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. Someguy?
    Sep 12, 2008
    4
    I bought this game with very high expectations due to it's predecessor, I was horribly ashamed when I started playing Half Life 2. I gave it a 4 because of the graphics, which even now are a little lame and out-dated. Let me tell you why this game is a overrated piece of crap. First of all everyone is pissing out things like "wow the ai are so intelligent and realistic, and wow there I bought this game with very high expectations due to it's predecessor, I was horribly ashamed when I started playing Half Life 2. I gave it a 4 because of the graphics, which even now are a little lame and out-dated. Let me tell you why this game is a overrated piece of crap. First of all everyone is pissing out things like "wow the ai are so intelligent and realistic, and wow there is so much interactions with levels." Bullshit, even on hard I had to laugh at the pathetic ai as they stumbled around like retards. They don't try to flank you, they don't try to circle you they just stand there shooting at you with the occasional strafe, and you can take your time killing them as their aim is terrible. As for your team mates, the most pathetic bunch I've ever seen. They do a good job at blocking you, always annoying you with stupid dialogue and always dieing as they are retarded. As for interaction with levels, I think anyone who says anything about it needs some toilet paper to wipe away the shit they are dribbling. You can pick up a box with a gravity gun, uh... so? If you want examples of interactivity with levels try stalker or maybe even crysis. As for level design, it's always the same, complete some stupid puzzle a newly born infant could solve, kill about 6000000 stalkers and shoot at some retarded ai and go through some stupid scenery and lame secrets. As for your weapon choices, the most generic array of weapony i've ever seen, I was bored to tears having to use boring guns with lame animations. As for dying, it's practically impossible to die as every metre there is a health pack or a health thingy on the wall. Another thing on level design it's just cliche move into this area kill everything there whilst using your crate of unlimited ammo and to many health packs then move on to the next area and do the exact same thing, get any more lamer or boring?? This game is overall an over-rated game that is just using all the credit from half-life 1 to make it seem like a good game. Use your damned head man, it's just another cliche to sit and rot on the benches or to be bought by stupid and gullible people who happily ride hype train to idiot vile. This game is a waste of money I suggest sticking to half-life 1, the true guru of games.… Expand
  2. 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
  3. MattT
    Sep 9, 2008
    10
    Excellent game, recommended after playing Counter-Strike Source and other first-shooters.
  4. 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
  5. LukeM.
    Sep 8, 2008
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  6. 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.
  7. HaLf-LiFeFrEAk
    Sep 6, 2008
    10
    It runs like crap on my computer but that doesnt mean I hate it. Only problem is the dialog stutters like heck: Mossman: A-a-a-a-a-a-le-e-ex, I-I-I-- Alex: Enough of your bul-bul-bul-bul-bullsh-shi-shi-shi-shi-...etc. Only other problem is that on ths laptop it can crash the entire system. But it is still one of the best games so far, bar none.
  8. LiZard
    Sep 6, 2008
    9
    @ Marsh J. Okay, that was both racist and stupid. @ Nick C. I am also 13, but I don't whine about zombies getting sawed in half. In fact, Ravenholm is my favorite level. @ Jordan M. Oh, so we have a perfectionist here? Okay, then. Tell me why so many games that use the Unreal engine are so freaking good?? Half-Life 2, along with ANY Valve game, don't need this abuse. Really, @ Marsh J. Okay, that was both racist and stupid. @ Nick C. I am also 13, but I don't whine about zombies getting sawed in half. In fact, Ravenholm is my favorite level. @ Jordan M. Oh, so we have a perfectionist here? Okay, then. Tell me why so many games that use the Unreal engine are so freaking good?? Half-Life 2, along with ANY Valve game, don't need this abuse. Really, this is just sad how many illiterate, stupid people there are out there. As for me, I give it a 9 for the awsomeness it contains. Although I was dissapointed how I couldn't take a turret with me from Nova Prospeckt. I brought it into the teleporter, but to no avail. I'll miss you, Mr. Turret. *sob*… Expand
  9. NathanS.
    Sep 6, 2008
    10
    One of the best games Ive ever played
  10. AlexR.
    Sep 6, 2008
    9
    Haven't actually got the game yet, but a friend has it and seems really good, however the seems to complicated for my pc to run it well enough to play, so thats the major complaint, but the gameplay on my mate's comp is really good, so all is good about the game itself really.
  11. 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
  12. JordanW.
    Aug 20, 2008
    10
    Quite simply, the best FPS of all time. Buy it.
  13. Jordanfunk
    Aug 17, 2008
    10
    SWEET GAME!!!!! I love all the combine ambushes. They rock!!
