Half-Life 2: Episode Pack

The Good
- More focused both in narrative and gameplay, fluent transitions between chapters. - AI companion is tagging along, commenting your actions and fighting your enemies. - More developed lore, good characters writing still present. - Best soundtrack from the old Valve composer.

The Bad
- It's more focused, but much less experimental; episodes are mostly focused on gunplay rather than environmental puzzles and exploration, no more sudden shifts in tone or gameplay (like Ravenholm or Water Hazard). - 90% of the time Alyx is around you, leaving no place for silent and lonely exploration, which can become quite annoying. - Some sections are incredibly dragged. Especially in the second half of both episodes.

The Bottom Line
It's still good. But the flaws are much more visible.