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. AndrewG
    Sep 2, 2007
    10
    While I went through a CS phase, I never took the time to play either Half-Life or Half-Life 2. Now that I finished HL2, I cannot wait to play Episode 1. HL2 is easily one of three best games I've ever played.
  2. JustinB.
    Sep 24, 2007
    9
    Big fan of Half life great gameplay and story. I thought the tunnle level was kind of boring and the AI was a little weak and steam is a headach for me snice I have a slower internet connection. However the physics graphics plot and gameplay do make up for these minor downsizes.
  3. BenK
    Sep 26, 2007
    9
    Masterpiece. Eric H does not know what he's talking about. What exactly were you promised slick? Badly modified quake engine? That engine was built strictly to develop Half-Life 2. If you think there's no plot than your really not paying attention. It has as much plot as Fahrenheit 451 or a novel of such epic ideas.
  4. AnonymousMC
    Sep 30, 2007
    9
    What can I say, 3 years later, about HL2 that hasn't already been said? Not much, I guess. It gave me great satisfaction to find myself in such an interesting, well-sculpted virtual world. Yeah, it was linear, but the presentation was nothing short of fantastic. Call me strange, but I was so awed when I saw my first, Nazi-like, Orwellian enforcer. As I stopped and stared, all I heardWhat can I say, 3 years later, about HL2 that hasn't already been said? Not much, I guess. It gave me great satisfaction to find myself in such an interesting, well-sculpted virtual world. Yeah, it was linear, but the presentation was nothing short of fantastic. Call me strange, but I was so awed when I saw my first, Nazi-like, Orwellian enforcer. As I stopped and stared, all I heard was the click-click-click of the observer drone and the constant droning of propaganda from the speakers on the wall. I was hooked. Nothing gets me more than an environment that is gripping, believable, and immersive. Not like that cluttered, illogical crap you get from Bioshock and others. HL2 just got better from there. Above average weapon selection. The gravity gun was a pleasure to work with. Interesting enemies to fight. Good story. And all of it so beautifully, visually and sonically, presented. I love the sound of that one later assault rifle (with the bouncing ball as the secondary): it was so satisfying to use (too bad it ran out of ammo so quickly!). Presentation will make or break a game like that. Thank goodness Valve got it right. Cons? Too short. =)… Expand
  5. PatrickA.
    Sep 30, 2007
    10
    Its a great game to all you who havnt played it yet? DO IT KNOW!. its a very nice in game story and graphics.
  6. killtacular
    Sep 30, 2007
    10
    This game deserves nothing less than a ten. notice how all the bad ratings are because of steam not because of the game itself. this game has the best physic engine of any game I've ever seen and awesome graphics even for an aging game (3 years) and the episodic releases only make it more spectacular. Even Halo 3 and all its hype doesn't stand up to this because Half-Life 2 is This game deserves nothing less than a ten. notice how all the bad ratings are because of steam not because of the game itself. this game has the best physic engine of any game I've ever seen and awesome graphics even for an aging game (3 years) and the episodic releases only make it more spectacular. Even Halo 3 and all its hype doesn't stand up to this because Half-Life 2 is only single player and without multiplayer Halo 3 would be a piece of trash compared to HL2. I agree steam is a friggin' pain in the a**. but once you get it working its worth it. And this game should be rated by gameplay, mechanics and graphics. not by steam's irritating problems.… Expand
  7. DoranN.
    Sep 9, 2007
    10
    This game is even more awesome than the first half life and it is something everyone will surely enjoy.
  8. FelixE.
    Nov 15, 2008
    10
    This game is absolutely the best game I have ever played. Now I'm not saying I've played all the games in the world, but I've played quite a lot and still nothing has been able to surpass this game. The physics and graphics are great even after 4 years, the scenery is tremendous but the best part is with no doubt the story. Nothing can surpass this touching story. If you This game is absolutely the best game I have ever played. Now I'm not saying I've played all the games in the world, but I've played quite a lot and still nothing has been able to surpass this game. The physics and graphics are great even after 4 years, the scenery is tremendous but the best part is with no doubt the story. Nothing can surpass this touching story. If you want to play the best game in the world, this is it.… Expand
  9. Neil
    Nov 16, 2008
    10
    It's all been said before...beautiful graphics, excellent storyline, puzzles, the facial expressions, the fact that it's not "level1, cutscene, level 2, cutscene...." just constant story..... I could go on and on. I hate fast zombies. Thank God for the rightclick on the shotgun. I think the problem the tiny minority of people who've given this bad reviews is that they were It's all been said before...beautiful graphics, excellent storyline, puzzles, the facial expressions, the fact that it's not "level1, cutscene, level 2, cutscene...." just constant story..... I could go on and on. I hate fast zombies. Thank God for the rightclick on the shotgun. I think the problem the tiny minority of people who've given this bad reviews is that they were looking for a FPS, which this is, but it's so much more than just running about shooting baddies. Which apparently is a bad thing to some people. (!?) Episode 1&2 are both also excellent and I'm currently wettign ymself with anticipation over Episode 3!… Expand
  10. AnonymousMC
    Nov 29, 2008
    10
    brilliant game completed it 4 times but the graphics are nice so are models althouth through the game you see replica team mates that anoys me otherwise all is great i could complete the game in about 4 hours its all about having a good puzzle and action mind valve has really pushed its self forward from half-life 1
  11. AnonymousMC
    Nov 30, 2008
    10
    Released in late '04, this game was a triumph of graphical achievement. Even today, the source engine stands up incredibly well and is one of the least demanding of your system. The game itself was amazing, mind blowing, and altogether almost perfect. Those folks at Valve know how to pump out quality software.
