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. GustavoD.
    Apr 11, 2008
    10
    The game was worth waiting for.Awsome graphics and story line is never broken.Where one ends another picks up at that moment.I just hope valve is working on episode 3 now. Can't wait. Awsome job guys.
  2. RonaldA.
    Apr 14, 2008
    10
    Excellent continuation of the story, lots of fun, new baddies and weapons, everything you want in a sequeal PLUS Alex.
  3. MarceloS
    Jul 14, 2009
    10
    The game is perfect. Everything is very well connect and, though I agree Alyx is almost a super woman (if I took half the shots she take I'd be long dead, even with 100 health and 100 suit!!!), the storyline is really wonderful. And, the challenge is pretty good, and not frustrating. The two final chapter are almost worthy all the game: kill lots of big robots, in a riot sometimes The game is perfect. Everything is very well connect and, though I agree Alyx is almost a super woman (if I took half the shots she take I'd be long dead, even with 100 health and 100 suit!!!), the storyline is really wonderful. And, the challenge is pretty good, and not frustrating. The two final chapter are almost worthy all the game: kill lots of big robots, in a riot sometimes you almost get lost, and then, the astonishing end, impredictable and unexpectable. I'm really not a big fan of HL, though I consider it very good and entertaining, but, Episode 2 really made me write this review: it's simply perfect. It moves not only with your accuracy as a shooter, but you may even develop(finally!!!) some real bonds with the other characters. Finally I felt part of all those things of Black Mesa, G-Man and Alyx Vance. I really wanted Episode 3 was released today. Regards, Marcelo Soeiro… Expand
  4. tonysantos
    Nov 19, 2007
    10
    The story line of episode II is definitely more developed than episode I. The game play has improved significantly, and the new means of transportation, a rusty muscle car, is very thrilling. Overall the game is a must for half life fans... the only drawlback is the short gameplay.
  5. HL2sgood
    Nov 22, 2007
    9
    Let me start by saying EPISODE 2 is far, far more pleasing to play than vanilla HL2. Not that HL2 wasn't a good game but it wasn't as amazing as most people made out, still very good though. Now EP2 has distilled all the great parts of HL2 and layered on some astounding cinematics and atmosphere. The graphics look better and the lighting in places is 'almost real' Let me start by saying EPISODE 2 is far, far more pleasing to play than vanilla HL2. Not that HL2 wasn't a good game but it wasn't as amazing as most people made out, still very good though. Now EP2 has distilled all the great parts of HL2 and layered on some astounding cinematics and atmosphere. The graphics look better and the lighting in places is 'almost real' really hightens the sense of immersion. Up until I played crysis I believed this was about as good as we got with modern FPS games, but it doesn't quite match up to the brilliance in Crysis, except in the plot/story in which it probably surpasses crysis. When it comes to gameplay it's solid and you play through with little thought or worry and just enjoy it for what it is. (Crysis is a different beast where YOU provide the cinematics through your own actions which is on another level of brilliance found in no other shooter). So aside from it's more static, less dynamic nature (compared to Crysis) it's easily as good or better than any of the other top rated FPS games from the last 5 years. Would still like to see more DeusEx style gameplay in a brilliant setting like HL2 but as it is, even in it's somewhat 'short' episode 2 HL2 is still a shining beacon of PC gaming (and now 360 too) and has tonnes of polish and gameplay.… Expand
  6. Kyle
    Dec 13, 2007
    10
    I believe this game and its predecessor's were truly magnificently done. I'm not a huge gamer or very serious one but I was interested in the story line of the game. After playing all three Half-Lifes' i think in my own opinion Episode 2 was the best because it left the story a great setup for the third and perhaps final episode. Good job Valve.
