Episode 1 is another highly polished and well produced Valve game that has the feel of a full length game at a fraction of the cost. Lasting only 5 to 6 hours it gives you more of the best action found in Half-Life 2 with a few more interesting dynamics. If you follow the story of the Half-Life series, Episode 1 is a must have. According to Valve and some wild speculation found on wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Half-Life_2) , Episodes 1, 2 and 3 will finish off the current story arc started in HL2, while another episode (currently named Episode 4) will start another story arc. Valve’s switch to episodic content means that we probably won’t be seeing a full Half-Life game for some time (if at all) with each iteration of the story being presented in episodic chunks. Episode 1 follows the storytelling methods found in the Half-Life series with very subtle references and information found throughout the game.
Graphically, Episode 1 greatly improves on HL2 with increased facial texturing and HDR lighting (which looks awesome). I have a X1900XT, and with everything on full the game really takes things to a new level.
Forgetting the graphics, though, the action is more than enough to make this episode shine. The short length of Episode 1 doesn’t stop it from containing some of the best battles found in the series to date. Alyx is with the player throughout the entirety of the game, and although most games that attempt this fail miserably, Episode 1 pulls it off extremely well. Other characters from HL2 also feature, such as Barney and Dog. No new weapons are presented, and most of those found in HL2 make a return.
Episode 1 continues the complex story of the Half-Life series and gives 5 to 6 hours of awesome gameplay. I give it a 9.6 with the only downside being that I want more.
Other Helpful Reviews for Half-Life 2: Episode One
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Episode One is a continuation of the Half-Life 2 story and picks up just where you were so helplessly cut-off at the end of Half-Life 2. Stepping back into the boots of Gordon Freeman has never felt as good as it does in... Read Full Review