  12. TeodorIkonomov
    Jan 13, 2008
    10
    The Best Game Ever
  13. HNDHND
    Jan 16, 2008
    10
    Lovely game with realy intaligent AI .Grafics is incredible. EXTRA GAME!!!
  14. LukeM.
    Oct 17, 2008
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  15. YanoZ.
    Jan 19, 2008
    10
    I was lucky enough to play this game back when it was still beta testing. The source engine amazed me as to the small amount of system resource it used yet to produce such astonishing graphics. Now that more advanced graphics engines that powers COD4 and Crysis are out, I'm looking forward to see the second generation of Source Engine to exceed the CryENGINE2.
  16. andrewh.
    Jan 2, 2008
    10
    This is the best game with the use of physics i have ever seen, action heavy but i can't wait for each puzzle in the game.
  17. TimothyK.
    Dec 29, 2008
    10
    This is Valve's masterpiece, a game that will live on in gaming history forever, along with their original Half-Life. The graphics are still stunning, even from four years ago. The characters are amazing, the puzzles are intriguing (although not as good as Half-Life's), the gravity gun is the most innovative weapon I've seen in any FPS ever, and the story keeps you gripped This is Valve's masterpiece, a game that will live on in gaming history forever, along with their original Half-Life. The graphics are still stunning, even from four years ago. The characters are amazing, the puzzles are intriguing (although not as good as Half-Life's), the gravity gun is the most innovative weapon I've seen in any FPS ever, and the story keeps you gripped as you discover what the world around you as become. The Combine is the epitome of evil and the style of their buildings is extremely well done. First class, must-own, amazing game. Buy The Orange Box to get two other amazing games.… Expand
  18. MikeK.
    Jan 26, 2008
    10
    Simply the best game ever. All game designers should take notes on how to tie up all aspects to gaming perfection.
  19. barb3d
    Jan 3, 2008
    10
    what a Awesome game, never played anything with such nice gameplay and graphics, it all sort of fits together perfectly. i was never really a fan of the half life series until i played this, the story was so interesting, I had no choice but to buy all the previous episodes and complete them, just to see what blackmesa and all the other twists were about, lol. totally gripping storylines, what a Awesome game, never played anything with such nice gameplay and graphics, it all sort of fits together perfectly. i was never really a fan of the half life series until i played this, the story was so interesting, I had no choice but to buy all the previous episodes and complete them, just to see what blackmesa and all the other twists were about, lol. totally gripping storylines, unbelivably addictive gameplay, graphics epic 10 out of 10 in my book. keep up the good work valve.… Expand
  20. EmanuelKumlien
    Jan 3, 2008
    10
    Best game ever. period.
  21. Danto
    Jan 6, 2008
    10
    Amazing FPS game, story was sketchy in places but it owns most storylines, physics are great, gameplay is amazing, the enemy AI is fantastic, although rebel squads are pretty dumb (you could say it says alot about the average human compared to the combine). the only bone i have to pick with it is its horribly cumbersome installation process (3 years ago when i got it it took about 4 hours Amazing FPS game, story was sketchy in places but it owns most storylines, physics are great, gameplay is amazing, the enemy AI is fantastic, although rebel squads are pretty dumb (you could say it says alot about the average human compared to the combine). the only bone i have to pick with it is its horribly cumbersome installation process (3 years ago when i got it it took about 4 hours to install, alot of issues with installing it, even now my steam account is still doing things to piss me off) there are alot of load screens as well but, even with its flaws (of which there are hardly any) it still stands as one of the best singleplayer fps' of all time, to be frank i think it craps all over all halo games in terms of its singleplayer campaign, although each of those have kick ass multiplayer :) even its graphics engine still stands the test of time, sure there are newer and better ones but it still looks amazing, and episode 2 looked incredible as well, as in it was comparable to call of duty 4 (its shadowing system is still a bit average though) overall it truly was, and still is, one of the best games i have ever played… Expand
  22. TomislavN.
    Oct 7, 2008
    10
    This game is a revolution both in the world of Fps, and generally the whole Pc gaming community. The game has great graphical and story elements, excellent lip-synching, and something that makes you play over and over again. The music, and general sound affects are very nicely made, and perfectly combine with the story, or some game events. Characters are not only modeled by 3d, but also This game is a revolution both in the world of Fps, and generally the whole Pc gaming community. The game has great graphical and story elements, excellent lip-synching, and something that makes you play over and over again. The music, and general sound affects are very nicely made, and perfectly combine with the story, or some game events. Characters are not only modeled by 3d, but also from inside, it's like you get a completely different connection to the character you are playing, and the one who is talking to you. This is an excellent Single Player, and you won't regret the money you invest in it. The only problem is that there is no multiplayer component, but the single player component clears everything away. The game is simply amazing, classic, and totally new in the gaming industry. If you didn't buy it by now, you should.… Expand
  23. MichaelH.
    Jan 8, 2008
    10
    This game packs a lethal punch to all other games out there that Are not made with as much skill and exuberance as this one.
