Half-Life 2

 PC
User Score
9.2

Universal acclaim- based on 12734 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11,541 out of 12734
  2. Mixed: 635 out of 12734
  3. Negative: 558 out of 12734
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  1. MathewF.
    May 5, 2006
    10
    amazing game - had me captivated to the end. the physics alone can give hours of fun, the graphics are great and the story is good - the music is amazing! plus with all the free mods that have come out and are to come, you cant go wrong. download and installation were easy - i actually like steam - it keeps all the games in one place and completely does away with all the trouble of manual amazing game - had me captivated to the end. the physics alone can give hours of fun, the graphics are great and the story is good - the music is amazing! plus with all the free mods that have come out and are to come, you cant go wrong. download and installation were easy - i actually like steam - it keeps all the games in one place and completely does away with all the trouble of manual updates.… Expand
  2. PeterS.
    May 6, 2006
    10
    This game was a great advance in the gaming world. Supurb graphics, awesome physics, and great gameplay made this one a winner.
  3. LukeM.
    May 6, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  4. JohnnyH.
    May 6, 2006
    10
    The game uses astounding physics to create innovative puzzles, which are mixed in with great realism and intense firefights to make one of today's finest games.
  5. JohnM.J.K.
    May 6, 2006
    10
    Amazing game with real life physics! This is THE or one of the best fps I've every played! Love it
  6. LukeM.
    May 6, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  7. LukeM.
    May 6, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  8. SeanM.
    May 6, 2006
    10
    Best game byfar, valves style of graphics seem more real to me than any other developer. From the physics to the sound a massive achievement and major step forward for pc gaming.
  9. ScottJ.
    May 7, 2006
    10
    This game was quite amazing. I've finally finished it, after having gone through 2 reformats and I can't wait for Episode One to come out! Great story, amazing graphics, and the super gravity gun is awesome!!!
  10. PatrickN.
    May 7, 2006
    10
    A truly superb and amazing game. The storyline was once again an excellent part to the game, with the same great storytelling elements from the original Half-Life. The graphics and physics engine are second to none, and really add to the gameplay.
  11. IanW.
    May 7, 2006
    10
    Superb, just the best game of this genre around. So polished.
  12. RetR.
    May 7, 2006
    10
    Amazing.
  13. Pharoah
    May 7, 2006
    10
    Kick ass game, bottom line. 2 thumbs way up!! Great characters, plot, levels, and gameplay. I enjoyed playing from start to finish, the ending totaly screems "what happens next!!" i can't wait for Half-Life Episode 1 to be released. ^_^
  14. DmitryElisov
    May 7, 2006
    10
    It's really good! I have maybe finished it about 6 times, but it didn't become boring to me! Gabe Newell, you're the best!
  15. Dr.Impulse
    May 8, 2006
    10
    The best game ever! I got this game the day it came out and still find myself playing it! The best thing about this game is it will play on just about anything and has one of the best single player plots ever created. Anyone who gives this game less than 10 obviously hasn't played it!
  16. AnonymousMC
    May 8, 2006
    10
    People, you are not reviewing steam, you are reviewing half-life 2 so don't include what you think of steam in your reviews. Remember steam is just a delivery method to the goodness of HL2. There are people below who are trying to be witty about how poor they think this game is yet they haven't even reviewed the game probably in terms of the overall package you get along with thePeople, you are not reviewing steam, you are reviewing half-life 2 so don't include what you think of steam in your reviews. Remember steam is just a delivery method to the goodness of HL2. There are people below who are trying to be witty about how poor they think this game is yet they haven't even reviewed the game probably in terms of the overall package you get along with the amazing graphics (which by the way are better than doom 3 as doom 3 is just mainly played in dark rooms which are much easier to render and create!), plot, character animation (not beaten to date) and cleaver AI which responds to any situation (yes the team AI could have been done better but its a single first person shooter, not a team playing game!!!). If you haven't played this game all the way through then your missing out. The plot is mysterious but that is keeping within the tradition of half life. It makes you want to find out more and more about the overall plot of the game and spurs you on throughout. This game really does deserve the unbeatable amount of game of the year awards it has won over the past few years and the highly rated opinions of the industry's top gaming experts! Buy this game and you won't be disappointed when you get it working!… Expand
  17. CarlosS.
    May 8, 2006
    10
    this game is super cool. amazing graphics and gameplay. the physics involved in the puzzles are fun. i already bought episode 1 and cant wait till it comes out.
