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. LucasF.
    Nov 28, 2007
    10
    Half-Life 2 is the base of new age of games. Half-Life history is perfect.
  2. BrettD.
    Nov 28, 2007
    9
    Incredibly smart. Fascinating in it's ability to influence those around the character. Bone chilling twists of fate. The storyline is superb. The game is a must have for any gamers portfolio!
  3. ToniD.
    Nov 27, 2007
    10
    Gordon Freeman must survive... Only 10.
  4. ErnstR.
    Nov 26, 2007
    10
    I think this is and will be the best and will shoot the rest!
  5. Mr.F.
    Nov 24, 2007
    8
    Well, first let me dispell all of the zeroes below. Number one, this is most certainly not a Quake engine modification. Even if it were, the Quake engine is a very powerful one (see games like Nexuiz). Number two, the AI is rather low scale, but nothing like the crappy AI seen in Doom or Counter-Strike: Condition Zero. The storyline is linear, yeah, but so are Portal's (clearly so), Well, first let me dispell all of the zeroes below. Number one, this is most certainly not a Quake engine modification. Even if it were, the Quake engine is a very powerful one (see games like Nexuiz). Number two, the AI is rather low scale, but nothing like the crappy AI seen in Doom or Counter-Strike: Condition Zero. The storyline is linear, yeah, but so are Portal's (clearly so), Halo's and Dark Messiah of Might and Magic's plotlines. And they are still amazing games. The Source engine is probablyone of the most complex physics engines I've ever seen. Sim S.'s turn: Mabye gat a new computer, because Half-Life 2 loaded in under a minute on mine. I have an nVidia GeForce 7300 GT that runs C-S:S, Portal and HL2 with no problem. And if you are going to use a computer for gaming, at least make sure it fits the requirements. Christopher S.: Steam is one of the greatest gaming platforms I ever saw (Microsoft's Games for Windows -- LIVE is an utter piece of crap) and since I really don't have the space for CD's, it's convenient that I can just download my games after my annual system reformat.Trust me, playing the game at minimum graphics settings is not fun. If you have a load time of upwards of 2 minutes it's time to get a new computer, or at least upgrade your old, crappy Windows 2000 and/or Windows ME boxes with 128 megs of RAM and a *gasp* Pentuim III. GNU Gamer: get WINE, Cedega or VMware Fusion. Steam is Windows-only. Windows is, so far, the best and most widely-used platform on Earth. Want to make money? Either you overprice it and market it towards the "Alternitaves" (Mac) or make it a reasonable price and market it towards everyone else (Windows). Lord C.: UPDATE. 'Nuff said. AI S: Mabye you should have looked at the small print :MUST HAVE INTERNET CONNECTION TO PLAY GAME. Also, Steam is very widely-known and produced by Valve. Not third-party at all. Stop whining like a pussy and just do it already. You can even load Steam up in Offline mode to play the Single Player version offline. Take a little time to actually look at the Steam software. Madeline V.: Cheating is absolutlely unpreventable. Period. Even the VAC can't help that. It's what the VAC is for. If a server admin reports the person, then they get banned from playing Steam games online (they can still play 1P, but no MP for them). Look up the server admin's contact information and let them know. Kevin T.: All I have to say is, Portal and Counter-Srike: Source have to be a couple of the best games I've ever played. And they're both HL2 mods. Thomas G.: It's an FPS. It's hard to balance action witn puzzles (see the other end of the spectrum - Portal), so give Valve a break. Republican Skillz: HL2:E1 was incredible. Don't judge a game before it's even released, it makes you look like an idiot. Yves B.: Just... utter fail right there. That review didn't even have any actual, you know, review in it. Carmine R.: COD3 can't even begin to compare with this game. Ian F.: How old are you? For the target audience (16-year-old males) this game is incredible. If you think a game with killing is boring, then you need to see a psychologist. Sean War: Doom 3 didn't have the Source engine. The Steam engine takes up more hardware requirements, and you probably lowered your Video options. HL2 has far superior graphics to Doom 3 (like Quake had to Doom 1). Jim F.: New computer. Stop trying to install it on your crappy HP Pavillion (or whatever you have, obviously it's not working). Also, what is the point in even buying a game if you're only going to play it for three days, then mabye once every few monhs for a hour? Just wrong. Why, oh why does everyone compare this game to Far Cry?? All the CryENGINE has on Source is the damn plants! I mean, come on. The CryENGINE was made as a demo for the GeForce 3. It's old as hell.… Expand
  6. BradD.
    Nov 24, 2007
    10
    A great game, takes you deep into the story line and gives a variety of killing options. One of the greatest FPS ive ever incountered.