  24. NateB.
    Feb 10, 2008
    10
    What a great game! This game truly changed me. It is the most fun thing ever to have a combine throw a grenade at you, and then you switch to the gravity gun and catch it and shoot it back. I loved it. - [Pr0]bobcrampet
  25. EmanuelKumlien
    Feb 13, 2008
    10
    Best game ever. period.
  26. FreemanG.
    Feb 16, 2008
    10
    Boa jogabilidade,bons graficos, o motor source ta exelente, preocuparam-se não so com os graficos mas tambem com a jogabilidade.
  27. AnonymousMC
    Feb 21, 2008
    10
    Having just played through it again three and a half years after it's original release, Half-life 2 remains an absolutely stunning game. Engaging on every level with the ability to shock, terrify, emotionally move you or get your blood pumping. This, if anything, is pure digital art. Name me another game that still seems fresh, exciting and just as good three years on? Go on - I dare you!
  28. AnonymousMC
    Feb 26, 2008
    10
    I loved the game. great graphics, engine etc. adn for everybody that is complaining about the story I really don't see what the problem is. If you didn't play the first game i see how it could get confusing but then play the first game! if you are to lazy to do that just go on the internet and read up on it.
  29. AnonymousMC
    Feb 27, 2008
    10
    It's amazing how this game is great. The graphics are top of the line (for the time) and the sound is very good too. Sometimes a great battle is starting and some techno tunes start to play helping you to get in the mood.
    The caracters are apealling. You really start caring about Alyx, the crazy doc, Barney and your war mates. There's no actually bosses, but the challenges keep    It's amazing how this game is great. The graphics are top of the line (for the time) and the sound is very good too. Sometimes a great battle is starting and some techno tunes start to play helping you to get in the mood.
    The caracters are apealling. You really start caring about Alyx, the crazy doc, Barney and your war mates. There's no actually bosses, but the challenges keep increasing and the monsters keep coming always as good surprises, like the building-tall monsters or even the "crazy blades of doom" that the combine release.
    It's a great playing. When you think you'll get tired of something, the game changes and add some cool new aspect, scenario or gun.
    It's a masterpiece in every little detail.    … Expand
  30. ErikG
    Feb 9, 2008
    10
    I just finished the game (like, not even five minutes ago)... and I have to say... I'm exhausted. I always put off playing this game until now, because the original Half-Life scared me, since I was a little kid at the time. Lately, it's been because I wasn't sure if the combat would be as good as more recent FPSes. While I have to say; the combat isn't necessarily I just finished the game (like, not even five minutes ago)... and I have to say... I'm exhausted. I always put off playing this game until now, because the original Half-Life scared me, since I was a little kid at the time. Lately, it's been because I wasn't sure if the combat would be as good as more recent FPSes. While I have to say; the combat isn't necessarily anything new, but it was still completely intense, very rewarding, and great fun. The storyline in this game is... wow. I've been a dedicated LoZ: OoT fanboy since the day I played it, and the first thing that came out of my mouth right after I beat the game was, "Is this better than Ocarina of Time?" Admittedly, I still prefer LoZ: OoT, but this game is definitely the best thing I've played in years. I found myself going through and playing the game, all the while saying to myself, "NOW I understand why this is supposed to be the best PC game ever!" and every time I meant it more, and more. This game managed to tear me from my shell, pit me in a new environment, and take every ounce of my attention until the very second it was over. It is as good a game as it was back when it was released, and, just like LoZ: OoT, every one should give it a try.… Expand
  31. TimDale
    Mar 11, 2008
    10
    Brilliant...Astonishing...no words can desribe this game.
  32. AnonymousMC
    Mar 14, 2008
    10
    why does everyone give this game a bad score because of steam HOW IS STEAM BAD. i just dont get it steam is amazing there is nothig wrong with it. plus so what if it takes a long time to load on your computer, its your computers fault not steam's. 2nd best game in the world next to ratchet and clank
  33. NathanS.
    Mar 16, 2008
    10
    One of the best games Ive ever played
  34. AlessandroS.
    Mar 19, 2008
    10
    As like Half-Life I played this one first a couple of years after the initial release and also like Half-Life its successor flashed me with the whole game design, the genious level architecture, its innovation, emotions, characters and the whole look and feel. Thanks Valve for this jewel and now I'm gonna play Episode 1 & 2.
  35. AllanC.
    Mar 19, 2008
    9
    Crashed a few times, but other then that? SOLID.
  36. BlaineH
    Mar 22, 2008
    10
    I think it was the best, most intertaining fps i have ever played on any platform. I highly recomend for the hardcore gamer but not so much the casual. Also if your computer cant handle the high futuristic graphics, amaizing sorround sound and intense gameplay... you need to blame yourself not the game.
  37. DitmerV.
    Mar 28, 2008
    10
    Its such a nice game I really love it.
  38. Mr.T.
    Mar 29, 2008
    9
    @Mr.A: How about... revolutionay Graphics, Physics + PHYSICAL MIRACLES. Even games after HL2 used Physics just to show its possibilitiy, not to use it as a gaming element.
  39. AJL.
    Mar 5, 2008
    10
    Absolutely superb game. Excellent pacing, enemy AI, graphics, gameplay. Only the vehicle portions can be a bit annoying.
