The Orange Box

 PlayStation 3
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 223 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 181 out of 223
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 223
  3. Negative: 27 out of 223
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  1. DanB.
    Oct 29, 2008
    10
    Yes, opinions do vary, but the vast majority agrees that the Half-Life franchise is the apex of FPSs. Orange Box lives up to the expectations of those opinion holders. If you are a HL fan it won't matter which system you favor, PS3 or XB360 (no need to praise one and harp on the other), OB will give you a great experience in one great package. Being a PS3 owner, I found the single Yes, opinions do vary, but the vast majority agrees that the Half-Life franchise is the apex of FPSs. Orange Box lives up to the expectations of those opinion holders. If you are a HL fan it won't matter which system you favor, PS3 or XB360 (no need to praise one and harp on the other), OB will give you a great experience in one great package. Being a PS3 owner, I found the single player games just as good as ever. If the load times were longer than normal, I didn't notice. The graphics & the game play is among the best I've played & the story is as compelling as any Hollywood movie; basically everything we've come to expect from a HL game. I will grant that TF2 isn't the best multiplayer out there, but it was of minor consequence to me. Whatever the system, Orange Box is a must.… Expand
  2. Davie
    Feb 5, 2008
    10
    Best game ever made. Times 5!
  3. BryanS.
    Mar 8, 2008
    10
    An absolute steal... This is some of the best bang-for-the buck... I would not rate any individual game as a 10 (well, ok, Portal would be really close), but together, it's just WORTH it!
  4. KeadenC.
    May 16, 2008
    10
    It was the first game I've ever layed on a ps3 and I have to say teamfortres is great.
  5. RobertoR.
    Jun 11, 2008
    10
    Just Portal makes getting this game worth it. TF2 is loads of fun and Half-Life 2... well, there are great FPS games, then there is Half-Life.
  6. DudeH.
    Dec 30, 2007
    10
    Don't listen to the trolls saying this game is buggy. The PS3 version has a few frame rate issues here and there, but it does NOT ruin the gameplay at all. The game is gorgeous, plays VERY well, and is one of the best games to come out this year. If you don't buy this game, you're really missing out on one of the best games on any platform. The people giving this game a 1 Don't listen to the trolls saying this game is buggy. The PS3 version has a few frame rate issues here and there, but it does NOT ruin the gameplay at all. The game is gorgeous, plays VERY well, and is one of the best games to come out this year. If you don't buy this game, you're really missing out on one of the best games on any platform. The people giving this game a 1 are XBox 360 fanboy's obsessed with bringing the PS3 down, you can't trust ANYONE who'd give this game a 1. Clearly they didn't play it.… Expand
  7. MichelSabbagh
    Jan 13, 2008
    10
    I don't care about the frame rate issues. I have a game with that same frame rate I think, and that didn't disturbed me. The graphics on the PS3 are much more realistic than on the XBOX 360. Great game! Don't underestimate the PS3 version of this lovely game!
  8. TimR.
    Dec 13, 2007
    10
    I own this on PS3 and despite all the comments on inferiority its the same game, ask yourselves why anyone would give the same game a lower score on a different console. I have yet to witness the so called slow downs. The original HL2 on PC had slow load times. If you had never played this game before or read the review you would have never noticed. Also I've never been a fan of I own this on PS3 and despite all the comments on inferiority its the same game, ask yourselves why anyone would give the same game a lower score on a different console. I have yet to witness the so called slow downs. The original HL2 on PC had slow load times. If you had never played this game before or read the review you would have never noticed. Also I've never been a fan of multiplayer but TF2 has changed my outlook, this game if pure fun.… Expand
  9. Carlos
    Jan 16, 2008
    10
    BUY IT NOW. The Orange Box is my first PS3 game and is amazing. The only problem i had is with frame rate dips in Half Life 2 Episode 1 and the game freezing on me in episode 2. Half Life 2 has taken the crown for my most beloved game i have ever owned. Half Life 2 Episode 1 is great fun for a weekend. Portal is the best puzzle game but is just to short for its own good i had to stretch BUY IT NOW. The Orange Box is my first PS3 game and is amazing. The only problem i had is with frame rate dips in Half Life 2 Episode 1 and the game freezing on me in episode 2. Half Life 2 has taken the crown for my most beloved game i have ever owned. Half Life 2 Episode 1 is great fun for a weekend. Portal is the best puzzle game but is just to short for its own good i had to stretch it out between gaming sessions to make it last. Team Fortress 2 is probably the best online multiplayer game that I have ever played on a playstation console. Half Life 2 Episode 2 though is a fantastic game that is like Highway 17 in Half Life 2 and is great right after beating Half Life 2. This is the best deal in gaming history. 5 games for 60 dollars.… Expand
  10. johnmuggli
    Oct 24, 2008
    10
    If it did not have all 5 games I may have given it a 9. But with all 5, it is the best deal in gaming then and now. You can not go wrong and now it is only $29. Do not pass up this great set of games.