  18. Isolation
    May 8, 2006
    10
    Quite simply, one of the grandest PC games of all time. Kudos Valve.
  19. nils
    Jun 11, 2006
    10
    the game is my 2.big love near my girlfriend fine story, big action, and physical engine is so nice,sounds and music is bombastic better as doom and loser game fear.
  20. DavidF.
    Jun 10, 2006
    10
    best game so far. Great graphics, great story, great characters, and a lot of neat puzzles to boot.
  21. MarkC.
    Jun 1, 2006
    10
    Even though Half LIfe 2 was delayed for so long, it showed us that patience is really something. The game just gets better with each update. I can hardly wait for Half Life 3.
  22. MorpheusL.
    Jun 14, 2006
    10
    This is one of the greatest game ever created. A great game worthy of hall of fame!
  23. CalebG.
    Jun 14, 2006
    10
    Out of all the FPSs I have played, like Doom, Quake, F.E.A.R., ect. this is by far the best and greatest FPS of all time. I find myself looking at my collection of PC games thinking about what I want to play and it always comes back to Half-Life 2. This game has taken so many hours of my life and I dont want them back.
  24. PutinVladimir
    Jun 18, 2006
    10
    COOL!!!
  25. Bobbobbo
    Jun 19, 2006
    10
    The best game I have ever played.
  26. SolidSnake
    Jun 2, 2006
    10
    The End is not the best, but the Game is one of the best I ever played. The Gafik ist a revolution.
  27. TrevorD.
    Jun 22, 2006
    10
    great game, and also great for lan partys. it's graphics engines are superb. Definatly the best FPS i have ever played.
  28. RyanB.
    Jun 25, 2006
    10
    Pros: This game is sooo much fun. The ragdolls are so much fun, all of the objects follow the laws of physics(meaning no more floating cinder-blocks when they get thrown into the water). The NPCs for the enemies I find are truly amazing. They'll hop over fences, rappel down walls, and even throw stuff at you. Also, the zombies are so sweet. They're all gory and guts and stuff. Pros: This game is sooo much fun. The ragdolls are so much fun, all of the objects follow the laws of physics(meaning no more floating cinder-blocks when they get thrown into the water). The NPCs for the enemies I find are truly amazing. They'll hop over fences, rappel down walls, and even throw stuff at you. Also, the zombies are so sweet. They're all gory and guts and stuff. And also, they'll throw stuff at you. Cons: Horrible teammate AI. Just Horrible. (Except for DOG). If you just simply love the Havok physics and ragdolls, but want to get more freedom just randomly throwing headcrabs against walls, go download Garry's Mod. It's so amazing.… Expand
  29. AnonymousMC
    Jun 26, 2006
    10
    First of all, you're an idiot Klaus F. You're judging the game, not Steam retard. Plus, you haven't even played the game, so why are you judging it already? Steam is hard to use but this game makes up for the long installation times by rewarding you with Counter-Strike: Source, Half-Life 2: Deathmatch, Half-Life: Source, AND Half-Life: Deathmatch. I wouldn't necessarilyFirst of all, you're an idiot Klaus F. You're judging the game, not Steam retard. Plus, you haven't even played the game, so why are you judging it already? Steam is hard to use but this game makes up for the long installation times by rewarding you with Counter-Strike: Source, Half-Life 2: Deathmatch, Half-Life: Source, AND Half-Life: Deathmatch. I wouldn't necessarily say Steam sucks if you get 4 more freakin' games for buying one awesome FPS.
    For all of you that say that the graphics are bad, then what's GOOD? The graphics are incredible in Half-Life 2, with beatiful environments, gorgeous character models, and possibly the best water and glass I've ever seen. This isn't a Pixar movie we're talking about here, it's a video game, where lag, glitches, and bugs are an issue, so graphics aren't going to be photorealistic in a fully interactive world.
    The weapons are pretty good as well. The gravity gun is reather creative, and the laser-guided RPG is a great twist on a classic weapon. The signature crowbar is extremely fun to use, and who doesn't want to impale someone on a wall using a crossbow loaded with radioactive bolts. The pheropod could also be the most unique weapon I've ever seen in my entire life. The pulse rifle's secondary fire was also incredibly well done, and the shotgun was incredibly fun to use. The only weapon that didn't work for me was the grenade, since it takes too long to explode and is a different weapon (they should imply the Halo system were you don't have to switch weapons to throw grenades). Overall, the weapons were very creative and fantastic.
