People like to see good triumph over evil. It's the reason Superman always wins despite getting stabbed in the face with shards of Kryptonite. Why John McClane beats a skyscraper full of heavily-armed terrorists with nothing but a string vest. And why those pesky S.T.A.R.S. agents always get the better of the T-virus. Sometimes, though, there are games brave enough to spit in the face of convention and let their no gooders go ... » Read More

28 Aug 2008

Leipzig: The real-life Half-Life 2

PC Feature | Half-Life 2: Episode One

When we went to the Leipzig GC this year, we found ourselves in strangely familiar surroundings. Strangely, disturbingly familiar surroundings. Gravity guns at the ready... ... » Read More

15 Aug 2008

Seinfeld recreated in Garry's Mod

PC Feature | Half-Life 2: Episode One

We’re big fans of dicking around, so when someone suggested that we attempt to reproduce a classic sitcom in Half-Life 2’s Garry’s Mod, we cited the “why the hell not” clause of our operating procedures and immediately began violating ragdolls. While our interpretation of the greatest nihilist sitcom ever may not win us any awards at machinima festivals, it can at least inspire some ironic ... » Read More

1 Nov 2007

Alyx vs Lara

PC Feature | Half-Life 2: Episode One

Nov 1, 2007 According to Rule 34, if it exists, there is porn of it. There are some exceptions of course. For example, we're glad there aren't any nude Little Sister mods for BioShock. However, for some characters, it's only a matter of time until nakedness strikes in the form of a nude mod or patch. But really, how much time are we talking about? If you've never wondered if Alyx Vance kept her clothes on longer than Lara Croft, it's probably for the best. Otherwise, see the video, download ... » Read More

2 Mar 2007

Ruined endings - part two

PC Feature | Half-Life 2: Episode One

God of War Kratos is totally bad ass - when have you ever killed a god? And the fact that Aries ate an H-bomb for breakfast that morning really added to the effect. Except, now that Kratos is the new God of War, shouldnt we have to kill him in God of War 2? Whatever, just let us rip the eyeballs out of something and dont make us ... » Read More

2 Jun 2006

'Endless movie tie-ins are the death of gaming'

PC Feature | Half-Life 2: Episode One

When Half-Life 2 was first released, many people saw the game's Steam registration process - which barred gamers with no internet access from being able to play it - as developer Valve's greatest mistake. Nearly two years on, however, and Steam is instead beginning to look like the harbinger of a wave of innovative, exciting and brilliant games. New and interesting titles, not just modifications of Half-Life 2, are being added to the online service on an impressively frequent basis. If you're ... » Read More

2 Jun 2006

Valve: 'Endless movie tie-ins are the death of...

PC Feature | Half-Life 2: Episode One

Friday 2 June 2006 When Half-Life 2 was first released, many people saw the game's Steam registration process - which barred gamers with no internet access from being able to play it - as developer Valve's greatest mistake. Nearly two years on, however, and Steam is instead beginning to look like the harbinger of a wave of innovative, exciting and brilliant games. New and interesting titles, not just modifications of Half-Life 2, are being added to the online service on an impressively ... » Read More

31 May 2006

Hidden Half-Life

PC Feature | Half-Life 2: Episode One

Half-Life boss Gabe Newell has revealed that "primary characters" will die over the trilogy of new Half-Life 2 episodes. "People need to feel that characters are genuinely at risk," he says. "Otherwise they lose investment and the significance of their actions is diminished." Half-Life 2: Episode One, released this Thursday on Valve's Steam service, will kick off this exciting story arc. In the run-up to the release, we visited Valve's Seattle HQ for an exclusive interview. "With the trilogy, ... » Read More

31 May 2006

'Half-Life 3 would have launched in 2022'

PC Feature | Half-Life 2: Episode One

Half-Life 2: Episode One, which will be released tomorrow on Valve's Steam service, is the first in a trilogy of new outings for the award-winning series. We spent some quality time with the team behind the hugely anticipated game to find out more about the Half-Life franchise's episodic shift. Episode-based games are the answer to "making great entertainment for gamers," according to Valve co-founder Gabe Newell. "Episodic gaming will be as important for single-player as Counter-Strike, the ... » Read More

31 May 2006

Valve: 'Key Half-Life 2 characters will die!'

PC Feature | Half-Life 2: Episode One

• HalfLife 2 Episode One trailer 3 (WMV, 25.0MB) Tuesday 30 May 2006 Half-Life boss Gabe Newell has revealed that "primary characters" will die over the trilogy of new Half-Life 2 episodes. "People need to feel that characters are genuinely at risk," he says. "Otherwise they lose investment and the significance of their actions is diminished." Half-Life 2: Episode One, released this Thursday on Valve's Steam service, will kick off this exciting story arc. In the run-up to the release, ... » Read More

26 Feb 2006

Upgrade or die

PC Feature | Half-Life 2: Episode One

The arrival of the "next-gen" in console land is obvious - it happens instantaneously with the release of a new box. The line is blurred in the constantly evolving world of PC, but only a fool would say it's not there. PC is currently edging into new territory, boosted there by swelling processor power, sparkling new graphical technologies, and outrageous ambition. Corridors, bases and monsters can only get so beautiful; we're moving on to whole worlds now, living environments ripe with ... » Read More

The Knowledge

Half-Life 2: Episode One

Release date: 1 Jun 2006
Published by: Valve
Developed by: Valve

Min system requirements: PIII 1.2 GHz Processor, 256MB RAM, DirectX 7 video card
Recommended system: P4 2.6 GHz Processor, 512MB RAM, DirectX 9 video card
Features: Widescreen, Dolby Digital

10 INCREDIBLE
Read the review

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