"Well if it isn't Mr Freeman......back for a LITTLE bit more?"

When Valve released Half-Life 2, the PC gaming world shook. The game was the best thing since buttered toast....to put it one way. The world loved it, some calling it the next evolution in FPS. Next came a tech-demo sort of level, Lost-Coast, showing off Valve's implementation of HDR in Half-Life 2. The news that the story would be continued in Half-life 2 Episodes One onwards, well this writer for one was excited to see what could happen, and how the story would continue.

So after un-encrypting it on Steam, I open the game. I won't say much else as the story takes an unusual change. But the G-man is all and present so fans of him won't be disappointed.

Well, lets talk about the aspects of the game

Graphics -

The graphics are better than Half-life 2, astounding. I have a Geforce 7900 GT 512mb, I ran the game with everything pumped out to the max. It's amazing. Look to the Sky when you first gain control, it's quite a sight to see. Water effects are gorgeous, lighting is great (albeit you do get blinded a few times, but sometimes this is intentional =p). The played out scenes look great so just sit back and relax and enjoy when the time calls.

I think I'll draw special attention to the character models. They are even better than the original game. Alyx's expressions really shine through (especially when she gets scared, as you'll see). Other returning characters have changed a tad, for the better. I really don't want to say too much as it'll spoil things. But I will say, you will not be disappointed.

Sound

The sounds haven't changed a whole lot, but the music has.

The music that plays during long combat sequences at random times (usually with Alyx) are great to listen to, and sort of get you racing to just gun the enemies to hell, they even last longer than the originals. Good stuff.

As with Lost coast, there is commentary if you feel the need to listen.

Other than that, not much I can say really.

Gameplay

You played Half-life 2, you know what to expect.

This episode is 90% Alyx/Gordon tag team (you knew it was coming...). The other 10% are either short combat bursts, bosses but mostly puzzles of the usual Half-life 2 caliber.

As Alyx is with you alot, there is more interaction with her. She will make comments about Gordon's shooting skills, give revealing information about Gordon's better days she heard, and of course help you out when she is separated from you. Alot of funny stuff.

One note about the difficulty though. The game has the potential to be a nightmare on hard mode (a new enemy shows this). It's not too bad on Medium where the enemies die reasonably quick, but on Hard it could be a total nightmare given a certain few new enemies won't die too easily. A good challenge while we wait for Episode two?

All in all, top notch.

Longevity

This is the only real downside of this game.

Some of you may remember a mod called Blue Shift that allowed you to play the role of Barney, sounded great right? Wrong

The game was completed in under 3 hours.

This game is no different, the only redeeming featuring of this one being the story is not over. But really, $20 (I dunno what it is in £) for this? I'm not so mad being that I love this series. But some of you will be. Oh well, it came with HL:DM Source (the original), one extra line on the game list lit up.

Just bear this in mind if you intend on getting this game.

To round up.

Half-life 2: Episode One is a great continuation for the time it plays. You will be thirsty for more I can assure you. Just be prepared for a rather abrupt end.

Final Score 9/10 (Was thinking of 8, but the little things bumped it up to counter it's length)

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/01/06