  11. JohnS.
    May 16, 2008
    10
    This game is great the ps3 three version easly destroys the 360 in graphics and is much much more smoth on ps3. there is no reason to buy the 360 or any game on it cause of the ps3 unserpassive graphics free online play ps store larger HD + internet browser and much beter games soon coming.
  12. JoshuaB.
    Jul 12, 2008
    10
    Amazing offer for a game. Half-life 2, possibly one of the best pc games out there, its sequels, episode 1 and 2, portal, a great puzzle game that'll blow your mind, and tf2, a crazy multiplayer game where you have different classes, resulting in different types of battle skills. This is portrayed in a cartoony style type of graphics. tf2 for the Ps3 sadly only has 5 maps from the, Amazing offer for a game. Half-life 2, possibly one of the best pc games out there, its sequels, episode 1 and 2, portal, a great puzzle game that'll blow your mind, and tf2, a crazy multiplayer game where you have different classes, resulting in different types of battle skills. This is portrayed in a cartoony style type of graphics. tf2 for the Ps3 sadly only has 5 maps from the, say about 50+ maps from the pc version, but were hoping this will change. Good news about it: It had better graphics than the pc (Special effects) until pc got an update... o well... It is a great package, and if I would say so myself, a bargain.… Expand
  13. Tj
    Dec 14, 2007
    10
    This game is WAY better than the critical reviews are saying. The framerate and loading issues are so overblown it's unbelievable. I have played for over 10 hours through everything except Episode 2 and have only had ONE, substantial framerate issue. Any framerate distrubance is gone with 2 seconds. If you like Half Life and pass this up you are making a huge mistake. It's a This game is WAY better than the critical reviews are saying. The framerate and loading issues are so overblown it's unbelievable. I have played for over 10 hours through everything except Episode 2 and have only had ONE, substantial framerate issue. Any framerate distrubance is gone with 2 seconds. If you like Half Life and pass this up you are making a huge mistake. It's a great addition to a PS3 library.… Expand
  14. Alex
    Dec 31, 2007
    10
    Great game. I hope that people don't pay too much attention to some of the poor criticism this game has been receiving in the media. As far as I'm concerned; any frame rate issues are inexistent. This goes for every game available within the Orange Box. This game is definitely worth the purchase and in my opinion the best deal available on the market regardless of your preferred Great game. I hope that people don't pay too much attention to some of the poor criticism this game has been receiving in the media. As far as I'm concerned; any frame rate issues are inexistent. This goes for every game available within the Orange Box. This game is definitely worth the purchase and in my opinion the best deal available on the market regardless of your preferred console. Don't miss out on the action PS3 owners!… Expand
  15. KT36
    Sep 19, 2013
    10
    Amazing value in the Orange Box. This is my first time playing HL2 and i loved it. Portal is a blast. The environments are rich, gameplay is pleasing...the games draw you in like no other. Unique gaming experience to be had and shouldnt be missed.
  16. nickolas77
    Oct 13, 2012
    10
    Are you kidding me 8.2 user review way low. This is one of if not the best single player experience that can be had on the current generation of systems. Great gameplay and creative puzzles and physics. My favorite xbox 360 game with mw2 not 3 a close second. Just try to unlock all the secerets, cant be done. This is a game that makes you think from time to time a great think if u ask me.Are you kidding me 8.2 user review way low. This is one of if not the best single player experience that can be had on the current generation of systems. Great gameplay and creative puzzles and physics. My favorite xbox 360 game with mw2 not 3 a close second. Just try to unlock all the secerets, cant be done. This is a game that makes you think from time to time a great think if u ask me. Get it you wont be disapointed. 5 great games in one and a wonderful story. You feel like your part of the movement. Get it Get it Get it.… Expand
  17. Strike2
    May 1, 2013
    10
    The Orange Box is some of the best value I've had in a game. Half-Life 2 is awesome and deserves a 10 on its own but when put with its 2 fantastic episodes, the creative puzzler Portal with GLaDOS as one of the best game characters ever and Team Fortress 2. You might hear there are a few bugs and frame rate issuses and to be honest there were but they were nothing major and didn't wreckThe Orange Box is some of the best value I've had in a game. Half-Life 2 is awesome and deserves a 10 on its own but when put with its 2 fantastic episodes, the creative puzzler Portal with GLaDOS as one of the best game characters ever and Team Fortress 2. You might hear there are a few bugs and frame rate issuses and to be honest there were but they were nothing major and didn't wreck these 5 awesome games at all.… Expand
  18. MetaRogue
    Nov 12, 2014
    10
    The Orange Box is a great way to get a hold of 5 Valve games for the price of 1. The updated graphics for PS3 show and EA has handled it well. Quick Save is definitely a useful feature to have when encountering those roadblock moments or failing a jumping puzzle section.