  7. BuckyD
    Nov 24, 2007
    10
    If a game can make you forget that your playing a game, its a damn good game. This is one of those games.
  8. FilipO.
    Nov 24, 2007
    7
    Nothing special, really. Quite the disappointment actually. The puzzle were mediocre and the game itself was good - but not a masterpiece.
  9. EdC.
    Nov 23, 2007
    10
    One of the most engrossing games ever. I was glued to my screen for hours straight. Although linear at times, the game has such a high variety of environments that it never ceased to bore me. The enemy AI, despite what some seem to say was extremely bad, I thought was pretty good. True, enemies were never really faced with complicated decisions of tactics and the like, but they did flank One of the most engrossing games ever. I was glued to my screen for hours straight. Although linear at times, the game has such a high variety of environments that it never ceased to bore me. The enemy AI, despite what some seem to say was extremely bad, I thought was pretty good. True, enemies were never really faced with complicated decisions of tactics and the like, but they did flank and use cover. And they didn't rush you blindly (unless they had a shotgun). I also liked the lack of ammo that kept you scrounging or finding new ways to make use of the gravity gun, which, by the way, is simply put the most ingenious weapon ever designed in a video-game. Lastly, the story was excellent. Without an engrossing story, even the best of games can get tedious. This was an almost cinematic story, dishing out plenty of plot twists, reslationships, character backgrounds, and was generally just a really well-implemented part of this game. Any interested should buy. Any uninterested should buy anyway.… Expand
  10. Walladish
    Nov 23, 2007
    10
    The game makes your world look borring and not funny but.. in HL2 its totally differint. Its making one curious and THIS world is much more exciting and interesting so, GO TO HELL "netjak"!
  11. Sami
    Nov 23, 2007
    2
    Boring, stupid lineup, exactly the same game as Half-Life was, only better graphics, and so annoying Static envirement, stupid AI, ARGH.
  12. TiberiuC.
    Nov 22, 2007
    10
    Revolutionary engine that still delivers in 2007. The game itself is like a good movie, only much better. Perfectly crafted and a worthy successor to Half-Life.
  13. VianneyC.
    Nov 17, 2007
    10
    Half Life, since the first game, was innovator, i've never played a game like this before. It is a turnign point for the first person shooters.
  14. MartinO.
    Nov 16, 2007
    10
    A fully enjoyable game, from graphics to gameplay. Difficult enough on easy to challenge, yet not make you want to pull your hair out. Excellent storyline. 10/10
  15. ThomasP.
    Nov 16, 2007
    10
    One of the best games, I´ve ever played.
  16. CharlesS.
    Nov 15, 2007
    10
    This is the best game for ever! Anybody whatever say!
  17. JimA.
    Nov 13, 2007
    10
    Breathtaking. Superb. A masterpiece of the most epic proportions. While not flawless, the good FAR outweighs the bad. By far the greatest game I have ever played. I got it and played it once for PC when it came out, I got it in the PC version of the Orange Box and played it a second time, and I got it in the 360 version of the Orange Box and played it a third time. Never once in any of my Breathtaking. Superb. A masterpiece of the most epic proportions. While not flawless, the good FAR outweighs the bad. By far the greatest game I have ever played. I got it and played it once for PC when it came out, I got it in the PC version of the Orange Box and played it a second time, and I got it in the 360 version of the Orange Box and played it a third time. Never once in any of my three runs through the game, was I ever not astonished by the epic scale of this work of art. If you have not yet played Half Life 2, then I have but one question for you: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?… Expand
  18. GuiguiL.
    Nov 13, 2007
    10
    The best game ! With Episode One and two, the saga is the best VideoGame Saga ever created !
