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. The_D4RknesS
    Jun 30, 2022
    10
    VALVE doesn't know the number 3 :( seriously great! Imagine how innovative a new game in this series would be



    I love the physics of this game
  2. thehoang123
    Sep 9, 2023
    10
    No doubt this is one of the greatest games of all time, It's just cult classic, a standard of the industry. The graphics, physics and everything else are the best in 2004 but still hold up very well even in 2023. Hell, even the facial expressions in this game looks still better than most games nowadays. Sadly Valve don't make games anymore.
  3. k1erx
    Jul 14, 2023
    10
    наверное одна из лучших игра из всех видео игр в мире обожаю халф лайф 2 оптимизация и графика на тот год огонь да и щас очень даже не плохо
  4. Whomen8
    Nov 9, 2022
    10
    One of the best games ever. Even though it's been almost 20 years since its release, this game still gives a lot of positive emotions. The story, the atmosphere, the gameplay, the music - it's all done at an excellent level. I hope Valve will make Half-Life 3 someday.
  5. 3ls0ul
    Mar 6, 2023
    9
    Este juego aún no lo eh jugado o completado, así que pondré una reseña y nota diferentes cuando lo haga.
  6. SMSpeedrun
    Apr 7, 2023
    10
    In my Opinion Half-Life 2 is the GREATEST PC Game Ever! but please remove poison headcrabs in Half Life 3
  7. Mastereed
    Mar 25, 2023
    9
    THE DISCOVERY OF PHYSICS

    BEFORE WE BEGIN: The game was completed on pc in normal mode. THE TRAIN IS ON TIME: Half-Life 2 starts with a speech by the mysterious Gman explaining the mission that the meticulous scientist Gordon Freeman will have to accomplish in this long-awaited sequel. The introduction maintains the standard set by the first chapter, with progressive mechanics that    THE DISCOVERY OF PHYSICS

    BEFORE WE BEGIN:
    The game was completed on pc in normal mode.

    THE TRAIN IS ON TIME:
    Half-Life 2 starts with a speech by the mysterious Gman explaining the mission that the meticulous scientist Gordon Freeman will have to accomplish in this long-awaited sequel. The introduction maintains the standard set by the first chapter, with progressive mechanics that are taught to the player through small puzzles. The plot is easily guessed by listening to the speeches of the various initial NPCs in addition to the various broadcasts on the screens. This combination makes the player's learning curve extremely fast from the start.

    STOREKEEPER SIMULATOR:
    Half-Life 2's gameplay takes the quality of the first title to an extreme level. It boasts numerous approaches to most puzzles, thanks to the use of vastly improved physics compared to the first one. In fact, all game objects will be moveable at will and, actually possessing their own mass, will give room for creativity in game puzzles . In addition, the objects will be able to be used as a shield or as a weapon, and depending on the mass of the object, the damage will vary. In addition, many of them will actually be destructible. Several weapons are also added at some point in the game that can move even heavier objects and thus consequently use them as a weapon. Thanks to this weapon, it will then be possible to create alternative passageways, stacking crates to reach higher points or breaking through reinforced walls. The game boasts several new weapons, but these will not be as distinctive as some in the first chapter, but for the most part will simply be real weapons. The feeling that using some of them gives, however, turns out to be one of the best ever tried on an fps, so much so that it was later reused in the popular Counter Strike. The game's plot, as with the first chapter, will be limited to defeating the Combine forces, a power composed of humans and aliens with the goal of conquering as much territory as possible.The length of the game is very close to that of the first chapter, with about twenty hours diversified across many different areas.

    GMAN IS ALWAYS WATCHING YOU:
    Graphically it looks excellent, both in terms of the quality of the textures and models and the adaptability to any screen. Most of the models were done in such an optimized way that they were then used for a decade by several Valve and non-Valve games, later bringing to life Gmod, one of the most enduring games ever thanks to the creation of various mods and servers. It certainly does not excel from an animation standpoint compared to other titles, but it is rarely unpleasant.

