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. DanielO.
    Jun 19, 2006
    9
    A brilliant addition to a brilliant franchise. Has some of the finest moments in the half life series so far, the graphics are top notch, the gameplay and story are as good as ever and most suprisingly dare i say it, it actually makes you care for a computer character (Alyx) The only problem despite being petty but quite significant, is that it's over way too fast. I literally almost A brilliant addition to a brilliant franchise. Has some of the finest moments in the half life series so far, the graphics are top notch, the gameplay and story are as good as ever and most suprisingly dare i say it, it actually makes you care for a computer character (Alyx) The only problem despite being petty but quite significant, is that it's over way too fast. I literally almost finished it in a single night over the course of a few hours, i know its meant to be episodic but you'd normally expect a game that cost around £20 to last you quite a bit longer, this is why it gets a 9 and not a perfect 10. However, this is just a fly speck on the ceiling of the sistine chapel, overall it's brilliant and definitly worth picking up even if you haven't got HL2. Roll on episode 2.… Expand
  2. MarkS.
    Jun 2, 2006
    9
    There are those that are critical of this game because it's so short. The average price for a new release PC game in Nova Scotia is $60. A typical FPS has around 10 - 12 Hours of game play. Therefore this "Episode" is more than on par with the norm. I wish that the quality of other games was as good as Half-Life 2 Episode 1. No there is nothing really new here. So what? This has all There are those that are critical of this game because it's so short. The average price for a new release PC game in Nova Scotia is $60. A typical FPS has around 10 - 12 Hours of game play. Therefore this "Episode" is more than on par with the norm. I wish that the quality of other games was as good as Half-Life 2 Episode 1. No there is nothing really new here. So what? This has all the same feeling of the game that inspired it, plus some added graphical polish, and a partner that actually assists you, instead of getting in the way. I'm enjoying this game as much as I did Half Life and Half Life 2. However, I still hate, hate, hate that I have to run Steam to play the game. The time it takes from first click to playing the game is as atrocious as ever. At least it's worth it, once you're playing… Expand
  3. IraC.
    Jun 24, 2006
    9
    Good action throughout. Some easy parts and some not so easy. I'm definitely ready for Episode Two now. Hurry up, guys!
  4. PeteS.
    Jun 28, 2006
    9
    I think Episode 1 was a smooth transition from the orginal game itself. There was plenty of action and building of the story line to keep me entertained and wanting more. I'm looking forward to the release of Episode 2.
  5. NickW.
    Jun 3, 2006
    9
    I think Half Life 2 Episode 1 was a very thrilling experience. Pros: Episode one gave you a lot more of Half-Life 2. There are a good amount of puzzles, only a few of which require physics. Valve did well and keeping you on your toes with nonstop action. The loading sequences and puzzles are well placed to ensure that you do get your breaks from the action when it becomes too stressful, I think Half Life 2 Episode 1 was a very thrilling experience. Pros: Episode one gave you a lot more of Half-Life 2. There are a good amount of puzzles, only a few of which require physics. Valve did well and keeping you on your toes with nonstop action. The loading sequences and puzzles are well placed to ensure that you do get your breaks from the action when it becomes too stressful, however. The AI of Alyx is absolutely wonderful, she has the capability to move around the world according to your movements and your actions, plotting out the best strategy in that situation. The game answers the question: "How do you and Alyx survive?". Cons: The game was relatively short. It took me 5 hours on hard mode, and took me 6 hours on hard mode with the commentary turned on (the commentary is very interesting to listen to, however). Though the game is worthy of two playthroughs, it is difficult to find a reason to play it a third time, seeing as how nothing in episode 1 is new or original. Overally: This game is worth the $20; basically, it is more Half-Life 2, which isn't a bad thing, but not necessarily a good thing either. I was hoping for some unique gameplay; instead, we got HDR lighting, improved AI, and one question answered. This review may sound negative, but that is because I am outlining what is bad; the things that are good are very obvious.… Expand
  6. StaM.
    Jun 5, 2006
    9
    Great game!!! Better than HL2 but too short to beat it.
