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. JJ2FAS4U
    Dec 28, 2021
    9
    For Xbox 360
    Atmosphere: 9
    Enjoyment: 9
    Gameplay: 9
    Graphics: 8
    Music: 8
    Story: 9
    Total: 8.67
  2. Targaryen006
    Jan 21, 2023
    9
    Good Things(+)
    -main Story
    -gameplay

    İt Could Be Better

    Bad things(-)
    -play time

    on record:4h
  3. Mastereed
    Mar 31, 2023
    9
    THE BEGINNING OF THE END

    BEFORE WE BEGIN: Half-Life 2: Episode One is a continuation of the story after the ending of the base game, deepening the rivalry between Gordon Freeman and his allies against the Combine forces. Episode One was developed by Valve Softwares in 2006 and is their first game to take advantage of the power of HDR technology, previously tested with Half-Life 2: Lost    THE BEGINNING OF THE END

    BEFORE WE BEGIN:
    Half-Life 2: Episode One is a continuation of the story after the ending of the base game, deepening the rivalry between Gordon Freeman and his allies against the Combine forces. Episode One was developed by Valve Softwares in 2006 and is their first game to take advantage of the power of HDR technology, previously tested with Half-Life 2: Lost Coast.

    ODD VISIONS:
    The game, being a continuation of a cliffhanger, begins abruptly, seeing Gordon Freeman and Alyx escaping from the Combine tower due to the events seen in Half-Life 2. The player starts off with only the energy manipulator, which soon transforms into its electric version. Being a stand-alone game, the beginning is built to be playable even by those who had not played the first one, offering the typical Valve learning curve.

    RUN FREEMAN RUN!:
    The gameplay of the first episode of Half-Life 2 is divided into two focal points. The first is the level design, i.e., everything including the puzzles and the approach to the game map, which is extremely superior to the first title. The introduction of several new mechanics brought a breath of fresh air that the first title needed. The second point, on the other hand, is the lack of new weaponry, which certainly brings boredom to anyone who played the first title and was already a limitation of Half-Life 2 compared to the first one. New enemies have also been added with this chapter, leading to new uncomfortable situations and consequently different approaches to combat. Finally, the plot turns out to be simply a continuation of the combat against the Combine forces, not leading to particularly interesting intrigue and ending with another cliffhanger that will introduce the second episode.

    RED SKY AT NIGHT, SHEPHERD'S DELIGHT:
    Aesthetically, apart from the addition of HDR, and thus improved in-game lighting and shadows, the graphics and models turn out to be identical to those of the first chapter.

    “WE’LL SEE ABOUT THAT”:
    As with the graphics, the audio part turns out to be the same as Half-Life 2, with the addition of several new original OSTs.

    BUT WHY 9?

    PROS:
    The pros of this title are numerous. The level design has been enhanced and improved a lot compared to the first title, but most importantly it has been thickened so as not to create boring void zones, which were present in the first title. In addition, there are numerous interactions and surprises in the puzzles that are very surprising. In addition, the game areas are, at least personally, much more interesting than those in the first one, even adding more frightening and anxiety-provoking areas based entirely on the use of the flashlight being completely immersed in darkness.

    CONS:
    The cons, on the other hand, besides the lack of new weapons, lies in some extremely boring game situations, such as the train part, where the player is required to go from point A to point B more than five times. Also, there are too many situations where the player is required to stand still to listen to dialogues, making those phases much more boring and lowering the tension and atmosphere.

