The Orange Box

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1058 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 931 out of 1058
  2. Mixed: 60 out of 1058
  3. Negative: 67 out of 1058
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  1. WilliamC.
    Oct 13, 2007
    9
    A solid pack, well worth the price of $49.95. Episode Two's graphics are a bit outdated compared to modern shooters like Halo 3/Crysis, but it's three games in one. EP2 was terrific, and VIA plot-twist at the end left my mouth gaping open in shock. Portal was a fun game, but HOLY JESUS BEANS why is it ONLY 19 levels? Team Fortress 2 is a solid game. A few bugs(I could shoot A solid pack, well worth the price of $49.95. Episode Two's graphics are a bit outdated compared to modern shooters like Halo 3/Crysis, but it's three games in one. EP2 was terrific, and VIA plot-twist at the end left my mouth gaping open in shock. Portal was a fun game, but HOLY JESUS BEANS why is it ONLY 19 levels? Team Fortress 2 is a solid game. A few bugs(I could shoot without reloading on one round, but it never happened again after that) but they'll fix it. Oh, and that other Halo fanboy that complained about TF2 not having a Deathmatch gamemode? Here's a hint: TEAM fortress 2. GET IT?… Expand
  2. GMan003
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Just incredible. Even with slightly dated graphics, it still amazes with the gameplay. All three of the main games (TF2, Portal and Episode 2) would be a powerful standalone title, but all together? Only problem: Which one gets "Game of the Year"?
  3. DonGreen
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Fantastic package...probably the best ever in the history of video games. You've got 1....the best FPS of all time in Half Life 2 and ep 1-2...2. Portal - a PERFECT game...seriously...nothing else like it. Perfectly original. 3. Team Fortress 2 - the best and most deep FPS experience. This game rocks!
  4. RobertN.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Anyone not voting this package a 10 is not thinking this through. 9 in the very least. All complaints about this game are vacuous. Yes, it's an "old" engine, but it was the best engine at the time of original release (save maybe Doom 3, but that was nothing but graphics). The game looks amazing, not GoW amazing, but it looks great. Framerates are rock solid. I checked out the Anyone not voting this package a 10 is not thinking this through. 9 in the very least. All complaints about this game are vacuous. Yes, it's an "old" engine, but it was the best engine at the time of original release (save maybe Doom 3, but that was nothing but graphics). The game looks amazing, not GoW amazing, but it looks great. Framerates are rock solid. I checked out the beginning of Episode 2 and was awestruck at the visuals, and I am not easily impressed. Value is a 10, replay is a 10, graphics are a 10 (or at least a 9). Sound is a 10, voice acting is a 10, artistic value is a 10. How could anyone rate this a 6?! How could anyone rate this an 8? I am sorry, but this is a 9+ package and anyone saying otherwise is just trying to stir the pot for no reason.… Expand
  5. MarkB.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    This is an amazing package; not only is each piece of it worth the price alone, with hours of single-player entertainment in total and years-worth of value from team-fortress 2, but you get everything for so cheap! It really is a perfect package, a must buy, and one of the best games this year.
  6. Cl0cK*
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    The best gaming deal you'll have in a long time, 5 great games in one box. Portal is an original and amazing singleplayer experience, Episode Two very good sequel to episode one I liked episode two more than any other half-life games. And TF2 is one of the best multiplayer game out there,
  7. RyanW.
    Oct 13, 2007
    6
    This package is very over-rated. The core gameplay in Half Life 2 and both episodes has now dulled with age. The AI is inferior to many games, and there is very little variation in combat. The single player part is very very linear and feels like your being led by the hand too much. The graphics are also sub-par, with Episode 2 showing some improvements, many objects and environments are This package is very over-rated. The core gameplay in Half Life 2 and both episodes has now dulled with age. The AI is inferior to many games, and there is very little variation in combat. The single player part is very very linear and feels like your being led by the hand too much. The graphics are also sub-par, with Episode 2 showing some improvements, many objects and environments are poorly textured. Halo 3 is far more entertaining, is better looking and has more replay value in the single player campaign. And Portal is just far too short. Overall: Comprehensive package, but tired gameplay and not much replay value in the single player parts.… Expand
  8. KrishanV.
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    BRILLIANT!! every game is better then the last!!! the one that i enjoy the most is tf2!! soo god!
  9. ZackT.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    Every single game provided in this package impressed me to the fullest. With Half-Life 2: Episode Two you really felt like you were Gordon just as it has been in the previous episodes. Team Fortress 2 has you going for hours trying out all the available classes. Portal's amazing physics had me beating the game twice. 11/10, excellent package for an excellent price.
