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. 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.
  2. GregW.
    Oct 29, 2007
    9
    It was a great episode and definitely pushed the story further. I left me wanting for the next episode to come out. However, I did think that it was shorten that I was expecting. Episode One seemed to be longer for me than this one. Still, I enjoyed it.
  3. rhalle
    Oct 29, 2007
    7
    If you're a longtime hardcore HL fan with a brain-- it deserves a 7.

    It's still the best crafted and most visually beautiful PC experience out there, no matter what Unreal engine fans might think. But Ep. 2 lacks the genius of the previous games, and that's sad. Too many other financial ventures and lower playerbase IQ console-friendliness have diminished    If you're a longtime hardcore HL fan with a brain-- it deserves a 7.

    It's still the best crafted and most visually beautiful PC experience out there, no matter what Unreal engine fans might think.

    But Ep. 2 lacks the genius of the previous games, and that's sad.

    Too many other financial ventures and lower playerbase IQ console-friendliness have diminished Ep2's lustre.

    It's repetitive and narrow, and it spoils some of its mysteries when trying to clear them up for the uninitiated, in making a plotline more palatable for the HALO crowd.

    The antlion sequence at the beginning of the game is the most boring I think I can ever remember in a HL game. I don't know of a time when I thought to myself 'God I wish this level would end' so early in playing.

    I can only hope that going back to the Borealis is a signal that Valve will also be taking a step back in designing Episode 3.
    Heck, if Valve has guts, in the last level of Episode 3, we'll all be platform jumping in the combine overworld under the most beautiful skybox gamers have ever seen.

    I do hope Valve gets the last one right.    … Expand
  4. 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.
  5. ScottH.
    Oct 28, 2007
    10
    Excellent story-telling, game-making, technological achievement in entertainment.
  6. 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.
  7. NickW.
    Oct 28, 2007
    6
    Maybe I am just spoiled, but there was almost nothing new... some great set pieces, but cut scenes took the game more into the realm of a film that you could take part in most of the time. Very short too...i was so disappointed it was all over in a day, basically, even on hard setting. graphics, story, acting all brilliant as ever, but it just felt it was a bit of a game in every way. and Maybe I am just spoiled, but there was almost nothing new... some great set pieces, but cut scenes took the game more into the realm of a film that you could take part in most of the time. Very short too...i was so disappointed it was all over in a day, basically, even on hard setting. graphics, story, acting all brilliant as ever, but it just felt it was a bit of a game in every way. and WHY DO ALL THE ZOMBIES HAVE WHITE SWEATERS....come on valve, a bit of imagination on that point - so small a point, but so rubbish at the same time.… Expand
  8. RileyB.
    Oct 27, 2007
    10
    Half-Life Episode 2 has stretched its grahpics engine even farther into reality and took more detail into designing props such as breakable floor boards that could be bashed into smaller pieces. The story continued with a fast pace ( for me it was exciting) and got you going again as if you had not stopped playing EP. 1 yet. Awsome job Valve! You once again created another excellent Half-Life Episode 2 has stretched its grahpics engine even farther into reality and took more detail into designing props such as breakable floor boards that could be bashed into smaller pieces. The story continued with a fast pace ( for me it was exciting) and got you going again as if you had not stopped playing EP. 1 yet. Awsome job Valve! You once again created another excellent movie-esc sequel to the Half-life game.… Expand
  9. JoeB.
    Oct 27, 2007
    10
    It may be short but the high impact drama of the game was more than worth the price i would pay 50bucks for this game it was absolutely fantastic.
  10. JoeA.
    Oct 27, 2007
    10
    This game is absolutely amazing, What you wold expect from a half life game plus a whole new level of story and emotion down right the best game i have played and i can't wait for more.
  11. JustinM.
    Oct 27, 2007
    6
    Although an acceptable foray in its own right, all the set pieces and puzzles have been done previously, it is still completely linear and just adding time pressure to the battles left me unimpressed. The only piece of story that really made me want more is delivered near the end, which highlighted the vacuum of the previous 4 hours gameplay. It is under 5 hours playtime, including plenty Although an acceptable foray in its own right, all the set pieces and puzzles have been done previously, it is still completely linear and just adding time pressure to the battles left me unimpressed. The only piece of story that really made me want more is delivered near the end, which highlighted the vacuum of the previous 4 hours gameplay. It is under 5 hours playtime, including plenty of exploring, with most of the achievements unlocked on the first try. This is only worth your the money if bought as part of the orange box.… Expand
  12. 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.
  13. DannyM.
    Oct 26, 2007
    0
    Overpriced, over hyped, too short and is obviously a part of a larger, mythical game, called "half-life 2.5", which is made up of all three "episodic" releases. Seriously, $30 for a small expansion with 5 hours game-play is a lot when you think of the price of the original. If they know something, it's how to milk. They're gonna milk this one dry, Valve.
  14. JustinA.
    Oct 25, 2007
    9
    Great continuation of the epic storyline against the combine. Graphics and gameplay are a tad outdated though but still pretty to look at.
  15. TobyE.
    Oct 25, 2007
    8
    Seemed too short and ended too suddenly. Other than that, played great and good story.
  16. SheaL.
    Oct 24, 2007
    10
    It was a great addition to the episodic series. Nice graphic improvements and effects. The new environmental feel was great for this episode.
  17. 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.
  18. GaryB.
    Oct 23, 2007
    8
    If you've played half-life2, much of this plays like a re-run. I thought way too much has been done in the previous games, and was just recycled here. I give it an 8 for the characters, both major and minor, and the visual and audial quality.
  19. 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.
  20. ArjanK.
    Oct 23, 2007
    10
    I have bought Half Life 2 Ep 2 last weekend, and have been playing it ever since. And everything, the graphics, the scenery, the enemy's, the action, just everything is so awesome, it doesn't deserve less than a 10 in my opion.
  21. 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...)
  22. 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.
  23. BogdanD.
    Oct 22, 2007
    8
    I expected more from this game. It could be a little bit more difficult and with longer gameplay time. Of course, with this episode the game made a big step forward in graphically opinion but I expected something fresher.
  24. 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
  25. MalK.
    Oct 21, 2007
    10
    Had everything, scenery, fast cars,emotion, striders, striders, striders.
  26. 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.
  27. 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!!
  28. jamescpublic
    Oct 20, 2007
    4
    I thought the game was too short for the money that it cost to purchase and the time since episode 1. The game "Portal" that was bundled with Episode 2 was much more thought out and compelling.
    The storyline did not progress very far and few plot "milestones" were achieved.
    The gameplay was not that much different than Episode 1 and I am not sure I understand why this game took so    I thought the game was too short for the money that it cost to purchase and the time since episode 1. The game "Portal" that was bundled with Episode 2 was much more thought out and compelling.
    The storyline did not progress very far and few plot "milestones" were achieved.

    The gameplay was not that much different than Episode 1 and I am not sure I understand why this game took so long to produce because it had the feel of an expansion pack.    … Expand
  29. 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.
  30. ChrisF.
    Oct 20, 2007
    9
    Excellent continuation of the story with new challenges not seen in the previous episodes.
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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.
    Read full review
  2. Computer and Video Games
    90
    More great story blended with improved AI and better firefights. It's starting to retread old ground though.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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