Half-Life 2: Episode Two

 PC
User Score
9.2

Universal acclaim- based on 2923 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,691 out of 2923
  2. Mixed: 141 out of 2923
  3. Negative: 91 out of 2923

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  1. MindCandy
    Oct 17, 2007
    9
    Episode two is, by far, the best episode out of the two. New and old enemies alike are now trying to kill you in every way possible. The AI is virtually the same as it was in both previous additions to the hl2 series. It was a little on the short side, only taking me about 3 or so hours to complete, but I enjoyed every minute of it. Graphics additions include better blood physics (it Episode two is, by far, the best episode out of the two. New and old enemies alike are now trying to kill you in every way possible. The AI is virtually the same as it was in both previous additions to the hl2 series. It was a little on the short side, only taking me about 3 or so hours to complete, but I enjoyed every minute of it. Graphics additions include better blood physics (it actually looks like their bleeding), better large and small particle graphics (buildings literally splinter into rubble). I also noticed some new sounds (I might have just completely missed this in ep1 and hl2) such as reloading the shotgun, some explosions and enemy sounds. All in all, it is a very solid game, and a very satisfying new addition for the half life series. Cant wait for episode 3 (or halflife 3, whichever they decide to call it )… Expand
  2. VoYtHAs
    Oct 19, 2007
    10
    Outstanding! Plot is superb, GFX is awesome... Game is too short but anyway HL2:EP2 rox.
  3. ScottW.
    Oct 20, 2007
    10
    More cinematic than the previous two. Well-timed musical scores with game events. Again, short, but you can't expect lots of length with a game this detailed. Vortigaunts have more purpose in this game, making them more interesting to watch and interact with. Shocking ending, makes one wonder how they'll tie it into the sequel.
  4. JaredG.
    Oct 21, 2007
    7
    Good level design and story- though the gameplay is getting a bit worn. I find the linear-ness tiring. How about more options for creative thinking? I realize that there does have to be triggers and some linear play to make the story-telling happen, but how about better use of objects in the environment? I would have liked to be able to use a box- or possibly the trunk of the car to put Good level design and story- though the gameplay is getting a bit worn. I find the linear-ness tiring. How about more options for creative thinking? I realize that there does have to be triggers and some linear play to make the story-telling happen, but how about better use of objects in the environment? I would have liked to be able to use a box- or possibly the trunk of the car to put weapons and ammo in....I'd just like to see more options to exploit creativity. The go here, do this is just getting old. Still, the play that is there is worth 7 out of ten to me.… Expand
  5. JasonYingling
    Oct 20, 2007
    10
    What do I say? I am almost speechless as to how incredible this game is. After the last battle of the game when everyone was celebrating I wanted to high five the the resistance members. 10 / 10 absolutely perfect. Amazing story and heart pumping action... I couldn't ask for anything more in a video game. Its a masterpiece!!
  6. Kenneth
    Dec 2, 2007
    10
    Very short, but not bad as part of a 5 game box for the price of one. Also I recognize this is only one of three parts to a full game. But the gameplay is fun, the voice acting is great, and the story is immersive as hell. I swear my heart skipped a beat when that Hunter did what it did in the beginning... Poor Alyx...
  7. ChristianMonge
    Oct 22, 2007
    10
    This episode was awesome. It had alot of action and suspense. But the one thing that disappoints me is how they made it too short as well as episode one. Hopefully Episode Three will be longer than episode one and two. Otherwise Its an awesome game.
  8. Red!
    Oct 22, 2007
    7
    Good continuation although it's a bit of a wonder why it took so long after HL2ep1 to make ep2 since there seems to be so little added to the game... I really don't like the vehicles in HL2 though, they handle like crap. With the engine they have it would have been fun for them to skip the damn bink videos and do everythin in real-time (like ep1...)
  9. WayneC.
    Oct 20, 2007
    10
    This episode has had me on the edge all the way through. Now i await episode 3. What an awesome game.