    “HELP ME!”:
    On the audio side, Half-Life 2 excels extremely in terms of sound effects, which are still iconic to this day. As for the in-game OSTs, on the other hand, they all turn out to be spot-on at the time, but certainly not memorable. The only extremely negative point concerns the voice acting, which for the Italian one turns out to be terrible and unlistenable.

    BUT WHY 9?

    PROS:
    Certainly the pros of Half-Life 2 are countless. The feeling of the weapons always turns out to be perfect and very engaging. The story that, although quite simple, always turns out to be interesting. The variety of weapons and setting along with the length of the game gives room for numerous hours of entertainment and fun. But the greatest merit that Half-Life 2 holds, and which makes it reach near perfection, is that it has given birth to a development method in use to this day, with the study and deepening of the physics and lighting systems within video games, setting a very high standard that subsequent games would have to reach to be on par with it.

    CONS:
    The cons turn out to be few but they stop this game from achieving perfection. Leaving aside the outrageous voice acting and some technical problems, the game has some rather empty and boring sections, such as the part by the sea with the Dune Buggy. In addition, many sections are extremely bypassable thanks to physics that are sometimes too lax. Finally, the lack of extremely distinctive weapons such as those in Half Life's Opposing Force expansion marks a lack of variety within the weaponry.

    RATING
    Gameplay: 10
    Music: 8
    Story: 9
    Level Desing: 10
    _    … Expand
  8. SSMC_Delta
    Apr 24, 2023
    8
    Don't think this game is as good as some people like to say it is but still a pretty good game.
  9. invoker-tmy
    Aug 14, 2023
    10
    There is not much to say about this game. God came to earth in form of a FPS.
  10. TunaCom
    Aug 4, 2023
    10
    You must play this game it is so good , graphics ahead of time , and gravity gun best gun in any universe.
    Play its cheaper than most indie games
  11. xalugg
    Dec 3, 2022
    8
    Esse jogo e uma obra de arte parabens o unico problema e que podiam facilitar a parte do bixo gigante na cidade 17 mas tirando isso o jogo e muito bom eu quase quebrei meu pc por causa desse jogokkkkkk
  12. Epicmonster5600
    Dec 5, 2022
    10
    One of the best sequels of all time in my personal opinion, it builds on what the first game had but made it a trillion times better than the first.
  13. st4iley
    Dec 16, 2022
    10
    my top 2 of favorite games is perfect and is incrible the ralistic and the story is so good
  14. bakpak
    Dec 18, 2022
    10
    One of the few games where you kill a futuristic soldier by throwing a brick at them at mach 10. Story is good, pacing is almost perfect, and combat is good but uses hit scan enemies too much.
  15. kem9ca
    Dec 18, 2022
    10
    Back in 2011, I had the best experience playing this masterpiece of a game.