    The story was a bit broken, but still managed to be suspenseful and immersive. There were shocking, scary (Ravenholm, I'm looking at you), exciting, emotional, and intense parts in the story. It was a mix between a horror game, action, puzzle, adventure, and there was even a little love in there (Gordon and Alyx). It fit almost every category (heck, even DRIVING was in there!) and each aspect was pulled off perfectly.
    For those of you that don't think the ending was good, then you don't know what a good ending is. Half-Life 2 - an FPS - won't end with Gordon and Alyx dancing in flowers picking strawberries and singing "It's A Small World After All." The game ended suspensefully so that you'd buy Half-Life 3 (or in this case - Episode 1). If there were too many questions unanswered, then maybe the sequel to this game will answer them. Ever think of that?
    Overall, Half-Life 2 was an incredible game, and was beautifully presented with lush graphics and gripping gameplay. This is a game that everyone with a PC and a right mind should own and enjoy.    … Expand
  30. KeeganB.
    Jun 27, 2006
    10
    This game has great graphics great gameplay great storyline and amazing scenery and puzzles along with non-stop action. Who wouldnt want this game?
  31. KennyW.
    Jun 5, 2006
    9
    The source engine is awsome not only does half-life2 use it but thier is so much that you can do with it that wasn't used in half-life2 they could of put a grappling hook in hl2 but they didn't cause people would go into the less detailed areas of the maps, but one of the mods for hl2 called garry's mod let's you do pretty much anything and you will be able to do more The source engine is awsome not only does half-life2 use it but thier is so much that you can do with it that wasn't used in half-life2 they could of put a grappling hook in hl2 but they didn't cause people would go into the less detailed areas of the maps, but one of the mods for hl2 called garry's mod let's you do pretty much anything and you will be able to do more when garry releases GMOD 10 people mostly use gmod for comics and stuff like that.… Expand
  32. DaveM.
    Jun 5, 2006
    10
    The best PC game of all time. Plays like an immensely good book or movie; you will be sad when it's over. That said, it will take you quite a long time to reach the climax. Half-Life 2 is a paragon in gaming and not to be missed by anyone with a PC.
  33. FredrikK.
    Jun 7, 2006
    10
    Best game i ever played, it really made you like you are a part of the world and the story.
  34. PatS.
    Jun 7, 2006
    10
    Best game for the PC. Awesome graphics and an awesome storyline. For the people who say there is no storyline, try to actually watch and listen in the environment rather than just trying to get from point a to point b in order to beat it. Also, you dont NEED to be online on steam in order to play hl2. The first time you do to register the game, but after that, its optional for offline Best game for the PC. Awesome graphics and an awesome storyline. For the people who say there is no storyline, try to actually watch and listen in the environment rather than just trying to get from point a to point b in order to beat it. Also, you dont NEED to be online on steam in order to play hl2. The first time you do to register the game, but after that, its optional for offline play...morons.… Expand
  35. MatthewM.
    Jun 7, 2006
    10
    i have beaten this game over 5 times and it is the best game ever.
  36. TUsion
    Jun 7, 2006
    10
    The best PC game I have played to date! Incredible graphics, which can be run on surprisingly low-level systems, great story and interactivity.
  37. BlakeC
    Jun 7, 2006
    10
    It ROCK's
  38. nemesis
    Jun 9, 2006
    9
    great game in 32 bit but 64 bit well thats another story, it has lots of bugs
  39. ScottL.
    Jul 12, 2006
    10
    This is a game that is like a drug. You get addicted to it. This is a fast paced and exciting pc game. It never gets old or boring.
  40. JeffreyH.
    Jul 16, 2006
    10
    One of the best FPSs ever.
  41. ZachB.
    Jul 21, 2006
    10
    Greatest game ever to hit pc or any system the graphics gameplay sound are outstanding the onyl bad thing abotu this game is how creepy it is at 1:00 at night and zombies are attacking you at night.
  42. JamesV.
    Jul 28, 2006
    10
    This is just the best FPS and it has a story line. No more needs to be said.