  14. StefanS.
    Aug 16, 2008
    10
    This game does not need scoring, this game needs a monument.
  15. LennyJ.
    Aug 14, 2008
    10
    Its the best game with the best story and picture.
  16. PepeE.
    Aug 13, 2008
    10
    THE GAME. EVERYTHING is great. The graphics, the gameplay, the MUSIC the score the fx the story... you can replay it a hundred times and find something new... man... it great.
  17. jeanbernard
    Aug 12, 2008
    10
    Exelent
  18. JimmyP.
    Aug 12, 2008
    10
    A revaluation in gaming.
  19. AdamJ.
    Aug 12, 2008
    10
    How can any game match up to this? I mean, such a moving first chapter makes you hate the combine and then reunited with old friends from 20 years before. Then some of the scariest zombies there are and an epic ending. Games don't get better than this.
  20. StephanK.
    Aug 11, 2008
    10
    My most favorite FPS of all time. I have never encountered an FPS experience close to this one besides the origional Half-Life, Bioshock, and STALKER. Fantastic graphics and story compliment the well paced action.
  21. AdamW
    Aug 7, 2008
    10
    This is possibly the most awesome game ever made in the history of PC. and is anyone was put off it by the gore then just get used to it. i think it should be granted the best game ever award.
  22. N0tiC
    Aug 5, 2008
    10
    This is the Game that i spend most time with, I like the story, the graffic iant that bad either thought. Sure, sure it might me a little over dramatic but its fun and worth every cent! I have the whole serie, All of the Half-Life "1" (Blue...., Opposing front i think it was....) Anyway im a big fan of the Half life series! Good game!
  23. JonathanC
    Aug 3, 2008
    10
    Absolutely amazing. Great story, great graphics, great AI, great characters. How could you not like this game. Sure not as story twisting as the first but it doesn't mean it's not good still amazing.
  24. Ollskua.
    Aug 1, 2008
    10
    The game is so near the reality because of the source engine, you just cant stop playing!
  25. JakeS.
    Jul 29, 2008
    10
    As a modder, mapper, texture artist, and voice actor I must say this game has a great name already. The first game created a powerful foundation, and the second created much more room to really immerse yourself into the gameplay. Bravo guys good work!
  26. 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!
  27. JamesT.
    Jul 26, 2008
    10
    Just as revolutionary as the original where FPS are concerned. Gripping story, believable AI, amazing graphics, great game play and so much replay value... What else could you as for? Spawned just as many mods, just as many followers and its legacy lives on. Concerning the violence, it is not over the top, and is justified.
  28. MarkusP.
    Jul 26, 2008
    10
    I think it´s one of the best games in world. The story is really great and interesting, the graphic is wonderful and the atmosphere is excellent.
  29. AlyxF.
    Jul 25, 2008
    4
    Pretty good graphics although it could be a lot better, bad ai. and the game is one of the just play once games. When i did play the game i took a lot of time exploring as much as the game allowed me to do, and that isn't pretty much. the game is designed for a just rush through session.
  30. DamonP.
    Jul 24, 2008
    10
    To put it simply i love this game. I played it when it came with the orange box 4 years after it debut, its way better than halo 3, call of duty 4 or any of that. This game is the best
  31. ReysanD
    Jul 24, 2008
    4
    Linear play, cliche/unnecessary zombies and physics fetish; this game soils what could have been an interesting setting. Frankly, it's boring.
  32. WillH.
    Jul 24, 2008
    10
    This was a great game but i do think that the first Half-Life was a little better but this one was a good one hell ill give it a 10!
  33. 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
  34. JohnR..
    Jul 20, 2008
    10
    Haven't even gone too deep into the game yet, but I can already see that it lives up to it's predecessor's awesome existence.
  35. Zephyrh.
    Jul 19, 2008
    10
    It is brilliant, the story is the best part.
  36. DevonS.
    Jul 19, 2008
    10
    This game is one of the very elite, very few single-player games with a steady storyline and linear aspect (not to be confused with sandbox games) that I have played through more than once.
  37. AnonymousMC
    Jul 17, 2008
    10
    True fact, this is one of the best first person shooters ever released.
    Halo may top charts in sales and release "excitement" but content isnt anywhere near as good.

    And as a reply to "Nick C."
    It IS rated a mature game, which is 4 years above your age.

    Great story, great graphics, great physics, best gameplay.
