Done Playing: Half-Life 2: Episode One

I picked up Episode One for $10 about a month ago when Circuit City was doing a little clearance and I have to say that if I’d paid the original $20 I’d be most disappointed. I have no interest in the multiplayer deathmatch nonsense (HL2 Deathmatch and HL1: DM Source are included) so all that’s left is the alarmingly short single player game.

I know it’s just a new “episode” (read: Don’t Call it an Expansion!) but I only played for a mere 6-8 hours before reaching the end. And in classic Half-Life fashion the next big payoff remains a distant promise in some sure-to-be-delayed sequel; in this case it’s Episode 2.

I did enjoy the brief adventure — and its handful of classic and hilarious moments — but I was expecting at least a few more levels. Where’s the lost stages from the Half-Life 2 leaked beta? Where’s a new dune buggy/hover boat stage? Of course there’s plenty of unique physics-based puzzles but each is padded with ridiculously overwhelming fights, usually in the dark. The trailer promised plenty of action involving the Scanners — the screeching, deformed drones of the Combine Citadel — but there’s only one scene where you’re able to directly attack them. Fun, but again not the payoff I was hoping for.

None of this matters, really. It’s Half-Life 2 and it remains a great experience. While there’s hardly any new story development there’s plenty of great interaction with Alyx that makes suffering through picth black head crap attacks all worthwhile. In fact, one of the most memorable moments takes place in said darkness. If you see it cheap, pick it up. Otherwise it may be best to wait for Episode 2 which should offer much more excitement both in and out of the Half-Life universe.