    RATING
    Gameplay: 10+
    Music: 8
    Story: 9
    Level Desing: 10+
    _    … Expand
  4. threeoftendie
    Feb 5, 2023
    9
    Это одна из первых игр моего детства. И, несмотря на возраст и недостатки, о которых я сейчас узнаю от других, она не кажется мне плохой
  5. mawwex
    Jul 19, 2023
    9
    Really good but has the same style and architecture so it gets kind of boring, some of the bossfights feel drawn out and it doesn't have that same story-building that draws you forward automatically in other VALVe titles and the other Half-Life 2 parts.
  6. EubieButt
    Jun 30, 2006
    8
    Just funushed Ep 1, so here's my im[pression while it's still fresh: gameplay wise, it's excellent, especially the final sequence in Nova Prospekt. Very tight, very well paced, and the dose of humor was a welcome addition. All that said, I have two major problems, the first being that as tight as the gameplay is, the programming is not; load times were egregious and theJust funushed Ep 1, so here's my im[pression while it's still fresh: gameplay wise, it's excellent, especially the final sequence in Nova Prospekt. Very tight, very well paced, and the dose of humor was a welcome addition. All that said, I have two major problems, the first being that as tight as the gameplay is, the programming is not; load times were egregious and the graphics made my computer chug at levels Half Life 2 never did. Second, obviously, is that it's much too short for a twenty dollar price tag. Ten dollars, fine, fifteen maybe, but at twenty bucks I'm shelling out five dollars an hour for gameplay, a ratio no reasonable gamer should accept.
    I also wasn't crazy about the ending, it works dramatically, but it's not nearly the level of payoff I was expecting. Was The Agent's VA off sick or something?    … Expand
  7. Novi4ekNone
    Feb 17, 2007
    8
    good game
  8. Josh.G
    May 29, 2007
    8
    Would have given it 9 for extra gameplay and 10 for new weapons and environments. Over all though it was fun!
  9. YermakirumY.
    Oct 29, 2006
    8
    Very good game.
  10. GregoryG.
    Jun 3, 2006
    8
    The main reason for the 2 point drop is the game play. The levels are a bit too long and often I find myself running out of flashlight batteries and being in total darkness, which is extremely annoying. Also, the creators still keep bragging about the physics. I am also constantly finding myself pulling wood planks out of doorways and shooting cars into antlion pits every level! It's The main reason for the 2 point drop is the game play. The levels are a bit too long and often I find myself running out of flashlight batteries and being in total darkness, which is extremely annoying. Also, the creators still keep bragging about the physics. I am also constantly finding myself pulling wood planks out of doorways and shooting cars into antlion pits every level! It's so annoying. There's just something different about this game from the original Half-Life 2. I am only on the fifth level, but I found that the cheesiest part so far was having my gravity gun turn super powerful again. Having my grav gun turn super powerful was somethign that was only good once. Almost like a treat for using the grav gun for the entire game in the originaly hl2. But bringing it back in the expansion, let alone right in the beginning, was cheesy. The grav gun in Doom 3 was cooler, because the space around the gravity beam looked distorted, almost as if it was distorting the fabric of the space is occupied. But this game does have some nice new perks like the ncie ominous sky and the flares (which is also a show-off the the lighting effects). Also, the zombine (mix of combine and zombie) soldiers. All-in-all, it could have been better. Also, I HATE escorting Alyx around. She's dead weight. If the devs had given you a gun earlier on in the game (which is what I would have preferred), Alyx would have been a useless character.… Expand
  11. AndrewH.
    Jun 5, 2006
    8
    Excellent Half Life gameplay as would be expected but its far too short. Still good game overall.
  12. DavidB.
    Jun 5, 2006
    8
    Great add on to HL2. Superb graphics, gameplay, level design. A few issues though: it's too short (but it's cheap!) and there are no new environments. Alyx is too tough and her bullets don't hurt you, which does reduce the realism significantly.
  13. MarekB.
    Jun 7, 2006
    8
    This is a great game not as good as original hl2 or counterstriek:source or halflife 2:lost coast but still a worthy addition to a gamers collection.
  14. GilbertoM.
    Jun 7, 2006
    8
    Great game, made by genius, but too short!!! Really too short for almost 20
  15. MikE
    Jun 9, 2006
    8
    a very good game. I expected it to be alittle longer. The graphics are excellent!! so is the sound. The gameplay great as well. For $20 its worth it. Can't wait for episode 2
  16. mike
    Aug 10, 2007
    8
    I want to know why people are giving this game a bad review, the most common reasons I've heard are
    1) no new weapons
    2) short 3)no new monsters 4) you don't get a gun till really late in the game 5) not a good value for money 6) valve is only doing episodes for more money &) I think everyone giving a good review is hired by valve to do so well, to start I was not    I want to know why people are giving this game a bad review, the most common reasons I've heard are
    1) no new weapons
    2) short
    3)no new monsters
    4) you don't get a gun till really late in the game
    5) not a good value for money
    6) valve is only doing episodes for more money
    &) I think everyone giving a good review is hired by valve to do so