  7. JoesbkS.
    Dec 17, 2007
    10
    The latest installment from valve is stunningly flawless in every way from the cinematic soundtrack to the incredibly life-like graphics. gameplay engages the player on a dimension that was once the preserve for movies and shows. The emotional connection forged is palpable and real. Graphics deceive the eyes, blurring the dichotomy between real and virtual. sountracks resonate so well The latest installment from valve is stunningly flawless in every way from the cinematic soundtrack to the incredibly life-like graphics. gameplay engages the player on a dimension that was once the preserve for movies and shows. The emotional connection forged is palpable and real. Graphics deceive the eyes, blurring the dichotomy between real and virtual. sountracks resonate so well wiith their scenes that they will be looping endlessly in your head days later. The five hours spent playing this is actually one of the most fulfilling activities i've done in my life.… Expand
  8. ZachM.
    Dec 26, 2007
    9
    If anyone has kept up on the progression of the series, they would be glad to know (assuming your pc can handle it) that they have included all of the tweaks that were shown off in Lost Coast (HDR, Motion Blur) to improve the graphics tremendously. New York Times' review was invalid as most that gave lower reviews, especially since they are comparing an epic, cinematic 5-hour If anyone has kept up on the progression of the series, they would be glad to know (assuming your pc can handle it) that they have included all of the tweaks that were shown off in Lost Coast (HDR, Motion Blur) to improve the graphics tremendously. New York Times' review was invalid as most that gave lower reviews, especially since they are comparing an epic, cinematic 5-hour installment versus the previous 2 hour add-on to HL2. It's so much more engaging, clever, and pleasant on the eyes than the previous installments. It's similarity to HL2 and Episode One should not keep you from playing the game as they all run on the Source engine and share similar graphics (Episode 2 having better ones). I question those who saw no improvement in graphics or story line. Were they playing at full capacity? Have they played the originals and seen the improvements? Have they even enjoyed the storyline? While simple in plot, it's still very interesting to me to see how the saga progresses. This game is definately worth playing.… Expand
  9. RenanJunior
    Dec 26, 2007
    10
    It's best this game
  10. AnonymousMC
    Dec 27, 2007
    10
    its a good game, could be longer, or they could put all 3 episodes into 1 giant game. take up a helluva lotta space on my tech deck sized drive though, and i have no space as it is. so if im gettin episode 3, and i KNOW i am(im buying it with my best buy gift card) ill have to get rid of gmod or sims 2. the part i liked best though would be killin off the huge ass load of striders near the end
  11. AceB.
    Dec 31, 2007
    9
    The beginning is boring, however when you first get started you will get a game experience you never will forget!
  12. AaronC
    Nov 26, 2009
    10
    As the 2nd part of the Half-Life 2 Episodes (Otherwise known from Gabe Newell: Half-Life 3), this was a high-light of the entire Half-Life 2/3 saga. Starting out on a bang, and ending with a major shocker that I refuse to say here, this game never lets up on the action, and dark bleak world perfectly matches the universe of Gordan Freeman. A masterpiece of Valve, only surpassed by the As the 2nd part of the Half-Life 2 Episodes (Otherwise known from Gabe Newell: Half-Life 3), this was a high-light of the entire Half-Life 2/3 saga. Starting out on a bang, and ending with a major shocker that I refuse to say here, this game never lets up on the action, and dark bleak world perfectly matches the universe of Gordan Freeman. A masterpiece of Valve, only surpassed by the orignal HL2. (Also to Dan m, This game is not an expansion, but a contination of HL2 E1 and HL2. It's not supposed to be a gun and run, and GIVE ME MORE GUNS game.) The only issue I have is that it takes awhile to get a gun, making combat in the beginning of the game difficult.… Expand
  13. RMW_Critic
    Sep 24, 2010
    8
    I was blown away by how awesome this game was. I had only played Episode 1, but this overtook my wildest expectations. It had everything; graphics, gameplay and story. Sometimes the game got hard, but other than that, great game.
  14. Tomwelcome
    Apr 4, 2011
    9
    Gameplay - 9.5 , Graphics - 8.5 , Story - 9.0 , Playing time - 6~8 hours. I would be perfect if the graphics had lived up to the standard of Half-Life 2.
