forgiven if Episode Two came out soon after - ie 6-9 months later...but not over a year (and half?) later. That bought the score down, but everything else - it's a great game. It's a great story. You care what happens to characters and even some corny humour thrown in - brilliant!… Expand
  20. Gate28
    Oct 3, 2007
    7
    While it is an interesting addon to an amazing game, i wouldent pay more than 15 bucks for it. The only reason I got it was because it came in The Orange Box. Although, I will be getting episode 3 simply because I wanna know how it ends
  21. killtacular
    Sep 29, 2007
    10
    Awesome continuation to an incredible game. It will be confusing for anyone who hasn't played Half-life 2 so playing that before Episode 1 is a must. The graphics are excellent and it introduces several new gameplay features, expanding the Half-Life 2 storyline in many ways. Creating an awesome expirience to continue a spectacular series.
  22. MightySanta
    Sep 17, 2007
    10
    Ep1 is one of the best games besides for HL2. If you liked HL2 you must get this game. Be sure not to play this game until you've played HL2.
  23. TimB.
    Sep 12, 2007
    9
    Great graphics. i think it helps in the story line a little but it should have been longer. a little to short on game play in my mind.
  24. MSG.Johnatone
    Sep 7, 2007
    8
    Valve is doing well as a money hungry monster, as they released this teaser on us which completely forgets what episodic gameplay is all about (I'm from the old-school Doom gen). Still, it gives us a little tease until Episode 2, which, considering the times it has taken to make E2, will hopefully be much longer. Worth twenty bucks? Hell yeah! Sure, it's only two or three hours Valve is doing well as a money hungry monster, as they released this teaser on us which completely forgets what episodic gameplay is all about (I'm from the old-school Doom gen). Still, it gives us a little tease until Episode 2, which, considering the times it has taken to make E2, will hopefully be much longer. Worth twenty bucks? Hell yeah! Sure, it's only two or three hours worth of gameplay, but it's fun the whole way through and the new zombine enemy adds some dangerous fun to the mix. Do not buy this if you [barely] meet the minimum system requirements, as the flashlight won't work on lower end machines and is required for an entire chapter (this little tidbit runied my experience the first time through). If you haven't bought it yet, wait for the orange box with HL2, HL2:E1, HL2:E2, TFC2 and Portal, which will be well worth it for new (and maybe even old, I'm getting it for 360 too) gamers.… Expand
  25. Pase
    Sep 7, 2007
    5
    Too short!
  26. TeodorIkonomov
    Aug 29, 2007
    10
    The Best Game Ever
  27. DaveW.
    Aug 25, 2007
    8
    Episode 1 doesn't drop atall in quality from Half-Life 2. The only problem is that it's a bit too short, even for an episodic release. Still, you can't argue the quality.
  28. 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.
  29. FalkoN.
    Aug 21, 2007
    10
    Perhaps my 10 rating is a bit too generous, but I do believe this game deserves a lot of respect. Personally, the first time I played it through (and I used cheats from Lowlife and on) I was extremelly satisfied even though it was a bit short. However, when I played it through a second time with an entirelly new computer (that means graphics turned way up) I began to notice how stunning Perhaps my 10 rating is a bit too generous, but I do believe this game deserves a lot of respect. Personally, the first time I played it through (and I used cheats from Lowlife and on) I was extremelly satisfied even though it was a bit short. However, when I played it through a second time with an entirelly new computer (that means graphics turned way up) I began to notice how stunning this game really looks with the new lighting effects givnig it a beautiful touch. I also played it through with no cheats which really improved my experience. I used the the gravity gun the entire time in the third time I played it and believe me, there's nothing better than lighting a zombie on fire and then flinging him back with a rock. Priceless. However, I did see how this installment might have been a bit boring and confusing if you haven't played Half Life 2. So my suggestion for people that are planning to buy this game: Buy the Half Life 2 + 1 pack off of Steam or just buy Half Life 2 and Episode 1 seperatelly.… Expand
  30. SilviuF.
    Aug 21, 2007
    10
    Although I agree that this expansion is way too short than any normal expansion and it's way to expensive because of the short time to play, it's the same hl2 and it for sure deserves the best rating. god bless valve for creating such a wonderful game, I forgive them for this EP One robbery, I can't really wait for the next episodes.
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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.
    Read full review
  3. IGN
    85
    A brief, stylistically claustrophobic experience whose polish and personality manage to keep things moving.
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See all critic reviews »