HL2: Episode One site is up, with plot details
by Christopher Grant 
{ Apr 7th 2006 at 6:57PM }
Following in the footsteps of fellow Source-based, Steam-distributed episodic title SiN's announcement earlier this week, the website for Half-Life 2: Episode One is now live. Featuring the obligatory media page, the obligatory overview, and the obligatory release information. The site details a June 1st retail and Steam release; the Steam version will be available for pre-load on May 1st with a 10% discount for pre-purchases.
What is interesting here is the plot synopsis, a sort of "previously on Half-Life 2" refresher course on the twists and turns of the story. As episodic games accrue the same complicated (or convoluted, if you're the cynical type) narratives that define television shows like Lost or 24, you can expect to see more of these updates, whether in-game or online. The "Story So Far" describes the aftermath of HL2, and the setting for Episode One, this way:
Consciousness returns. Gordon and Alyx discover they've somehow escaped both the reactor explosion and the G-Man's malevolent grasp. Before they can ponder their miraculous survival, the crippled Citadel lurches back to life just long enough to initiate a self-destruct sequence. With Alyx at his side, Gordon must flee a city in chaos before the Citadel's final detonation turns City 17 into a toxic, mutant-infested crater.
[Thanks, AndrewNeo]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
obo @ Apr 7th 2006 7:08PM
Oh, cool, now I know how HL2 ends.
pfester @ Apr 7th 2006 7:17PM
Let's hope DAWGG gets a bigger role-that's a bot with star quality!
Tucker @ Apr 7th 2006 8:36PM
Jesus, obo, if you're worried about spoilers for a 2-year old game, you might be at the wrong site...
Dan @ Apr 7th 2006 9:13PM
I'm excited... I loved HL1, I loved HL2. Sure these chapters may be short, but if they're well priced and they release them enough, then it works for me.
I just watched the trailer, and it looks freaken awesome! I can't wait!
sigloiv @ Apr 8th 2006 12:11AM
Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. I don't know if anybody went to the site and read a lot of it, but I just accidently stumbled upon something HUGE. If you click on Read More under The First New Episode, it shows what is included with Half-Life 2: Episode One. Of those things/games are...brace yourself...Half-Life 1 Deathmatch: SourceTM. Check it out.
obo @ Apr 8th 2006 1:28AM
Actually, Tucker, I never finished it because I'm not very good at FPSes, and I never got around to reading any spoilers. I was _actually being honest_.
Although I guess because I don't use sarcasm, Joystiq is the wrong site for me anyway.
Enliven @ Apr 8th 2006 5:45AM
Even if he did complete HL2, it's still a valid commment to make. We've had to wait for an expansion pack to find out how it ends.
Joe @ Apr 8th 2006 6:15AM
I think the most interesting part of the whole site is on the front page: "In Half-Life, the G-Man made you. In Half-Life 2, he used you to defeat Dr. Breen and start the Resistance. In Episode One, he's lost control."
That sounds pretty exciting to me!
Raffi @ Apr 8th 2006 9:35AM
Nice find sigloiv. Can't wait!
Ryan Williams @ Apr 8th 2006 12:21PM
Yeah, Joe, the blurb is really nice. The whole thing is shaping up to be pretty cool, and I noticed that in some shots you can see Dr. Kleiner speaking through Breen's old TV screens around the city.
The place has been reduced to madness, and I like it.
pfester @ Apr 8th 2006 3:31PM
Also try GameTrailers.com -Just type in Half Life 2 in game search [upper right hand box] then push "go".It shows PC version of HL2 episode one-the trailers are awesome!!
ReverendGadgetBoy @ Apr 9th 2006 8:12PM
This is so not worth it. It costs 20 friggin' dollars! How many hours of gameplay will it have?
Jose @ Apr 10th 2006 11:56AM
Alright, what's this I hear about Co-op? Like, 2 player co-op?
buckers @ Apr 18th 2006 11:24AM
the uk version of amazon is selling pre-orders of HL2:Aftermath (not Episode one) for 20 and they have said the release date is April 28th
im confused