  40. JohnC.
    Apr 1, 2008
    10
    Very good game, worth every penny to be bought.
  41. ThomasH.
    Apr 12, 2008
    9
    Ok, I'm tired of people posting comments saying thins like "steam sucks, physics engine makes things killz u when you touch them WTF" or "engine is good but game to liniar n' boring not enough boomz" In response to the first quote which actually is a lot like the actual review its based on, throw out your 10 year old computer running on windows 98 if you want to continue to play Ok, I'm tired of people posting comments saying thins like "steam sucks, physics engine makes things killz u when you touch them WTF" or "engine is good but game to liniar n' boring not enough boomz" In response to the first quote which actually is a lot like the actual review its based on, throw out your 10 year old computer running on windows 98 if you want to continue to play games. The engine hasn't been as buggy as you stated since the beta, and if objects hit you at 50 km per hour, your gonna get damaged in some way. Its probably your old computer thats making the engine so bad, so for your deity's sake, (and if your an atheist I can see why your so critical) get a computer that can run windows xp (stay away from vista) in response to the later quote, also creepily close to the original review, go play halo. Oh wait is that to liniar for you too? How bout you go play Oblivion, an rpg with no liniar game play, oh wait no explosions... well how bout you go play DOOM 3, I'm sure you will be happy with blowing zombies and demons to bits, and the campy acting as well. Anyways the reason I rate this a 9 is because its a great game overall but the reason I don't rate this a 10 is they could have made it slightly more challenging, and because they took out so much from the original game idea (like awesome weapons) that would have made the game so much better. If they had started out with this and not taken anything away I would have given it a 10, but because it was great but could have been so much better I rate it a 9.… Expand
  42. RetR.
    Apr 15, 2008
    10
    Amazing.
  43. JoachimE
    Apr 23, 2008
    10
    This is one of the best games ever made.
  44. GordanK.
    Apr 26, 2008
    10
    After HL2 all games are just empty.
  45. TimS.
    Apr 28, 2008
    10
    it is the best single shooter I've ever played!!!
  46. CollinM.
    Apr 8, 2008
    10
    Everything is amazing, the graphics for the game coming out in 04 are really nice. The game play seems really original, and the controls are decent.
  47. Cr0ssCr0ss
    May 1, 2008
    10
    This is the best game of the world!
  48. Bobbobbo
    May 16, 2008
    10
    The best game I have ever played.
  49. Maslab
    May 19, 2008
    9
    No game is perfect, but Half Life 2 probably hits the mark closer than most. But poor AI most all around just makes enemies too easy. Its understandable if the enemies are zombies or Antlions, but armored, trained soldiers should be able to figure out what a grenade is, and to properly use cover. Awesome graphics, no fault there, and controls are easy, and what can I say about the grav No game is perfect, but Half Life 2 probably hits the mark closer than most. But poor AI most all around just makes enemies too easy. Its understandable if the enemies are zombies or Antlions, but armored, trained soldiers should be able to figure out what a grenade is, and to properly use cover. Awesome graphics, no fault there, and controls are easy, and what can I say about the grav gun that hasn't been said before? Its just amazing.… Expand
  50. JCortez
    May 31, 2008
    10
    Years of work by valve, anticipation, and it all paid off!! A Classic for YEARS to come!!
  51. DanielP.
    May 3, 2008
    10
    Forget the imitations; it is the Half-Life series that gives serious credibility to the first person shooter genre.
  52. LukeM.
    May 9, 2008
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  53. Markus
    Jun 11, 2008
    10
    This was the most entertaining games i've ever played, i give this 10 without a doubt.
  54. CraigF.
    Jun 20, 2008
    10
    One of the genre defining games, that fans must play!
  55. AshleyM.
    Jun 22, 2008
    10
    Best ever game made besides Half-Life 1.
  56. AnthonyR.
    Jun 24, 2008
    10
    Excellent game all around. Great graphics, very good as one of the first "next gen" games. Incredible story and game play. Perfect for Oldschool half-life fans like myself and also for newcomers who have never played. Great sound quality. Insanely fun to play on and offline.
  57. FreeScience
    Jun 29, 2008
    10
    Best Story, best Gameplay, best Graphics, best Physics ever !!!
  58. LukeM.
    Jun 29, 2008
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  59. EugeneZ.
    Jun 8, 2008
    10
    Just one word for this game... AWESOME!
  60. Nick
    Jun 9, 2008
    10
    My pc was struggling to run this game and I still played through it. This game was great almost a movie.
  61. TimW.
    Jul 11, 2008
    9
    Fun,nice to look at!
  62. QuasimU.
    Jul 10, 2008
    10
    Easily the best FPS I have ever played! Graphics are great, physics are amazing, enemy AI is insane, and gameplay is top of the notch. Well worth the entry price, as you will likely replay this.Gravity Gun is the single coolest thing ever envisioned. If you don't have this, go out and buy it now!
  63. EatPeople
    Jul 10, 2008
    10
    awesome game =D anyone who rates it less than a 7 either doesn't know how to have fun, rates the game based on steam which is something else entirely, or is really really easily grossed out, Nick C.... >.>
  64. JayC
    Jul 13, 2008
    10
    Good to know that Nick C bases one of the greatest games in history on how big of a little pussy bitch he is. The game is rated Mature for the older people that have grown out of diapers. Don't review games based on how big of a bitch you are.