  7. SteinOveSorlie
    Jun 5, 2006
    9
    Short but Sweet.
  8. FrankB.
    Jun 5, 2006
    9
    Great levels, animations & sounds. Story is still one of the best I seen, and looks like it will be a jaw dropper of an ending. Only reason this isn't a 10/10 is because I would have liked to have played through another two/three levels, and would have been nice to be brought into some newer enviorments to hl2. Can't wait for ep2!!
  9. GregW.
    Jun 7, 2006
    9
    Not much is the way of weapons just like half-life 2, It has good gameplay and also the citidal levels were very fun. I like to use the doors that you go into the ball tube with and use them as sheilds so you don't have to dodge them.
  10. MahnpritJ.
    Jun 9, 2006
    9
    Great gaming and story continuation. Could be an hour longer by adding more enemies at certtain points. I wish to see more alone time without Alyx during gameplay. I'm not saying the change is nessecary, it would just feel more classic.
  11. MikeP.
    Jun 9, 2006
    9
    This game is very fun and keeps up with the fast pace set by the original. A must have!
  12. ZachC,
    Jul 1, 2006
    9
    I thought it was a exellent continuation of the Halflife saga. Although it was really short it had exellent lighting and the grafics. I also liked the commentary add in, the surprises (like the airship crashing in the cididel in the very begining) , how you had to use ur brain to solve the varies tasks, and to combat the varies enemies that u faced. I didn't like how we had to use aI thought it was a exellent continuation of the Halflife saga. Although it was really short it had exellent lighting and the grafics. I also liked the commentary add in, the surprises (like the airship crashing in the cididel in the very begining) , how you had to use ur brain to solve the varies tasks, and to combat the varies enemies that u faced. I didn't like how we had to use a flashlight most of the begining and that we had to rely on Alyx for protection so many times. I think that u should also give us guns earlier because the gravitygun is kinda useless because i ended up having to fall back several times and having to turn on my flashlight like in dark places so Alyx could fire and protect me. But the AI system is very creative and the addin of Alyx jokes is hillarious, but sometimes gets pretty annoying. Plus the game would be more interesting if u added in a voice for Gordon Freeman like other games have done in the past like Duke Nukem for instance. But overall I thought it provided a great storyline and I can't wait for the next one to come out.… Expand
  13. 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
  14. mwagner
    Jul 3, 2006
    9
    Finally got a chance to finish this game and I'm stunned at how much fun it was. The underground parking garage levels were absolutely amazing...And the NPC AI has improved significantly. I loved all the puzzles in the game, EXCEPT the antlion holes having to be covered over by cars. That got old quick.

    Overall, an amazing game. Can't wait for episode 2!
  15. DJBreslin
    Jul 4, 2006
    9
    I enjoyed it a lot. You play almost the entire episode with Alyx, which I considered refreshing. She
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. DanieleD.
    Sep 27, 2006
    9
    An excellent job, the HDR is used very good.
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. CemeronB.
    Oct 22, 2007
    9
    Fantastic game.... Great continuation of the second.
  26. Jamil
    Dec 30, 2007
    9
    Adds new elements to combat, full HDR, brand new AI and adds more to the story of Half-Life.
  27. 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.. ; )
  28. JasonP.
    Feb 16, 2007
    9
    Excellent game. Can't wait till Episode 2 is released. My only disapointment was that it wasn't as big as Half Life 2. HL2 took me weeks to finish. HL2-E1 took me a few days. Other than that.. It would have gotten a 10 from me as the games shelf life is vastly reduced.
  29. BrendonC.
    Feb 22, 2007
    9
    Being able to command some antlions would have been good just after you kill the big warrior one although I know that this would have made call for more enemies.
  30. SB
    Jul 11, 2007
    9
    Very slick and smooth, a bit too short but exellent gameplay!!! Now hope that episode 2 comes out soon!!!
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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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