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. Nerevar
    Jan 10, 2007
    10
    I played a lot of fps, but half-life 2 - according to me - is one of the most complete experiences of the world of videogames. Gordon Freeman is back and he did it with the best shooter of 2004.
  2. JenjaN.
    Jan 9, 2007
    4
    I played the game and win the hole game, but I didin't like it soo much becuse chapter 4-5 are boring when you only playing around with airboat! and even more boring is 7-9 when you playing with a jeep that's not fun either! but the start was good and the end that's why I gave it 4.
  3. EmanuelKumlien
    Jan 8, 2007
    10
    Best game ever. period.
  4. ErikB.
    Jan 7, 2007
    9
    Just finished it and found it to be a compelling and completly fufilling gaming experience.
  5. AnonymousMC
    Jan 7, 2007
    9
    i'm no expert in game reviewing, but as far as i'm concerned, i'm sad i finished it so fast :) HL2, HL2 LC, HL2 EPO .. anyway, maybe it's not the best game ever, who said that ? but it a game that makes me want more .. realistic too, and it gets better and better .. about the HL1 being better .. not necesarely true .. anyway .. not the best, but one of the best
  6. LukeM.
    Jan 6, 2007
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  7. Strife
    Jan 4, 2007
    10
    I'll admit, when I first played Half-Life 2, it was horrible. But recently I've gone back, and haven't had a problem. Its a shame that games have to be released with problems, and patched later. But thats the gaming world today. Now I understand why Half-Life 2 was game of the year.
  8. JohnnyC.
    Jan 4, 2007
    8
    I think this game is brilliant, but I think HL1 was better. The new driving bits were extremely boring sometimes repetitive. The AI of your followers were quite bad but the enemy AI excelled. The addition of the gravity gun was excellent. It allowed me to do so much more and use my world as a weapon. Great game overall
  9. Kevin
    Jan 2, 2007
    10
    Somehow this game looks amazing and runs smoothly on a relatively slow computer. Comperable games won't even run on my system.
  10. AlS
    Jan 1, 2007
    0
    The last decent game I've played in early '06 was Far Cry. I decided to ask around gaming forums for neat games akin to Far Cry. I was told to get F.E.A.R. and the Half-Life series. F.E.A.R. was an awesome recommendation, bar none. Unfortunately, I feel naive upon spending $60 for the Holiday Half-Life pack. I tried about 15mins. of the original Half-Life and couldn't The last decent game I've played in early '06 was Far Cry. I decided to ask around gaming forums for neat games akin to Far Cry. I was told to get F.E.A.R. and the Half-Life series. F.E.A.R. was an awesome recommendation, bar none. Unfortunately, I feel naive upon spending $60 for the Holiday Half-Life pack. I tried about 15mins. of the original Half-Life and couldn't stomach the graphics. Anyways, I tried Half-Life 2 and I thought the game was getting hung up during loading from escaping the civil police building. I had to do two reboots. I thought if I would re-download the game, maybe some corrupt files would be repaired or what not. Now, I haven't tried it again as of yet. The point of my low rating is this STEAM thing. Firstly, when I pay hard earned money... I do not want to install some 'third party' unknown program onto my computer(-5). Secondly, when I purchase a game... I want all files to be perverbially mine(-2). Thirdly, if I purchase a game... I want the right to have the installation on a separate machine(strickly gaming-no Internet) so I can play regardless of Internet connection or possible connection failure(-2). I am deeply upset about this set-up with STEAM, I had no idea prior and I don't like this what-so-ever(-1). I guess I'm one of many that reviewed the game upset by the STEAM installation. I thought it over and came to the conclusion that it's my right as STEAM is part of the package that I never wanted. As with many game makers, Valve could have joined with GameSpy for online extras. Not all gamers are onliners. Many of us are satisfied and prefer single player games vs dealing with petty drama and idiots over the Internet. All in all, I will not purchase any game that is inbedded with STEAM. STEAM ruined my gaming experience with Half-Life, hence the poor rating. Nice work, Valve... but, the buck stops here.… Expand