  15. Duderoth
    Mar 29, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Fantastic second expansion to one of the greatest games of all time. My reviews are usually pretty long but I'm going to try to keep this one short. The level design, as with Half-Life 2 and Episode 1 is once again top notch. But for me this time it was actually surpassed by the story. Though I've always thought Half-Life's story was excellent, this game surpassed previous titles with 2 gut-wrenching scenes where I literally just paused the game, set my headphones down, stared at the computer screen in shock and shed a couple tears. The emotions in this game are so intense after spending so much time with these characters in the past 2 titles... I just... I just... gah. I really hope Half-Life 3 comes soon.… Expand
  16. MrWhite1337
    Aug 22, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Valve continuous to impress with this spectacu..................... Best game ever.Best game ever.Best game ever.Best game ever.Best game ever.Best game ever.Best game ever.Best game ever.Best game ever.Best game ever.Best game ever.Best game ever.Best game ever.Best game ever.Best game ever.Best game ever.Best game ever.Best game ever.Best game ever.Best game ever.Best game ever.Best game ever.… Expand
  17. davenbettridge
    Sep 26, 2011
    9
    Half Life 2 has obtained legendary status as one of the most flawless modern games BUT the question does need to be asked: is Half Life 2 over-rated? My answer is Yes as all things are flawed (even Half Life 2), that's not saying the game is not one of the best the industry has provided in recent times, it is however just an interactive game with a lot of copied elements of other scienceHalf Life 2 has obtained legendary status as one of the most flawless modern games BUT the question does need to be asked: is Half Life 2 over-rated? My answer is Yes as all things are flawed (even Half Life 2), that's not saying the game is not one of the best the industry has provided in recent times, it is however just an interactive game with a lot of copied elements of other science fiction, it's not as original as many claim. Half Life 2 has awesome graphics, innovative physics, game play, fabulously designed levels and game moments but my point is that it shows how lacking and unoriginal the rest of the industry is - that many would claim Half Life 2 to be better than it actually is. If Half Life 2 is the best there is in single player gaming - then video games truely are lacking... HL2 is still a real achievement and Valve has something to be proud of.â… Expand
  18. Boris
    Sep 10, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The plot is astonishing. The death of Eli Vance really surprised me the first time I finished it : you just fight off many waves of striders, and before you can even catch your breath, a dramatic cut-scene occurs. Besides, the game as good as the other prequels. I don't even know what would be PC gaming without the Half Life series... I'm looking forward to the third episode.… Expand
  19. Lordeldar
    Oct 23, 2012
    9
    Half Life 2: Episode Two has the best gameplay in any Half Life Game by far. And there have been some pretty decent games in the series. The cliffhanger ending was amazing. The action was mostly enjoyable. The puzzles were as good as ever. There's just one thing stopping me from giving it a 10, and that's the length of the game. The game could've easily gone on for another few hours
  20. CRL
    Jul 25, 2011
    9
    Episode Two took all of Episode One's flaws into account and returned to the level of the original game. Instead of the cramped Citadel, the setting is placed among wide open forests and eerie caves. The Hunters are some of the toughest enemies you will ever face (with a surprising weak spot). And the final battle is one of the most challenging and (when completed) satisfying of the series.
  21. FFStudios
    Jun 6, 2012
    9
    Episode one felt like a bit of a rushed out effort from Valve, only really wallowing the the success of HL2. Episode 2 one the other hand feels much stronger than the previous episode. It starts off a bit rocky bit quickly evolves into another Valve masterpiece which improves on episode one. The story is better, the gameplay mix is better and I feel Vlave pushed the envelope a little more.Episode one felt like a bit of a rushed out effort from Valve, only really wallowing the the success of HL2. Episode 2 one the other hand feels much stronger than the previous episode. It starts off a bit rocky bit quickly evolves into another Valve masterpiece which improves on episode one. The story is better, the gameplay mix is better and I feel Vlave pushed the envelope a little more. So sit down and enjoy before thinking when the heck they're gonna release Episode Three after five flipping years!… Expand
  22. shaun37
    Oct 26, 2011
    9
    If you are a fan of shooting and not-too-hard physics puzzles with tons of variety and a great and compelling story, look no further as EP2 really delivers on its promise to provide a much longer play length than the terribly short EP1 and a welcome change in environment and feel from the urban areas of HL2 and EP1. However even though it is twice as long as Episode 1 I do recommendIf you are a fan of shooting and not-too-hard physics puzzles with tons of variety and a great and compelling story, look no further as EP2 really delivers on its promise to provide a much longer play length than the terribly short EP1 and a welcome change in environment and feel from the urban areas of HL2 and EP1. However even though it is twice as long as Episode 1 I do recommend getting it as part of the HL pack, The Orange box or on special, as it is still only around six to eight hours depending on how good you are and your play-style.… Expand
  23. Mushe
    Jun 12, 2012
    9
    Continuing the story in the episode more entertaining and varied situations, including the return of the vehicles that were absent in Episode 1. Again few innovations, such as a purely technical new particle system (Which makes the game really attractive in certain places) and improvements in the shadow system. The story is once again the strength and where more progress is such that itContinuing the story in the episode more entertaining and varied situations, including the return of the vehicles that were absent in Episode 1. Again few innovations, such as a purely technical new particle system (Which makes the game really attractive in certain places) and improvements in the shadow system. The story is once again the strength and where more progress is such that it does the Half-Life far more compelling, therefore those who bought the above have a purchase insured, and those who do not have a spectacular FPS before their hands that should not stop.… Expand
  24. Kurtz
    Dec 22, 2011
    8
    Great game that stays more true to HL2 than episode one. The length is not too bad either. It would have been cool if they had added in another gun or something but it's still enjoyable and you can pick it up practically for free on Steam in sales. In fact I did get a free copy from Steam.