  19. StevenC.
    Nov 11, 2007
    9
    I really love this game especially all the models,sharp details,sounds,graphics,and especially the blood man.The first time my 14 year old son played Ravenholme,freaked at it,seriously.
  20. JuhaszB.
    Nov 9, 2007
    10
    It's the best game ever. One and only.
  21. NickG.
    Nov 8, 2007
    10
    It is much better than Half Life 1. I like the plot and duration.
  22. MarshJ.
    Nov 8, 2007
    0
    Wow the main character is retarded. His name is Morgan Freeman and hes black! how pathetic!
  23. AuhudyqG.
    Nov 7, 2007
    10
    Greatest game ever. It never fails to capture your complete attention. Ravenholm map in particular has great atmosphere few Fps hope to achieve.
  24. StuartW.
    Nov 6, 2007
    6
    After all the hype of this game I finally got it with the Orange Box. After playing for a bit I have uninstalled the game, bored with the very linar gameplay. While the graphics were good I could not call it the best of the time. I can go on about this game but I am so glad I never brought it new. The engine will release good games much like the orginal but with newer and better engines After all the hype of this game I finally got it with the Orange Box. After playing for a bit I have uninstalled the game, bored with the very linar gameplay. While the graphics were good I could not call it the best of the time. I can go on about this game but I am so glad I never brought it new. The engine will release good games much like the orginal but with newer and better engines now coming out HL2's engine will just be another one in the pile to chose from. Amazing that a company that had so much time to make a good game they still chose to not stress the player with too many options on how to play. I give it a 6 as while the engine is good, the gameplay and hype have ruined what could of been a good game.… Expand
  25. StuartW
    Nov 6, 2007
    10
    Astoundingly good. The story, characters, and game play interact into an incredibly engrossing whole.
  26. ScottE
    Nov 5, 2007
    6
    I was rather disappointed with this game. The hype and praise this game did not seem to reflect the actual game. Game play was inventive at first and then rather bland, alternating between lots of options to vast emptiness. The physics engine allows you to do quite a bit, but often gets in your way as well. Control set up is outdated and needs an update. Weapons tend to lack ammo or I was rather disappointed with this game. The hype and praise this game did not seem to reflect the actual game. Game play was inventive at first and then rather bland, alternating between lots of options to vast emptiness. The physics engine allows you to do quite a bit, but often gets in your way as well. Control set up is outdated and needs an update. Weapons tend to lack ammo or effectiveness, and specific weapon areas are prone to endless reload chests, removing any challenge. Squad AI for what sections you have a Squad range from ADD mental to not helpful, and also remove enemy challenge from levels. Overall the game is average.… Expand
  27. KoKel.
    Nov 3, 2007
    10
    I always look for plot, and there is alot here. Awesome graphic detail, and the weapons are just too sweet.
  28. MathewP
    Nov 1, 2007
    10
    This is the best game that played for years, it just impacted me, it is so damned funny.
  29. TeodorIkonomov
    Nov 1, 2007
    10
    The Best Game Ever
  30. RaulL.
    Nov 1, 2007
    9
    Why are all enemis alike (example: all zombies have same clothes).