  38. TeodorIkonomov
    Jul 17, 2008
    10
    The Best Game Ever
  39. BjörnK.
    Jul 15, 2008
    9
    Great gameplay; astonishing, authentic environment and atmosphere. Compellingly one of the best FPS ever.
  40. 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.
  41. 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.
  42. ChrisJ
    Jul 12, 2008
    8
    Above average FPS. Great value with the orange box. Oh and "Nick C" The game is not designed for you. You see 13 != 15. Go back to pokemon.
  43. TimW.
    Jul 11, 2008
    9
    Fun,nice to look at!
  44. DillonS.
    Jul 10, 2008
    10
    I felt every emotion. Nuff said.
  45. 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.... >.>
  46. 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!
  47. jeremyf.
    Jul 8, 2008
    10
    The best game ever. Amazing story and general game play. The multi player is great. The best graphics yet! Oh did i say amazing story, cuz it really is great. This game also has some of the coolist mods ever such as Dystopia. Just plain amazing. 10 is not high enuff.
  48. NicholasG.
    Jul 8, 2008
    10
    Of all of the games I have ever played, Half-Life 2 stands out as the best first-person shooter. The technical prowess Valve showcased with this 2004 release certainly did raise the bar on visuals in a game . No PC game has ever quite influenced the game industry quite as much as Half-Life 2, with legendary physics-based gameplay and the ultimate sci-fi story. Half-Life 2 will be Of all of the games I have ever played, Half-Life 2 stands out as the best first-person shooter. The technical prowess Valve showcased with this 2004 release certainly did raise the bar on visuals in a game . No PC game has ever quite influenced the game industry quite as much as Half-Life 2, with legendary physics-based gameplay and the ultimate sci-fi story. Half-Life 2 will be remembered forever as one of the greatest games ever made. I can't recommend this game enthusiastically enough to convey my feelings towards it, so I'm just going to blandly say, if you are a mature gamer with a working computer, you NEED this game.… Expand
  49. CameronT.
    Jul 8, 2008
    10
    Half Life 2 is a long awaited sequel to a classic. It delivers continuous and unmatched action throughout its storyline, and succeeds in facing the user with small packs of puzzle solving and dialogue to keep you having fun, and being immersed!
  50. TelmoC.
    Jul 8, 2008
    10
    The best game in the world.
  51. PCGamer
    Jul 6, 2008
    10
    Best Singleplayer Game ever for its time. The Graphics were stunning and the storyline was amazing. I have replayed it countless times and still enjoy it.
  52. 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
  53. ToniN.
    Jul 6, 2008
    0
    The Technic is realy good and it is worth to play it once (I played it till the end). Why the bad rating. Few things. 1)To much puzzles. 2) To much "Exit-seeking". 3) Steam, why I cant play it without internetconnection? 4) Linear gameplay. 5) To much "Perfect" rating here.
  54. IvanM.
    Jul 6, 2008
    10
    This game good.No its not good..its amazing.For 2004 year its looking very good,good physics and revolution engine with good graph.What else need to enjoy best game of 2004?
  55. ElangelM.
    Jul 2, 2008
    10
    Wow best game i have seen, ever.
  56. PedroS.
    Jul 2, 2008
    10
    Perfect, only the original is equal.
  57. 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 .
  58. AnonymousMC
    Jul 1, 2008
    10
    This is a really awesome game! even after playing it a bunch of times there are still things that i havent seen.... if you rated it 0 just because of steam taking forever etc etc then your internet sucks = and people complaining about Gordon being a silent hero.... retards.... like saying its stupid that master chief never shows his face.
  59. LukeM.
    Jun 29, 2008
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  60. FreeScience
    Jun 29, 2008
    10
    Best Story, best Gameplay, best Graphics, best Physics ever !!!
  61. nickc
    Jun 28, 2008
    2
    The most disgusting, sickening game I have ever played in my life. The gore is unessacary. No one needs to make or see what is in the game. People getting sawed in half... with their eyes bulging out of their head is not what makes a good game. Though the classic FPS and gun fighting is still there, this game is not for the faint of heart. I was 5 years old and could stand up to Half-Life The most disgusting, sickening game I have ever played in my life. The gore is unessacary. No one needs to make or see what is in the game. People getting sawed in half... with their eyes bulging out of their head is not what makes a good game. Though the classic FPS and gun fighting is still there, this game is not for the faint of heart. I was 5 years old and could stand up to Half-Life 1. Here I am now, 13 and can barely look at the screen while playing this game. I regret ever purchasing it.… Expand
  62. 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.
  63. AshleyM.
    Jun 22, 2008
    10
    Best ever game made besides Half-Life 1.
