Wikipedia:Today's featured article/May 31, 2016
Half-Life 2: Episode One is a first-person shooter video game, the first in a series of episodes that serve as the sequel to the 2004 game Half-Life 2. Originally called Half-Life 2: Aftermath, it was developed by Valve Corporation and released on June 1, 2006. Episode One, like Half-Life 2, uses the Source game engine. The game debuted new lighting and animation technologies, as well as artificial intelligence enhancements for the sidekick character, Alyx Vance. Episode One tracks scientist Gordon Freeman and Alyx as they fight in humanity's continuing struggle against the Combine, an alien race. Gordon wakes up outside the enemy's base of operations, the Citadel, after being rendered unconscious by the concluding events of Half-Life 2. During the course of the game, Gordon travels with Alyx in and around war-torn City 17 as they attempt to evacuate the city. As the game comes to an end, they are trapped in a derailing train; their fates are revealed in Episode Two. Critical reaction was generally positive, especially for the cooperative aspects of the gameplay, but the game's short length was criticized. (Full article...)