Half-Life 2: Episode One 1 was released a bit over 8 years ago, as the even then long-awaited expansion of the original, critically widely acclaimed game. Since it is part of the Orange Box, the Half-Life 2 Complete Edition and the Valve Complete Edition, chances are great you already own and have played the original Half-Life 2.
The good news: Episode 1 continues on the high level of level design and gameplay the original had set. There is however an important shift in focus, as the greater part of the game is played alongside Alyx, Gordon's female companion-in-arms. Alyx happily stands her own against the enemy hordes and doesn't need any sort of "babysitting" games wtih less well developed AI sometimes call for. She's been updated graphically as well (looking even better ;-)) since Episode 1 makes use of the High Dynamic Range lighting effects first tried out by Valve in Half-Life 2: Lost Coast. However, compared to that playable tech-demo, environments in Episode 1 are a bit disappointing and don't always offer the best opportunities for the upgraded engine to shine. There are no wide-open vistas, and although the opening level in the Citadel is impressive, it also has a sort of repetitiveness that comes to the fore now and then.

On the other hand, gameplay-wise everything is as top-notch as it was in the original game, and the fact that you play alongside Alyx offers some interesting opportunities. There's even a Steam Achievement called "One Bullet" which gets unlocked by playing through the entire game (!!) using one single bullet. The rest of the kills/actions has to be made by using the Gravity Gun, which gets an upgrade during the early part of the game. This calls for clever thinking, and I tried to get it, only to find myself missing the shooting action after a couple of hours ;-).

All in all, Episode 1 is a good to very good expansion, continuing the story of the original game in a logical and interesting way. There's no reason at all not to give it a shot (...) when you've played the original Half-Life 2.

Overall rating: 8/10

Played through the game firing 1 bullet... 11/10

Just buy it.



(Sponsored by Nike)

My internet cut off so I played the whole game offline.


Needless to say, I didn't get any acheivements and now im depressed.


gaben/10

Episode 1 continues where Half Life 2 ended.

It's the shortest one of them all and adds a few new things which I really like for instance Alyx can only see in the dark if you turn on the flashlight and point it in some direction.

A must have for a Half-Life fan of course.

She's waiting on the other side for you, Gordon! You lucky dog you!

The adventure didn't finished with blowing up Citadel. This game is the shortest and most exciting game I have ever seen in my life. In this episode Gordon and Alyx are running away and try to find a way to escape from City 17. There is no new equipment or new weapon. Also in this episode we will see Gordon and Alyx more close together. If you finished Half Life 2 already, you need to buy and play this game definitely.

Fantastic game.

Half Life 2 Ep. 1 came out 2 years after the release of Half Life 2. It was called Episode for a reason though. It took me 3 hrs to complete as opposed to 15 hrs Half Life 2 provided. Gameplay wise it doesn't add anything new. So the story is the only fresh thing it can deliver.

Not quite as good as HL2 but very much worth a go.

Continuation of the epic series by valve.

You start off from where half life 2 ended and make your way through the scariest set of levels in the new trilogy(HL2 trilogy) so far.

Definitely a must play for all half-life and fps lovers. You just cant skip this game or any games in the half life series for that matter. Get them all and immerse yourself in the complex yet great plot!

10/10

The Half-Life Series has left a legacy for a reason. Enough said.

If you're planning on buying the games individually, dont. Search the "Orange Box" on steam and buy it instead. You get the entire series plus both Portal games, and it comes out cheaper. The Orange Bundle was on sale yesterday for $5 on greenmangaming. Its normally 20 dollars however, which is still a pretty good deal. I think i bought it for $10. so yeah, the bundle can save you some money if you place it on your wishlist and buy it on sale.

Episode One picks up the story right around where Half-Life 2 ended. Alyx and Dog are looking for you, and your job is to get the hell out of City 17 before it blows up. There are a few enhancements to the gameplay, some new enemies, and a superb storyline that continues to expand the Half-Life universe. A must play if you are a fan of the series, or if you're looking for a quick shooter. The game itself is not long, but packs a punch in the short campaign that you play.

Episode Three is better

Great followup to Half-Life 2, and has some pretty awesome combat scenes. Alyx is seen getting a personality upgrade, for sure. Would reccomend buying the entire Orange Box though, as this is pretty short.

BARNEY IS RUNNING OUT OF CROWBARS.
GORDON DON'T LOSE ANY MORE.
GORDON NO.
WE NEED THE CROWBAR FOR HELF LUFF TREE.

This review is not necessarily what I would call completely finished, but here is what I have thus far:

Half-Life 2: Episode One continues more or less directly from where the remarkable masterpiece known as Half-Life 2 left off. Needless to say, those who played and enjoyed Half-Life 2 will probably enjoy Episode One, as it continues the captivating storyline of Half-Life 2 over into a new phase following the events of the previous game.

Good game good story lots of action
well worth buying

Wow soo Good :D

Was easy, and adventureful :) Try it!