  10. alexbobrovich
    Dec 27, 2007
    10
    As for me it is the best part of half-life and i recomend it to everyone!!!!!!!! ))))
  11. Patrick
    Dec 29, 2007
    10
    EP2 is extremely engaging and is fun regardless of skill level. Like EP1 newbies are introduced and the learning curve isn't too bad for an expansion/episode and the gameplay is still great. My only complaint with this game is the sound problems I have sometimes whenever one certain sound triggers a bunch of other bytes that were supposed to be played before resulting in a lot of EP2 is extremely engaging and is fun regardless of skill level. Like EP1 newbies are introduced and the learning curve isn't too bad for an expansion/episode and the gameplay is still great. My only complaint with this game is the sound problems I have sometimes whenever one certain sound triggers a bunch of other bytes that were supposed to be played before resulting in a lot of voices talking at the same time. If you wanted new content with EP1 this is the episode you've been waiting for. The end boss battle is one of the most satisfying end sequences in my entire gaming career. It's better than HL2's end boss which was ridiculously easy with the experience gained from playing that game through. The battle is on a new scale from most games and uses a new semi weapon. I call it that because the weapon isn't really a typical weapon, its more like a physics object than a gun but it's fun to use! I would have liked to see more of cache hunting fun in this game with the neat puzzles( like the one hidden in the building that had a van/car crashed into it) that was included with finding some of them. I would pick this one up with Orange Box because not only do you save money getting the new content together but you also get HL2 and HL2 EP1 if you missed them.… Expand
  12. JaredB.
    Oct 23, 2007
    10
    I never could seem to commit to single player games. Even the best of them. Playing Episode 2 seemed to re-kindle my passion for single player games, as I didn't seem to be able to stop playing. The last level left an ever lasting impression on me. My heart was pounding the entire time, wondering when the finish would arrive, it was so intense. 10/10. Time to play episode 1.
  13. InimicalRize
    Oct 24, 2007
    10
    Personaly, as a late comer to the Half life Series this is by far the appitamy of Half life, almost propeling the player back to black messa, with hyped up graphics and by far the best Goal reaching story line, truly an epic win from the Valve team. Lets hope thataAll the other Half Life's (EP 3, Black Messa) Will stand out as proud as the first.
  14. TobyE.
    Oct 25, 2007
    8
    Seemed too short and ended too suddenly. Other than that, played great and good story.
  15. AlasdairR.
    Oct 26, 2007
    9
    A great continuation of the storyline, and very graphically impressive. Some of the achievements (e.g. getting a gnome into outer space) are great fun to attempt to get, however the very linear gameplay is getting a little tired. I hope Episode 3 gives us more opportunities to interact with the environment and find our own way to places.
  16. ZsoltC.
    Dec 7, 2007
    9
    Well, Episode two is an other episode of the series. Basically, it's same as episode one. It's short, it has fantastic gameplay, the sounds, the chars, the graphics, the weapons are almost the same, so basically you don't get more. It's the brand-new chapter of the "book" called half-life. If you are a half-life fan, this game is a must, but in other case, I recommend Well, Episode two is an other episode of the series. Basically, it's same as episode one. It's short, it has fantastic gameplay, the sounds, the chars, the graphics, the weapons are almost the same, so basically you don't get more. It's the brand-new chapter of the "book" called half-life. If you are a half-life fan, this game is a must, but in other case, I recommend to start with hl1, or hl2 (fortunately, orange box includes both hl2, and hl2 ep1).… Expand
  17. ChristopherH.
    Oct 28, 2007
    7
    The HL concept is getting a bit old now, technically a good game but I'm getting a bit tired of it now.
  18. SuneL.
    Oct 28, 2007
    10
    It's the goddamn best episode because of the great car and the fights if not to mention the base at black forrest.
  19. MattW.
    Oct 30, 2007
    10
    Ignore all the ignorant people who rated this game below a 7. You should play this game if you want a game with a great story line puzzles but mostly action. It is incredible. The enemy AI improved a lot and will challenge even the most skilled gamers. Sure it is linear, but if you are a FPS fan then this game is for you.
  20. Kevin
    Oct 30, 2007
    10
    I'm not sure what people are talking about with "retreading old ground" and so on. I felt like practically everything I did was fresh and new, with new environments to gaze at and new enemies to battle. Maybe the puzzles aren't as brilliant as usual, but this game is still amazing. The story elements are great too if you've played HL before.