    Thank you Valve.
  16. LambdaLocator
    Jul 21, 2023
    10
    Revolutionized modern FPS games. Half-Life 2 is a classic that everyone must play!!
  17. threeoftendie
    Jul 10, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Итак, мы играем за Гордона Фримена, спустя 20 лет после событий 1 части выведенного из стазиса G-Man'ом, который его туда и ввел после того, как Фримен принял предложение о "работе". Сиквел отличается от оригинала во многом, и история не исключение. Гордон попадает в Сити-17, Администратором которого, как и всей Земли, является бывший администратор Черной Мезы Уоллес Брин. Он знакомится с Сопротивлением, проходит несколько баз и выбирается из города, отправляется в старый шахтерский городок, проезжает на багги по Побережью, не переставая сражаться с Альянсом и помогая Сопротивлению, штурмует тюрьму Нова-Проспект, пытаясь спасти Илая Вэнса, но еле спасается сам вместе с Аликс Вэнс. Затем участвует в боях за Сити-17 вместе с Барни Калхуном, добирается до Цитадели и с одной заряженной грави-пушкой пробивается через нее до кабинета Администратора. Там Брин пытается склонить его на свою сторону, но у него ничего не выходит, после чего доктор сбегает. Гордон и Аликс отправляются за ним, и, добравшись до портала, через который Брин собирался сбежать в мир Альянса, Фримен разрушает его; затем появляется G-Man, вновь хвалит его за "хорошую работу", дав намеки о происходящем, и "исчезает". Мне очень понравился сюжет в данной игре, он по-своему оригинален, хотя это и история про спасение Земли от пришельцев. Далее геймплей и геймдизайн. Они действительно уникальны, физика заставляет удивляться через годы после выхода, практически от каждого действия персонажа ты ощущаешь, будто ты не в игре, но дело не только в физике. Грави-пушка позволяет совершать удивительные вещи, особенно в конце игры. Остальное оружие проработано неплохо, то есть присутствует отдача и разброс пуль. Все персонажи в игре обладают свойствами "тряпичной куклы", и это добавляет реализма во время сражений, позволяя насладиться ими. Графика также на высоком уровне, отражения в воде и ее прозрачность я видел мало в каких проектах, а огонь, свет и текстуры выглядят максимально четкими и не режут глаз. Геймдизайн, выполненный в архитектурном стиле Восточной Европы, погружает в мир игры и позволяет узреть последствия захвата Земли, тоталитарную инфраструктуру и постройки другой цивилизации. Наконец, геймплей, соединяющий все вышеперечисленное, максимально разнообразен и вариативен (напомню, в шутере), и с помощью технологий движка игры мы не только с интересом отстреливаем противников, но и решаем несколько головоломок, управляем транспортом на разных поверхностях, думаем, как лучше пройти дальше и получаем именно то, чего заслуживаем. У этой игры лишь один недостаток, как и у всей серии (я еще пройду "Alyx"): отсутствие третьей части. Остается лишь верить, что оно выйдет, и все фанаты смогут его пройти.… Expand
  18. arllda
    Feb 4, 2023
    9
    When I was little, my computer was bad and the game kept crashing, I tried to play with crack, I was constantly getting errors, so I could only advance for 10 minutes, now I've finished it many times The legend of 2004
  19. Mauronomas
    Sep 11, 2023
    10
    Simplemente perfecto. Hago esta reseña demasiados años después. Por alguna razón la nostalgia me hizo volver a él. Redescubrí, desde la madurez y la experiencia, lo pulido del combate, lo inteligente del argumento, lo atrapante de los paisajes. Es un shooter tan impresionante que ha envejecido tan bien. Revolucionó el género.
  20. aligunes
    Jan 30, 2023
    10
    Once you enter the Half-life universe, you can't get out. This game shocked everyone who thought that the first game could not be passed. Although it is 2023, its graphics are still better than most new games. His story is excellent. Gameplay is excellent. Optimization is excellent. The game is truly a masterpiece!
  21. Soldr
    Jan 31, 2023
    9
    While the game isn't perfect, the game definitely deserved a lot of the criticism it got however, it is still one of the best games of all time. Definitely worth anyone's time.
  22. Generic_M_User
    Feb 2, 2023
    9
    Great game, great story, great engine, great movement, and funny ragdoll sometime. Would give a 10 but they have made very slow development on the third game for the last 19 years.
  23. Stormyy
    Apr 21, 2023
    10
    One of the greatest games of all time! Lots of variation and a ton of fun parts.
  24. Gian722
    Feb 15, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Eu descobri oque era jogo de verdade quando conheci Half Life S2
    Pra mim, o melhor jogo de todos os tempos, pena que a Valve não sabe contar até 3 :(    … Expand
  25. Xe0m
    Feb 16, 2023
    10
    These days you won't see the CHANGE and the PROGRESS in games like HL2 did. Back in 2004, Valve made a brilliant masterpiece that looks extremely good comparing to 2010's titles and still looks good in 2023. Best game ever indeed
  26. icecooker
    Feb 23, 2023
    10
    Absolute masterpiece. Anyone that enjoys a video game with a great story, gameplay, and soundtrack NEEDS to play Half-Life 2
  27. relaxus
    Mar 19, 2023
    10
