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. DevonS.
    Jul 19, 2008
    10
    Unlike a lot of people out there, I thought this game was on par with Half-life 2. It had witty points, it was a shorter game (but it was supposed to be), and it delivered what was expected with much of the same as we've come to expect.
  2. HalfAdicted
    Aug 9, 2008
    10
    WOW! Great game, I heard the there is the final episode just about to be released, that is the episode 3 and Valve is also preparing the next game: Half Life 3, this one will include awsome graphics, so you better update your machine for a chance to play this game.
  3. CHarlieD
    Aug 31, 2009
    10
    As with all of the Half-Life 2 games I think they are all amazing!! The storyline is brilliant, the graphics are fab and in every HL2 game something new is added: Hunters and Friendly Rollermines in this case.
  4. Padd
    Dec 2, 2006
    10
    Subperb! Exactly the stuff we've come to expect from valve, yet another winner.
  5. ToneGIO
    Oct 4, 2006
    10
    Can't wait for the next installment.
  6. 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.
  7. PeterU.
    May 12, 2006
    10
    They have worked 6 yrs to create HL2. I allready feared that is would take another 6 yrs to make new missions or HL3. But just 1 yr later.. New missions !! and more comming on next episode !
  8. DennisS.
    May 19, 2006
    10
    Greatest chapter EVER!
  9. SebastianF.
    Jun 11, 2006
    8
    I Thought it was Story wise pretty awesome. But if u look at what have changed....it is pretty weak. All Half Life Nerds (like me) will love this game and even spend the 20 Bucks. An ordinary FPS Shooter however, will not be satisfied with Episode one.In my opinion its an awesome game (improved Graphics awesome plot), but with little change.
  10. JerF.
    Jun 1, 2006
    10
    Incredible game, took almost 7 hours, but I played on hardest setting and took my time to enjoy the scenery. Only thing I can ask for is...MORE!!!
  11. DanielC.
    Jun 1, 2006
    10
    HL2:EP1 is a step forward in FPS single player games. Both technologically and in level design, the main features that stand out are the commentary tracks (seen in lost coast) which explain in detail and the development process of the games. This gives the players a new insight to the game and all the stuff you didn't get to see that got cut out. If you find these annoying you can HL2:EP1 is a step forward in FPS single player games. Both technologically and in level design, the main features that stand out are the commentary tracks (seen in lost coast) which explain in detail and the development process of the games. This gives the players a new insight to the game and all the stuff you didn't get to see that got cut out. If you find these annoying you can always turn them off. This episode focuses on alyx and unlike every other FPS you've every played (including HL2) they have explored her character in depth, so you don't get the feeling she is just there to shoot stuff. Lighting/AI/Objects and everything else have, as you would expect, been improved and are the most sophisticated to date. The story is continued and there is even more shooting than previously between your enemies, watching them battling it out is just as fun as taking part yourself. Other things to watch out for is the use of the flash light in places too dark to see and some new moves alyx has up her sleeve (or under her boot). The short list of negatives in the game are, it takes ages to get your crowbar and some aspects of the maps are a little repetitive. But before you can become bored the scene changes and your faced with yet another challenge in the fight for survival. Valve have done it again and taken Half-Life 2: Episode 1 up another level and ensured their dominance as leaders in First Person Shooters.… Expand
  12. BrianA.
    Jun 1, 2006
    10
    Absolutely wonderful! Graphics, pacing, price...It's all here!
  13. FunkDr.Spot
    Jun 1, 2006
    10
    Great game for the $$$. Our ( all gamers ) expectations of full games might get the best of us and lower the score because of it, but understand its an episodic game.
  14. ChrisJ.
    Jun 1, 2006
    10
    Possibly the most fun I have ever had in a first person shooter. Though somewhat short, I found this game extremely impressive.
  15. Bill
    Jun 10, 2006
    7
    Great start for the next release, but it was way too short for $20. I had it finished in 3 hours. The graphics and sounds were perfect and it had a great story line.
  16. JoeF.
    Jun 1, 2006
    9
    Nearly perfect game. Best Expansion ever.
  17. [Anonymous]
    Jun 1, 2006
    9
    Awesome game would have given a score of 10 if it was longer, much longer, heh ah well.
  18. ChrisW.
    Jun 1, 2006
    10
    The game is quite short (about 5 hours), but that is the only complaint. The amazing graphics, physics, and story of Half Life 2 is improved in Episode 1 and is just breathtaking. Definite recommendation.