  43. DiatrexV.
    Jul 29, 2006
    10
    Half-Life 2 is amazing. The first one was aswell but now this is better. This one was worked on hard. This game has very good graphics, if you have the proper graphics card. The A.I. in Half-Life 2 is awsome. No cut scense! I love that about The Half-Life games. The phisics are absolutly spectacular. This game 10. Those assholes say 9.1, screw that bullshit. This game is sooooo worth Half-Life 2 is amazing. The first one was aswell but now this is better. This one was worked on hard. This game has very good graphics, if you have the proper graphics card. The A.I. in Half-Life 2 is awsome. No cut scense! I love that about The Half-Life games. The phisics are absolutly spectacular. This game 10. Those assholes say 9.1, screw that bullshit. This game is sooooo worth getting. You'll love it.… Expand
  44. AnonymousMC
    Jul 29, 2006
    10
    if you hate this game get out of your house now... and run because a mob of Hl2 fans will hunt you down. this game is the top of gameing. beautiful graphics compelling story, incredible action, some scary elements, those fast zombies always scare the crap outta me. ive had this game since jan 06 and am just now reveiwing and well its amazing, the only downside is probably the worst endingif you hate this game get out of your house now... and run because a mob of Hl2 fans will hunt you down. this game is the top of gameing. beautiful graphics compelling story, incredible action, some scary elements, those fast zombies always scare the crap outta me. ive had this game since jan 06 and am just now reveiwing and well its amazing, the only downside is probably the worst ending ever!!!!!!… Expand
  45. AnonymousMC
    Jul 3, 2006
    9
    Overall awesome, Steam is what brings the game down though. Sure, it's nice to be able to get all your games in one program, but it's the bugs of Steam and absolutely horrid support for it that make me hate it.
    As mentioned there were some issues with the physics engine and such, but ultimately, it's a game. It's meant for entertainment purposes, it will never be as    Overall awesome, Steam is what brings the game down though. Sure, it's nice to be able to get all your games in one program, but it's the bugs of Steam and absolutely horrid support for it that make me hate it.
    As mentioned there were some issues with the physics engine and such, but ultimately, it's a game. It's meant for entertainment purposes, it will never be as realistic as some people want it to be unless they just go out and kick the chair themselves instead of having a 3d virtual avatar do it for them.
    As for the game: I've played it on both an old (6 years now) and new (1 month) old PC. Both worked fine if you know how to tweak your visual settings. My gripe with this: At first Steam started automatically updating everything, which is where the "gotta have the awesome PC to run it" thing came in. Too many features being added without consent.

    So really, Game = 15, but Steam's updates, support, and bugs bring it down.    … Expand
  46. AnonymousMC
    Jul 30, 2006
    10
    Ok I've been reading through some posts and ive come up with my own opinion.

    For one ill start with a recomendation. This game is for die-hard fans of the HL series and FPS games, and works best with an NVIDIA graphics card in my experiance and also ppl complaining about how "STEAM ruined the game it took too long i couldnt update it" stop your damn whining, I mean i got this when    Ok I've been reading through some posts and ive come up with my own opinion.

    For one ill start with a recomendation. This game is for die-hard fans of the HL series and FPS games, and works best with an NVIDIA graphics card in my experiance and also ppl complaining about how
    "STEAM ruined the game it took too long i couldnt update it" stop your damn whining, I mean i got this when it came out and only until a month ago could i play it and i still rate this a ten, my point here being dont let a gay ass program ruin your fun. And for those who say it gets boring try playing in sparring. And also for the marine complaining about your internet issues, its called OFFLINE MODE use it retard it got updated.
    Now on to the ending complaints. You see they ended the game like that so that they could have an open horison on sequel pick ups, and the episode formate is to keep players from waiting another ten years for HL3 to come out. I for one acually love the way the game is set up.

    Ok and now to you story line nerds. This game did have a story line for those who payed attention, and it all pointed to the final solution of having Gordon Freeman lead a revolt against the combine of city 17. And in my opinion " tedious. boring" isnt a f***ing post thats an unintelligent lazy kid putting up an excuse to be different.

    Finally i would like to mention that people dont all put a ten to be with the in crowd as Hideto M put in his post, I call bullshit on his post with the " It's human nature to simply mindlessly follow the crowd" staement. Just beacause you dont agree with the rest of us who have taste doesnt mean you can call it human nature. Its social nature to want to fit in with a large crowd, and guess what. This is just a large FACELESS groupe of gamers we dont know each other and we dont need to worry about any reprocusions of our posting cuz there are none.

    well that was my post and i hope you ppl can now see some reason to their problems. If there are any problems i can be found in mostly any G-mod servers under the screen-name "ShadowMarshal9525" so you can take it up with me as a gamer instead of a poster.    … Expand
  47. SeanT.
    Jul 5, 2006
    10
    This game rocks.
  48. JamesG.
    Jul 6, 2006
    10
    great game! i couldnt get off it! love all the weapons, characters and alike. Gordon Freeman is at his best in this one!
