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. DavidC.
    Jun 3, 2006
    7
    The good: It looked amazing, and at $17.99 for preorder, it was affordable. It seemed to flow well. The bad: It was terribly predictable, with painful plot holes. A lot of repetitiveness. The ugly: For $20 I expect more than 3 hours of game play, and the story more or less didn't advance at all. E1 leaves you right back where you were with HL2 wondering "Uh... now what?"
  2. MattB
    Jun 6, 2006
    7
    Excellent gameplay that I've come to love from Half-life 2 and the graphics are as good as ever. Two issues with this game though: Loading screens and length. While loading screens were placed much better throughout the game than in Half-Life 2, I still question the need for them in modern games. With all this time they've invested in graphics upgrades, it's a real shame Excellent gameplay that I've come to love from Half-life 2 and the graphics are as good as ever. Two issues with this game though: Loading screens and length. While loading screens were placed much better throughout the game than in Half-Life 2, I still question the need for them in modern games. With all this time they've invested in graphics upgrades, it's a real shame they couldn't figure out how to do away with the decades old loading screen. My biggest issue was the length. I completed this expansion in one nights play easily - something I didn't expect for $20. A price closer to $10-$15 would have been better fitting for the entertainment provided. Overall though, very well done, look forward to episode 2!!!… Expand
  3. Paul
    Jul 4, 2006
    7
    [Minor Spoilers]
    Good addition to story? Yes, even though it was basically a movie version of Doom 3. Sure they introduced a new enemy, but it was almost exactly like the Command Zombie in Doom 3, fighting it even felt the same. The "Hospital" level seemed almost completely ripped out of Doom even.
    Better Graphics? Yes, slightly. Not once did I notice the "hard" edges around    [Minor Spoilers]
    Good addition to story? Yes, even though it was basically a movie version of Doom 3. Sure they introduced a new enemy, but it was almost exactly like the Command Zombie in Doom 3, fighting it even felt the same. The "Hospital" level seemed almost completely ripped out of Doom even.

    Better Graphics? Yes, slightly. Not once did I notice the "hard" edges around charactesr that HL2 had, and I'm still using the same brand new computer as I did a few hours ago for HL2. Other graphics enhancements? Didn't notice any.

    Ally AI? Sure, a lot of it was pretty good... except that within the first 5 minutes of having Alyx as a teammate she was stuck not 3 inches below my level, trying to run _through_ a stair instead of up it. Besides that I wish I had some of the moves she does, i.e. busting down zombies by beating them with my shotgun. Largely because it takes so long to get anything but a pistol, shotgun, or gravity gun.

    Advances to plotline? Yes, actually. [lots of spoilers for this part] You have to watch for it, instead of be sucked into the shoot-shoot-shoot-turn crank-shoot part of the game. I.E. Alyx starts hitting on you (Gordon) at one point. Also there's the message being sent out, yours, Alyx's and Barney's escape routes, so on and so forth. [end spoilers]

    The problem with all this is that it was released in an Episode for too much. Half-Life 2, takes say 20 hours (I know not for us more experienced gamers, but on average if you're not just trying to rip through it). Now if you paid 40 dollars for HL2, that means it's 2 dollars per hour. Episode 1, took me under 3 hours (and I had issues with some of it), but say 5 hours. Taking that same ratio, you should only pay 10 dollars for it.
    The way they're going now, the entirety of the "Episode" will be a 60 dollar game, that lasts 9 hours. Bit of a problem.

    Ultimately I'll still buy Episode 2 for the story (I see it as starting to bloom, and answer things, although at this rate very slowly). If Episode 2 isn't overall worth it, like Episode 1 wasn't worth it, then that's where I end the HL story for myself and I'd recommend others to do as well.

