Half-Life 2: Episode Two Image
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
9.2

Universal acclaim- based on 2896 Ratings

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  • Summary: Half-Life 2: Episode Two is the second in a trilogy of new games created by Valve that extends the award-winning and best-selling Half-Life adventure. As Dr. Gordon Freeman, you were last seen exiting City 17 with Alyx Vance as the Citadel erupted amidst a storm of unknown proportions. InHalf-Life 2: Episode Two is the second in a trilogy of new games created by Valve that extends the award-winning and best-selling Half-Life adventure. As Dr. Gordon Freeman, you were last seen exiting City 17 with Alyx Vance as the Citadel erupted amidst a storm of unknown proportions. In Episode Two, you must battle and race against Combine forces as you traverse the White Forest to deliver a crucial information packet stolen from the Citadel to an enclave of fellow resistance scientists. Episode Two extends the award-winning Half-Life gameplay with unique weapons, vehicles, and newly-spawned creatures. [Valve] Expand

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Half-Life 2: Episode Two Official Trailer 3
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. 100
    I've selected these examples at near-random to avoid spoiling truly standout showpieces. Episode Two's entire five-hour experience -- vivid, emotionally engaging, and virtually unsurpassed -- is full of them.
  2. 95
    Half Life 2 Episode Two equals Half-Life 2's achievements and in many cases vaults over the high bar which it created. Brimming with great story telling and excellent action it is almost a must play for anybody even remotely interested.
  3. 94
    Any way you look at it, Episode Two stands out, even among the Half-Life series, as something special. It may be shorter than the original, but it's a burly experience packed into roughly six hours or so that offers up all the diversity, level design, and thoughtful gameplay we've known while making sure to propel the story forward and leave us wanting more.
  4. AceGamez
    90
    By staying true to the already exceptional foundation of the series and adding meaningful changes that enhance the player's experience even further, Valve have demonstrated yet again that in this ever-competitive genre they still have the ability to impress and excel.
  5. In fact, though a good bit shorter than the original Half-Life 2, Episode 2 quite possibly rivals it in terms of memorable sequences. These include some lengthy vehicle sections, some stunning scenery, some stand-out plotlines and a good few damned enjoyable fight sequences.
  6. Fine addition to the overall storyline of Gordon Freeman. Fails to stand alone, but I guess that's episodic gaming. Bit on the short side and the weakest link of The Orange Box, but good fun as long as it lasts.
  7. For the first time in its history, Valve has produced other than a superlative product. That's more disorienting than disappointing, as though the sky had suddenly changed color or cats started speaking. I don't dislike Episode Two. I just wish I liked it more.

See all 21 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 17 out of 419
  1. BrandonJ
    Jan 21, 2010
    10
    Excellent! the drama between magnus and kliener was fun to watch. the puzzle to killing ratio was about the same as the rest, so its another Excellent! the drama between magnus and kliener was fun to watch. the puzzle to killing ratio was about the same as the rest, so its another masterpiece. although the crush every antlion grub achievement on steam has got to be the hardest one out there. also, someone commented on repetition of game play, well its not like a few weeks are going to change the complete game play just for this one game. And as a last comment i can't believe i predicted the ending withing a few minutes of playing it. Expand
  2. CallumO.
    Feb 28, 2008
    10
    Episode two has the right amount of story telling, puzzle solving, showing off fantastic graphics, and action packed tactical battle Episode two has the right amount of story telling, puzzle solving, showing off fantastic graphics, and action packed tactical battle scenarios to create the most fun I've had on a single player FPS since the first Half-Life. It also serves as a fantastic way to draw the player into the story, and makes me want Ep3 to come out just so I can get the rest of the trilogy! Expand
  3. AnonymousMC
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Valve one ups their own "episode one" with a much more engaging storytelling, interesting environments, varying enemies, and gameplay. It isValve one ups their own "episode one" with a much more engaging storytelling, interesting environments, varying enemies, and gameplay. It is clear they have carefully groomed over HL2, and episode one to see how they could improve every little bit. My only complaint is that the characters are all too eager to congratulate the player, leaving brief moments where you feel like your in pre-school. I would give this a 9.8, but 10 is the closest I could get. Expand
  4. Apr 22, 2022
    10
    Still waiting for Episode Three.
    Pros:
    Amazing storyline
    Fun run and gun
    Some amazing scripted sequences
    Characters you care about
  5. AlasdairR.
    Oct 26, 2007
    9
    A great continuation of the storyline, and very graphically impressive. Some of the achievements (e.g. getting a gnome into outer space) are A great continuation of the storyline, and very graphically impressive. Some of the achievements (e.g. getting a gnome into outer space) are great fun to attempt to get, however the very linear gameplay is getting a little tired. I hope Episode 3 gives us more opportunities to interact with the environment and find our own way to places. Expand
  6. Aug 11, 2020
    9
    This is probably my favorite game of the series. The slight improvements from HL2 and HL2E1 are evident, and it makes for a trulyThis is probably my favorite game of the series. The slight improvements from HL2 and HL2E1 are evident, and it makes for a truly groundbreaking experience for its time.

    Graphics: 9/10
    Per usual, the graphics for a Half Life game are ahead of it's time. The setting is a total change of pace from the previous two titles, and it works perfectly. There are some exceptionally great visuals throughout the story and the final mission provides some of the coolest effects you have seen in a while. I'm writing this review in 2020, having just played the game for the 3rd time ever, and I can honestly say that these graphics hold up for a game that is 10+ years old.

    Narrative: 9/10
    HL2E2 tells a touching story with some of our most beloved HL2 characters, along with a new addition that meshes well into the dynamic. There are some warm moments sprinkled throughout, and a few heart-wrenching scenes that will surely weigh down your chest.

    Protagonist: 9/10
    Who doesn't love Gordon Freeman? Still would love to hear him speak, though!

    Characters/Interactions: 10/10
    The supporting characters are phenomenal in this game, and I love how a lot of them tie into previous HL titles. Alyx, Eli, Dog, Kleiner, Lamar, and even Magnusson are all given an opportunity to be fleshed out properly, and by the end we have a sense of direction to where the story is headed (still waiting, Valve).

    Gameplay: 10/10
    This game is just so fun. I always think back to the original Half Life (PS2) game case, and how on the back it says "RUN, SHOOT, THINK, LIVE", and how it's such a simple idea. But somehow, Valve turns this style into some of the most intriguing gameplay I've ever seen. The final mission stands out the most for sure. It's a challenge, but it's such a blast that you will be wishing for more. The ending will forever give me goosebumps, and I just hope that someday we will get to see what's next for our beloved Gordon Freeman.

    Overall Score: 9.2/10
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  7. DannyM.
    Oct 26, 2007
    0
    Overpriced, over hyped, too short and is obviously a part of a larger, mythical game, called "half-life 2.5", which is made up of all three Overpriced, over hyped, too short and is obviously a part of a larger, mythical game, called "half-life 2.5", which is made up of all three "episodic" releases. Seriously, $30 for a small expansion with 5 hours game-play is a lot when you think of the price of the original. If they know something, it's how to milk. They're gonna milk this one dry, Valve. Expand

See all 419 User Reviews