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Half-Life 2: Episode One

Also known as: Half-Life II: Episode One

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Valve breathes new life into the seminal shooter, chapter by chapter

Words: Ben Richardson, GamesRadar UK
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Episode One is a satisfying combination of the familiar and the new. It's a constant rollercoaster of taxing but rewarding challenges, many of which intentionally subvert the expectations of anyone familiar with Half-Life 's style of gameplay. Any quibbles are minor. Indeed, the frustrating command system that gave orders to citizen squad-mates in Half-Life 2 has been replaced by better, more reliable AI. And Episode One's superior pacing, voice-acting and storyline make other games look stupid in comparison.

Half-Life 2: Episode One demonstrates how games ought to be made, forged by dedication, imagination and risk-taking. It's an outstanding, stirring experience. And, with two more episodes due between now and the end of 2007, things are only going to get better.

You'll love
  • A-grade storyline and atmosphere
  • Superb dual character mechanic
  • The focus on kinetic, tactical gameplay
You'll hate
  • It's another cliffhanger
  • Another long wait for answers
  • Ultimately, not much

 
1 Comment
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GMAN2  - 1 month 28 days ago 
It was good but not 10/10.
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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
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