Reviews// Half-Life 2: Episode One (PC)

If nothing else, Episode One represents quite a significant generational leap for gaming. Not because of its graphical prowess (although the implementation of HDR is spanking gorgeous), nor for the introduction of any kind of all-new control mechanism, but for both its structure and its delivery. Episodic gaming is something we're going to become very familiar with in the not too distant future, and Valve has seen fit to start the ball rolling by releasing this small slice of the Half-Life saga (about four to six hours of gameplay), all neatly pre-loaded onto your machine, for the price of something that costs about thirteen quid.

And it's a concept that you can't really argue with, because it works - the price is right, the drip-feed install requires no effort (or even knowledge of its existence, in some cases) and you're consequently thrust back into the adventure, precisely where you left off, within minutes of the game's worldwide release. This is the future, we are told, and all-in-all, the future's looking bright. More or less...

And it's by no means an overstatement to describe Episode One's story as picking up precisely where Half-Life 2 concluded. Nor would it be to declare it as vague as its predecessor when it comes to enlightening your unanswered questions, for that matter. The game begins with Gordon and Alyx still inside the Citadel's reactor, having 'somehow' survived its tempestuous destruction, and now faced with the rather pressing matter of getting the flock out of there. From then on, the game's five diverse chapters further the intriguing Half-Life plot for just a little longer, as the two protagonists battle to flee the confines of a dilapidated and increasingly treacherous City 17.

As for the main meat of Episode One, Valve has seemingly trimmed the fat and served up an extra chunky condensed version of the action we so reluctantly saw draw to a close 18 months ago. Gone are the vehicle sections and the lonely, scenic expeditions - instead, the focus is clearly more geared towards action and combat, but without quite going as far as to neglect the physics-based puzzle elements we'd come to expect. To some, this may seem like the way to go - leaner, meaner and delivering more bang for your buck - and you certainly can't deny the fact that the experience is compulsively frantic throughout, with all the 'can't put it down' qualities of a Stephen Fry novel, and an energy that cries out for a one-sitting play through.

However, this 'healthy options' approach means that Ep1 has also been stripped of certain moments that, for some, were responsible for a collection of HL2's grander, more memorable experiences: The serene come-down of the morning after Ravensholme, for example; or the leisurely, sunset-saturated, post-gunship-battle, jaunt to Black Mesa. These stolen moments of tranquility are unfortunately lacking from the explosive urgency of Ep1, but perhaps that's down to the actual context material and we may well be given the chance to get our breath back and admire the scenery come the release of Episode Two.

Ultimately, though, it's evident that Valve has invested a good deal of time and effort fine tuning and polishing - and has also clearly taken heed of the feedback it has received throughout the last year and a half - resulting in an almost perfectly formed example of what we should hope to expect from the future of this new style of gaming. And that's not to say that it hasn't introduced a few new elements to the proceedings as well. As you'll have more than likely gathered, Alyx Vance plays a major role throughout, accompanying you for the majority of the duration, and not just present for the sake of garnishing the narrative, but more as an intrinsic part of what Valve dubs its 'single-player co-op' experience. Consequently, the game relies heavily on this pivotal partnership, regularly throwing up scenes that require you to either help one another out, or take advantage of your own individual abilities in order to make progress.

Notable examples include Alyx's reliance on Gordon's torch in certain dimly-lit battles, her afore-witnessed knack for hacking Combine security terminals, and the return of Gordon's favourite pastime of crawling through air ventilation systems. As a concept, this co-operative element is not exactly new, but never before has it been this integral to the proceedings, and its implementation is more or less flawless. Not only does Alyx benefit from a visual overhaul - which boasts increased detail and a more human feel to the animation - but her AI has bore witness to technical reinvention as well. Consequently, a welcome fluidity of enactment resides throughout the game, with Alyx seemingly aware of both your presence and actions, all the while exuding an unerring (although not invincible) disposition that is often a help but never a hindrance (which is not exactly something that can be said of your squad when recalling some of the clumsy corridor/stairwell scenes in HL2).