Half Life 2 has sold millions of copies and won countless awards for its excellent achievement in creating a cinematic gaming experience. The official sequel, Episode 1, used to be called “Aftermath,” but developer Valve chose to split it up in three Episodes, released over two years. The first episode is finally here, question is, does it live up to the hype?
Episode 1 picks up where Half Life 2 left off; the destruction of the Citadel in City 17. From the moment you start fighting your way (back) into the Citadel, you notice that everything is like it was in Half Life 2, everything feels familiar, and that is exactly the way you want it to be, just like Half Life 2.
This time though, Alyx, the hot rebel fighting the Combine invasion, accompanies you. You might think she’ll slow you down, but trust me, you’ll need her help. It’s very clear that Valve put in a lot of work into Alyx, and making the game rely on teamwork. And they succeed in doing just that. The one-two punch tactics with Alyx works great, the A.I. and the scripted work is better than in any other game to date. The puzzles are a bit harder this time, since you tend to find yourself in a combat situation while having to solve a puzzle at the same time. It makes for some tense moments in Episode 1, something the original could not deliver.
If you expect some new weapons and content, you’ll have to look elsewhere than Episode 1. Most of your enemies are the same, and you get no new weapons. Nevertheless, that only adds to the experience, sine everything feels the same way Half Life 2 did, it’s very easy to just pick up and play. It’s clear that Valve did this on purpose, it’s not Half Life 3, but a continuation of Half Life 2.
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Article comments
1 - manfred
Great game, i got it yesterday and I just can't stop playing , just like the Half Life 2, once u get into it is hard to stop. And no motion sickness so far hehe.
Good article :)
-manfred