  10. DaneP.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    Simply amazing.
  11. SteveS.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    The orange box is simply awesome. my only complaint is episode 2 and portal were short. but i have no doubt people will create custom portal challenges adding to the replay value greatly, and the price for 5 games makes it a must have.
  12. RichardM.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    Ridiculous amount of fun for the price. Each game is outstanding, even if Portal is a bit short. Highly recommended.
  13. TomG.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    First i will start off with the obvious. 50 bucks for 5 amazing games! Now. I will begin with Half-Life 2, Half-Life 2 Episode 1, and Half-Life 2 Episode 2. They are all Amazing games(i have played the original half-life 2 and episode 1 before already, and i loved them. as for Episode 2, I just finnished it, and although short, it is absolutely amazing. You can realy see the depth of the First i will start off with the obvious. 50 bucks for 5 amazing games! Now. I will begin with Half-Life 2, Half-Life 2 Episode 1, and Half-Life 2 Episode 2. They are all Amazing games(i have played the original half-life 2 and episode 1 before already, and i loved them. as for Episode 2, I just finnished it, and although short, it is absolutely amazing. You can realy see the depth of the story in this last episode. Portal was probably the most satisfying gaming experience i have Ever had....i just wish there was more of it. right now im just getting into Team Fortress 2 and again i love it. In fact i love Every part of this package so much im almost tempted to buy it for Xbox 360 as well.… Expand
  14. XtHcX519XSimChampion
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    Team Fortress Two alone is worth the price tag. The addition of Half Life for people who never played the PC version is good bang for your buck. Not to fond of Portal, but the game has so much more to offer. In my opinion this game is the Halo 3 killer.
  15. FPSMaster
    Oct 12, 2007
    8
    A good compilation of games but by no means deserves a 98/100. Half Life 2 was good when it came out and is still good. So is Episode 1 and Episode 2. But this is a 3 year old engine and for any game remade 3 years later to recieve this kind of praise makes me sick. How many games on 360 that look last gen or have re-used an old engine have gotten reviews this high? None, other than Halo A good compilation of games but by no means deserves a 98/100. Half Life 2 was good when it came out and is still good. So is Episode 1 and Episode 2. But this is a 3 year old engine and for any game remade 3 years later to recieve this kind of praise makes me sick. How many games on 360 that look last gen or have re-used an old engine have gotten reviews this high? None, other than Halo 3 but those reviews don't count since they are reviewing the name and not the game. Any other games this gen that look outdated or run on original Xbox engines have been crucified. I'm not saying this should be crucified, but it deserves no more than an 8/10 because it's old content that's been available for years just repackaged with the worst boxart and name ever. Portal is fun for about 2 hours until you finsih it and Team Fortress 2 sounds better on paper than it actually plays. It's laggy as hell for one and connecting to games can be a chore. Disconnections happen all the time and it uses a lobby system much like the Tom Clancy games meaning the entire team focus goes right out the window as soon as the host quits because it's back to the main menu for you losing all those teamates that made the game actually fun for a bit. The graphics on it look like the Incredibles meets Road Runner which is a nice change of pace. But the actual map design and gameplay are flat out boring. You run around a map for 5 minutes looking for someone to shoot, then it sets in once you try to shoot that the aiming is too twitchy making it feel like Prey did online. Couple that with the worst classes ever in a multiplayer game and you have something even more overrated than Halo 3. The classes are so imbalanced and there are absolutely no grenades whatsoever. Everyone plays as a spy since that class looks like the other teams' temates then they stab you in the back. Everyone plays as the spy which is the most imbalanced class ever and it ruins what little fun the game offered. It's the equivalent of games like COD3 where everyone plays as a sniper which forces you to do it too or you have no chance of winning. I'd say stick with Halo 3 in all it's mediocrity because at least it can be more fun than 3 year old repackaged games packaged with mindless crap(TF2) that somehow took Valve 9 years to make..… Expand
  16. R.Hill
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    This rating is for Half-Life 2: Episode 2... I really enjoyed the game. It draws you in with a cinematic experience. I beat it in a day, but still was very entertaining. The only disappointment was that they left you hanging at the end (leading to an episode 3 obviously). Definitely looking forward to the next installment.
  17. AnthonyS.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    This game has got to be the best combo EVER!!!! Team Fotress 2 is by far one of the funnest multiplayer games I have ever played and Portal, one of the best puzzle games in a LOOOONG time. Half-Life 2 will always be a classic that will be played over and over and Episode Two simply tie's up the loose ends. Great job Valve!!