  65. TylerC.
    Jul 14, 2008
    10
    This is undoubtedly one of the greatest games in existence from the beginning of time. Only the first Half-Life can compare to its glory. With such an immersive storyline, compelling life-like characters, real-life physics, and exceptional gameplay, Half-Life 2 has raised the bar for what FPS games should be and uses that bar to smack every other game into submission, relentlessly.
  66. JoaoT.
    Jul 2, 2008
    10
    Well, this is the videogame of videogames, this is revolution, i've never seen one pc game so close to perfection . This game is enough for me to cry, it's really good . Amazing shooter, grafics, everything .
  67. PedroS.
    Jul 2, 2008
    10
    Perfect, only the original is equal.
  68. Tyranick
    Jul 21, 2008
    10
    First of all, Nick C? You have to be one of the stupidist people I have EVER seen comment on here for 5 reasons. 1) What are you doing playing a 18 rated games at 5 AND 13?! 2) Woah woah woah...you think HL2 is more violent that HL1?! You must be blind...people explode into gibs in HL1. In Hl2 you cant do that, yes there's people being hanged and the "scare" element is more severe First of all, Nick C? You have to be one of the stupidist people I have EVER seen comment on here for 5 reasons. 1) What are you doing playing a 18 rated games at 5 AND 13?! 2) Woah woah woah...you think HL2 is more violent that HL1?! You must be blind...people explode into gibs in HL1. In Hl2 you cant do that, yes there's people being hanged and the "scare" element is more severe but...its nothing you couldn't handle surely. And its zombies you split in half not "people" have you even played the game properly? You think this game is violent? Try watching SAW 4 or playing F.E.A.R. you ignorant little child then you'll see. 3) You rate a game based on its level of gore? Really shows your age...GTFO. 4)Eyes bulging from their head? Now I know your making things up. 5) Its people like you who should banned and removed from ratings and reviewing games. You said your self your 13...but you cant even handle the gore in HL2? Wow your the biggest pussy I've ever seen as well...grow up ffs. Now for the review...whats is their to say short of masterpiece? Its the most engaging, most atmospheric, most well designed and most BRILLIANTLY voice acted FPS game there has EVER been. Stunning graphics and physics engine for its time, and still is after nearly 4 years! Cant believe it came out before games like Bioshock and UT3 and such. Its virtually IMPOSSIBLE to get bored of this game. There's ENDLESS easter eggs and secrets to find, messing about with the physics is just spectacular, (And with GMOD really came the extravigance! :D) setting traps with the physics, building defences and making little towers EPIC! Playing with the AI, the epic scripted sequences of the helicopter chases, on foot chas.es...and the suttle little "scares" which keep you on your toes...its not FEAR, but it does the job well :). The only place were you can knock it down is the Team Mate AI. There not the greatest in the world but there not the worst, a lot of the time they will just run out and get them selves killed, or just not move at all, or get stuck etc etc. They can't use a lot of weapos either, only grendages, smg's, pistols and rocket lauchers but, they provide a decent meatshield :). Best part of the game? Well for me it had to be beach and highway 17 etc...I LOVED how the game "opened up" here, and it seemed less linear after your exploits in Ravenholm. The ambience of the ocean waves splashing up, the crowing of the gulls, the suttle remains of car crashes and corpses laying about with there bodies smeared across the ground, or hanging from ropes on trees etc...ooh the atmosphere is unrivaled. Love everything in that sequence. As well as the bridge scene :D. Ideed...only HL1 really comes close. And with all the mods HL2 has its very hard to get bored. With EP1/2/3 out or on there way, the experience continues to grow :D. Well done Valve...keep 'em coming!… Expand
  69. ElangelM.
    Jul 2, 2008
    10
    Wow best game i have seen, ever.
  70. KarlS.
    Jul 28, 2008
    10
    A truly brilliant game, great graphics, great gunplay and the facial animations are the best I've ever seen. This is the ONE unmissable game!
  71. ChadD.
    Jul 6, 2008
    10
    Nick C., I take it, has never played DooM or FEAR. This game's gore is mild at best, and has just enough to keep the average gamer satisfied. Yet, I do remember sawing a zombie in half and pausing for a moment in disgust, but after the third or fourth time it becomes more entertaining than sickening. Half-Life 2 is a must buy for anybody who calls themselves a gamer. If you think Nick C., I take it, has never played DooM or FEAR. This game's gore is mild at best, and has just enough to keep the average gamer satisfied. Yet, I do remember sawing a zombie in half and pausing for a moment in disgust, but after the third or fourth time it becomes more entertaining than sickening. Half-Life 2 is a must buy for anybody who calls themselves a gamer. If you think Halo is the best game ever, I feel sorry for you, because you are out of the loop of games and are only seeing what the media blows out of proportion. Half-Life may be unrealistic unrealistic in parts, but what the hell, it's a game. Even the new xbox 360 version has already set the graphical, gameplay, and story telling standard for all games, and it was just released last year. Half-Life will live on in the same way that movies like Rockey have. Gamers will forever cherish their copy of Half-Life, and the expansions that came with it. I highly recommend this to anybody and everybody, even those who have never played a game.… Expand
  72. JimmyP.
    Aug 12, 2008
    10
    A revaluation in gaming.
