Initially known as Half Life: Aftermath, Episode 1 was to be Valve’s expansion to HL2 (that was the impression the general public was under), but it was only after Valve spilled the beans a couple of days ago, did we get to know that this in fact was part of Half-Life3. Since Valve took nearly six years to make Half-Life 2, they felt that it wouldn’t be fair to make gamers wait another six years (or more) for part 3, so what they’ve done is split it up into three parts, the first being Episode 1.
Episode 1 picks up from where HL 2 left off with you and Alyx waking up outside the Citadel. Let’s just say things don’t work out as planned, so you may as well cancel those tickets to the Bahamas and head back into the Citadel.
Unlike Half Life games, you won’t start off with your trusty crowbar; instead you’ll wield the gravity gun to dispose off those pesky combine. Pretty soon, the gun gets souped up (temporarily) and it’s fun times (not for the combine) from that moment on. As far as weapons are concerned, there aren’t any new ones added here so no point talking about the arsenal you’re o’ so familiar with.
Even though Episode 1 is a single player experience, the presence of Alyx in this game makes it feel like your playing it with another friend in co-op. Now this wouldn’t be possible if the AI was as dumb as a doorknob (or as annoying as your teammates from HL2), but luckily Valve has done a superb job in that department and it’s a real treat to have her fighting by your side. She never gets lost, rarely comes in your way and can take care of herself (to a certain extent). Her only drawback is forgetting her flashlight at home, making here total dependant on you in dark areas.
nice review Avi 