  25. Ztride
    Jan 20, 2012
    8
    Better than episode 1 and also slightly longer. When combined with the orange box package this is definietly a must have, as is the whole half life series (HL1 Expansions excluded, maybe).
  26. Mouse
    Jan 3, 2012
    9
    There needs to be a medal for three of this game's achievements, which is my only real complaint. It's HL2, but more more more and, well, more! They kept their precise pacing, absorbing story, enveloping atmosphere, adrenalin-pumped combat, and there's a driving section that, when coupled with one of the aforementioned achievements, becomes the toughest test for any hardcore PC gamer orThere needs to be a medal for three of this game's achievements, which is my only real complaint. It's HL2, but more more more and, well, more! They kept their precise pacing, absorbing story, enveloping atmosphere, adrenalin-pumped combat, and there's a driving section that, when coupled with one of the aforementioned achievements, becomes the toughest test for any hardcore PC gamer or achievement hunter. Good luck. Now did you get all the bugs?… Expand
  27. Choppa
    Jan 8, 2012
    8
    Awesome game. Loses 1 point for play value as there's little reason to play more than the time to beat it and one point for my problem with the entire HL series: the game is VERY linear you follow ONE specific path throughout the game -- there is little exploration and no two ways of doing things. If you can put this aside, it's a great FPS game that takes you on a ride (note: you areAwesome game. Loses 1 point for play value as there's little reason to play more than the time to beat it and one point for my problem with the entire HL series: the game is VERY linear you follow ONE specific path throughout the game -- there is little exploration and no two ways of doing things. If you can put this aside, it's a great FPS game that takes you on a ride (note: you are very much on a ride, not influencing what happens in any way). I played HL2 + episodes 1&2, and certainly rate episode two higher than the others, if you have not played HL before, it's fine to start here; if you've played any previous HL, it just gets better here, it's cool to see the Valve team refine their skills throughout the series.. Episode two is a fun ride that packs everything into ~6hrs of non-stop gameplay.… Expand
  28. lucidanarchy
    Jun 6, 2012
    9
    Fantastic addition to the series and really cannot wait for the next instalment. The time spent in the Half-Life 2 series has been the most fun I have ever had in a game and I continue to replay from time to time reliving the great moments that make the Half-Life story what it is.
  29. e_x_p
    May 14, 2012
    9
    I feel obligated to finish this game - this is why I won't give a 10. But the gameplay is still amazing as ever! So don't let this down... go finish the series like a true Half-Life fan!
  30. watithink123
    Dec 16, 2012
    8
    Half-Life 2 is a great FPS game and liking the game I decided to play the episodes one and two. Episode 1 was good but really short and a bit boring, but this episode was interesting and fun. A ending surprising me and I like that. It also can be a bit a chalenge at times so if you like a easy time play on easy difficulty. A 6-8 hour campaign making it a decent length long. Overall veryHalf-Life 2 is a great FPS game and liking the game I decided to play the episodes one and two. Episode 1 was good but really short and a bit boring, but this episode was interesting and fun. A ending surprising me and I like that. It also can be a bit a chalenge at times so if you like a easy time play on easy difficulty. A 6-8 hour campaign making it a decent length long. Overall very fun but still the exat same with guns and stuff. Half-Life 2: Episode two 8.7/0… Expand
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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

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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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