  31. DrakH.
    Oct 31, 2007
    10
    This game rules even tho it only takes me 6 hours to play trough :D
  32. JoelF.
    Oct 31, 2007
    10
    This game is just amazing, even if you find one moment where you dont like the game, the next moment makes you regret thinking such blasphamey, MAKE A HALF LIFE 3
  33. pieman
    Oct 31, 2007
    10
    This game rules,next to Halo it's my favorite game.There's plenty of mods for it such as Counter-Strike,Garry's Mod 10,The Ship and many more.This game has beautiful graphics and very tence at times.I remember Half-Life 2 coming out like it was yesterday,people still want it!Although Half-Life 1 was a big success i think Half-Life 2 is a bigger success.Lets hope for another This game rules,next to Halo it's my favorite game.There's plenty of mods for it such as Counter-Strike,Garry's Mod 10,The Ship and many more.This game has beautiful graphics and very tence at times.I remember Half-Life 2 coming out like it was yesterday,people still want it!Although Half-Life 1 was a big success i think Half-Life 2 is a bigger success.Lets hope for another Half-Life!… Expand
  34. jACOB
    Oct 30, 2007
    10
    This is the best game ever made for it's time it's revolutionary and is still in the top 3 best fps shooters ever next to bioshock and the classic doom =P but this is the best physics ever that I have seen and is absolutely amazing.Definitley worth the current 20$ or get in O.B(Orange box) not to mention gmod 9 or 10(10 bucks) witch requires this.
  35. FranzP.
    Oct 29, 2007
    10
    Its one of the most impressive games ever!!!
  36. MichielF.
    Oct 29, 2007
    9
    By far the best game in the series. Better than Episode 1 and much, much better than Episode 2. E2 has way too many problems running on machines that it should run on! ! ! !
  37. DohneB.
    Oct 29, 2007
    9
    I just finished HL2 for the first time (got myself the orange box) - almost exactly 3 years after its' original release and it was a blast - time certainly hasn't hurt this game in any way! solid action with lots of variety! 9 out of 10! Excuse me, now i'm on to EP1 ;).
  38. AnonymousMC
    Oct 28, 2007
    10
    This was one of the best games I have ever played. Returning as Gordon Freeman from the action packed Half Life 1. Personally I played Half Life 1 when I was 6 years old. And now as I am older I still love the game. This game started a Pc gaming revolution! Before Halo was even thought of!
  39. Dude
    Oct 27, 2007
    10
    The Best Game Ever MADE!! Its So Real And Is Long And Fun. The Best Graphics I've Ever Seen So Far.
  40. RemcoV.
    Oct 27, 2007
    10
    Excelent game with a great story, good weapons and i simply loved it.
  41. PeterB.
    Oct 25, 2007
    10
    Classic. Hours and hours of immersive fun. Original ideas, great graphics, variety - just a brilliant game. My only tiny gripe is that the machine gun is a bit feeble.
  42. ChickenHorse
    Oct 24, 2007
    10
    By far the best Sci-fi FPS I have played! Physics are amazing Graphics look amazing and very good story line!
  43. RobertP.
    Oct 23, 2007
    10
    The best game ever. It has everything. It´s like watching a movie. You get the now the characters. I played it trough a hundred times, never get bored.
  44. WestleyB.
    Oct 23, 2007
    8
    Felt abit shorter than HL and not many big bugs to squish, plus weapons good but not many crazy ones.
  45. FernandoF.
    Oct 22, 2007
    10
    brilliant.
  46. PutinVladimir
    Oct 22, 2007
    10
    COOL!!!
  47. AnonymousMC
    Oct 21, 2007
    9
    Just beat it on the Orange Box. Pretty good game, worth playing once or twice, but I didn't find it as amazing as what most people said. I'm sure it's story (while a little disappointing) and its physics were revolutionary, I absolutely hated the driving missions (especially the airboat) and it felt a little repetitive with little variety to the enemies. Mostly striders,Just beat it on the Orange Box. Pretty good game, worth playing once or twice, but I didn't find it as amazing as what most people said. I'm sure it's story (while a little disappointing) and its physics were revolutionary, I absolutely hated the driving missions (especially the airboat) and it felt a little repetitive with little variety to the enemies. Mostly striders, soldiers, antlions and headcrabs. Great game but not the greatest.… Expand
  48. Spiker
    Oct 21, 2007
    10
    The fact that it's still being compared to other games today (even in the graphics department) is a feat that amazes me. An incredible ride, one that should not be missed by anyone.
  49. HaraldR.
    Oct 21, 2007
    10
    This is the greatest game ever made!! The guys behind this game has an extreme wild fantasy that makes Half-Life 2 to a werry impressive game. Half-Life 2 has altso a brethbreaking good action.