    The games themselves are iconised as classics with the package even stating that Half Life 2 is the Highest Rated PC    The Orange Box is a great way to get a hold of 5 Valve games for the price of 1. The updated graphics for PS3 show and EA has handled it well. Quick Save is definitely a useful feature to have when encountering those roadblock moments or failing a jumping puzzle section.

    The games themselves are iconised as classics with the package even stating that Half Life 2 is the Highest Rated PC Game of All Time by (guess who?) Metacritic.

    The only downside is that trophies don't come with the PS3 version, despite being available on Xbox 360.

    That said, revisiting City 17 or venturing as Gordon Freeman for the first time to understand why HL2 was so highly raved about does pay off and offers comparison to how far FPS games have come.

    Portal is a fun, but short puzzle based FPS that focuses more on using the Portal Gun effectively and mastering the mind bending effects of those portals. The story and dialogue are also another fantastic element: GLaDOS will go down in history as one of gamings most villainously sadistic AI's besides SHODAN.

    The only disappointing thing about playing The Orange Box is finishing HL2 Episode 2 and wondering what exactly happened to Episode 3 or Half Life 3 for that matter.

    What happened Valve?    … Expand
  19. JoJoJ.
    Jan 2, 2008
    9
    Having never played HL on any system, I didn't notice any of the graphical issues that others have mentioned. The game is great. Portal is cool and quick. However, the Fortress is really laggy.
  20. NeilR.
    Feb 2, 2008
    9
    Have to agree with others, EA did an ok job with the conversion, it's nowhere near as bad as was reported and it is quite clear that it's a coding issue, luckly it's very rare. Loading times is the only negative i have for this game. they are annoying when you have to wait 30 seconds for the game to continue after you die. TF2 is great fun, occasionally laggy but mainly it Have to agree with others, EA did an ok job with the conversion, it's nowhere near as bad as was reported and it is quite clear that it's a coding issue, luckly it's very rare. Loading times is the only negative i have for this game. they are annoying when you have to wait 30 seconds for the game to continue after you die. TF2 is great fun, occasionally laggy but mainly it runs smoothly and seems to be improving. Portal is great.… Expand
  21. DonM
    Feb 10, 2008
    9
    WOW! I was a little hesitant to buy this game but I must say...I am very impressed. Half Life 2 is a great campaign, especially since it's over 3 years old. I love it's perfect blend of shooting, puzzles, strategy, and story. The graphics still rival other FPS's. I had a fun time playing this game and was hooked from the start. If you like FPS's then you will want to WOW! I was a little hesitant to buy this game but I must say...I am very impressed. Half Life 2 is a great campaign, especially since it's over 3 years old. I love it's perfect blend of shooting, puzzles, strategy, and story. The graphics still rival other FPS's. I had a fun time playing this game and was hooked from the start. If you like FPS's then you will want to play all three of the half life games included on this disk. I would say it's a combined 40-50 hour game. And when one game ends the next episode picks up exactly where the last game ended. CONS: Framerate slowed down occasionally, mostly after quick saving game data, no biggie. Load times are horrendous but you will get over it. PROS: So much content, fun game play, great intriguing storyline which really sucks you in. Great voice acting, puzzles, and guns. Portal is fun and addicting and will kill about 3-4 hours of time. Highly Recommended!… Expand
  22. SammyR.
    Mar 4, 2008
    9
    What an outstanding deal! Each of the five games is stellar, the frame rate issues are very noticeable only in Episode 2, so don't let that be a buying issue. Portal played without a hitch on my PS3. On a side note, I picked this up on sale for $39.99 at Target, so I essentially paid 8 dollars per amazing game. The deal might still be there, so buy it now!
  23. IanGreenwood
    Dec 17, 2007
    9
    After playing through HL2, E1, E2 and Portal I fail to see any difference in the PS3 version. It is a very good port. I didn't experance any frame drops and the load times are identical to the 360 version.
  24. M.DDeaton
    Dec 8, 2007
    9
    Played the retail version the last...Got them in a little early where I work....Unlike the XBOX 360 and PC version this version does have some framerate issues. Nothing game crippling, but definately noticable if you've played either of the other versions. This is especially apparent in Episode II, where sometimes it is like watching a Powerpoint slideshow. However, taken as aPlayed the retail version the last...Got them in a little early where I work....Unlike the XBOX 360 and PC version this version does have some framerate issues. Nothing game crippling, but definately noticable if you've played either of the other versions. This is especially apparent in Episode II, where sometimes it is like watching a Powerpoint slideshow. However, taken as a whole, this is a very competent version all things considered. This is epecially true since Valve and owner Gabe Newell have emphatically stated that they hate the PS3 architecture with a passion and gave it to some D squad EA UK team to port over...On the whole if you own a PC or Xbox 360 get either of those versions...If you only exclusively own a PS3 definately pick this up, though inferior to the other versions, the flaws are not bad enough to deter people from enjoying this extraordinary collection of games! Just remember, Half Life 2 was ported over to the Xbox two years ago and it was stil an amazing experience...Don't miss out!....(Note: Team Fortress II was not up and running when I played this...and yes Portal is still an amazing and unique experience..)… Expand