  49. ArtZ.
    Jul 8, 2006
    10
    Just the best game I ever played. Excellent graphics, nice AI, good weaponry, beautiful gameplay. Congratulations to its developers.
  50. NathanG.
    Jul 9, 2006
    10
    The BEST game i've ever played in my entire life! I can't beleave what will Valve create next with the amazing source engine! I just love this game so much, and all the mods including Garrys Mod! I'm just waiting for Natural-Selection and TFC to come out with New and imporved physics and graphics! and more! Great job Valve!
  51. JacobS.
    Jul 9, 2006
    10
    By far the most intense, addictive fps i've ever played.
  52. FernandoM.
    Jul 9, 2006
    9
    For sure Half Life 2 in an incredible game, even not being perfect. Obviously there are some things to improve, there always is, but they're not too many... If producers could make a game more shooting and hard puzzles and less useless enroling scenes it would be nice... the engine is perfect.
  53. WouterR.
    Aug 1, 2006
    10
    What can I say, Half-Life was great and Half-Life 2 is even better! The physics engine is really used to be part of the gameplay and the physcannon is by far my most favority weapon in any game ever! Valve managed again to get the maximum fun out of my PC!
  54. EthanP.
    Aug 11, 2006
    9
    Beautiful game with intricate details and gameplay, the only real downfall is the length of the game, it took me a total of 8 hours to complete without stoping to play games with the physics. Could also use a little more freedom in your path beacuse it seems a little linear right now.
  55. JhonW.
    Aug 1, 2006
    10
    This is one fo the best games EVER made! It keeps you on the edge of you seat wondering when the next enemy will just pop out and try to kill you. Just like its predecessor, you must conserve ammo to survive, and with the new gravity gun, conserving ammo has never been so much fun! The graphics left me in awe, even before i could crank the settings to max. The facial expressions may never This is one fo the best games EVER made! It keeps you on the edge of you seat wondering when the next enemy will just pop out and try to kill you. Just like its predecessor, you must conserve ammo to survive, and with the new gravity gun, conserving ammo has never been so much fun! The graphics left me in awe, even before i could crank the settings to max. The facial expressions may never been so focused on this much in any game before this. The physics are just a toy to play with the entire game. The enemies incorperate ragdoll physics(yay!) and everything else behaves just like it would in the real world. If anyone can find anything about this game that can ruin the experience, good luck trying! 10 out of 10! If i could go any higher than 10, i would!… Expand
  56. DracoL.
    Aug 13, 2006
    10
    This is one of the best games i have ever played.... and trust me i have played a lot of games.
  57. Nemo
    Aug 13, 2006
    10
    I think that the Valve team have never made a game worse than best ;)
  58. JohnL.
    Aug 14, 2006
    10
    Half Life 2 is one of those rare games. it's a game that can be played over and pver again and not really get sick of it.
  59. VictoriaT.
    Aug 15, 2006
    10
    By far... this game surprized me in many ways. Two thumbs up in my book... top score as well!
  60. JosephG.
    Aug 17, 2006
    10
    The Best Game ever made, the graphics surpass all the other games. I first thought that no game would beat counter strike, but i am overwhelmed by this, this magnificent game.
  61. DanC.
    Aug 25, 2006
    10
    Always been a huge fan of Valves. Their work is Industry Changing.
  62. AlexS.
    Aug 26, 2006
    10
    Nothing short of amazing. Half-Life 2 is by far the best computer game -- nay, the best game, period -- to date.
  63. BartekX.
    Aug 26, 2006
    10
    Just great! :D I love it! Great Physics, gravity gun and all :D For me - Best FPP!
  64. ChaseM.
    Aug 6, 2006
    10
    One of the best games i've ever played! On par with the original, the original has some points that are better, and the new one does, which pretty much evens both games out to 10/10. I'm sick of hearing people bitch about steam, aside from waiting for loading times on Steam which i didn't mind becuase I'd do somthing else anyways, there was no problem with tihs game. One of the best games i've ever played! On par with the original, the original has some points that are better, and the new one does, which pretty much evens both games out to 10/10. I'm sick of hearing people bitch about steam, aside from waiting for loading times on Steam which i didn't mind becuase I'd do somthing else anyways, there was no problem with tihs game. I'm not sure how people can say "THE AI SUCKS" when their simply too retarded to change the difficulty from easy to hard mode like the rest of us who actually enjoyed this game. those of you who say its not "challenging"... try turning your difficulty up. and the storyline does not suck, and people who are saying you go into tower and gravity gun dangles people and end of game..… Expand
  65. HarryM.
    Aug 6, 2006
    10
    Loved it amazing cant belive how good it was and is.