  50. ScottD.
    Oct 20, 2007
    9
    Awesome, could be longer (larger levels or more of them). Thanks !
  51. JacobP.
    Oct 20, 2007
    10
    Brilliant game. Excellent story, stunning graphics and many hours of fun.
  52. LukasK.
    Oct 19, 2007
    10
    Wow! One of the best games, i've ever played!
  53. sneffd.
    Oct 19, 2007
    10
    Well what can i say that hasent allredy ben said about this game wait i know all my 10 R belong to this.
  54. FelipeZaghetti
    Oct 18, 2007
    10
    Because its a Very Very COOL
  55. OlegB.
    Oct 18, 2007
    10
    Thrilling story, fantastic physics engine, unforgettable combat sequences, great music and voice acting!
  56. LukeM.
    Oct 17, 2007
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  57. vidman
    Oct 17, 2007
    7
    The most overrated game in existence. I give it a 7; everyone else gives it a 10. I bought this game off of Steam and encountered zero problems. I beat this game in 3 sessions. For the first 7 hours, I was pretty happy and couldn't wait for the story to unfold. Then next 5 hours was fast paced and still left me waiting for the story to unfold. It felt like I was only 1/3 to 1/2 way The most overrated game in existence. I give it a 7; everyone else gives it a 10. I bought this game off of Steam and encountered zero problems. I beat this game in 3 sessions. For the first 7 hours, I was pretty happy and couldn't wait for the story to unfold. Then next 5 hours was fast paced and still left me waiting for the story to unfold. It felt like I was only 1/3 to 1/2 way done with the game because so many questions were unanswered. Then finally, the last 3 hours of left me disappointed. It didn… Expand
  58. TravisO.
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    Amazing, Valve did it again. If you would have asked me before if they could have made a better game then the first Half Life I wouldn't have thought so but HL2 has surpassed all my expectations, they have truly out done themselves this time. so to the team at Valve I say, Bravo!.
  59. JonH.
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    Amazing game. Good story, good action, great all-around play.
  60. SockFoot
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    Amazing game, and so well paced. The game always feels like it's pushing you, but it never overwhelms you. First time through it is better than sex.
  61. mikel.
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    great game , only one game to me better ..... Tribes vengeance is the only game better.
  62. LukeM.
    Oct 14, 2007
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  63. Jim
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    Excellent game. Great graphics and physics engines, the game blew my mind on what a first person shooter could be. Top notch scifi apocolyptic story.
  64. ApJe
    Oct 13, 2007
    9
    This game is just amazing, from its grafics to its storyline, though the AI could be improved just a little.
  65. TheChad
    Oct 13, 2007
    10
    This game is absolutely awesome!! I recommend Half Life 2 and Episode 1 and 2 to everyone I know.
  66. AaronG.m
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    A truly amazing experience.
  67. Bombero
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    Excellent game, there were some bugs on the first release back in 2004 that frustrated me, but the gameplay, graphics and AI were excellent. One of my favourite games, I highly recommend it to anyone interested in PC gaming.
  68. JamieH.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    absolutely incredible best game of the year =]
  69. RaymondA.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    Fast, Great team work needed to win, I love the Piro.
  70. EricB.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    Absolutely Brilliant, the best game I have ever had the pleasure to play. the puzzles and game play in Half-Life 1 was astounding as it was a few years ago, but with the advanced graphics and physics emulation Half-Life 2 has to offer, along with the traditional game play and the genius maps and environments Valve's team has so skillfully created, Half-Life 2 will most definitely Absolutely Brilliant, the best game I have ever had the pleasure to play. the puzzles and game play in Half-Life 1 was astounding as it was a few years ago, but with the advanced graphics and physics emulation Half-Life 2 has to offer, along with the traditional game play and the genius maps and environments Valve's team has so skillfully created, Half-Life 2 will most definitely blow any gamer right off his or her feet.… Expand
  71. Edgar
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    Episode two was flawless but for its length. If there was ever any doubt about the versatility of the Source engine, it has been washed away by the many mods and successful games that have been made with it, not to mention the constant forward momentum of its evolution as features are added. If valve plays their cards right, they can ride source into the next decade of the interactive Episode two was flawless but for its length. If there was ever any doubt about the versatility of the Source engine, it has been washed away by the many mods and successful games that have been made with it, not to mention the constant forward momentum of its evolution as features are added. If valve plays their cards right, they can ride source into the next decade of the interactive business without losing pace or falling behind in the relentless rat race of of graphical evolution. However, even when that line is crossed, and when the Source engine has exhausted all of its capabilities, it will undoubtedly go down into history as one of the most ingenious gaming engines ever developed.… Expand
