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. RichardL.
    Jun 7, 2006
    6
    Sorry Valve, just don't see what I got for my money? It's over before it even gets started. I hope your not planning on going up to epsidode 10 cos you can count me out. Short lived and nothing new. I paid for a story basically, and not a very orginal one at that.
  2. RyanO.
    Jun 7, 2006
    10
    Very very well done. although i see no new scenarios i did get to see the teaser to episode 2 and the forest parts look phenomenal and i can't wait to play against those mini striders!
  3. JamesH.
    Jun 7, 2006
    7
    A decent deal for the price, the game works better as something to entertain the people watching behind your back as you play than you yourself. Excellent visuals, decent plot (for a game at least), and tons of detail everywhere. The game lacks difficulty as the first one did. The puzzles are easy, especially if you played HL2, the enemies are still pretty single minded / scripted, and A decent deal for the price, the game works better as something to entertain the people watching behind your back as you play than you yourself. Excellent visuals, decent plot (for a game at least), and tons of detail everywhere. The game lacks difficulty as the first one did. The puzzles are easy, especially if you played HL2, the enemies are still pretty single minded / scripted, and your given tons of ammo and life, considering you have the juggernaut alyx on your side. The dynamic difficulty from SiN: EP1 has spoiled me I guess. Overall though, the novelty of the game engine has worn off and the lack of consideration for advanced players has costs the game points.… Expand
  4. JonasR.
    Jun 8, 2006
    10
    This is definately a nine or ten, it would have been a clear 10 if it lasted a bit longer, but it's only an episode after all (and the low price reflects that). They've done some nice updates to the engine, but most importantly the story unfolds almost continously through the entire game. No long boring parts at all!
  5. MorganR.
    Jun 8, 2006
    10
    Amazing interaction and WOW the story is just getting better and better. Please don't let Alyx die! I think I love her. LOL. It really takes the game to a new level of drama and intensity and is fun the whole way through. I hope episode two isn't too far behind because I just have to know what happens next! It's short, but I've never played sweeter. Thank you Valve!
  6. RichardR.
    Jun 9, 2006
    10
    Great game, very exciting. I loved the Zombines!
  7. 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.
  8. LeonG.
    Jun 9, 2006
    10
    Yes, Yes, Y-E-S. As long as you are mindful of your surroundings the game isnt difficult because Its not a grind through enemies shooter, its a game you figure out. Its all set pieces and set-ups that allow you to be the hero in a truly awesome series of action sequences. Looks awesome, plays great. Best single player fps experience currently happening anywhere!
  9. MikeP.
    Jun 9, 2006
    9
    This game is very fun and keeps up with the fast pace set by the original. A must have!
  10. JohnN.
    Jul 11, 2006
    10
    A great episode, well done on continuing the series.
  11. 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.
  12. RobB
    Jul 1, 2006
    10
    Awesome game. the graphics are just as good as the lastone, but the expansion to the story is why i really wanted to play it. The ending was very good, and I can't wait for Ep2 to come out. The fact that it is short doesn't really matter to me, because of the fact that it is an expansion to HL2, not a stand alone game.
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. MG
    Jul 2, 2006
    10
    The best expansion pack I have ever played for any game. With most packs, you get a lously game with nothing new, just a few more places to run around. But with EP1, you get your new maps, but it's jam-packed with enough story and excitement to make it it's own game. And for the babies complaining about it being too short: Great things take time to make. For example, a giantThe best expansion pack I have ever played for any game. With most packs, you get a lously game with nothing new, just a few more places to run around. But with EP1, you get your new maps, but it's jam-packed with enough story and excitement to make it it's own game. And for the babies complaining about it being too short: Great things take time to make. For example, a giant redwood tree takes 200 years or so to be elevated to it's giant stage. Not everything in the world has to be fsat and rushed out of a factory. Great things take time, and are worthwhile in the end.… Expand
  17. 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
  18. EmilH.
    Jul 22, 2006
    10
    This is by far the best game i have ever played.
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. EvaF.
    Jul 24, 2006
    10
    It's a great game but it's so short.
  23. 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!
  24. 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.
  25. Jack
    Jul 31, 2006
    10
    This Game Is Amazing! You Can Not Get Any Better Than This!
  26. 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!
  27. AnsonG
    Jul 3, 2006
    5
    Half-Life 2 was a huge disappointment for me. Only 2 1/2 hour i finished this game. Why the valve created this game such a time like this? The game chapter were quite few, there is no new weapon at all, and theres only one new enemy creature, which is call Zombine. Yes, i like that enemy. The gameplay is your typical Half-Life 2 but there were only a few exciting and nervewracking momentsHalf-Life 2 was a huge disappointment for me. Only 2 1/2 hour i finished this game. Why the valve created this game such a time like this? The game chapter were quite few, there is no new weapon at all, and theres only one new enemy creature, which is call Zombine. Yes, i like that enemy. The gameplay is your typical Half-Life 2 but there were only a few exciting and nervewracking moments to be found. Anyway Episode One is worth a rental.… Expand
  28. DJBreslin
    Jul 4, 2006
    9
    I enjoyed it a lot. You play almost the entire episode with Alyx, which I considered refreshing. She
  29. 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.
  30. 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
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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.
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See all critic reviews »