Orange Box, The (pc: 2007): Reviews

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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.

Orange Box, The


9.5

based on 26 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

based on 497 votes
Read user comments
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GAMES:

Cheat Code Central

Official Website

Games included in The Orange Box compilation: The original Half-Life 2 - The player again picks up the crowbar of research scientist Gordon Freeman, who finds himself on an alien-infested Earth being picked to the bone, its resources depleted, its populace dwindling. Freeman is thrust into the unenviable role of rescuing the world from the wrong he unleashed back at Black Mesa. And a lot of people - people he cares about - are counting on him. Half-Life 2: Episode One - The player reprises his role of Dr. Freeman, who must immediately face the repercussions of his actions in City 17 and the Citadel. Freeman reconnects with Alyx Vance and her robot, Dog, as they continue their support of the resistance's battle against the Combine forces. Half-Life 2: Episode Two -- the second installment in Valve's episodic trilogy advances the award-winning story, leading the player to new locations outside of City 17. Portal - a pioneering type of single player action game that rewrites the rules for how players approach and manipulate their environment – much like how Half-Life 2's Gravity Gun reinvented the way gamers interact with objects in the game. Team Fortress 2 - an all-new version of the legendary title that spawned team based multiplayer action games. The game's daring new art style features the most advanced graphics of any Source-based game released to date. [Valve Software]

PUBLISHER:	Electronic Arts / Valve Software
DEVELOPER:	Valve Software
GENRE(S):	First-Person Shooter, Action, Compilation
PLAYERS:	16
ESRB RATING:	M (Mature)
RELEASE DATE:	October 9, 2007

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

EuroGamer

The Orange Box offers everything any fan of first-person shooters could possibly want: some of the best single-player gaming ever in the shape of Half-Life 2 and Episodes One and Two; wonderful innovation from Portal, and the most refined, downright fun team-based online FPS currently available in Team Fortress 2. If that doesn't warrant a 10 out of 10, nothing does.

100

GameTap

After playing through both the old and new stuff, I realized that there is one word that perfectly summarizes Valve: craft. Never mind that ballyhoo about whether games are capital-A art or not. Instead, put someone in front of a Valve game, and watch that person experience sheer craftsmanship. It seems that Valve just can't make a bad game.

100

GameSpy

Every game in the package is a winner, and the price makes it a no-brainer for anyone remotely interested in Half-Life or PC shooters in general.

100

Game Almighty

Regardless of whether you enjoy first-person shooters or not, The Orange Box is one title that every gamer must experience. If you buy one game this year, make it The Orange Box.

100

1UP

A stunning compilation.

100

GamerNode

Orange Box is the best deal in terms of bang-for-the-buck since Mario All Stars. Not only that, but every game in it is a winner. Three classic games and two great games for this low price? You're an idiot not to get it.

100

Boomtown

Some might say that Valve is crazy, putting all these gems in one box. But in doing so it has provided a clear statement of its place among the top ranks, offering value for money as well as truly superb gameplay.

100

Edge Magazine

As a whole it is almost overwhelming in its depth, irresistible in value and certainly, unreservedly, brilliant. [Dec 2007, p.82]

100

Gaming Age

You get 5 outstanding games that give you a little bit of everything, action, story, puzzles, multiplayer, and just flat out addictive content. If you own a decent PC, a 360 or a PS3...you would be doing yourself, gamers, and the wonderful developers a great injustice by not buying The Orange Box. Not only is it possibly the best bargain in gaming history, but arguably the best FPS experience of all time.

Jolt Online Gaming UK

With something like 30 hours of outstanding single-player gameplay, plus a solid multiplayer mode and even a whole new audience being introduced to one of the greatest game series to have been produced, make no mistake, the release of The Orange Box is An Event.

Gamer 2.0

Really, The Orange Box is a must-have game. There are few games that even begin to approach the value and quality that can be found here.

Game Informer

For those who have played both, don’t worry – there is still $60 worth of new content in this package, so you too should go ahead and re-read that headline, because you shouldn’t have to read this whole review to understand why The Orange Box is probably the best videogame deal ever.

GamingTrend

The Orange Box is packed with enough content to keep gamers satisfied for a long time. In addition to the original masterpiece of Half-Life 2, the continuation of the saga with Episode 2 and Portal provide more fun than we’ve seen in years.

Ferrago

I'm constantly reminded that this is effectively five fantastic games for the price of one. If you're even a casual fan of the FPS genre then there is no reason not to add this to your collection. Hell, I'd probably buy it for Portal alone!

GamingExcellence

Now, what did I say before…ah right: Orange Box is a great package, filled with excellent games that are instant classics, and is a must-play for any gamer that enjoys a solid story, polished gameplay, and a great deal.