  18. Ryan
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    A must own. Always something to do in this compilation. There's great story, great innovation, great multiplayer, great replay value, great achievements (99 of them). This is a must buy.
  19. JohnF.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    So much content on one disc. Cmon', you can't go wrong with that. Especially when it's Half-Life. Valve I salute you!
  20. WillM.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    Amazing achievement by Valve. Episode 2 is the best Half-Life gameplay has been yet, the story is so immersive, the environent so gripping, that you don't want it to end. Portal is the perfect companion piece to that triumph, and an amazingly fun and inventive game in it's own right. Then there's TF2, and after logging many beta and live hours I can say this is the best Amazing achievement by Valve. Episode 2 is the best Half-Life gameplay has been yet, the story is so immersive, the environent so gripping, that you don't want it to end. Portal is the perfect companion piece to that triumph, and an amazingly fun and inventive game in it's own right. Then there's TF2, and after logging many beta and live hours I can say this is the best online shooter in years. A gamer would be foolish not to buy this, and not just because it's a great deal: It's just the highest quality gaming experience you'll see all year, period.… Expand
  21. ChristianB.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    Without a doubt one of the greatest buys of al time, the orange box is a masterpiece. 5 games for the price of one is already a good deal, then take in mind each of those games has wonderful appeal.do not ignore one of the greates deals ever.
  22. bazdogherb
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    It's probably the best game/package you could ever hope to buy...
  23. JasonJ.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    This has got to be one of the best releases for any console or PC. Where else do you get such great quality games for such a low price? Thanks Valve!
  24. MarcL
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    Awesome... Just reminds me of why I keep saying that Half-Life 2 is the best game I've ever played.
  25. WesS.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    The sum of the parts is as impressive as the parts of the sum. Great value, solid gameplay, three destinct FPS styles (SP FPS, MP FPS, Puzzle FPS) in one box. Hours, days, weeks of fun.
  26. DaivdD.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    5 GREAT games for the price of one? NONE of these games are "so-so", not a single one. Each on it's own is worth the price of a full game. There is no better deal. The word to express the amazement escape me. I can't see how ANYONE chould rate this less then ten, it's like a hurricane of awesome!
  27. MikeC.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    5 games in 1??!! A must-buy for 360, PC and PS3 owners
  28. AndrewA.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    Valve delivers every time! The Orange Box is no exception, especially if you are new to the Half Life 2 experience. Team Fortress 2 is great fun with wonderful characters and quick game play, Portal is new and challenging, and Episode 2 is more great Half Life 2 gaming goodness! All this, and I am playing these on a 3 year old laptop! Gotta love it!
  29. RickR.
    Oct 11, 2007
    6
    Come on. HL2 Episodes 1 and 2 weren't upgraded--so they look easily two years old, Portal is a class project from a game school (slightly fun puzzler) and Team Fortress does not include DM on a platform that has never had the support of Class Systems by end-users. We're going to have a bunch of children being annoying while others try to Heal players and such. This thing is poor Come on. HL2 Episodes 1 and 2 weren't upgraded--so they look easily two years old, Portal is a class project from a game school (slightly fun puzzler) and Team Fortress does not include DM on a platform that has never had the support of Class Systems by end-users. We're going to have a bunch of children being annoying while others try to Heal players and such. This thing is poor from a playability and (doors kill me?!?) bug standpoint as well. Very disappointing.… Expand
  30. DarthGoat
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    100% awesomesauce.
  31. JonT.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    This box is a must buy. After you beat Portal you will agree that it was worth it for that game's ending alone. Yes, I'm serious.
  32. DamienA.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    Ridiculous games! HL2 alone is amazing, but including 4 other games in this package is unbeatable. Portal is a little too short but how can you complain when you have a good 20 hours of HL2 game play included on the disk. Not to mention the countless hours for TF2!
  33. ScottR.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    The three games here are not without flaw. Regardless, I can't think of any game that I would say is definitely better than this. Especially when you consider the value of 3 near perfect games for the price of one.
  34. PhilM.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    After the disappointing single player experience of Halo 3, it's great to play the Orange Box single player games and be reminded that there are still developers who can get it right...
  35. C.henry
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    easily one of the best games on the xbox, and definitely the best bang for you dollar. It's practically 5 games for the price of one. One of the best single player FPS games ever, HL2. Portals is ridiculously innovative and creative. Plus, it's a hoot. TF2 looks and plays great.
  36. Chris
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    TF2 was worth the 8 years of waiting.
