Date: 2007/10/03
Platform: PC (also available for XBOX 360)
My Specs: nVidia 8800GTS 384MB, Pentium Quad Core, 4GB RAM, Vista Home Premium, running 1600x1080 resolution, DX10. Using this configuration the game played with zero problems. Maybe half a dozen instances of framerate glitches during my whole time playing the game.
Genre: First Person Shooter (FPS)
Official Site: http://orange.half-life2.com//
Played So Far: Complete. (about 6-8 hours of play time)
Note: purchased as part of "Orange Box" pre-order
The original Half Life brought the first person shooter genre to a whole new level with its in-game narrative and its advancements in AI. Half Life 2 continued the tradition, but moved things from run and gun to more of a theme park thing where each level had its own game play wrinkle. Half Life 2 Episode One continues from where HL2 left off gameplay wise. It also represents Valve's forray into the episodic game. Basically instead of spending years and years making a Half Life 3, Valve opted to release three shorter "episodes". Good for their cash flow, but does it work for the gamer?
I purchased Episode One as part of my Orange Box pre-order. Basically next month Half Life Episode Two comes out, along with several other titles: Team Fortress 2 (a multi-player only shooter), Portal (a first person physics puzzle game), Half Life 2, Episode One, and of course Episode Two. I mention this because on its own Episode One would be (in my opinion) over-priced and far too short. Priced in with the Orange Box it's much more reasonable. Basically you'll get one big game composed of Half Life 2, Episode One, and Episode Two (plus two bonus games, Portal and Team Fortress 2).
The graphics in Episode One are well done, especially the character models. The graphics aren't revolutionary and are about the same as in Half Life 2. The environments are generally well done. The sound is also good with many of the same effects as in Half Life 2. Overall nothing to complain about here; Episode One is definitely a good looking game. The plot is okay and the "acting" was well done. No complaints on the graphics and sound side, I even thought it held up rather well even having just played Bioshock.
HL2E1 is a first person shooter, but the game is built around puzzle like levels and figuring out how to proceed. Ammo is almost always scarce and sometimes the combat feels like a secondary consideration.
The Half Life 2 formula is to give you levels broken up into different experiences. In HL2 you had your airboat level, your vehicle level, etc. Episode One has the same sort of thing going on but without the variety due to the restricted size of the release. Also there wasn't really a good vehicle section this time around. The levels are a mixed bag from slightly annoying to very enjoyable. The game is very short and it really felt like the ending game just as things were getting interesting.
Overall Episode one is an average title in a fairly crowded FPS market. On it's own it's a playable shooter with some fun moments, and with very good production values, but it is also very short. But odds are you probably won't be buying this as a stand alone title. As part of a pack-in it represents decent value. Plus I'm pretty sure I've seen this for sale by now well under the $20 range which makes it worth a look, especially if you've already played Half Life 2. Actually the remaining episodes of Half Life 2 will really determine how good this game is, as a chapter of a larger game it could more successful. Time will tell!
Quentin
Discuss in our forums.
Half Life: I still prefer Half Life to HL2. HL1 presented more interesting battles and gameplay, especially for the period in which it was released. But let's face it if you're a HL fan you're probably going to have to try this game!
Half Life 2: Definitely continues on the HL2 tradition. HL2 is the better game, but Episode One is definitely an extension and if you enjoyed HL2, you'll want to play this. Right now just wait and buy it as part of the Orange Box, so you can try out Episode Two as well! (not to mention Portal and Team Fortress 2)
F.E.A.R. Extraction Point: This is the expansion pack to F.E.A.R. I felt I got more out of the FEAR expansion pack experience then I did out of HL2 Episode One. F.E.A.R. EP was a lot more enjoyable than Episode One, but it's built around brilliant gun play instead of puzzles.
Far Cry: Almost the opposite game - Far Cry is much more open and concentrated on the gun battles, HL2E1 is pretty much laid out on rails for you and the game guides you through each encounter.
Bioshock: Bioshock is a better experience with more variety and options in gameplay. HL2E1 probably requires a bit more thought at certain points, but once you figure out a level you're done. If you're a Bioshock fan there's not much to recommend with Half Life 2:Episode One.