Customer Reviews

Half-Life 2: Episode Pack

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

If you've played Half-Life 2, then you've probably at the very least heard of HL2: Episode One and Two by now. Its pretty hard to finish Half-Life 2 and not want more, and thankfully Valve has supplied us with two short but exciting extensions to the Half-Life universe without making everyone wait 5+ years for a Half-Life 3.

In case you've never played Half-Life 2, these episodes take place right where the original leaves off, and it would be advisable to purchase the original game first so you know what's going on. The best way to do that is through the Orange Box available for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3, since you get these two episodes as well as the original and two other great games in the set for a good price.

And one more thing before I begin; I am not taking Steam into account on these reviews. I don't particularly relish the idea of having an internet program that locks the games I'm supposed to own in the closet and ultimately tells me whether or not I can play them or how many computers I can play them on, but I haven't had any major problems with Steam yet. It's something you should be aware of though if you're buying any PC versions of Half-Life games; you are required to "activate" them online at installation or you aren't able to play. It also appears that, for this particular set, the games must be fully downloaded from Steam when you insert this disc, rather than installing from there and simply patching, which would be much faster. If the idea of Steam bothers you, get a console version of the Orange Box if that's available to you.

Now, onto the episodes themselves... they're fantastic! Episode One picks up right at the "OMG what happens next!?" ending of the original and lays the foundation for an interesting new story arc. This episode features some slightly improved graphics and great facial animation, and manages to retain most of the orignal flavor of the original with some excellent story-telling scenes and action. The entire voice cast (of the characters still alive) makes a return too.

Unfortunately, while great, I didn't feel that Episode One lived up to it's predecessor. It was short and way too easy. There was also a point in the game where you are required to escort groups of citizens across a hot zone to a train station. I found this to be the worst part of the game since it required you to backtrack several times (something the original never required) and escort 2 or 3 citizens at a time. Plus, the boss battle at the end was just like a certain battle toward the end of the original HL2, except you're only fighting one (instead of like 5 at once) and there's plenty of cover (also unlike earlier), so I found it to be a real breeze and a poor choice for a final boss fight. I loved the character development Alyx underwent in this episode however, and I love the little details the game presents, like Alyx squinting and covering her eyes with her hand if you shine your flashlight in her face. Things like that go a long way to add a realistic feel to the experience.

I hate to use the term "epic," but it's really the only way to describe the next episode. Ep. 2 is a departure from the previous HL2 games as it doesn't take place in City 17 at all. You'll visit lots of places you've not seen before, like an antlion den, a mine, and a forest. I've heard some people complain that this episode doesn't contain the feel of the previous installments, but I found the change welcome and exciting. At the beginning of this episode and throughout, this episode further develops your female sidekick Alyx as a character and gets you more attached to her. IMHO, Alyx is the best female lead character I've ever seen in a video game. By this point in the series, I actually CARED what happened to her, so when she went though a couple of terrible experiences, I felt sorrow, anger, remorse, etc. Pretty amazing that somebody can make you care for something that doesn't really exist! The ending was amazing too; it'll really make you want to get Ep. 3 the day it comes out.

So in other words, if you played HL2 and enjoyed it, these episodes are successful at extending the excitement. You'll really be missing out on a great gaming experience if you pass these games by.

Getting Episode 1 and 2 at this price is pretty good, especially with Portal being made available for free during a limited promotion in May.

The plot/story in Episode 1 and 2 are very short, but still immerse the player into the story. Episode 1 incorporated many mechanisms taken straight from Portal, such as the use of energy balls to open locks/doors.

Episode 2 utilized one too many convenient plot devices to keep the story moving, such as the the elevator during the mission where Gordon has to obtain the larvae essence. Gordon could have just used that elevator from the start rather than run through a long unnecessary gauntlet.

Episode 2 ends rather abruptly and leaves the player wanting more. Hopefully Episode 3 gives us the grand finale for Hl2 that we've all been waiting for.

Two games for ten bucks, I couldn't resist! After all, the original Half-lie, and Half-Life 2, were both awesome! If you don't already have "Steam"(HL developer Valve's online gaming service) installed on your computer, you will need to install it to play these stand alone expansions to HL2. Steam membership is free - they make their money by selling games, retail or via direct download. Game installation was a snap, I simply logged on to Steam and added the dvd key from the Episode pack sleeve, then downloaded both episodes at once - didn't even insert the dvd. It took about twenty minutes on a medium speed dsl connection, and both games were up-to-date and ready to play.