  21. DavidD.
    Jan 1, 2008
    10
    Ever since The very first Half Life, this series has been one of THE best series of games i have ever played!! I would go so far as to say that Half Life 2 and its two episodes that have followed ARE THE best games i have ever played. So many games have tried but none come close to the overall cinematics of this game. From the incredible graphics, to the gameplay and most importantly, the Ever since The very first Half Life, this series has been one of THE best series of games i have ever played!! I would go so far as to say that Half Life 2 and its two episodes that have followed ARE THE best games i have ever played. So many games have tried but none come close to the overall cinematics of this game. From the incredible graphics, to the gameplay and most importantly, the story and interaction with the real as life characters are beyond words!! It's more then a game. It's an experience! Incredible job Valve!!… Expand
  22. DxFlame
    Feb 17, 2008
    10
    This game should be rated 100/100 or even more because i realy love the game features such as,
    new Car (in ep3 i would like the car fully upgraded), and more to the episode, also the game needs levels released everyday by Valve each day telling a day of hl2 if u know what i mean xD

    Thank You!
    -------------
    DxFlame/Xanota
  23. HoldenM.
    Feb 2, 2008
    10
    Once again another excellent entry in the Half-Life series. Episode Two features more open-ended environments and gameplay along with an even tighter story than Episode One, plus even better graphics. The achievements also add an element of fun to the game, wether it be squishing 300+ grubs or sending a garden gnome off into space. Achievements, although many of them are unlocked just Once again another excellent entry in the Half-Life series. Episode Two features more open-ended environments and gameplay along with an even tighter story than Episode One, plus even better graphics. The achievements also add an element of fun to the game, wether it be squishing 300+ grubs or sending a garden gnome off into space. Achievements, although many of them are unlocked just from beating the game, add some replayability that previous games haven't really had. Sure there is some merit to beating the game on each difficulty, but some of the new achievements really take some work. The quality of the story, the dialogue, the graphics, and overall sense of fun makes me wonder when the old man from Jurassic Park is going to pop in and say 'no expenses spared of course.' It's a really well-polished little game. I wish it were longer but the length leaves me hungry for Episode Three. In the meantime I'll have to get back to sending that gnome into space.… Expand
  24. CallumO.
    Feb 28, 2008
    10
    Episode two has the right amount of story telling, puzzle solving, showing off fantastic graphics, and action packed tactical battle scenarios to create the most fun I've had on a single player FPS since the first Half-Life. It also serves as a fantastic way to draw the player into the story, and makes me want Ep3 to come out just so I can get the rest of the trilogy!
  25. Dedoz
    Mar 16, 2008
    10
    Great storytelling, great gameplay, great charecters, everything is great.
  26. AlessandroS.
    Mar 21, 2008
    10
    After Episode 1 brought roughly new and exciting elements this episode 2 blew me totally away - amazing graphics, great gameplay and a superb story! Can't wait until episode 3 arrives!
  27. Tiago
    Apr 16, 2008
    10
    Great storyline, characters and levels.
  28. DylanM.
    May 18, 2008
    10
    When i seen this game come out i was shocked that it was only a 90 so your saying that hl2 beats this everything is a little better but the only this that i dont like is that it just was not that long too short but i had fun anyway.
  29. ChristiansH.
    May 7, 2008
    10
    Diseño, Jugabilidad, Dinamica, Graficos, Argumentos, Totalmente Trabajados Para Dejarnos Con La Intriga Del Tercer Capitulo, Half-Life 2: Episode Three.
  30. GaryL.
    Jul 15, 2008
    10
    Halfe Life 2: Episode 2 has become one of my favorite game sequals ever. Not only was the quality of the games graphics and sound amazing, but the story line had me hooked!
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best PC Game of 2007
6
#6 Most Discussed PC Game of 2007
17
#17 Most Shared PC Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. IGN
    94
    Any way you look at it, Episode Two stands out, even among the Half-Life series, as something special. It may be shorter than the original, but it's a burly experience packed into roughly six hours or so that offers up all the diversity, level design, and thoughtful gameplay we've known while making sure to propel the story forward and leave us wanting more.
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  2. Computer and Video Games
    90
    More great story blended with improved AI and better firefights. It's starting to retread old ground though.
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  3. PC Gamer UK
    93
    Episode Two is the most sumptuous chapter of the Half-Life saga, and by a country mile. It's as if Valve's tech and art teams are trying to outdo each other: the Source engine has had a striking technical overhaul that renders textures, materials and curves uncannily well, and the artists clearly relish having a fresh palette to work with.
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