HL2 Episode One, First Impressions

*** Spoiler Warning ***

At 1:03 p.m. EST today, we rejoined the life of Gordon Freeman already in progress in Half-Life²: Episode One. The scene opens to some words of Breen's from HL2, as the bad doctor accuses Gordon of being a destroyer who's never created anything. As the camera cuts away we wonder how we can get the opportunity being the attack dog of the ever enigmatic G-Man, but within seconds hope appears. We're taken right back to the moment of the reactor's explosion at the top of the citadel to find Alyx whisked away by a group of teleporting Vortigaunts, and the next scene finds Gordon in darkness joined by those same Vortigaunts, and most deliciously, a look of genuine surprise on the G-Man's face as they teleport us away. Finally Valve has given us a match for the G-Man, upping the suspense and promising good times ahead.

In addition to Alyx, Dog reappears and charms us again with his animal magnetism, and Dr. Kleiner and Eli conference in. Oh, and speaking of old friends, the Gravity Gun starts the game off right, and not long later gets its upgrade. Did I say good times already?

On the con side, the dialog isn't as sharp as in the previous installment, sometimes rehashing old events (Alyx wishing us heartfelt good fortune as we descend in an elevator) or attempting shock and falling flat. There are brighter spots, though, such as when Alyx first sees a Columbine soldier cum headcrab zombie (“Wouldn't that make it a Zombine?”).

I might be able to finish up tomorrow after hours, after which expect a full review. Until then, keep your H.E.V suit on.