Like other reviewers, I found Episode 1 to be a little bit anti-climactic after the totally amazing HL2. Good, but not great. Game play was excellent, no weird things like getting stuck on a wall or any of that. When Valve releases a game, it's the real deal - they won't release anything buggy. Having Alyx as an almost constant companion is good, she often offers helpful tips, as well as being an indispensable ally during intense firefights. At the risk of sounding RPG-ish, it would be nice to be able to respond to her comments (and comments from other NPC's). One thing I'd really like to see in future HL episodes is a journal you can open, to refresh yourself on your current objective (and whether you've achieved it yet). Episode 1 ends with quite a bang, very good setup for Episode 2.

Episode 2 starts you out in the boondocks, the "Freeman" waking up weaponless in a sinking train car (the train trestle collapsed over a stream), waiting for Alyx to get the door open. There's plenty of action early in the game, and the pace ramps up nicely as the game goes on. Outdoor scenes, underground mines and caves, a little of everything. A few new "Combine" enemies, and lots of action. I have a tendency to want to fully explore an area before moving on, this game won't always let you do that - there are times when you have to blast right through. Outdoor scenery was magnificent. The "Source" game engine still does an awesome job.

Okay, so I gave it a "4". 3-1/2 for episode 1, 4-1/2+ for episode 2. This rating is based totally on enjoyment and game play. If I were rating on value, it would be a 5 - great gaming for $10!

The half life saga is the most epic storyline that has EVER been created.

Before HL2, the original half life was instantly my favorite game. But Valve truly delivered with HL2. If you've ever played Half Life 2, you're most likely to NOT be satisfied. It made me truly insatiable. I needed more! And these two episodes came through.

Before I describe the game, I know that Steam, in spite of all its negative criticism, has never been an issue for me, and I have no problems with its layout and conductance.

Now on to the important part. Episode One quickly picks off from where HL2 left off. Although short, you go through a sequence of events, fighting your way through the Citadel and through City 17, with some extremely awesome moments. But the REAL action is completely packed into Episode 2. Episode 2 introduces many new aspects to the game, such as a new environment. The story takes place outside of City 17, traveling through the surrounding forest and mines. Episode 2 also introduces a few new enemies: the poison antlions and Hunters, which greatly enhances the game and makes it more challenging for the player(s). Ep2 also offers slightly improved graphics, and an AMAZING soundtrack. Those parts where the action is hot and the music kicks in gives you goosebumps like you've never had before. Ep2 also induces a much more lifelike feel by focusing more on the relation between Alyx and Gordon, and strengthening her role in the game. As you progress you actually CARE about what happens to her, and you find yourself becoming ATTACHED to the game, which ultimately gives the game true meaning.

Although Ep1 was quick and not too exciting for me, Ep2 made up for it 10fold. The Half Life saga is the most epic storyline that has ever been created, and it is mostly reflected in Ep2. This game has left me insatiable for the longest time, both from the ending of Half Life 2 and the ending in Ep2. I will praise the day when Ep3 comes out. I will most eagerly be waiting until then! ENJOY THE GAME!!!

This is an awesome game. Big cliff hanger and now I'm dying for the the 3rd episode. Box and game were in perfect condition.

This game is an absolute must have for any PC gamer. No complains at all.

Good Game, good to excellent graphics. Kind of neat to have some of the same foes as other Half Life Episodes, gives a serial "feel" to the game. Just when you think you have it all under control.... they throw in some newbies in the monster world for added fun !

episode one was a little short, but episode two is where it's at! really long and extremely epic! mass amounts of fun also. really good value! the only thing that annoys me is how every game includes HL2 Deathmatch. i have 4 copies. i own 1 and my friend has another, but seriously they DO need to stop including it.

This review is split into two parts due to technical problems with Steam DRM.

Steam sucks:
It took more than an hour to install the game while steam updates and checks everything through slow servers. I then played the game about 10% through. Then Steam suddenly stopped working, aborting in an error about htmlwindow.cpp before the game starts. Valve does have responsive tech support via email, but they seem to have no idea how to fix it. Under Valve's direction, I have spent a week disabling, uninstalling, and reinstalling most of the programs on my system to no avail! I find it very offensive when a company puts such an intrusive DRM on that punishes their paying customers. All of my Valve games are now worthless since steam won't run.

Half Life 2 Episode 2 - Adequate:
This is classic HL2, which was a great game in it's day. The graphics are beautiful, but the gameplay is getting a bit worn. It is fairly linear with little chance to explore. Compared to brilliant games like Bioshock, it seems to lack imagination. I was actually starting to get bored with HL2 Episode 2. The gravity gun is the only unique thing left compared to other games.

I have been a Half Life fan from the start. I just can't wait for the next episode. This episode was a must have for me.