Play Magazine

There are many reasons to praise Half-Life 2 that reach well beyond the surface of its gameplay and into the expression of its complete world of fantasy. [Nov 2007, p.66]

GameSpot

With three amazing new games and two classics all in one package, it's impossible to go wrong with The Orange Box.

IGN

Not only do you get the best single player first person shooter ever created, you also get the two next chapters, a 3D puzzle game that also happens to live in the Half-Life universe and a terrifically fun team-based multiplayer first-person shooter. This is a lot of game in one package for only 50 dollars.

Game Over Online

As has already been pointed out in many other places by many other people, The Orange Box may be the single greatest value in gaming history.

PC Gamer

Leave it to Valve to deliver the goods on such an ambitious game package...The Orange Box is one of the finest compilations of gaming content ever produced. [Nov 2007, p.58]

Cheat Code Central

One of the best deals in gaming. All five games that are offered are a blast to play, and if Portal and Team Fortress 2 were fleshed out a little more, they could easily stand on their own. However, most gamers will not be angry at Valve for packaging all of the games together, giving a nearly complete Half Life 2 experience.

ActionTrip

The Orange Box is a mix of conceptually different products that when combined, provide great entertainment on so many different levels.

GameZone

The Orange Box is worth a hundred bucks; you will pay half that. So much fun and excitement packed into this collection, it should be a crime.

PC Format

United they stand, divided they fall doesn't apply. Each game stands alone as an example of inspired design. Together they are essential. [Dec 2007, p.94]

GameTrailers

When you consider that you have what many coined a perfect game in Half-Life 2, two incredible mini-chapters, one of the most innovative puzzle games you’ll ever play, and addictive online multiplayer all for just 60 bones, you can’t go wrong. Do not hesitate. Man’s freedom awaits.

The New York Times

The Orange Box reminds me of those knife sets sold on late-night TV, where if you act now you get a vegetable chopper and a cutting board. Besides Episode 2, Portal and Team Fortress 2, the package includes the original Half-Life 2 and Half-Life 2: Episode 1. But no cake. If someone tells you the Orange Box comes with cake, remember that whatever else you choose to believe, the cake is most definitely a lie.

The average user rating for this game is 9.5 (out of 10) based on 497 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Sean L. gave it a10:
There are few games that offer the quality that is present in each one of the games that come in the Orange Box. For those that have never played any of the Half-Life games, getting all the current ones is a great deal for only $50 - less than what it costs to get one iteration of the Halo series. For those that have followed the chronicles of Gordon Freeman through the years, Portal, Team Fortress 2, and Episode 2 make it worth the money anyway. My pick of the five (or really, three) is definitely Portal - although it is short, it is deliciously short - in such a way that it does not break a brilliant concept by extending it past its prime. The last level leads you on a merry chase and culminates in a thrilling (and hilarious) battle, followed by what are the best credits in that last five years, without a doubt. Although the first time through the game isn't too hard, coming back and trying some of the advanced levels and bonus challenges will try even those that consider themselves intellectual gamers. It ends, of course, but it's an ending that leaves a pleasant feeling in you - almost like the aftertaste of cake, if you will. Half-Life 2: Episode 2 is an excellent continuation of the Half-Life series. The graphics have been updated, and although they probably won't blow anyone's mind away, they don't look dated - an achievement for an engine built in 2004. The storyline progresses smoothly, with its fair share of tense moments and heart-pounding battles. The score is excellently done, always adding to the mood rather than distracting players from the game. The finale is epic as promised, involving striders, hunters, a stripped down Camero, and a lot of explosions. Although the gameplay itself hasn't changed, more of a great concept is as better than a shabby new one. Finally, we have Team Fortress 2. Given the history behind Half-Life and its connection to good multiplayer games (Counterstrike, Day of Defeat, Team Fortress Classic - even though they all started out as mods) you should expect nothing but the best, and the best it is. While this won't tear away the fans of ultrarealism that play America's Army because it's sponsored by the U.S. Army, this offering of the Orange Box will pretty much tug in any other multiplayer shooter gamer. It has something for everything - the sniper for those that adore Counterstrike's AWP, the Heavy for those that like lugging around a machine gun, a scout for those Unreal Tournament players that don't stop moving, or even the medic, for the precious few that enjoy healing others. Most importantly, it mixes a lot of gameplay into a gigantic smorgasboard of fun - with unique personalities behind the characters, hilarious taunts, and a nice kill cam so you always know why you died (and hopefully don't repeat your mistakes). Competitive leagues like cevo and CAL have already added it to their list of games; it's a great multiplayer game because it's fun to watch and play. Given that Half-Life 2 and Episode 1 have both been reviewed numerous times, I won't do that here. However, I would like to note a couple things that I don't know if too many other reviewers have picked up on. The first is achievements. The replay value added to the game by adding side objectives that give you achievements when you complete them is an excellent touch. Good job, you beat the game. But did you take the gnome from the start of the game to the end? How about beating that level in Portal with four portals instead of eleven? It's good you got that opposing sniper in 2fort, but you're still a long way from getting 25 headshots, aren't you? The achievements are varied in both objective and difficulty, ranging from simply completing the game to doing insane feats that require expert tracking, hunting, and shooting skills. They're icing on a great cake that can double the replay value of the game. The other feature of the Orange Box first debuted on the tech demo Half-Life 2: Lost Coast. It was called developer commentary, and it's a great treat for anyone remotely interested in the design and production of these games. In each game, the developer commentaries remark on the design of the map, the technology that goes into it, and the overall production process. A varied and in depth look into how games are made is not something that comes standard these days, which is why it's more impressive that Valve has chosen to share with us these pearls of thought. A release like The Orange Box restores my faith in games. In an industry where the average joe will shell out $50 for a few days of mediocre gameplay, The Orange Box will gives us months, at the least, of excellent story, gameplay, and more.