  64. CraigF.
    Jun 20, 2008
    10
    One of the genre defining games, that fans must play!
  65. AlexG.
    Jun 14, 2008
    10
    This is on of my favorites.. Everything about it makes me want to cry because nothing like it has been done ever in the gaming world.
  66. TeodorIkonomov
    Jun 14, 2008
    10
    The Best Game Ever
  67. TeodorIkonomov
    Jun 12, 2008
    10
    The Best Game Ever
  68. MattiL.
    Jun 12, 2008
    9
    Almost as good as the one and only.
  69. Markus
    Jun 11, 2008
    10
    This was the most entertaining games i've ever played, i give this 10 without a doubt.
  70. ChrisP.
    Jun 10, 2008
    10
    This game is very good. If there wasn't puzzles the game could be completed in any time. This game does not just require a monkey to play. It requires a human with a brain to play. The graphics are nice, especially when it was released in 2004. It beated every other game. When Half Life 3 arrives, the world of gaming will get a new action king.
  71. 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.
  72. EugeneZ.
    Jun 8, 2008
    10
    Just one word for this game... AWESOME!
  73. BradleyJ.
    Jun 7, 2008
    6
    Game is too overrated, most who played this, didnt play it on hard. I did. 1 reason the game wasn't hard was because the code was leaked over the internet. The game was originally to be released in 2003, but since the game was leaked, it came in 2004. Game set on hard, is practically normal difficulty. Don't expect a whole lot from this game.
  74. DavidS.
    Jun 6, 2008
    10
    Love the game only key board game I play.
  75. Menschke
    Jun 6, 2008
    10
    Nice singleplayer game. So nice.
  76. AlexeyI.
    Jun 4, 2008
    3
    hi i'm newbie too hard for me, but looks beauty.. sorry.
  77. PutinVladimir
    Jun 3, 2008
    10
    COOL!!!
  78. DevinFore
    Jun 1, 2008
    10
    This game has the best graphics, a huge improvment from the 1st half life, i hope they make a 3rd half life, for pc =)
  79. p00berpoob
    May 31, 2008
    9
    Great play, great mods great story!
  80. JCortez
    May 31, 2008
    10
    Years of work by valve, anticipation, and it all paid off!! A Classic for YEARS to come!!
  81. DylanF.
    May 27, 2008
    10
    This game is a perfect example of what Valve software can do. 10. 18 if it was possible
  82. 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
  83. RobertS.
    May 19, 2008
    10
    This game rocks. Just finished and I have to admit it hooked me from the begining.
  84. Bobbobbo
    May 16, 2008
    10
    The best game I have ever played.
  85. TeodorIkonomov
    May 12, 2008
    10
    The Best Game Ever
  86. LukeM.
    May 9, 2008
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  87. BadenM.
    May 7, 2008
    10
    This game, plus it's subsequent episodes are brilliant. I pretty much bought the Orange Box just for HL2 (seeing as the only other place you can get it now is steam). Also, the steam platform - while I have had some issues with it, it is actually quite brilliant as well. I wish the people who gave poor reviews didn't have such poor research skills. Steam CAN be used offline! HL2 This game, plus it's subsequent episodes are brilliant. I pretty much bought the Orange Box just for HL2 (seeing as the only other place you can get it now is steam). Also, the steam platform - while I have had some issues with it, it is actually quite brilliant as well. I wish the people who gave poor reviews didn't have such poor research skills. Steam CAN be used offline! HL2 is by far my favourite (post-Playstation1-era) game and always will be.… Expand
  88. DanielP.
    May 3, 2008
    10
    Forget the imitations; it is the Half-Life series that gives serious credibility to the first person shooter genre.
  89. PaulFountain
    May 3, 2008
    10
    Best game I've ever played. Still go back and play it after new games dissapoint.
  90. Bobbobbo
    May 3, 2008
    10
    The best game I have ever played.