  11. BobanB.
    Dec 29, 2006
    10
    Best game ever. The enviroment, especially the enviroment in city 17, is nothing else but the best in the history of computer games. The feeling of being the underdog and fighting against an awesome machine that seems to be able to crush you at will, but the longer you play, you fell more and more undefeatable. The feeling can't be described. If you haven't played it yet, DO IT Best game ever. The enviroment, especially the enviroment in city 17, is nothing else but the best in the history of computer games. The feeling of being the underdog and fighting against an awesome machine that seems to be able to crush you at will, but the longer you play, you fell more and more undefeatable. The feeling can't be described. If you haven't played it yet, DO IT OR YOU'LL DIE!… Expand
  12. BernieM.
    Dec 28, 2006
    9
    This game has been pretty good and the graphics shocked when i first saw me. It was shock for me because i had a really good computer, but a really bad graphic card. So I decided to stop playing knight Online and games with that graphic quality. With a bit of luck, i could buy a radeon 800x graphics card, and i started playing 1st person shooter games. This game lost a point from me This game has been pretty good and the graphics shocked when i first saw me. It was shock for me because i had a really good computer, but a really bad graphic card. So I decided to stop playing knight Online and games with that graphic quality. With a bit of luck, i could buy a radeon 800x graphics card, and i started playing 1st person shooter games. This game lost a point from me because you needed to load all the areas of the game. Each time you finish an area (like the strider battle in ¨Follow Freeman¨ you needed to load the next area. The gamplay of this game has been also perfect, very smooth moving, (Not such as Halo that you felt ¨a little heavy¨) and the vehicle driving is also very good, very comfortable. Regards Bernie Malay PS: I hope they upload the loading problem!… Expand
  13. KinimodH.
    Dec 28, 2006
    10
    Half-Life² is THE Game which ruled everything. I played Half-Life too, like the one user, which said HL² was boring. IT is COMPLETELY different to HL BUT the game has improved, it shows up new faccettes of the game snd that is the most relevant thing. I liked the boat Part and the Part in which you drove the car. This was somthing new to the Half-Life series. In HL1 You just Half-Life² is THE Game which ruled everything. I played Half-Life too, like the one user, which said HL² was boring. IT is COMPLETELY different to HL BUT the game has improved, it shows up new faccettes of the game snd that is the most relevant thing. I liked the boat Part and the Part in which you drove the car. This was somthing new to the Half-Life series. In HL1 You just hopped into an Train and drove this way ... BORING... but to drive your way yourself ... GREAT !!!! For all Real Action Fans , there was the RAVENHOLM and NOVBA PROSPECT Part., IT is the BEST GAME EVER and Half-Life series will improve further and rule the Gaming industry with every new part.… Expand
  14. JackH.
    Dec 28, 2006
    10
    This game has extreme graphics beyond anything I have ever seen on the PC. My graphics card is not really the best top of the range one and I can still get amazing graphics even though my FPS can be low at times.
  15. AaronB.
    Dec 27, 2006
    10
    Still after almost still two years after release. This is still the best playing best looking first person shooter out there. Even better than the newer FPS's like FEAR, Gears and Prey.
  16. ChristosF.
    Dec 27, 2006
    10
    This is in my opinion the best single player game ever. Nearly all existing different gameplay types are included and they're all fun. Source rules. I can't find anything wrong at all. Well, I could complain that it doesn't last foverever.
  17. JasperJ.
    Dec 26, 2006
    10
    This game is REALLY exciting, because it has a good story line, good graphics, good sound, everything in this game is good! I give it an 10!
  18. Ryan
    Dec 26, 2006
    10
    This is a great game played it many times and its still fun.
  19. JakeG.
    Dec 22, 2006
    10
    Best Game ever! Great graphics, sound and very fun game!!