  73. JohnC
    Aug 24, 2008
    10
    Absolutely phenomenal. Everything from the physics engine, graphics, AI, environments, story, atmosphere, etc. is as close to perfect as you'll get in today's game market. The blending of fantastic shootouts, interesting enemies, challenging puzzles, and some jump out of your seat moments is both flawless and fun. Even better yet it comes in one of the best deals in gaming Absolutely phenomenal. Everything from the physics engine, graphics, AI, environments, story, atmosphere, etc. is as close to perfect as you'll get in today's game market. The blending of fantastic shootouts, interesting enemies, challenging puzzles, and some jump out of your seat moments is both flawless and fun. Even better yet it comes in one of the best deals in gaming period, The Orange Box. Half Life 2, Half Life 2 Ep. 1, Half Life 2 Ep. 2, Portal, and Team Fortress 2. Valve has really pushed the limit and raised the bar immensely and it's time that other game companies take notice. Although this is an older game compared to most, it is still one of the best out there. Highly recommended for anyone, period.… Expand
  74. NicolaeB.
    Sep 18, 2008
    10
    One of my favorite stories of all time for a first person shooter. They should make this game into a movie!!!
  75. James
    Sep 7, 2008
    10
    A tour-de-force of jaw-dropping visual effects and action of mind-blowing intensity...in short, an overdose of FPS kick-assitude. Ten out of Ten.
  76. ZekkoD.
    Sep 8, 2008
    9
    Ok, about what that Nick C. said is false and yes, he is the biggest pussy I've ever seen. I'm 14 and probably the biggest FPS fan at this age. I played from Ultimate Doom to Bioshock. F.E.A.R is the most scariest FPS. Ok, back to the Half Life series. Since I played Half Life 1, I finished it and loved it, it was a masterpiece. Then the Expansions, and then The Orange Box, and Ok, about what that Nick C. said is false and yes, he is the biggest pussy I've ever seen. I'm 14 and probably the biggest FPS fan at this age. I played from Ultimate Doom to Bioshock. F.E.A.R is the most scariest FPS. Ok, back to the Half Life series. Since I played Half Life 1, I finished it and loved it, it was a masterpiece. Then the Expansions, and then The Orange Box, and then Bioshock. :))... ok the orange box is the best deal in gaming history, plus it has all the half life 2 series. The 9 is from the bad jeep/airboat and low-poly graphics.… Expand
  77. MattT
    Sep 9, 2008
    10
    Excellent game, recommended after playing Counter-Strike Source and other first-shooters.
  78. WilliamC.
    Sep 9, 2008
    10
    An incredible game that rips itself from the standard of shooter games and puts itself in another league entirely. 10/10, 11 if that was a possible score. I also have a few things to say about some of the people who "voted." Toni N. says he doesn't like HL2 because it has "too much puzzles." I think I see why even the simple physics-oriented puzzles of this game were too much for his An incredible game that rips itself from the standard of shooter games and puts itself in another league entirely. 10/10, 11 if that was a possible score. I also have a few things to say about some of the people who "voted." Toni N. says he doesn't like HL2 because it has "too much puzzles." I think I see why even the simple physics-oriented puzzles of this game were too much for his feeble mind. He's obviously dumb as a log, and proves it with his astonishingly bad vocabulary. He should stop playing games, any games at all, and try concentrating harder in English class. Nick C. was nauseated about the levels of gore in Half life. Sure, he's 13 years old, but many people have been playing games like Starcraft and Unreal since they were half that age, where marines getting chopped in half and peoples heads being disconnected from their necks were a common occurrence. Get some guts, kid. Really. Anyways, excellent game, don't let a few idiots' opinions keep ou from purchasing this.… Expand
  79. elliotw
    Oct 11, 2009
    9
    Half life 2 review Half life 2 is undoubtedly one of the greatest fps
  80. WillC
    Nov 22, 2009
    10
    The best FPS ever made. Not just from a gameplay standpoint, but because of its story, characters, setting and great immersion. The gravity gun is the most inventive weapon in gaming and the games set pieces are nothing short of action-packed extravaganza's.
  81. ChristopherNa
    Nov 4, 2009
    10
    Man, oh man if you never played half-life than you never experience pc gaming. Half life 1 was not only a shooter game but a thinking game as well. So as said for Half-Life 2. When the game came out I was just like OMFG! NO F$%^ING WAY! The graphics are just fantastic and the AI is okay (I don't know why people complain about the AI?). The story line is just perfect, and the physics Man, oh man if you never played half-life than you never experience pc gaming. Half life 1 was not only a shooter game but a thinking game as well. So as said for Half-Life 2. When the game came out I was just like OMFG! NO F$%^ING WAY! The graphics are just fantastic and the AI is okay (I don't know why people complain about the AI?). The story line is just perfect, and the physics engine is just outstanding. Ex: Throwing a can at a combine head is just the most realistic (and funny) thing that ever happen in my life. The game play focuses on fps, AND thinking skills. It will take you time and patience to figure out a way pass secruity measures and barnacles. The zombies are just scarrier than ever and much more eneimes from HL1. Those who played Half life 1 must play this no matter what it is. At least renting it would just be darn good than a demo. It's a shame that the price is a little too high. But hey I still went to a internet/gaming cafe to try the heck out of it. And man was it worth every penny. To bad I won't be seeing Adrien Shepard I mean he was okay but who cares. All half life fans Gorden freeman has risen his crowbar. Those who are not fans join us!… Expand
  82. Hiliomar|Iced|
    Oct 14, 2009
    10
    Quite simply an amazing game, i do not agree with mikael who gave it a 6 and said the team ai was weak, it was simply good enough to want to finish the game. Althrough the game the most fun weapon was of course the gravity gun. picking up things and throwing them around was very enjoying and throwing explosives barrels at the enemy was fantastic. Thanks Valve For making such an fantastic game.
