Half Life 2: Episode 1 (PC) Review
Posted by Damian Sarcuni on 07.16.2006
Does 3 hours of Gordon Freeman stand on its own?
One of the most popular and successful first person shooter franchises known to man, Sierra’s Half Life series is back in a very limited way. Half Life 2: Episode 1 (or Aftermath) is one of the first games to be released in the episode format, meaning that the game is sold and marketed in small sections instead of as a complete story. Although the cost of purchasing such a game is reduced to about a third of what it would be if it was complete, the actual game content is also severely reduced in size (but hopefully not in quality).
In the interest of giving a perfectly honest opinion of the game, I have decided to disregard its episodic nature. Whether a game costs $20 or $200, there is no excuse for poor content. Still, there is something to be said with any successful franchise and the thousands of fans who will dive into this next installment without as much as a second thought of the price, so I will try to also consider Episode 1 as a part of a normal ongoing game series. With all this in mind, here is the review of Half Life 2: Episode 1:
Graphics
Half Life itself has never been anything short of visually stunning and Episode 1 is no different. Hosting some of the most evolved facial expressions and body movements I have ever seen in game characters, at times Episode 1 looks more like the actual set of a sci-fi movie than just some game on a screen. The problem however, is that you’ve seen it all before. There is almost nothing new in Episode 1 that was not already covered in the original Half Life 2. The same enemies show up, the same locations are visited, the same weapons are used. It all looks really impressive…just like it did last time.
Gameplay
Episode 1 is particularly interesting in terms of gameplay. While holding true to the Half Life franchise, Episode 1 adds in some minor factors and new situations that make all the difference in the world. For example, you now have a companion, Alex, traveling with you constantly, which gives some of the game's more survival-horroresque moments an entirely new feel. In dark rooms, shine your flashlight on an enemy so your friend can target it properly to take it out. Make a mad dash for the light at the end of the tunnel while your companion does her best to watch your back and buy you some time. Since Alex is more or less invincible with unlimited ammo, the game’s difficulty is drastically reduced.
The game has somewhat odd weapons distribution. You will start off using the supercharged gravity gun that made a brief appearance at the end of Half Life 2 for at least a quarter of the entire game, and while Gordon Freeman’s trademark crowbar does make an appearance, by the time it does the game is almost over and you don’t even need it. Ammo is scarce in the beginning and plentiful at the end, which gives the game a nice transition from sci-fi horror to all out alien warfare. Cover your troops while they make a dash for their evacuation train, or plug an alien burrow to save your boys from getting overrun by aliens. While the Half Life engine is just as comfortable for players new and old as it always has been, the game has actually added new situations instead of just rehashing more of the same and this is a pleasant surprise.
Sound
Oh man, the sound in Episode 1 is just SWEET! Everything from alien grunts to beeping door locks now has significance with not only the gameplay but also the progress and story of the game itself. Event sounds are timed perfectly with dialogue whether in the heat of battle or in character interaction. The sound is absolutely immersive in Half Life 2: Episode 1 and does an incredible job; making you feel like you are really there.
While there are not many music tracks in the game, I cannot stress enough how good the music actually is. During certain sequences of heavy action throughout the game, the sound effects and battle noises take a backseat to some really pumping and heavy rock and technical tracks. While you would think this would be frustrating, the music is so good and so well placed that it enhances the experience ten fold instead of detracting from it at all. These tracks are amazing and if there is a soundtrack for Half Life 2: Episode 1 I will definitely be purchasing a copy.
Lasting Appeal
Quite frankly there is almost no replay value to Half Life 2: Episode 1 The game only lasts about 3 to 4 hours if you are playing on a harder difficulty, and there are really no spots in the game worth revisiting more than once. The package comes with some nifty little multiplayer games, but again it’s nothing ground breaking that hasn’t already been available for a very long time.
First time Half Life players, if there are any out there at all, will not enjoy Episode 1 on nearly as much of a scale as experienced players will. The game’s storyline acts as sort of bridge between parts and anyone who picked this game up for the first time can expect to be very confused about what they are seeing, who these characters are, and what is going on throughout the game. Although it is not an actual expansion pack for Half Life 2, Episode 1 should be treated as such.
Fun Factor
As I mentioned before, the game only lasts a few hours, but for those few hours you will probably forget the outside world entirely. Half Life 2: Episode 1 is not only fast paced and aesthetically pleasing, but it also allows you to handle most of the game the way you want. Do you prefer to take strategic cover during a firefight? There is plenty of blown debris and narrow spots to hide behind. Perhaps you prefer to charge in against your enemy kamikaze style? Throw a grenade and charge to push the action. Tired of this insanity and want to move on to the next area? Hold down the shift button and flee like the coward you are. Whatever your play style, Episode 1 has you covered. As you progress through the game whichever way you choose, you will find yourself smiling as you cut through the teeming alien masses blocking your path.
The 411
You’ve seen the Half Life 2 world before, but now there are a few more things to do in it. At best, Episode 1 breathes refreshing new life into a series that was left unfulfilled and underutilized. At worst, it’s a cheap three hour rip off that lacks any new designs and only serves to satiate salivating, overlooked and ignored Half Life fans. Is it worth checking out? Yes, but more for the gameplay itself, and not for the progression of story or to add any sense of finality. Play Half Life 2: Episode 1 and you’ll be left with short and sweet memories of alien busting action while waiting for the next installment to come around.
Graphics
7.0
Stunning, but it’s the same exact stuff that stunned us before.
Gameplay
8.0
Surprisingly refreshing, definitely the game’s biggest selling point.
Sound
9.0
An orgasm for the ears.
Lasting Appeal
3.0
Has about the same appeal as that DVD you bought once, watched twice, and now sits on your shelf gathering dust.
Fun Factor
7.0
The fast pace of the game allows you to really get into everything going on.
