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. 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!
  2. 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
  3. MalteB.
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    Awesome new episode in the Half-Life universe, great gameplay, very recommended!
  4. AlexanderZ.
    Jan 17, 2007
    10
    Wow! Really cool. But it's so short! I need more! Give me MORE!
  5. Ted
    Dec 20, 2007
    9
    Great story, acton, physics, and a must have for all gamers.
  6. ZokkiI.
    Jan 2, 2007
    10
    As good as the original Half-Life 2, but with better interaction and story continuing.
  7. JopV.
    Jan 26, 2007
    7
    Entertaining but definitely lacking the variety in scenery and theaters of HL2. Also the storyline is less captivating and clings to the Citadel setting much too long. I'll still be waiting for the next episode though.
  8. 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
  9. TobiasS.
    Jan 8, 2007
    10
    A nice looking game, with the best gameplay I have ever seen. Thumbs up for valve and a thank you for this nice game.
  10. 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.
  11. AdamD.
    Feb 9, 2007
    10
    Awesome!
  12. StephenP.
    Mar 20, 2007
    8
    This game has only 1 flaw: it is too short! Half-Life 2: Episode 2 would've been perfect if it just squeezed in 9 more hours of gameplay.
  13. LukeM.
    Mar 29, 2007
    9
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  14. Gary
    Mar 7, 2007
    9
    I really enjoyed this game, the graphics are really good and the gameplay kept me hooked for hours.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. jonp.
    May 2, 2007
    10
    best sequel ever ,can't wait for episode 2
  18. 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.
  19. JerryG.
    May 9, 2007
    9
    Only way to be a Ten, is to make it longer.
  20. 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
  21. AnshuJ.
    Jun 21, 2007
    10
    Excellent sequel to Half life, Great Story and gameplay, a bit short but who cares - its Half Life!
  22. 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.
  23. JeffM.
    Aug 8, 2007
    5
    It is fun, looks great and is short. Very short. HL and HL2 took awhile to finish, and had great puzzles as well as great fights. HL2e1 was a let down. Graphics and animation were improved, but that was about it. Not much happened, I just hope the gameing world isn't comeing to graphics that are incredable at the cost of game itself.
  24. JamesB.
    Aug 9, 2007
    9
    Man why only a score of 87? it deserves 100% Same with Half Life 2. The reason i gave this a 9 was it seemed short,i loved it so much i wanted more hehe. i loved the story in HL2 and loved this too. Cant wait for HL2 EP2.
  25. FlavioM.
    Mar 2, 2008
    9
    Two times better than HL2, a full earned 9/10 with cleverer puzzles, more satisfying combats and a very good realization of the Alyx companion.
  26. EddieI.
    Apr 1, 2008
    10
    This is becoming one of my favorite games to play over and over.
  27. JagdeepS.
    Aug 4, 2008
    8
    Half Life 2 original was better, I was so much more drawn into the game. This just doesn't have the sametype of story that was instantly catching you and you not wanting to quit playing.
  28. MarshallS
    Oct 23, 2009
    10
    Episode one, in my opinion had much better game play designs than both HL2 and HL2 ep. 2.
  29. DigitalDevil
    Jun 30, 2009
    10
    Get it now!
  30. 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.
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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.
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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.
    Read full review
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