  83. AnonymousMC
    Jan 16, 2009
    10
    A Brilliant entry into a brilliant series. On an engine that looks great when compared to some of the modern games, it's no wonder why this was such an eye popper when it first came out. That, and the system requirements are incredibly low. Buy it, if not for the game, for the story and the ever so atmospheric levels.
  84. AnonymousMC
    Oct 18, 2009
    10
    Best game ever made. SECOND TO NONE!
    I remember playing Half-Life. Thinking that it was the best game ever created and that no game company would ever surpass it. Then Half-Life 2 came out. HOLY CRAP!!
    If you haven't played this game, then you do not deserve to be called "hardcore" or a "gamer, or any combination thereof. The entire Half-Life series crushes any other game on the    Best game ever made. SECOND TO NONE!
    I remember playing Half-Life. Thinking that it was the best game ever created and that no game company would ever surpass it. Then Half-Life 2 came out. HOLY CRAP!!
    If you haven't played this game, then you do not deserve to be called "hardcore" or a "gamer, or any combination thereof.
    The entire Half-Life series crushes any other game on the market and most likely any game to be introduced to the video game market for quite a while. Even Halo, which is quite overrated to be honest.
    Buy it. It's like what, $10 at most? Oh and get Half-Life 1 as well, and the expansion packs: Opposing Force, and Blue Shift; and get Episode 1 & 2 for HL2. Oh, and get Team Fortress 2 and Left 4 Dead, and...
    Okay, okay, just make sure to get the WHOLE Half-life series for maximum enjoyment!    … Expand
  85. pm
    Oct 19, 2009
    10
    Plot and action are in many ways still untouched. Few modifications would have to be made for this game to appear almost completely up to date, even after half a decade.
  86. FrancescoB
    Dec 12, 2009
    10
    An absolute masterpiece. Everyone should enjoy it and join this amazing experience!
  87. clarkbrookover
    Oct 22, 2009
    10
    this is one of the many favorite games i have. and i don't have many. if anyone wants a good game i would recommend this to them first. great puzzles and game play. story line amazing!
  88. RyanM
    Dec 27, 2009
    10
    Anyone complaining about the dumb ai remember that 90 percent of the game is fighting zombies... they arent supposed to be smart. This game revolutionized physics development and the implementation of the gravity gun
  89. AnonymousOne
    Dec 31, 2009
    10
    Absolutely fantastic gaming experience! Great story in a familiar setting. This franchise has had me anticipating new content year after year.
  90. PaulC
    Dec 30, 2009
    10
    Still Replay this game every so often and I have only found one game I like more!
  91. CianP
    Dec 30, 2009
    10
    A must have FPS, amazing story, great characters and overall greatness. Well worth the money!
  92. MarkW
    Dec 5, 2009
    10
    I was amazed the first time I played Half Life 2. I still find myself going back to replay the gamer years later.
  93. Nastyguard
    Dec 5, 2009
    10
    By far the best game of 2004, and is still one of my favorite games ever! The game is great overall, it has polish through the roof! Even though VALVE today is known for amazingly polished games The gameplay is amazing! Shooting enemies is very satisfying, and since there are many enemies to shoot - you'll be neither frustrated by the combat nor will you be bored without it, since By far the best game of 2004, and is still one of my favorite games ever! The game is great overall, it has polish through the roof! Even though VALVE today is known for amazingly polished games The gameplay is amazing! Shooting enemies is very satisfying, and since there are many enemies to shoot - you'll be neither frustrated by the combat nor will you be bored without it, since times without enemies are very rare. But when there are no enemies to fight, the game presents you with a variety of puzzles, mostly physics based. The physics of the Source Engine are one of the best out there, and considering this game is pretty old - it's kind of surprising. Although there are 2 complaints I have about the gameplay: 1) There aren't enough guns. Considering HL1 had so many of them, this one falls pretty short. The addition of the Gravity-Gun basically makes up for it. 2) The Teammate AI is pretty poor. The enemies handle great by taking cover, throwing grenades, working in teams to defeat you. Considering that, it's kind of surprising your teammates are so dumb. They rarely hit enemies, often get stuck somewhere and they do some other things, that you wouldn't want your teammates doing. The graphics are also a marvel to look at, even 5 years after its initial release. You play in huge, beautiful landscapes with great detail. Models are also beautiful, especially thanks to the incredible facial animation VALVE managed to put in their game. I have 0 complaints with the graphics. The sound is also great, featuring a pretty good soundtrack (although rarely heard), great sound effects (people who were making them probably had the hardest job ever, since the items you shoot from the gravity gun against other items make a sound varying depending on which items you shoot at which, so they had to make a hellish amount of combinations) and an amazing voice crew, with every single character talking in a very believable manner, which along with the realistic facial animation make for a pretty great atmosphere. The game is pretty long, lasting about 10 hours through your first playing, and for some reason - I keep wanting to replay it again and again over time. And I also forgot to mention the story. The story unfolds in a near flawless fashion. It's weird that Gordon never speaks (again), but it can be easily forgotten. You'll be hooked by the storytelling and drawn into the action naturally. A story that even beats HL1, in my opinion. I had very little to none complaints about this game, and I think it deserves a 10. The complaints I did have, however, are really minor and you'll barely even notice them while playing this amazing gaming experience. If you still haven't played the game - what the hell are you waiting for? BUY IT NOW! I suggest getting the Orange Box, since it comes with HL2 and both of the episodes, Portal - which is an amazing puzzle game that you'll find very unique and fun to play, and Team Fortress 2 - which is an amazing/cartoony Online MultiPlayer shooter, that'll have you hooked. Story - 10 (8 if you haven't played HL1) Gameplay - 9 Sound - 9 Graphics - 10 Lasting appeal - 10 Overall (average score) - 9.6 ~ 10.… Expand
  94. TeodorIkonomov
    Jan 27, 2009
    10
    The Best Game Ever
  95. GabrielR
    Oct 31, 2009
    10
    This is easily my favourite game ever. Even 5 years after it's release the game is still thrilling, beautiful and engaging... A true masterpiece, a game to be remembered forever.