  72. ChristofferL.
    Oct 12, 2007
    10
    What I like with the game, you can play with the physics in the world. Because of HL2, other thirdpartysoftwares has created awesome games, like Gmod 9 and 10, Sourceforts and much other. This game also includes episode 1 and 2 to extend the games history. And the first time I played HL2 it really looks great when NPCs die. Ravenholm and the Citadel is my favorite part. But still there is What I like with the game, you can play with the physics in the world. Because of HL2, other thirdpartysoftwares has created awesome games, like Gmod 9 and 10, Sourceforts and much other. This game also includes episode 1 and 2 to extend the games history. And the first time I played HL2 it really looks great when NPCs die. Ravenholm and the Citadel is my favorite part. But still there is more of this game that scares me: The ocean. First time I would try to swim over to the end of the map I meet up with carnivorous leeches! I thought that I would hit an invisible wall instead. This is the best game ever made. But still there is many that hates this game because they mean there is more action on CS:S than HL2. I hope there will be a HL2EP3! :D… Expand
  73. JasonB.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    H-L 2 is amazing! Great combination of intense action and a compeling storyline.
  74. RobertD.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    Great history, great adventure, great game! :)
  75. ErikK.
    Oct 11, 2007
    0
    Well.. this game sucks... what more to say?
  76. RobinW.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    The original HalfLife took First Person Shooting with puzzles to a new level. It didn't do anything wildly new, but it did everything brilliantly. Characterisation, Plot exposition, Set pieces, Atmosphere, Humour - all were carried off to perfection. How could they improve on this? 2 excellent expansion packs, and many years later, Halflife 2 was their answer - and boy, was it worth The original HalfLife took First Person Shooting with puzzles to a new level. It didn't do anything wildly new, but it did everything brilliantly. Characterisation, Plot exposition, Set pieces, Atmosphere, Humour - all were carried off to perfection. How could they improve on this? 2 excellent expansion packs, and many years later, Halflife 2 was their answer - and boy, was it worth waiting for. This time, Valve weren't content with just doing all the things you'd expect from a modern FPS, and doing them well - they reinvented them all. Each level of the game conveys a different style of playing; whether it be solo, pair or team based combat, full out battles or cunning stealth, HalfLife 2 delivers. The biggest shock to the system is how well the physics model works - far from being a gimmick as it could so easily have been, it immerses you completely with the game world, and becomes another tool to use in solving the puzzles and fighting the enemies. HalfLife2 is a masterpiece. If you haven't played it, you've missed out massively.… Expand
  77. GeorgeB.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    One of the best games out there. Lots of action without overdoing it. THUMBS-UP Guys!!!
  78. Daniel
    Oct 11, 2007
    8
    Graphics, physics and sounds are ok. Shooting is in it's own style as expected... Good Old Half-Life feeling is present too =) but the game itself sometimes is too predictable and some places(maps) were made/created without much imagination, especially at the end... too easy sometimes. There are some surpises in the game but they aren't that neccessary.
  79. Joseph
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    Half-Life 2 includes many kinds of gameplay, and mixes them together rather well in this first person adventure
  80. AndréB.
    Oct 10, 2007
    10
    No comments for tis game! I can't even describe it! Play and see with your own eyes!
  81. MarcelO.
    Oct 10, 2007
    0
    Great Game, wonderful Gamplay. You become a lot for your Money.