    This is for me one of the best games of all time. I finish it at least once a year. Highly recommended.
  28. Naked_Snakee
    Jul 22, 2023
    9
    Just text (crutch) to save the game to the list. Such things. Maybe I'll do a review later.
  29. Jaidenbrkl1
    Mar 22, 2023
    10
    Still widely considered by many (including myself) to be one of the greatest PC experiences of all time, Half Life 2 is fantastic that NOBODY (AND I MEAN NOBODY) hate this masterpiece. The gameplay, the world, the graphics, the story, everything about this game is just well a masterpiece. - Reviewed on Xbox 360
  30. Pinkman_Reviews
    Apr 20, 2023
    10
    Absolute masterpiece. I have never player a videogame a with such a story. Great ending.
  31. Magical_Viktor
    Apr 30, 2023
    9
    Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»
  32. omarniyas
    Apr 30, 2023
    10
    Dünyanın en iyi oyun serisinin içinde bulunan bir başyapıt.Gerçekden ne kadar övgü varsa hak eden bir oyun zaten seri herzaman oyun dünyasında bir devrim yapmayı başarıyor Half-Life 2 de başardı .
  33. IronBrandon
    May 4, 2023
    8
    If you like first-person shooters and a good story then this game is well worth your time. It's aged very well and can still be enjoyed to this day. The physics are fun to play with and the characters are well written.
  34. xalugg2
    May 5, 2023
    10
    Esse jogo e uma obra de arte parabens o unico problema e que podiam facilitar a parte do bixo gigante na cidade 17 mas tirando isso o jogo e muito bom eu quase quebrei meu pc por causa desse jogokkkkkkk
  35. Cer2xrafa
    Aug 8, 2023
    10
    De los mejores FPS de toda la historia. Controles, soundtrack, dirección de arte, historia, personajes y sobre todo, una jugabilidad exquisita. Una obra maestra del medio, que ha envejecido fantásticamente, siendo a día de hoy, un ejemplo a seguir dentro de la industria
  36. Bestx
    Jun 29, 2023
    10
    The phisics system was astonishing, i remember this game changed the industry forever and now i can see it, i see how it changed the way videogames can implement Physics in Gameplay. The only negative thing is that there is no "Half life 3"....
  37. SeriousSam1Fan
    May 30, 2023
    10
    Even in the current year 2023, the graphics of this game look stunning, shooting weapons in Half Life has always been more enjoyable than in the new parts of Call of Duty, the characters look like real ones and are always fixed in our hearts. In short, the game is perfect in every way.
  38. armadonpower
    Jun 11, 2023
    10
    Half-Life 2's revolutionary physics, immersive storytelling, and complex characters make it a timeless classic and an absolute must-play
  39. LilStrawberry
    Jun 15, 2023
    10
    The combine aged extremelly well, while the AI may not be the best the game is extremelly fun in harder difficulties, Nothing better than shooting down a strider.
  40. Watermelon_Baby
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Maaasteeerpiece! Forever great game! Where is the third chapter dammit? We really need it
  41. mfD1
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    Half-Life 2 is a revolutionary masterpiece that redefines the first-person shooter genre. With its immersive storytelling, realistic physics, and groundbreaking gameplay mechanics, it sets a new standard for interactive storytelling. The detailed environments and memorable characters bring the dystopian world of City 17 to life. A true classic that continues to captivate players with itsHalf-Life 2 is a revolutionary masterpiece that redefines the first-person shooter genre. With its immersive storytelling, realistic physics, and groundbreaking gameplay mechanics, it sets a new standard for interactive storytelling. The detailed environments and memorable characters bring the dystopian world of City 17 to life. A true classic that continues to captivate players with its unparalleled depth and innovation, Half-Life 2 remains a must-play for any gaming enthusiast. I honestly can't wait for HL3.… Expand
  42. Pewiss
    Jul 11, 2023
    10
    Greatest first person shooter of all time and one of my favorite games ever made.
  43. mawwex
    Jul 19, 2023
    10
    **** perfect, ground breaking physics that still to this day are used in modern VALVe titles.
  44. AliYavuz
    Jul 25, 2023
    10
    ............................................................Just great.............................................................
  45. Mune
    Aug 14, 2023
    10
    Groundbreaking piece of software that stands the test of time even after almost 20 years
  46. Archangel2001
    Aug 17, 2023
    10
    Half-Life 2 is more than just a sequel to a good shooter. Half-Life 2 provides an immersive, atmospheric experience within City 17 and is a shining example of what good developers can achieve when they work hard. They raised the standards for the shooter-genre so high with this masterpiece. I wish more games were as good as HL2 is. This is by far my favourite Valve-Game. Thank you Valve!
  47. JIMEY
    Aug 24, 2023
    9
    Half-Life 2 is often hailed as a classic and a pioneering game in the first-person shooter genre. While it's highly regarded, some factors might lead someone to rate it as a 9 out of 10 rather than a perfect 10.