  20. MaxV.
    Dec 22, 2006
    9
    It's got it all. Flexible engine that allows for great puzzles The whole range of AI. From guntooting grunts to raving zombies. Dynamic sounds that just adds to the gritty visuals of a worn and conquered planet. The first good female NPC performance, ever. So why not a full 10? Well I do believe that games should be an alternative to movies, not it's replacement. A tad less It's got it all. Flexible engine that allows for great puzzles The whole range of AI. From guntooting grunts to raving zombies. Dynamic sounds that just adds to the gritty visuals of a worn and conquered planet. The first good female NPC performance, ever. So why not a full 10? Well I do believe that games should be an alternative to movies, not it's replacement. A tad less linear or even the illusion of open-ended gameplay would have pushed it all the way to the top.… Expand
  21. PrzemekX.
    Dec 21, 2006
    10
    Fantastic game, plot well .. like reading a good book 10/10 nothing add nothing take away !
  22. Victor
    Dec 19, 2006
    5
    Very disappointing. It provided very limited gameplay, where half the time I was cruising around on a boat. Graphics were okay, but just barely ahead of their time, and the 5 year wait was definately not worth it. The game itself is nothing like the original half life. I remember playing Half Life on hard. And that wasn't a joke, where towards the end I was saving every step. Half Very disappointing. It provided very limited gameplay, where half the time I was cruising around on a boat. Graphics were okay, but just barely ahead of their time, and the 5 year wait was definately not worth it. The game itself is nothing like the original half life. I remember playing Half Life on hard. And that wasn't a joke, where towards the end I was saving every step. Half Life 2 just seems like a walk in the park, I don't even really bother to notice enemies that much because who cares when you are given a rocket launcher that will kill a helicopter super easy. Feels chill, but gets boring.… Expand
  23. Sam
    Dec 16, 2006
    10
    Greatest shooter ever with plenty of originality. Also Genuinely scary at times.
  24. AnonymousMC
    Dec 14, 2006
    10
    Absolutely brilliant!!!!! The graphics can run on some of the lowest graphics cards around, with still astonishing detail, and the fact that mods can be so easily created means that it will never get old, especially with things like Source forts, and soon to be portal, which are original, and HIGHLY addictive! WELL worth a ten. I was looking for an 11 option, but oh well...
  25. PeterH.
    Dec 12, 2006
    10
    Absolutly bloody amazin! Perfect sequal to the original Half-Life valve have done it again, pitty it only taken then like 5 years to produce this masterpiece. Graphics: Truely Amazin - even on the worst settings, but phonomanal on the highest. Shaddows, objects, faces buildings, all detailed to impress, and it does that!! Game-Play: Brilliant, the physics in the game are realistic, solve Absolutly bloody amazin! Perfect sequal to the original Half-Life valve have done it again, pitty it only taken then like 5 years to produce this masterpiece. Graphics: Truely Amazin - even on the worst settings, but phonomanal on the highest. Shaddows, objects, faces buildings, all detailed to impress, and it does that!! Game-Play: Brilliant, the physics in the game are realistic, solve realistic problems and travel a vast distance in order to complete the game. weeks of fun if the difficultly level is increased. Overall this is the best Half-Life game to be released to date. Good job by Valve.… Expand
  26. TravisM.
    Dec 11, 2006
    10
    Amazing. Nice smooth graphics, but nothing shader-bulky like Doom III. Great engine to create modifications with. Only about eight huors of gameplay to the beginner, but the modifications such as Counter Strike Source that come with it and the many more avaliable online make it a must. The physics are very reactive and fun, as seen in the popular expantion Garry's Mod.
  27. GordonJ.
    Dec 10, 2006
    10
    Adicting story, sexy graphics, realistic physics, realistic environment. Main character has same name as me. So it feels as though they're I'm really part of the game "Come on Gordon!" I play through it at the very least once a month.
  28. JayE.
    Dec 10, 2006
    10
    This game is probably the best fps ever, along with its multiplayer juggernauts counter strike: source and day of defeat: source I dont understand how it has a 9.2 standing rating, perhaps because people arent rating it as to when it came out?
  29. ChrisC
    Dec 9, 2006
    10
    I played it. I beat it. I loved it. I played it, again. I still loved it. I love this game. This is the best half life game I personally have seen yet. 11 out of 10.