    well, to start I was not hired by valve to give the game a good review, secondly, my theory for the "not much new" thing is that vavle wants these games to be as realistic as possible and as far as I know in episode 1 gordon wakes up like an hour after HL2, do you really think that the combine or the humans could have come up with any new weapons in an hour?!?!? or for that matter do you think the combine could have sent any new monsters within an hour?!?. next is the "the game was way to short, I beat it in two hours, no value to it at all" sure I agree it was short but why would you play a game to beat it as fast as you can, a game is supposed to entertain you and give you something to do other than use the infinite aux power cheat and sprint through the whole thing, and there is also the complaint of no story line, on one hand I agree having no story line was kind of a drag but in some games you really don't need one, in this case, the idea is escape the underground while avoiding zombies and death traps while trying to get a data pack to someone enough said right? and as for the value you ask? well think about it most good games cost like 30-50 dollars and some 50 dollar games are worse than a 20 dollar game. I bought HL2 plus all of the rest of the bundled games for like 20 dollars and the same with episode 1 so about 40 dollars total thats like 5 games for under the price of one 50 dollar game.finally, the only reason I am giving this review an 8 instead of a 9 or 10 is because of the late getting a gun issue and the too short issue.    … Expand
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. TJD.
    Jun 2, 2006
    8
    I was highly amused and entertained, but the cost of the game was $18 for approximately 2 hours of play. This is twice as much as a movie at a theater (frankly, they are way overpriced too!). While I would probably pay the price again in the future it is a big ouch to know that you have to pay this much for something that should be much less now the Valve has taken advantage of the I was highly amused and entertained, but the cost of the game was $18 for approximately 2 hours of play. This is twice as much as a movie at a theater (frankly, they are way overpriced too!). While I would probably pay the price again in the future it is a big ouch to know that you have to pay this much for something that should be much less now the Valve has taken advantage of the Internet Distribution and Publishing model. I digress. Back to the point of the review. The episode is nicely done. There is what I feel a strong and exciting plot that carries the essence of HalfLife throughout the full two hours, yet provides some exciting new twists that make ya go hmmmmm..... Yes, the story remains very convoluded to you and I. We are, afterall, Gordon Freeman. We have no clue what's hapening but we are starting to get pieces of the puzzle to put together the whole picture. The level of immersion is, in my opinion, the best yet. I was living as gordon Freeman for two hours. the objectives are engaging, and while relatively simple to solve, are unique and clever. Valve seems to have a niche in the clever department. I recommend this game to anyone who is a HL fanatic and to anyone who hasnt played Halflife before it is a quick way to get addicted and play the previous two games.… Expand
  20. CoreyT.
    Jun 3, 2006
    8
    I thoroughly enjoyed Episode One as an attachment to HL2. Although making some variation in the approach to Episode One, Valve continues to produce the same world of engaging battles and puzzles. The addition of Alyx as a sidekick adds a refreshing feature, as well as the new "Zombine" and other enemies. I found that the ending was much better than HL2, providing some closure of the I thoroughly enjoyed Episode One as an attachment to HL2. Although making some variation in the approach to Episode One, Valve continues to produce the same world of engaging battles and puzzles. The addition of Alyx as a sidekick adds a refreshing feature, as well as the new "Zombine" and other enemies. I found that the ending was much better than HL2, providing some closure of the overall mission of getting your ass out of the City 17. The humor and writing in the game was well done, especially the scenes with Dog. I did, however, mentally note that some parts of the game I was drudging through, such as the elevator section of Lowlife and parts of Urban Flight. The real thrill was all done in the beginning of the game with preventing the collapse of the Citadel, but after that the action started to get boring. While Episode One does provide a nice continuation, I wished for something more storywise, although the prospect of the "transmission" Alyx copied will keep me guessing. Another nice job by Valve, but just a little lower than expectations.… Expand