  25. MichaelA
    May 24, 2009
    9
    John S and Grant are both being fanboys. The Orange Box has 5 incredible games in it. The three Half-Life 2 games are superb with brilliant storytelling and interesting, varied gameplay that works great. Portal is an innovative puzzle games that challenges you to manipulate your environment and use a "Portal Gun" to (in a way) teleport you around a room. I haven't gotten the change John S and Grant are both being fanboys. The Orange Box has 5 incredible games in it. The three Half-Life 2 games are superb with brilliant storytelling and interesting, varied gameplay that works great. Portal is an innovative puzzle games that challenges you to manipulate your environment and use a "Portal Gun" to (in a way) teleport you around a room. I haven't gotten the change to try Team Fortress 2 yet (my PS3 isn't online, and TF2 is online-only), but I hear it's an excellent multiplayer FPS. The PS3 version suffers from some technical problems, such as long load times (usually more than twice as long as the 360 version) and the rare framerate drop, but those problems are so minor that you won't even notice most of the time. EA didn't do a very good job with the PS3 port, and as a result the 360 and PC versions run better, but if you own a PS3 and not a 360 or PC, go ahead and bump the score up to 10.… Expand
  26. BestR.
    Dec 14, 2007
    9
    The game is incredible. Not that its anything compared to the reality that COD4has but the fun that come with playing it. You get five games, all I know is that even if it wasnt that great of a game, I know that I would still rather pay $60 bucks for this game than a lot of other junk thats the same price, wont mention any games. I do have to complain about one thing, people rating The game is incredible. Not that its anything compared to the reality that COD4has but the fun that come with playing it. You get five games, all I know is that even if it wasnt that great of a game, I know that I would still rather pay $60 bucks for this game than a lot of other junk thats the same price, wont mention any games. I do have to complain about one thing, people rating compared to other platforms are just foolish, I never played the 360 or wii pc version but I can tell you this, I am more than satisfied with EA and I wouldnt trade my ps3 for any other system unless its a ps4.… Expand
  27. ashsands
    Jan 11, 2008
    9
    fu*king well gd
    half life is a great fun filling game the graphics r better than wen i had it on the pc i allso run a lot smoother on the ps3 well tht dick hhead c4r105 is a fuck losser whois wishis he had a ps3 than an x fucking box 360 well
  28. JustinM.
    Mar 12, 2008
    9
    This title (and all games within) is f*cking sick. totally adictive. us ps3 owners crave more games of this calibur.
  29. theforeveverwar
    Dec 11, 2012
    9
    Great collection of games, I will probably come back to this review and rate each game individually. But definely worth checking out. Absoluetly loved the orignal portal and was a late comer to half-life 2, This was the first time that I got to play episdoe 1 and 2 and they were really fun and good.
  30. JrDouble
    May 21, 2023
    9
    Half Life 2 and Portal are great games and make this collection well worth the price. Team Fortress sucks, but this is still a 9/10 if you ignore Team Fortress is included in the collection.
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best PS3 Game of 2007
12
#12 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2007
9
#9 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. IGN
    84
    All five games in The Orange Box are awesome, and even though we had problems here and there with some of the control choices, the experience of playing Half-Life 2 games should not be missed. Valve should be counted among the few that simply know how to tell a good story. However, the PS3 version is without a doubt inferior.
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  2. GameDaily
    80
    The PS3 version runs slower than its Xbox 360 counterpart, but it's still a heck of a fun time.
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  3. GameSpy
    70
    In spite of framerate drops, inconsistent online multiplayer, and other serious issues that weigh it down, there's little doubt that the five games in this package exude Valve's attention to detail and show off the developer's talent for making great titles.
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