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. RogerV.
    Jul 16, 2006
    9
    Extremely cool, but maybe too easy.
  2. MikeS.
    Jul 16, 2006
    10
    Truly without a doubt the BEST Game I have ever played! The visiuals, action, thrill and fun that has been put into this game! HL2 is one of the greatest games yet to any PC Gamer, I highly recommend that you get this game!
  3. Flamz3d
    Jul 19, 2006
    10
    Awesome game, brilliant concept.
  4. MatheusR.
    Jul 19, 2006
    10
    this game is relly coll but is relly smart..the hl2 is 12 capters and this just have 4 including video of hl2 episode two.
  5. PatrickD.
    Jul 25, 2006
    9
    Excellent storyline addition, which satiated while still saying absolutely nothing. The only real quip I have is the lack of length. Other than that, Valve really out-did themselves, coming up with unique and creative puzzles and scenarios.
  6. AndreyK.
    Jul 27, 2006
    10
    The Best Ever!
  7. RickO.
    Jul 27, 2006
    6
    It was enjoyable, but definently not what I expected.After beating the game so quickly i feel very dissappointed that there was barely anything new. It has an excellent story line, but that's it. Only recommended for people who are die hard fans of Half life.
  8. JamesV.
    Jul 28, 2006
    9
    Great addon to the Half-Life 2 story, a bit short. It offers a diffrent kind of single player experience with teamwork. Very cool.
  9. DmitriyM
    Aug 12, 2006
    7
    Great game. Awesome storyline and very quality execution. Nothing new besides the story however, I think I counted 1 new monster and that's about it. Still fun though. The only reason I give it a 7 is it is VERY short. It took me about 5 hours to beat, and I'm a very slow and curious player... saving and loading until I find the perfect way through an area. This game should have Great game. Awesome storyline and very quality execution. Nothing new besides the story however, I think I counted 1 new monster and that's about it. Still fun though. The only reason I give it a 7 is it is VERY short. It took me about 5 hours to beat, and I'm a very slow and curious player... saving and loading until I find the perfect way through an area. This game should have cost $10, not $20, if Valve keeps being this greedy, I'll have to think twice before buying the next episode.… Expand
  10. JavierMorawski
    Aug 12, 2006
    10
    Awsome game... it kind of does not make sense without playing the first Half-Life 2 but it was great!
  11. RandyM.
    Aug 23, 2006
    9
    Astounding in almost every reason the first one was. But, with no new weaponry, and it's insanely short campaign, i'll have to deduct a point.
  12. RichV.
    Aug 26, 2006
    9
    it was a very good game and i really enjoyed it, and i cant wait to see ep2, and Alex Vance is Hwat.
  13. HarryT.
    Sep 12, 2006
    10
    A deeply immersing and addictive game, that features a solid story and amazing graphics. A must have for any gamer's collection.
  14. JasonS.
    Sep 16, 2006
    10
    Awesome game. Very Fun with amazing graphics and sound effects.
  15. SergeyP.
    Sep 18, 2006
    10
    Excellent game! Had played with plesure. Waiting for more.
  16. mxmx
    Sep 19, 2006
    10
    Half-Life 2 Episode One is a must have game.
  17. MacS.
    Sep 23, 2006
    9
    Great continuation, picks up right where the last one left off. New enemies and leaving wanting more.
  18. NickJ.
    Nov 11, 2007
    8
    While this game is good, and it's graphics are nice, it isn't quite as addicting as regular HL2.
  19. TylerE.
    Nov 14, 2007
    10
    Half-Life 2 was excellent and this is a wonderful -continuation- of the story. This is NOT an expansion pack, it's not Half-Life 3! Valve does more with their engine than any other company. A "next gen" game might have 8 billion triangles per character, but if it can't run on less than a $4k computer, who cares? HL2:E1 looks amazing, sounds amazing, plays amazing. The physics Half-Life 2 was excellent and this is a wonderful -continuation- of the story. This is NOT an expansion pack, it's not Half-Life 3! Valve does more with their engine than any other company. A "next gen" game might have 8 billion triangles per character, but if it can't run on less than a $4k computer, who cares? HL2:E1 looks amazing, sounds amazing, plays amazing. The physics puzzles, level designs, and npc characters are wonderfully constructed and fun to interact with.… Expand
  20. JoeM.
    Nov 26, 2007
    5
    This game provides no new environments or story. you could easily skip from hl2 to hl2e2 and not miss a beat, While what is here is done well it is just too short and doesnt help a game with an already patchy story. The gfx and sound both look good, but nothing new over hl2, The AI is much improved and reacts very well to various challenges. Overall this is a mediocre filler game. Pros: This game provides no new environments or story. you could easily skip from hl2 to hl2e2 and not miss a beat, While what is here is done well it is just too short and doesnt help a game with an already patchy story. The gfx and sound both look good, but nothing new over hl2, The AI is much improved and reacts very well to various challenges. Overall this is a mediocre filler game. Pros: Gameplay Gfx and sound AI Cons: Story Length Repetitiveness.… Expand
  21. StewartA.
    Oct 22, 2007
    8
    This game was up to the usual Half Life standard on gameplay and graphics although I feel that it was a little short and the storyline could have been a little better, although all in all a very good game!
  22. MattHoade
    Jan 25, 2007
    10
    This game is awsome it shows what games should be able to do. It takes Action games to a new level. Can't wait for Episode 2 and 3
  23. IanB.
    Feb 12, 2007
    5
    Not the challenge the original Half-Life 2 was, short and not worth the money I paid for it.
  24. pcgeek
    Mar 14, 2007
    9
    It was a fun and exciting add to the original. However is was far to short. I hope it don't take to long to release episode 2. Was definitely well worth the money.
  25. Ben
    Apr 22, 2007
    10
    People have to remember that this game is one third of a whole, and for less than 1/3 of the price, you cant expect it to go on forever. Its really 10/10 great job Valve!
  26. OneBit
    May 14, 2007
    10
    This is not a game, it's a harrowing adventure! A++
  27. JonathanL.
    May 22, 2007
    9
    Great game, could be longer and could have more AI interaction, but apart from that, great gameplay and good storyline.
  28. BenC
    Jun 12, 2007
    7
    I thought it was a good game but finished it in a day really and the new combine zombies just annoyed me with the grenades, i did enjoy it and will be buying the next chapter but if its not longer and theres no new story il start to get bored. =D
  29. MichelT.
    Jul 11, 2007
    9
    Great game. Same great feel as Half Life 2. A little short but, I like how valve is releasing it in small sections. Brilliant move. A must play for HL fans.
  30. Pase
    Jul 14, 2007
    5
    Too short!
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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
See all critic reviews »