  21. GavinL.
    Jun 4, 2006
    8
    I believe Half-life 1 and 2 are the best first person shooter games to date. Episode one was good. It does explain a lot of missing information, but it leaves you hanging again. It also too short, with no new weapons. Either if you enjoyed Half-life 2 you will enjoy this too. Its only 20 bucks and the second episode will be out soon too.
  22. TimothyB.
    Jun 5, 2006
    8
    Great game, Worth every penny but I missed the toys like the Flying Boat and Cars and it was over way too fast. Not used to this Episode Gameplay thats why. Still worth every penny.
  23. MichaelM.
    Jul 26, 2006
    8
    I just finished playing the game thought for the first time and I have too say that I was overjoyed on what I saw. I was happy with the game in that it keep true to HL2 in that it never got boring and keeps you on your toe's with new puzzles. Also new and fun ways too kill your enemies. and is it just me or has the AI gotten better. overall though the game didn't provide much inI just finished playing the game thought for the first time and I have too say that I was overjoyed on what I saw. I was happy with the game in that it keep true to HL2 in that it never got boring and keeps you on your toe's with new puzzles. Also new and fun ways too kill your enemies. and is it just me or has the AI gotten better. overall though the game didn't provide much in the way of a new expectance itself as much of what happen it Ep.1 is just quick redo's from HL2. it did provide to the story of HL2 and was a great continuation of HL2. One more big concern I have is will freeman lose his weapons at the beginning of each episode since they will be made as separate games or will each episode be and expansion of the last. I really don't want to have to be yelling at the beginning of Ep.3 saying that someone should get that man a back pack so he will stop losing his gun!!! also if I treat all the eps like one game losing my guns all the time would get really tedious. And one more thing. they did very well in the original with the creation of original weapon, monsters, and different types of battle conditions, which I saw little of in this game. Lets make these episodes like a real expansion not a VERY well put together fan scenario with only old enemies, weapons, and worlds. OK I might sound a little like I didn… Expand
  24. AndrewF.
    Jul 7, 2006
    8
    It is Half Life 2 with a little new material, but not enough in my opinion. It was also too short, but the graphics and action etc. make up for that.
  25. DavidL.
    Jul 8, 2006
    8
    It's amazing!! But it's too much short and the extra: Half Life Deathmatch Source it's too bad, it's the same than the old Half Life Deathmatch.
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. LukeT.
    Nov 10, 2006
    8
    A very immersive and beautifull sequal to Half Life 2, You feel very attatched to the characters from before and it really shows that chaotic feeling of frantic fighting and intense moments of uncontrolled action. The downside is the amount of game for the money, it is short in length but they have gone all out in every part. The first thing that really takes your breath away is the sky, A very immersive and beautifull sequal to Half Life 2, You feel very attatched to the characters from before and it really shows that chaotic feeling of frantic fighting and intense moments of uncontrolled action. The downside is the amount of game for the money, it is short in length but they have gone all out in every part. The first thing that really takes your breath away is the sky, ash is falling all around you, its real eye candy and had my heart going from the start. Recomended for HL2 fans. Eagerly awaiting the next installment.… Expand
  30. QuestionDeca
    Jun 10, 2006
    8
    Great game, plays just like half life too but the story comes at you pretty fast, some of these things don't give you much of a pause between one death defying feat and another. Much more realism and even Emotion from one of the main charaters (Alyx) then before, especially since she Can and did die at least once my first time through. Though while the faster story keeps the Great game, plays just like half life too but the story comes at you pretty fast, some of these things don't give you much of a pause between one death defying feat and another. Much more realism and even Emotion from one of the main charaters (Alyx) then before, especially since she Can and did die at least once my first time through. Though while the faster story keeps the adrenaline up, I wish it didn't also not last as long.… 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.
    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.
    Read full review
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