Short but sweet.
The downside is -- this looks a lot like Half Life 2 and it's not entirely exciting to go back into the Citadel as soon as you spent the entire first game blasting your way through corridor after corridor.
The upside is -- Episode 1 completely takes the level design to new heights. Everything looks familiar, but more immersive ... more authentic .. and more challenging. Combat has a few true challenging spots. Light and shadows are used much more effectively and purposefully. It's a short game but satisfying. Some complain about the overall length, which is understandable considering the original release was $20 (or $30?). However, as part of The Orange Box, this is absolutely a good value and doesn't overstay its welcome. The plot still moves along at a snail's pace, but at least you can finish the game in a few sittings and it never feels like you're just slogging through it for the sake of finishing it.
Definitely worth playing just to see how refined the HL gameplay experience has become.