  19. SphelxLizard
    Jun 1, 2006
    10
    People will complain it's short; but it's an Episode. It's one portion of a whole thing. And it's damn fantastic, the Source engine has stepped up a notch, and with a high-level DX9 card you'll be forever hitting F5 to capture it in all it's glowing, specular, HDRI glory. The emphasis on puzzle solving has stepped up a few notches and extends the gameplay People will complain it's short; but it's an Episode. It's one portion of a whole thing. And it's damn fantastic, the Source engine has stepped up a notch, and with a high-level DX9 card you'll be forever hitting F5 to capture it in all it's glowing, specular, HDRI glory. The emphasis on puzzle solving has stepped up a few notches and extends the gameplay through careful manipulation of the physical environment we've known and come to love from the original HL2.… Expand
  20. AMAC
    Jun 10, 2006
    10
    great game not worth 20 should be free. torrent it save the trouble. also the 44 review made me laugh because it was actually 4.4 out of 5 not 44 probabily dragging the score down but oh well.
  21. PaulM.
    Jun 10, 2006
    9
    Terrific game series, super game play, but needs more story content. More,sooner please!
  22. BenR.
    Jun 13, 2006
    9
    Damn good game, was very immersive and some of the combat was more immersive than the original, but it was just too short with not enough puzzly bits, and Alyx did get annoying at times, i like lonely Gordon!
  23. ColinW.
    Jun 14, 2006
    10
    In no previous game have I played has so much obvious effort been put in to ensuring an NPC is eventually valued. In this case it is the character of Alyx. Once you have played through this episode you actually care for this NPC and it would actually bring about feelings of vengance and aggression if she were to be killed. In no other game have so many gamers become attatched to an NPC
  24. ZámbóG.
    Jun 14, 2006
    9
    It was a really good game...but I think I started hate this episodic thing.For example the end of the game...I can't wait for the next episode.Oh and I missed a newq weapon and it was too short.
  25. ChristiaanDevilliers
    Jun 14, 2006
    9
    Its a truly amazing game. Its makes use of a well balanced technique whereby gordon must solve puzzles and fight monsters accordingly. The phyics is amazing and the graphics is astonishing especially the game is programmed so well that lower end users can still experience good graphics! The only let down was that it was so short.
  26. KDep
    Jun 15, 2006
    9
    This is another good sequel in the HL universe. The biggest thing people complaigned to Valve about was lack of storyline and the mystery ending of HL2. Episode 1 does some to reveal where things are going, but it is only one part in 3. It's too bad Ep 2 won't be out until about Christmas, because I need to see what happens next. The gameplay and monsters are the same as HL2, This is another good sequel in the HL universe. The biggest thing people complaigned to Valve about was lack of storyline and the mystery ending of HL2. Episode 1 does some to reveal where things are going, but it is only one part in 3. It's too bad Ep 2 won't be out until about Christmas, because I need to see what happens next. The gameplay and monsters are the same as HL2, but with new puzzles and strategies. More forced use of the Gravity Gun is encouraged, also moving with Alyx the whole game leads to some different gameplay. Value at $20 is okay, and I may or may not play this again, but the variations in the game levels are enough to keep you seeing something new all the way through. Graphics and sound continue to be spectacular.… Expand
  27. ???
    Jun 18, 2006
    10
    Very good.
  28. Chucky
    Jun 18, 2006
    7
    The game play is exerllent! The HDR is coming along, including character interaction, a shame the game was far too short!! I'd waited for ages to play, only to finish it in one night! I'm a hard-core gamer! And would still rate this game far higher than any current game around due to its posiblities! such as: graphics, gravity elements, gameplay, and more... Lets hope the HL2:E2 The game play is exerllent! The HDR is coming along, including character interaction, a shame the game was far too short!! I'd waited for ages to play, only to finish it in one night! I'm a hard-core gamer! And would still rate this game far higher than any current game around due to its posiblities! such as: graphics, gravity elements, gameplay, and more... Lets hope the HL2:E2 is a allot longer!… Expand
  29. JohnS.
    Jun 19, 2006
    5
    As said elsewhere the game is SHORT, far too short for the money. Gameplay is same old, same old, with nothing new or innovative at all. As a fan of HL & HL2 I was sadly disappointed with this release, which falls well below par. To be honest the Lost Coast was better to play in my opinion. I hope that this isn't the way Valve is going, with poor quality and terrible value episodic As said elsewhere the game is SHORT, far too short for the money. Gameplay is same old, same old, with nothing new or innovative at all. As a fan of HL & HL2 I was sadly disappointed with this release, which falls well below par. To be honest the Lost Coast was better to play in my opinion. I hope that this isn't the way Valve is going, with poor quality and terrible value episodic releases. I'll be much more wary befor thinking of any purchase of Episode 2. Sadly disappointing.… Expand
  30. KeithM.
    Jun 19, 2006
    10
    it is more fun than the half-life 2 we had to wait for 6 years and in Episode One ALyx follows u all the way its more fun like this than having to figure the game out on your own, though some people might find it more thrilling and exciting.
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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.
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