I really love Half-Life and the Half-Life 2 series but theres no doubt about it that this is Valve's weakest Half-Life game to date. I really like alot of the parts with Episode One but it just doesn't feel Epic like a Half-Life game should and theres no vehicles. Theres lots of amazing cinematic moments from the start with Dog throwing you into the Citadel to the End on the train. However theres also lots of moments where you just hate like the escorting NPC with their horrible AI to the train station. I just don't see the point of that stage but complete boredom. Theres also lots of horror moments in Episode One like the elevator which is so scary and I lvoe that whole platforming like area which reminds me of the original Half-Life.
I really like the additons to the graphics and the commentary option you can turn on which tells you right through the game of why they did what they did with the level design. However it does look and feel too much like HL2 because you're going through all the same zones so if you play right after HL2 then it can feel repetitive. The story in Episode One is also pretty weak, it's more of a bonding session between you and Alyx but the poor friendly A.I of her following you can get annoying. Like they say in the commentary if you don't like Alyx then you dwont like Episode One.
I had lots of fun with HL2: Episode One but the problem with it is it's very short and theres alot of boring parts and parts you hate which ruin your experience. I love the platforming parts when you're underground as they bring me back to Black Mesa and I love how HL2 is the only FPS that does platforming with physics puzzles very well. It's the one thing I hope they never change. I also love when you're on the train in the Citadel and it crashes and I love the ending where you fight the Strider. However the Citadel isn't that fun to play and nore is the city parts because it feels like you've done it all before and I got bored of them areas while playing HL2.
Has it's moments and is worth playing but for sure, the weakest HL2 game and it is very short. Though for the price it is today it's great value and you will have unique experiences with it.