  91. Jag
    May 2, 2008
    7
    Half Life 2 is an FPS that is announced by many magazines as ''Greatest game ever made''. Personally I think that is had well balanced gameplay. You can run and gun but its not recommended. Its always good to take cover but not all the time. I've heard some talk about the A.I being so good but it really didn't seem like anything real special. The combat zones Half Life 2 is an FPS that is announced by many magazines as ''Greatest game ever made''. Personally I think that is had well balanced gameplay. You can run and gun but its not recommended. Its always good to take cover but not all the time. I've heard some talk about the A.I being so good but it really didn't seem like anything real special. The combat zones were kind of limited so enemies would come out and shoot and maybe grab some cover in the process. Normally you will kill them before you see them doing something truly eye catching. The A.I isn't bad its just not amazingly impressive. The graphics are great. Reflections on the floor move as you do and texters are high rez. Character modles may not be impressive at first but if you take the time to see the lip synchronization and facial expressions. Characters are great and well developed. One of the icons of Half-Life 2 is the gravity gun. This unique weapon lets you pick up any object man sized and under and fling it at enemies. A but what would this weapon be without wicked good physics? These physics are very good. every thing not bolted down can move with the proper amount of force applied to it. However the only thing bad that came out of these physics is the puzzles you will encounter throughout the game. There are just a little to many. I personally didn't like it because this lead to an annoying lack of combat and the ability to move on. I had no problem solving most of them and it is satisfying when you do but when you look back on it it seems like a waste of time. One every now and then is fine but they went a little overboard here. sometimes you'll end up stopping you vehicle every five minutes because of there. Speaking of the vehicles the sequences were pretty cool apart from what was mentioned in the previous sentence. Even though you will end up having to stop look around and find a path. this can be really annoying after a while especially when you are being chased by a chopper. The story was a bit disappointing at the end and was slow moving through out the game. But now for some good things. The game does a real good job of immersing you. You really feel like you want to help the people and have a pretty good idea of whats going on. The arsenal was a decent size and had some unique stuff in it. overall this game is worth picking up.… Expand
  92. Cr0ssCr0ss
    May 1, 2008
    10
    This is the best game of the world!
  93. SamuliK.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    it could do you happy...it could do you sad...it could do you frightened...it lives ever and it is probably one of best games ever.
  94. TimS.
    Apr 28, 2008
    10
    it is the best single shooter I've ever played!!!
  95. JanneJ.
    Apr 28, 2008
    10
    It`s great fun! And it even works with older computers but still looks amazing. When you have bought the game you will just enjoy looking the skyline of city 17 - It`s safer there.
  96. GordanK.
    Apr 26, 2008
    10
    After HL2 all games are just empty.
  97. JayG
    Apr 26, 2008
    4
    I fail to see how this game warrants so many "Perfect" scores. This is not a game, Its a tech Demo for a very beautiful, very versatile engine but entertaining to play... Half life 2 is not, unless you enjoy repeating the same puzzle every 30 seconds and navigating some of the worst level design that I have seen in any game. What could be a very thrilling and engrossing game, is broken up I fail to see how this game warrants so many "Perfect" scores. This is not a game, Its a tech Demo for a very beautiful, very versatile engine but entertaining to play... Half life 2 is not, unless you enjoy repeating the same puzzle every 30 seconds and navigating some of the worst level design that I have seen in any game. What could be a very thrilling and engrossing game, is broken up by a repetitive string of physics puzzles with no purpose other than to show off the physics engine. Which would have its own charm, were the puzzles not repeated every 5 mins with an identically puzzle. This is demonstrated best in any level that contains a vehicle for the player to drive, where you will have to move an obstacle out of your way every 30 seconds with the "Gravity gun." Top that off with 90% of the plot being as in depth as Mario's "The Princess is in the next castle, navigate your way to the next location" and you are left with a game that left me "Blue" for a decent story and some thrilling action. Half life 2 is a monumental technical achievement, and the mods that have come out for this game make it well worth the price of purchase, but I would rather pull out and eat my own intestines like spaghetti than call this a "reviting good time."… Expand
  98. Kent
    Apr 25, 2008
    9
    I was seriously amped for Half Life 2 when it first came out, I thought Half Life 1 was one of the best games ever and I was really excited about the sequel. I wasn't disappointed, it's a great game, with a good physics engine and nice graphics (that are even acceptable today) Interesting storyline and good gameplay made this a really fun experience. If you look at Half Life 2 I was seriously amped for Half Life 2 when it first came out, I thought Half Life 1 was one of the best games ever and I was really excited about the sequel. I wasn't disappointed, it's a great game, with a good physics engine and nice graphics (that are even acceptable today) Interesting storyline and good gameplay made this a really fun experience. If you look at Half Life 2 for what it is, its an excellent game. I did not however prefer it to Half Life 1. Firstly it was drastically different from HL1 (which is understandable due to the new circumstances) it just didn't hate that same note that HL1 did. It is still a great game and one of the best FPS experiences out there, not to be missed.… Expand
  99. JoachimE
    Apr 23, 2008
    10
    This is one of the best games ever made.
  100. JoshY.
    Apr 20, 2008
    10
    Its good overall just had to upgrade my comp to play.
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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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