    Note [and spoiler]: They actually introduced 3 new enemies, but you only get to fight 1 of them; for those who weren't paying attention. Episode 2 is where you get to fight one of them more often.    … Expand
  4. MarkSaccomandi
    Aug 2, 2006
    7
    Nice game, I enjoyed playng it. The only problem is that it was way too short (you could easily finish EP1 in an evening, and that is a little too fast for 20$). And playing at difficult level was still too easy (Half Life was much more challenging). But a part from this it is a very good game
  5. 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.
  6. EdL.
    Jun 27, 2007
    7
    Not as long as the original and not as fun. It did not have as much plot. Was it only made to see how many impossible situations you could stand or to see how many times you could die? I don't mind a difficult game but to go from one to another to another to another lost its appeal.
  7. EddieD
    Aug 5, 2009
    7
    In all honesty, the original HalfLife game is at least twice as good as Episode 1. It was more challenging and had a better plot.
  8. Mr.E.
    Jun 11, 2006
    7
    A generally space-less shooter. The player becomes disengaged from the characters & scenarios of this game Each scene is more puzzle-based than Half-Life 2, and the interaction with Alyx is not cooperative enough to compliment such emphasis on puzzle solving. .
  9. Dan
    Jun 12, 2006
    7
    The game itself is great. Amazing graphics, unique AI, intesnse action, and trivial puzzle-solving. But the game is just too short, you dont get your moneys worth, and its too much like the origonal HL2. Now, I get that valve is 'extending the story', which is fine....though why did they insist on making more of HL2 when it was perfect how it was? Why did they split it all up The game itself is great. Amazing graphics, unique AI, intesnse action, and trivial puzzle-solving. But the game is just too short, you dont get your moneys worth, and its too much like the origonal HL2. Now, I get that valve is 'extending the story', which is fine....though why did they insist on making more of HL2 when it was perfect how it was? Why did they split it all up and make it into different episodes? Why not just make one great, huge game? Conclusion: Stupid decision by valve just to draw in more profits...yet still a great gameplay experience.… Expand
  10. JackW.
    Jun 13, 2006
    7
    Episode 1 was a great continuation of the Half Life story. I really enjoyed having a companion through most of the playable game. One glaring issue instantly smacked this reviewer's rating down from a perfect 10 to a mediocre 7. My jaw hit the floor when the game ended. Friends down the hall wondered why I just yelled "That's IT?!"
    I'm excited that Valve wants to    Episode 1 was a great continuation of the Half Life story. I really enjoyed having a companion through most of the playable game. One glaring issue instantly smacked this reviewer's rating down from a perfect 10 to a mediocre 7. My jaw hit the floor when the game ended. Friends down the hall wondered why I just yelled "That's IT?!"
    I'm excited that Valve wants to continue working on the Half Life universe, but for the next episode, they had better lower the price if all they are going to release is 4 to 5 hours of gameplay.
    Definitely NOT impressed for the $25cdn. that I paid for the "Special pre-relase pricing". Otherwise, loved it.    … Expand
  11. AndrewN.
    Jun 14, 2006
    7
    More of the same from HL2. FIrst part is by far the worst with only the grav gun to play with, gets better as more weapons become available. However good the graphics engine and physics are still only takes about 5 hours to complete so value for money is an issue.
  12. ScottR.
    Jun 16, 2006
    7
    A good continuation story to the Half Life Universe, some nice new touches to the machanics of the game. The A.I. has been in prooved in terms of allied NPC's, most puzzles remain challenging and imaginative. Let down by it almost feeliing like Ravenholm all over again not of progression in the story and FAR too short. Buy it through steam don't bother with the high street A good continuation story to the Half Life Universe, some nice new touches to the machanics of the game. The A.I. has been in prooved in terms of allied NPC's, most puzzles remain challenging and imaginative. Let down by it almost feeliing like Ravenholm all over again not of progression in the story and FAR too short. Buy it through steam don't bother with the high street prices it's not worth £20 imo but it is worth $20.… Expand
  13. ChrisK.
    Jun 2, 2006
    7
    Fun and a nice continuation of Halflife 2 but for the price tag its rather disapointingly short.
  14. T.B.
    Jun 2, 2006
    7
    I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel to Half Life 2, but for me it had one major disappointment - perhaps by its very episodic nature it lacked some of the scope that made Half Life 2 so spectacular. It didn't have any of the amazing open vistas and strong sense of journey that characterized Half Life 2, instead repeating the more claustrophic feeling of some of the former game's I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel to Half Life 2, but for me it had one major disappointment - perhaps by its very episodic nature it lacked some of the scope that made Half Life 2 so spectacular. It didn't have any of the amazing open vistas and strong sense of journey that characterized Half Life 2, instead repeating the more claustrophic feeling of some of the former game's latter sections. Having Alyx with you nearly the entire time completely changes the feeling of the game. Not necessarily in a bad way, but Gordon has always been, first and foremost, a loner. While the Half Life franchise has always had some of the best character interaction of any FPS, that sense of mostly being alone, and in control of what you are doing, has always been pervasive. Not so in Episode One, where you seem to spend most of your time following Alyx's directions like a faithful puppy dog. Although all that is perhaps worth it just to hear her ask if there is room for two in your hazard suit! The puzzles are mostly interesting and inventive, if usually fairly obvious. But always fun. On the positive side, the visuals are impressive. The story is fascinating. And it's a lot of fun to play. The gentle humor of Half Life 2 is also well and truly evident. Definitely worth the money, and looking forward to Episode 2.… Expand
  15. LawrenceS
    Jun 30, 2006
    7
    Very short but very nice. They did improve the engine added effects and tweaked and expanded the npc interaction. But those things are not visible enough for most players i guess. IMHO new weapons and mobs would not have greatly improved the gameplay. I praise valve for sticking to the storyline and not making just another addon like some ppl think it is.
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. RobA.
