Yeah, it IS better than HL2. It's just...kinda short.
User Rating: 9 | Half-Life 2: Episode One PC
Episode One is an excellent expansion to Half-Life 2. Everything you find in HL2 can be found here. There are no new weapons, but a new teamwork mechanic has been added. Throughout the game, you'll have to depend on Alyx, and she'll depend on you. It's a breath of fresh air from the usual lone-wolf formula that the Half-Life series is known for. The visuals in Episode One are nicer than in HL2. This is because Episode One is running on a newer version of the Source Engine, which feature some new and impressive lighting effects. It's amazing how the Source Engine managed over the years without looking dated. Characters look more realistic than ever, especially Alyx. Alyx shows some of the most realistic looking emotions ever seen in a video game. At times you might even wonder if Alyx is real or not. The sound in Episode One are also superb. The game features a soundtrack that fits the mood of the game just perfectly. The audio is nice and crisp. The voice-acting is just fantastic. Definately Hollywood level voice-acting. The voices and superb lip-syching just brings the characters to life. You'll be battling through the same enemies you encountered in HL2, with the exception of one new enemy you'll have to see for yourself. Some of the enemies are tougher than they were in HL2. Combine's are a little smarter in Episode One. A Combine soldier will call his squadmates if he sees you. They are definately more intimidating in Episode One. There were puzzles in HL2, there are puzzles here. Some of the puzzles might actually stump you, but they are still your typical HL2 puzzles.
I highly recommend this game to anyone who's played HL2. It's actually pretty short (about 5-7) hours, but it's still an enjoyable ride and is worth the $20 via Steam.