  66. MattA.
    Aug 7, 2006
    9
    Great game, Looks amazing if you have a good computer.
  67. MikeP.
    Aug 8, 2006
    10
    An absolutely wonderful game created by Valve, in has a nearly fully interactive environment. I definitely would reccomend it to any fan of the series, or to anyone who wants to play a hyper realistic game.
  68. RyanC.
    Sep 1, 2006
    10
    Very Very Very great game. Awesome graphics, interesting story, long lasting game. Just plain awesome. Worth every penny.
  69. DennisC.
    Sep 14, 2006
    9
    WOW, I played it and the physics were great, also the graphic, but I think, that one little thing is of an importance and not to neglect: The game is to linear sometimes and it has some bugs/faults ! Otherwise excellent!
  70. RodrigoA.
    Sep 19, 2006
    10
    It's the best game in the world, I can't wait to play the Episodes 1 and 2.
  71. LukeM.
    Sep 21, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  72. LukeM.
    Sep 22, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  73. TelmoC.
    Sep 26, 2006
    10
    The best game in the world.
  74. KevinR.
    Sep 26, 2006
    10
    Best Half-Life game to come out since the original. This one takes everything 10 steps forward into the now of technology in advanced computer gaming capabilities, and shows game developers how to keep an ever evolving, rich storyline in the mix of all the battle and survival of that which is Half-Life!
  75. BrianM.
    Sep 29, 2006
    10
    Best FPS game I've ever played, and I've played 90% of them! Great job Valve! PS: Keep the additional content coming.
  76. RhysS.
    Sep 30, 2006
    10
    Does not get any better than this, what other game do you know that for a resonable price you get a full amazing game with state of the art effects and gameplay, a mod as in counter strike totally free that is a whole new game in itself and totally addictive, plus the kind of support that would put a wonder bra to shame. If you haven't got it, get it. If you have got it you going to heaven.
  77. StephenK.
    Sep 30, 2006
    10
    This game is just awesome, never get tired of playing it over and over, and the Episodic episodes make it even better.
  78. JoeB.
    Sep 4, 2006
    10
    Probably the best first-person shooter I have ever played. A variety of weapons keeps the player interested, and the storyline, while straightforward, is very well thought out. Missions vary, rather than the classic go here shoot this and go here shoot that. Overall, and excellent game.
  79. NathanC.
    Sep 9, 2006
    10
    This is the greatest game I've ever played because the action is constant, it requires thinking and not just shooting, it has constant surprises, you can take many different paths durring the game and have an incredible amount of freedom, the guns are unmatched, the graphics are impecable, and the reality of the game is unbeleivable in terms of gravity and physics! I could go on and This is the greatest game I've ever played because the action is constant, it requires thinking and not just shooting, it has constant surprises, you can take many different paths durring the game and have an incredible amount of freedom, the guns are unmatched, the graphics are impecable, and the reality of the game is unbeleivable in terms of gravity and physics! I could go on and on about how great this game is. This is a masterpiece!… Expand
  80. TeodorIkonomov
    Nov 1, 2007
    10
    The Best Game Ever
  81. MathewP
    Nov 1, 2007
    10
    This is the best game that played for years, it just impacted me, it is so damned funny.
  82. MikeC.
    Jan 11, 2007
    10
    A masterwork of stunning proportions. Still looks good today beside next-gen fare, plays like a dream and invokes all the nostalgia of Half-Life 1 while incorporating the thrills of a fully physics-based world. If you miss this game, you will be missing one of the major landmarks of gaming.
  83. GuiguiL.
    Nov 13, 2007
    10
    The best game ! With Episode One and two, the saga is the best VideoGame Saga ever created !
  84. GeorgeB.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    One of the best games out there. Lots of action without overdoing it. THUMBS-UP Guys!!!
  85. AndréB.
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    No comments for tis game! I can't even describe it! Play and see with your own eyes!
  86. RaulL.
    Nov 1, 2007
    9
    Why are all enemis alike (example: all zombies have same clothes).
  87. RobertD.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    Great history, great adventure, great game! :)
  88. RaymondA.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    Fast, Great team work needed to win, I love the Piro.
  89. Bombero
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    Excellent game, there were some bugs on the first release back in 2004 that frustrated me, but the gameplay, graphics and AI were excellent. One of my favourite games, I highly recommend it to anyone interested in PC gaming.