    Oct 12, 2007
    7
    Felt more like a user mod than a professional game. Tedius areas and very little plot advancement.
  21. PatW.
    Dec 23, 2007
    7
    Very buggy and crashes a lot with my graphics card (Nvidia 8500GT). Loaded newest drivers, crash; reduced the hardware acceleration, crash. Great game play - when it works.
  22. Gate28
    Oct 3, 2007
    7
    While it is an interesting addon to an amazing game, i wouldent pay more than 15 bucks for it. The only reason I got it was because it came in The Orange Box. Although, I will be getting episode 3 simply because I wanna know how it ends
  23. AS
    Oct 26, 2008
    7
    Episode 1 is pretty disappointing. HL2 was an awesome game in 2004 and everyone was amazed at the graphics and gameplay cause noone had ever played anything like it before. Episode 1 however is exactly the same as HL2. There are absolutely no new areas to go to, nor any new enemies. It's very linear and gets very boring because you've essentially played it all before. I was Episode 1 is pretty disappointing. HL2 was an awesome game in 2004 and everyone was amazed at the graphics and gameplay cause noone had ever played anything like it before. Episode 1 however is exactly the same as HL2. There are absolutely no new areas to go to, nor any new enemies. It's very linear and gets very boring because you've essentially played it all before. I was expecting new stuff but didn't get any. All the gameplay has been experienced in HL2 with same environments and enemies....and so it doesn't deserve to be Episode 1...it feels just like part of HL2. Episode 2 however added new places and enemies and deserves the 'Episode' title. It's also only 4 hours long and whatever story they tried to add doesn't add anything at all...just as Computer Games Magazine said "It feels like exactly what it is: a small and perhaps insignificant part of something much larger"....which is 100% true cause it's more of a lead up to the exceptional Episode 2. So all up Episode 1 feels exactly the same as HL2 which you may think is good because HL2 is good but it's bad in the sense that it's no different from HL2. As strange as that sounds, I'm sure you know what I mean. When you've played HL2 for the 10th time and then play Episode 1, it feels like you're playing HL2 for the 11th time. That's how I felt.… Expand
  24. LeeW.
    Jan 10, 2009
    7
    This is MUCH better than anything Valve has pulled off before. Though it still has all the regular linearity and low-resolution graphics and bland AI of Half-Life 2, and it's still on their heavily (and horribly) modified version of the Quake engine, there are actually redeeming qualities that expose themselves. The best happens to be the HDR rendering, which gives the game some This is MUCH better than anything Valve has pulled off before. Though it still has all the regular linearity and low-resolution graphics and bland AI of Half-Life 2, and it's still on their heavily (and horribly) modified version of the Quake engine, there are actually redeeming qualities that expose themselves. The best happens to be the HDR rendering, which gives the game some atmosphere, and works especially well with the fact that it's set at sundown. The enemies do a little more damage. It's not because their AI has been improved, just because is a less-than-infinite supply of ammunition and med-packs everywhere and the enemies are more varied. They also come in big packs. The puzzles that a blind three-year-old can solve are spaced farther apart with more time for puzzles that may lead to actual harm. The voice acting is somewhat better and the characters seem more realistic, which is very good since the girl follows you around. AND she has infinite ammunition for her weird machinepistol. Some story is added as well, instead of HL2's original idea of the player just running around as some retarded mute with a zappy-gun that moves things. You're still playing the retarded mute. It just has more feeling to it. The levels are still pretty linear. Except this time they don't send you in a straight line. Over all it's still got that regular Valve-trademarked shittiness, but they may have hired some kind of person who actually cared for the game, not just money from kids who never played an actually good game in their life, the kids who think Half-Life 2 was brilliant. Too bad it's DAMNED short.… Expand
  25. MicahF
    Jul 16, 2009
    7
    The only problem with Half Life Episode 1 is the fact that it's unlike Half Life 2. What I mean is, having a sidekick is annoying. Especially one like in this game. She gets in the way and talks too much. If the developer had left her out, I would have given this a 10.
  26. PeteH.
    Dec 12, 2006
    7
    Very good game and plot, graphics are very impressive, even when not on full settings, I would say this is still one of the best looking games on the market but on the downside it isn't very long duration to complete the game, valve is milking the money from the consumer bringing them out as episodes, but it is better than waiting anouther 5 years for Half-Life 3.
  27. ApoRomero
    Oct 24, 2006
    7
    Good game but hard to download from net, I paid for it and got the licenced game why am suppose to wait hours to download from the net and wait for the play I said for get it and gave up playing, Ihad lot's of problems while loading, this is not playing or enjoying the game it is like suffering, working, forget it, I wanna have fun and downloading etc. is not fun at all.
  28. JesseE.
    Jun 12, 2006
    7
    Its a very good game, with lots of action. It didn't have any of the stuff that I really liked from HL2, along the coast or rides in the vehicles. Overall, too short for $20, maybe $10.
  29. MichaelM.
    Jun 14, 2006
    7
    I think this game definitely lives up to the awesome experience that was introduced with HL2. However, EP1 was ridiculously short. After having played EP1, I don't think I'll be spending $20 on another one of these little "episodes." A good price tag for this game would have been $9.99. That is the worst part about the game - it just leaves you feeling like you were ripped off. I think this game definitely lives up to the awesome experience that was introduced with HL2. However, EP1 was ridiculously short. After having played EP1, I don't think I'll be spending $20 on another one of these little "episodes." A good price tag for this game would have been $9.99. That is the worst part about the game - it just leaves you feeling like you were ripped off. No questions are answered besides, "Do they live?" and in retrospect it seems the plot wasn't planned as a continuation of the story of HL2 but rather as an extension, once Valve saw all the potential that continuing the series had.… Expand
  30. 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
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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 »