Episode 1 delivers an excellent adventure along side Alyx that is must for all fans of Half-Life despite its shortcoming
Game play is the same tried and true method as previous Half-Life titles. If you have any experience with the franchise, then you already know what you're in for. Ambush attacks from Combine forces, Zombies lurking in the darkness, and Antlions swarming from they're burrows, are all par for the course here. Unfortunately, combat while entertaining, doesn't really do much to distinguish itself from other first person shooters. Or even for that matter distinguish itself from the original Half-Life 2.
A huge plus for Episode 1 is Alyx Vance. Alyx is with Gordon through out the vast majority of the episode, only leaving when a boss must be defeated or puzzle completed. This gives the game an incredible sense of camaraderie that wasn't felt in Half-Life 2. It also aids in building Alyx's character into a believable part of the story. Alyx is what makes Episode 1 what it is; her character makes the game whole. Her charm, wit, intelligence and constant praise of the player makes the trip through the episode that much more enjoyable.
Honestly, the only major flaw I can find with Episode 1 is its length. The game contains only five chapters, each take about an hour to complete. Add it all up and you can most likely finish the game in five to six hours tops. For a lack of better words, that's just not enough game to warrant a solo release. For me, the game really just serves as a set up for later installments of the series. As such, I couldn't find any real answers to the questions I had about the Half-Life 2 universe.
Half-Life 2: Episode 1 does exactly what it's supposed to do, pick up the storyline that began in Half-Life 2. It also helps to continue build the relationship between Gordon and Alyx through classic teamwork and co-op style battles. However, it's painfully short experience leaves players only wondering, as it doesn't really answer any questions. Still, Episode 1 delivers an excellent adventure along side Alyx that is must for all fans of Half-Life despite its shortcomings.