Andrew S. gave it a10:
Definitely worthy of 10/10, the Orange Box combines 5 great games for the price of one! Even if you only want two of the games in this package, buy it! Portal is the GREATEST game that I've ever played even though its so short, and EP2 is awesome. TF2 is the best multiplayer game that I've ever played because all the classes are fun and balanced.

T. S. gave it a10:
Portals, Ep. 2, TFT2, Ep 1, HL 2. Under $60. PERFECT PACKAGE. The HL series revolutionized AI in a way which had never been thought of and the physics engine is still being used years after coming out. The reason PC gamers feel superior to console gamers is now out and some of those poor folk stuck to gamepads are going to join the crazy folk with their keyboards and mice. A facelift gives the newest additions to the HL franchise the graphics update they sorely need while the intense firefights, perfect sound design (sans the music. Never could get behind that damned score) and moments which put Oscar winning movies to shame with their virtual performances, makes HL the king of the FPS hill. I understand Messiah L.'s opinion. Some people hate steam. This is irrelevant. I hate most retail stores, does that mean I am going to give a game a lower score? HL 2 is the definitive reason for sticking to PCs and is a must buy for any gamer.

Bert D. gave it a10:
The orange box is a great package with the best games. As Messiah down below stated here you see how child'ish and stupid people can be. A dumb x360 fanboy as i see it. Half life 2 Episode 2 is the most innovating game of the series. Why? All the situations you are dropped into are brand new. I had great fun playing it and i'm still playing it over and over and over again. Compared to Halo 3 it's nothing. The Halo games are overhyped and unbalanced in the storyline with the weapons and other stuff. Halo has never beaten what Half life and Half life 2 made: a legendary reputation with quality games and a huge still growing community of gamers, mappers, modders, fans and more. Everybody would know this if they would not be so close minded and played by the illussion of a hype that is bound to die in a few months. The community of the Half life games or maybe say all the sourcegames is kept alive because of the succes of the series. Counter strike, Half life 2 and more have a huge community of gamers that Halo will never beat.

Brett B. gave it a10:
This is by far the best compilation of all time. All 3 half life games are the top FPS of our time and portal and TF2 both are great games. Anyone saying that the half life series has no story obviously has no imagination or just got droped afew times as a child.

James R. gave it a10:
Without a doubt the best game package I've ever bought. Episode 2 now gives much more realistic and engaging combat encounters with incredible pacing. Taking you through a vareity of hugely detailed environments this game looks absolutely beautiful and the new cinematic physics creates many unforgettable moments as you progress through the game. As part of this package, the length of this game felt perfect and with such a high level of detail, replayability is very high. Portal is a perfect side-game. Every second of play is thoroughly enjoyable and leads to the most rewarding ending sequence I've experienced in a game. All of my expectations about this game were exceeded and they weren't low. Finally Team Fortress 2 is like an answer to my prayers for the perfect multiplayer game. Everyone in the game just ends up having fun together no matter what style of play you prefer with a game that is totally balanced and with outstanding visuals. Although more maps is something to look forward to I don't feel that less maps has any bad effect on the game. Every round is hugely engaging involving teamwork and tactics you could only dream of from a server with 24 random players without any of the frustration which arose from many other multiplayer games.

Aaron S. gave it a10:
One of the best pc games to ever come out. EP 2 takes you deeper into the half life story with a cliff hanger ending that has you begging for EP 3 to come out. TF2 is a mp game that gets it all right. Thoe i do miss the nades the game makes up for it with the loads of classes to chose from. Portals is the best puzle game ever. Get all these PLUSE half life 2 and ep1 for 60 its the deal of a life time most new games cost around 50 and your getting 3 new and 2 classics this is not to be passed up!