  90. TiberiuC.
    Nov 22, 2007
    10
    Revolutionary engine that still delivers in 2007. The game itself is like a good movie, only much better. Perfectly crafted and a worthy successor to Half-Life.
  91. Mr.F.
    Nov 24, 2007
    8
    Well, first let me dispell all of the zeroes below. Number one, this is most certainly not a Quake engine modification. Even if it were, the Quake engine is a very powerful one (see games like Nexuiz). Number two, the AI is rather low scale, but nothing like the crappy AI seen in Doom or Counter-Strike: Condition Zero. The storyline is linear, yeah, but so are Portal's (clearly so), Well, first let me dispell all of the zeroes below. Number one, this is most certainly not a Quake engine modification. Even if it were, the Quake engine is a very powerful one (see games like Nexuiz). Number two, the AI is rather low scale, but nothing like the crappy AI seen in Doom or Counter-Strike: Condition Zero. The storyline is linear, yeah, but so are Portal's (clearly so), Halo's and Dark Messiah of Might and Magic's plotlines. And they are still amazing games. The Source engine is probablyone of the most complex physics engines I've ever seen. Sim S.'s turn: Mabye gat a new computer, because Half-Life 2 loaded in under a minute on mine. I have an nVidia GeForce 7300 GT that runs C-S:S, Portal and HL2 with no problem. And if you are going to use a computer for gaming, at least make sure it fits the requirements. Christopher S.: Steam is one of the greatest gaming platforms I ever saw (Microsoft's Games for Windows -- LIVE is an utter piece of crap) and since I really don't have the space for CD's, it's convenient that I can just download my games after my annual system reformat.Trust me, playing the game at minimum graphics settings is not fun. If you have a load time of upwards of 2 minutes it's time to get a new computer, or at least upgrade your old, crappy Windows 2000 and/or Windows ME boxes with 128 megs of RAM and a *gasp* Pentuim III. GNU Gamer: get WINE, Cedega or VMware Fusion. Steam is Windows-only. Windows is, so far, the best and most widely-used platform on Earth. Want to make money? Either you overprice it and market it towards the "Alternitaves" (Mac) or make it a reasonable price and market it towards everyone else (Windows). Lord C.: UPDATE. 'Nuff said. AI S: Mabye you should have looked at the small print :MUST HAVE INTERNET CONNECTION TO PLAY GAME. Also, Steam is very widely-known and produced by Valve. Not third-party at all. Stop whining like a pussy and just do it already. You can even load Steam up in Offline mode to play the Single Player version offline. Take a little time to actually look at the Steam software. Madeline V.: Cheating is absolutlely unpreventable. Period. Even the VAC can't help that. It's what the VAC is for. If a server admin reports the person, then they get banned from playing Steam games online (they can still play 1P, but no MP for them). Look up the server admin's contact information and let them know. Kevin T.: All I have to say is, Portal and Counter-Srike: Source have to be a couple of the best games I've ever played. And they're both HL2 mods. Thomas G.: It's an FPS. It's hard to balance action witn puzzles (see the other end of the spectrum - Portal), so give Valve a break. Republican Skillz: HL2:E1 was incredible. Don't judge a game before it's even released, it makes you look like an idiot. Yves B.: Just... utter fail right there. That review didn't even have any actual, you know, review in it. Carmine R.: COD3 can't even begin to compare with this game. Ian F.: How old are you? For the target audience (16-year-old males) this game is incredible. If you think a game with killing is boring, then you need to see a psychologist. Sean War: Doom 3 didn't have the Source engine. The Steam engine takes up more hardware requirements, and you probably lowered your Video options. HL2 has far superior graphics to Doom 3 (like Quake had to Doom 1). Jim F.: New computer. Stop trying to install it on your crappy HP Pavillion (or whatever you have, obviously it's not working). Also, what is the point in even buying a game if you're only going to play it for three days, then mabye once every few monhs for a hour? Just wrong. Why, oh why does everyone compare this game to Far Cry?? All the CryENGINE has on Source is the damn plants! I mean, come on. The CryENGINE was made as a demo for the GeForce 3. It's old as hell.… Expand
  92. BrettD.
    Nov 28, 2007
    9
    Incredibly smart. Fascinating in it's ability to influence those around the character. Bone chilling twists of fate. The storyline is superb. The game is a must have for any gamers portfolio!