  82. WesF.
    Oct 9, 2007
    10
    All of you who rated this game below a 6 are idiots. You didn't even rate the game, you rated your experience with steam. Complete idiots. If you have a sense of intelligence which most of you do, the game is completely worthy of a 10. This game nears perfection in every way. It was a giant leap forward in graphics, physics, and AI. The only slight issues possibly considered are All of you who rated this game below a 6 are idiots. You didn't even rate the game, you rated your experience with steam. Complete idiots. If you have a sense of intelligence which most of you do, the game is completely worthy of a 10. This game nears perfection in every way. It was a giant leap forward in graphics, physics, and AI. The only slight issues possibly considered are minuscule. Slight bugs with the AI... and depending on your view, the ending may disappoint. Otherwise why would you give a lower score? The Half-Life series has been a revolution in gaming, and the second one as well. Justify your reasons before you make yourself look like an idiot.… Expand
  83. lastRebel
    Oct 9, 2007
    10
    This is indeed an FPS which remains leaps and bounds ahead of its competition, even still in late 2007. Having played many, many games of this genre, this is still one of the best. While everyone was talking about Halo, I proudly represented HL2. This game was definitely ahead of its time, and still perseveres.
  84. DenisN.
    Oct 9, 2007
    10
    This is a greate game with super graphics and very interesting story line!!! Keep it up !!! Hope Episode Two would be as good as Half-lefe 2 or even better!!!
  85. AravindaP.
    Oct 8, 2007
    10
    The best game I've ever seen! VALVE has done the best job ever to make this game come to life. The scripting is revolutionary. If only other games were like this...
  86. JeffC.
    Oct 7, 2007
    10
    As with the original half-life, a giant leap forward, creating the benchmark against all contemporary games must measure themsleves. All praise to the team. Anxiously awaiting the mext chapter.
  87. SHaneH.
    Oct 7, 2007
    10
    HL2 3 years after purchasing still takes all for Fps Story and Fps Multiplayer mainly due to a rediculously high replay value!!! Bar None one of the best games of all time!!!!! Insaine Innovation Valve KEEP IT UP !!!!!!
  88. FranciscoS.
    Oct 6, 2007
    10
    The best game of all times, I'm waiting the Orange Box of Valve, that will be the best of bests. Cuando llegue la Caja Naranja el vicio va a ser tan poderoso que voy a viciarme hasta pasar todo el HL2 de nuevo.
  89. AndreasH.
    Oct 4, 2007
    10
    bought orange box (first time of getting half life 2) about a fortnight ago and have to say even now in 2007 it is still a brillant game. It should still be in games top tens i hope episode 1 and 2 are just as good
  90. bjarkeg.
    Oct 3, 2007
    10
    Half Life 2 have the best story to a action play, ever. And the very nice graviti gun is just so fun.
  91. KangS.
    Oct 2, 2007
    10
    This is the revolutionary games of the century and to deny it would be naming yourself as one of the people who doesnt know games. This game packs amazing graphic, awsome AI, and every thing is effected by the players presence. Not to mention an awesome storyline that can only be matched by greatest Hollywood blockbusters.
  92. 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
  93. 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.
  94. 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
  95. AuldS.
    Sep 30, 2007
    10
    Half Life 2 serves to remind everyone just how far computer gaming has come. I've been a gamer since the days of the Amiga. Never in all those years did I dream that one day games would be this good. As for the use of steam, Valve have every right to protect themselves from piracy.
  96. stevenw.
    Sep 28, 2007
    10
    It was the best game I have ever played. It had a great story to it too. It was like the best and favourite movie I have ever seen and you get to be a part of it!
  97. 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.
  98. GeorgeS.
    Sep 24, 2007
    10
    Saying that Half-Life 2 deserves any less than a definite 9, and basing that opinion on the versatility of the engine is shocking. The evidence is there. It is one of the most modded games to date (Perhaps HL1 would stop it exclusively), and games are still being released on it. Have you SEEN team fortress 2? Half-Life 2 is 3 years old, and could still hold out today flawlessly. Outstanding.
  99. 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.
  100. MalteB.
    Sep 23, 2007
    10
    Absolutely great game ... the graphics, the atmosphere, the game-design ... perfect! :)
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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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