  37. SteveT.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    Wow, this is the best deal ever for a game. Honestly I would pay full price for each of the new titltes alone. Half Life 2 is awsome as ususal. The gravity gun makes it too awsome when compared to every other FPS. I can only assume that episodes 1 and 2 will be just as solid. Portal is a game every gamer should experience. It is kind of hard to get used to, but once you do, it becomes a Wow, this is the best deal ever for a game. Honestly I would pay full price for each of the new titltes alone. Half Life 2 is awsome as ususal. The gravity gun makes it too awsome when compared to every other FPS. I can only assume that episodes 1 and 2 will be just as solid. Portal is a game every gamer should experience. It is kind of hard to get used to, but once you do, it becomes a very fun and intense game to play. Lastly the game I spent the most time with yesterday was Team Fortress 2. This game would be worth the full price alone. Even when you die you are having a good time. The team element makes for some killer strategic yet comedic game play. The best part is you can switch between the different classes at a whim to see which type suits you or your team's situation the best. All in all the total package is outstanding...don't sit on the fence for this one..go buy it now!… Expand
  38. JasonH.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    Having so many games together makes this a steal for $60. Although a few elements were left out from TFC in the new TF2, several were added as well. I really miss having grenades, though.
  39. JohnW.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    WOW! I was really shocked at this. Every single one of the five games is a great. Half Life and it's add-ons were jaw dropping, the story and visuals, as well as the characters feel like a living, breathing world. Portal is a comedic stroke of genius, the physics and almost obsessive compulsive mood of the game brings a smile to my face and a dreamy sigh of relief. Now the big one, WOW! I was really shocked at this. Every single one of the five games is a great. Half Life and it's add-ons were jaw dropping, the story and visuals, as well as the characters feel like a living, breathing world. Portal is a comedic stroke of genius, the physics and almost obsessive compulsive mood of the game brings a smile to my face and a dreamy sigh of relief. Now the big one, Team Fortress 2, WOW. I didn't think I'd say this, but good-bye for a while Halo 3, I've got a new game to play, the brief comedy and artistic style gives me smile even when I'm loosing. All of these games look and feel great, though, Team Fortress 2 did come with a few errors, I am pretty sure a patch will fix this. Good job Valve!… Expand
  40. KorinL.
    Oct 11, 2007
    4
    A botched port with control and technical issues in one package.
  41. MarkT.
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    I previously voted 8 because of Steam problems.. seems they sorted that out. This is a great package... hard to see how you can go wrong. Team Fortress is a hilarious multiplayer... surprisingly deep when you start to appreciate the well-balanced classes; HL2 is, well HL2... a great great shooter, and for me the surprise was Portal - not a long game, but gripping and playful, funny... I previously voted 8 because of Steam problems.. seems they sorted that out. This is a great package... hard to see how you can go wrong. Team Fortress is a hilarious multiplayer... surprisingly deep when you start to appreciate the well-balanced classes; HL2 is, well HL2... a great great shooter, and for me the surprise was Portal - not a long game, but gripping and playful, funny... very worthwhile.… Expand
  42. ChrisC.
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    Three of the best games of 2007 at an unbeatable price. You can't go wrong with The Orange Box.
  43. A.D.Salo
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    I know I'm a little off topic here but I really think this is the one of the better sites for game ratings. Since it takes the ratings made by other sites and compiles them. In addition, providing their own take. Well done. [Ed: my new best buddy.] Oh, the game by the way, fantastic.
  44. P.Dub
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    First, I thought Bioshock was the best game of the year, then I thought Halo 3 was the best game of the year. Now, I pretty sure that accolade belongs to the Orange Box. Portal will twist your mind, the HL trilogy is jaw dropping in every way ; physics, graphics, animation, and AI are the best I've ever seen.
  45. SiphaiBorsch
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    This is easily the best deal of the year as you get 5 groundbreaking, amazing games for the price of one overly expensive games. Even though only 3 are new, it is still worth it as all of the games in the deal are much better than anything out at the moment.
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2007
6
#6 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2007
6
#6 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
96

Universal acclaim - based on 54 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 54
  3. Negative: 0 out of 54
  1. GamePro
    100
    For first-person shooter fans, it doesn't get much better than this. What's even better is that each individual game runs amazingly well on the Xbox 360. The graphics are amazing as is the presentation. The interface that Valve created for navigating through the content is also wonderful.
    Read full review
  2. IGN
    95
    That so much great content is offered at the standard single-game price is astonishing.
    Read full review
  3. Yahoo!
    100
    The Orange Box can't stop giving. It's a sci-fi masterpiece, a clever puzzler and a multiplayer monster wrapped into one, making this a landmark achievement in gaming value and one of the easiest buying decisions you'll make all year. Color us impressed.
    Read full review
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