  96. AnonymousMC
    Feb 16, 2009
    10
    Excellent revolutionary game and anyone who says something else is either retarded/stupid or a total noob in PC gaming. Also, for the ones who say the opposite, Steam is a great platform that enables you to buy games online, download them on any PC and it also offers you automatic updates and great online gaming.

    This is one of the best games ever.
  97. SeanR
    Feb 4, 2009
    10
    I think this is one of the BEST games ever made! I just wanna thank Valve for maken it. I got in to the game and the episodes real well. The game is so cool and you cant get board with it. I can't wait for more. I love the other games that Valve made too. Last thing is im happy Gabe newell thougt up this game, hes a special person!!! bye. :)
  98. LukeM.
    Mar 24, 2009
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  99. JuggaloR.
    Mar 25, 2009
    10
    I like the Half-life 2 series. I played the game demo and I thught half-life 2 was a horror game (because I thought c17 was built to protect the people from zombies, and that the "metropolice" arent evil just "over protective.) I thought this because I did the first level (on the demo) then it skipped a;; the way to the 6th (ravenholm) level so I thought it was a horror-only game. Then I I like the Half-life 2 series. I played the game demo and I thught half-life 2 was a horror game (because I thought c17 was built to protect the people from zombies, and that the "metropolice" arent evil just "over protective.) I thought this because I did the first level (on the demo) then it skipped a;; the way to the 6th (ravenholm) level so I thought it was a horror-only game. Then I bought the game for xbox (I don't belive in buying computer games, music videos eta unless I'm getting a solid disc)I thught the game was good but it also sucked because i couldn't NOCLIP WTF IS THEIR FUCKING PROBLEM ON MAKING CONSOLE GAMES (xbox PS3 eta) HAVING FUCKING NOCLIP AND "console" COMMANDS WTF. so I continued having fun with the demo spawning zombies every where whith AWESOME PC CHEATS. Then I was browsing the internet and I found out you can hack steam (games for free). I only wanted to play hl2 with NOCLIP so I did the hack. I got the full version of HL2 and HL2 Deathmatch (also should be induced on the consoles). I played the game agin but not to beat it but to explore and spawned enemies/allies every where. Though I cant stand hammer editor (confusing) the doom 3 editor is my favorite map creator. The "Hammer" editor requires confusing set-up before you can even use it. Later I was looking for cheats and I saw some comands like "give weapon_molotov" and "give weapon_hopwire" WTF Then I tried it and it didn't work then I went back on the website and it sied :these are only codes for the beta version of the game" WTF? so I search on how to get this "beta" version (takes me forever to find and it was apparently "leaked" so I download it. then I lean that you have to do console commands to start the beta game. Then I think WOW! LOOK,,,!,,, at all of this deleted content now I;m saying Half-life 2 retail SUX DONKEY DICK... BUT....half-life 2 beta SUX HOT GIRLS TITS.Now I play the beta (giving it a "10") I no longer play the retail (except for mods) If only I could do a review on the beta. Also for you peaple who don't like VALVe's steam the beta is not for steam (it's also not a hacked stand alone) it was originaly going to be a game with out steam. I plan to be a vidio game maker and I will sell/give away the beta version(s) of my game(s) because every one wants the beta, as long as I write something like "warning this version of the game is the beta and may crash a lot) or something before you buy it.… Expand
  100. PhaseL
    Mar 4, 2009
    10
    This game is perhaps the greatest game of the past decade, if not all time. The gameplay is simple and fluid, without getting boring, the graphics hold up even to our standards five years later, and the story is compelling enough to keep it at the top. Most people who have given this game low scores did so thanks to Steam. Half-Life 2 is what needs to be appraised here, not Steam.
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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.
    Read full review
  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]
See all critic reviews »