    In conclusion, rating Half-Life 2 as a 9 out of 10 acknowledges its undeniable strengths in storytelling, gameplay, and innovation, while also recognizing that it might have    Half-Life 2 is often hailed as a classic and a pioneering game in the first-person shooter genre. While it's highly regarded, some factors might lead someone to rate it as a 9 out of 10 rather than a perfect 10.

    In conclusion, rating Half-Life 2 as a 9 out of 10 acknowledges its undeniable strengths in storytelling, gameplay, and innovation, while also recognizing that it might have some minor drawbacks or aspects that have aged over time. Despite these potential weaknesses, Half-Life 2's impact on the gaming industry and its lasting influence make it an essential experience for any gamer.    … Expand
  48. xpMARCUSpx
    Aug 26, 2023
    8
    The game was completed after playing the first part. I definitely liked the second part. The graphics are good for their year and the plot can be liked by someone. From myself I give 8 out of 10.
  49. ElKooi
    Aug 31, 2023
    10
    Para mi es el mejor juego de la historia, sin palabras
    Les recomiendo este juego junto con las expansiones del EP1 y EP2

    Graficos para su epoca: 10/10
    Fisicas: 9/10
    Jugabilidad: 8/10
  50. nazoruno
    Sep 6, 2023
    10
    This game is FPS at its best! No matter how many times you play it, youll either crap your pants or have your mind explode out of the sheer awesomeness of this game!! Incredible puzzles, Frightful and disgusting enemies, superb dialogue, and best of all a gun like no other that allows you to turn every day items to super destructive items of terror!!! I dont care if you're the world'sThis game is FPS at its best! No matter how many times you play it, youll either crap your pants or have your mind explode out of the sheer awesomeness of this game!! Incredible puzzles, Frightful and disgusting enemies, superb dialogue, and best of all a gun like no other that allows you to turn every day items to super destructive items of terror!!! I dont care if you're the world's greatest gamer, if you havnt played this game...you havnt lived yet.… Expand
  51. guncooper
    Sep 7, 2023
    10
    Even today, the game is a masterpiece! Immersive gameplay. Awesome graphics and optimization. The game worked well on my outdated PC back in 2005.
  52. nemix3d
    Sep 10, 2023
    10
    This is the only game that i can play again and again without getting bored. It has it all: great gameplay, great story, very well-shaped characters and dialogue and an epic soundtrack. Playing this game really puts you in a specific state of mind. Long live Gordon Freeman and his trusty crowbar!
  53. DoomQuakeDuke
    Sep 11, 2023
    10
    Ragazzi, stiamo parlando di uno degli sparatutto in prima persona (FPS) più belli mai realizzati nella storia, e non ha rivali. Rappresenta una pietra miliare nel genere. L'ho giocato e terminato completamente sul PC quando è uscito alla fine degli anni '90, dopo aver completato anche il primo capitolo (che era fantastico). Nessun film o nessun altro videogioco possono avvicinarsiRagazzi, stiamo parlando di uno degli sparatutto in prima persona (FPS) più belli mai realizzati nella storia, e non ha rivali. Rappresenta una pietra miliare nel genere. L'ho giocato e terminato completamente sul PC quando è uscito alla fine degli anni '90, dopo aver completato anche il primo capitolo (che era fantastico). Nessun film o nessun altro videogioco possono avvicinarsi all'immensità di Half-Life 2. ITALIAN USER
    Guys, we're talking about one of the most beautiful first-person shooters (FPS) ever created in history, and it has no equals. It's a milestone in the genre. I played and completed it entirely on PC when it was released in the late '90s, after also completing the first one (which was fantastic). No movie or any other video game can come close to the greatness of Half-Life 2.    … Expand
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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 »