  93. Edgar
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    Episode two was flawless but for its length. If there was ever any doubt about the versatility of the Source engine, it has been washed away by the many mods and successful games that have been made with it, not to mention the constant forward momentum of its evolution as features are added. If valve plays their cards right, they can ride source into the next decade of the interactive Episode two was flawless but for its length. If there was ever any doubt about the versatility of the Source engine, it has been washed away by the many mods and successful games that have been made with it, not to mention the constant forward momentum of its evolution as features are added. If valve plays their cards right, they can ride source into the next decade of the interactive business without losing pace or falling behind in the relentless rat race of of graphical evolution. However, even when that line is crossed, and when the Source engine has exhausted all of its capabilities, it will undoubtedly go down into history as one of the most ingenious gaming engines ever developed.… Expand
  94. EricB.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    Absolutely Brilliant, the best game I have ever had the pleasure to play. the puzzles and game play in Half-Life 1 was astounding as it was a few years ago, but with the advanced graphics and physics emulation Half-Life 2 has to offer, along with the traditional game play and the genius maps and environments Valve's team has so skillfully created, Half-Life 2 will most definitely Absolutely Brilliant, the best game I have ever had the pleasure to play. the puzzles and game play in Half-Life 1 was astounding as it was a few years ago, but with the advanced graphics and physics emulation Half-Life 2 has to offer, along with the traditional game play and the genius maps and environments Valve's team has so skillfully created, Half-Life 2 will most definitely blow any gamer right off his or her feet.… Expand
  95. LucasF.
    Nov 28, 2007
    10
    Half-Life 2 is the base of new age of games. Half-Life history is perfect.
  96. TheChad
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    This game is absolutely awesome!! I recommend Half Life 2 and Episode 1 and 2 to everyone I know.
  97. PhilipW.
    Jan 14, 2007
    9
    One step closer to the perfect game: Plenty of freedom to play with the environment! The ending was rather a let-down, but everything leading up to it was top-notch.
  98. AnonymousMC
    Jan 14, 2007
    10
    I just can't understand why some people rate this 8- ... 1:"STEAM" is great 2:long loading times etc A)get more RAM B)Get rid of your viruses 3:Ok so the last guy is easy that can't bring it down more than 1 point 4: (specificly meant for "Victor") you do know there ain't much RPG ammo around?
    5:AI is bad? lemme pause to laugh *LOL*
    6:Bad ending ey? they're obviously    I just can't understand why some people rate this 8- ... 1:"STEAM" is great 2:long loading times etc A)get more RAM B)Get rid of your viruses 3:Ok so the last guy is easy that can't bring it down more than 1 point 4: (specificly meant for "Victor") you do know there ain't much RPG ammo around?
    5:AI is bad? lemme pause to laugh *LOL*
    6:Bad ending ey? they're obviously gonna make a sequel
    7:Bad story my ass
    8:Imma stop now    … Expand
  99. AnonymousMC
    Jan 15, 2007
    8
    The Game is ok. Second Place in my Favorite List. First goes to Far Cry. Good Graphics on average systems. That is very good. I played the german version and i have to say that the german syncro is one of the badest i have ever heard. Next time please spend more money for professional german synco-talkers.

    And I hate your Steam-System. I have payed for the Game and i want to play it on    The Game is ok. Second Place in my Favorite List. First goes to Far Cry. Good Graphics on average systems. That is very good. I played the german version and i have to say that the german syncro is one of the badest i have ever heard. Next time please spend more money for professional german synco-talkers.

    And I hate your Steam-System. I have payed for the Game and i want to play it on my computer without steam!    … Expand
  100. TravisO.
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    Amazing, Valve did it again. If you would have asked me before if they could have made a better game then the first Half Life I wouldn't have thought so but HL2 has surpassed all my expectations, they have truly out done themselves this time. so to the team at Valve I say, Bravo!.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best PC Game of 2004
1
#1 Most Discussed PC Game of 2004
1
#1 Most Shared PC Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
96

Universal acclaim - based on 81 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 81 out of 81
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 81
  3. Negative: 0 out of 81
  1. CPUGamer
    100
    Nothing less than a revolution in the gaming industry that will keep gamers busy for years to come, just as the original did.
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  2. Play.tm
    95
    An ephemeral and controversial ending, along with the few issues described above, means that for me, Half-Life 2, while a compelling and highly enjoyable game, falls short of the size of impact that the first title had on the gaming world.
    Read full review
  3. Playboy
    100
    A graphics overhaul delivers detailed facial animations and sophisticated physics that leave battle zones strewn with debris after intense shootouts with shuffling corpses, overfed curstaceans and other assorted foes. [October, p.37]
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