  30. AnonymousMC
    Dec 8, 2006
    10
    Just because you have a problem with the game, doesn't mean you should give it a 0, look at what other people think, and their experience with the game. If your computer doesn't work with it, too bad. You should've looked up some info on te game's requirements before you bought it. Oh, whats that on steam... A DEMO! Try a game before you buy and bitch about it.
  31. LukeM.
    Dec 7, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  32. LukeM.
    Dec 7, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  33. AJAlifimoff
    Dec 5, 2006
    10
    This game has spawned many different mods. The source engine was well designed, and as stated previously, due to the number of modifications, this game has given itself a place in history. The AI was the only downside, but it was still well made. The story-line was compelling, the mapping was great, and the scripting was great. The engine is the best part of the entire game. A player can This game has spawned many different mods. The source engine was well designed, and as stated previously, due to the number of modifications, this game has given itself a place in history. The AI was the only downside, but it was still well made. The story-line was compelling, the mapping was great, and the scripting was great. The engine is the best part of the entire game. A player can spend hours messing around with the grav-gun and still discover new tricks.… Expand
  34. AnonymousMC
    Dec 4, 2006
    8
    its apparent that the Madeline V. girl has never played through the whole game. probably played single player for about an hour and couldn't figure out what to do.

    this game is all half-life 1 was, but more. boring weapons? they brought back everything except the weird ass alien weapons no one used in the first place. gravity gun? can you say gravity gun? not only did i play    its apparent that the Madeline V. girl has never played through the whole game. probably played single player for about an hour and couldn't figure out what to do.

    this game is all half-life 1 was, but more. boring weapons? they brought back everything except the weird ass alien weapons no one used in the first place. gravity gun? can you say gravity gun? not only did i play through the single player in a matter of days because of being glued to my monitor, i was finding myself VERY satisfied and craving the next episodes. the story is GREAT and valve did a killer job keeping the hype up and actually delivering, something doom 3 failed to do.

    madeline, you suck, but half-life 2 does not.    … Expand
  35. TeodorIkonomov
    Dec 3, 2006
    10
    The Best Game Ever
  36. KennyK.
    Dec 3, 2006
    10
    I found this game extremely entertaining and the ability to surprise me. To me the story of a game is very important, maybe even more important than the gameplay, but this game gave me a new standard to follow (AGAIN), when revieiwing games, which new games has a very hard time following up to!
  37. NalRecords
    Dec 2, 2006
    10
    The best game I've ever played. Great history, great graphics, great playability, great everithing.
  38. TheMagicalHippieKiller
    Nov 29, 2006
    7
    It is very rare for a game to have a story that people actaully care about. But I kinda stopped caring after I entered City 17. Half-life! Kinda Crazy, a little Creepy (little), pretty inventive (it's great that people will state how much they hate the orginal, but how many games have since added its elements to their own. How many heros can you name with a super suit with shields?) It is very rare for a game to have a story that people actaully care about. But I kinda stopped caring after I entered City 17. Half-life! Kinda Crazy, a little Creepy (little), pretty inventive (it's great that people will state how much they hate the orginal, but how many games have since added its elements to their own. How many heros can you name with a super suit with shields?) The gameplay is ok, but I wasn't interested in being a lame knock-off of neo from the matrix in glasses, i wanted to shoot aliens. Instead, we get the stupid ai combine, who will run from a grenade and straight into your fire. The puzzles are also just them showing off their new physics and gravity gun. By the way, the gravity gun is stupid. There. I said it. Shotgun rules ( even though it was downgraded... actually, ALL the weapons were downgraded) because this game is not much differen than the original: run forward, solve puzzles, and you'll rarely fight in large arenas, just close quarters. The dialouge scenes are annoying and way to long. Other than that, good graphics and pretty gripping gameplay, save the lack of variation amongst the enemies. Wait! There is one more bad thing. Ravenholm=not scary and pointless. This level was just an excuse for the gravity gun, but a handy crowbar, shotgun, and .357 are actually the best weapons, at least for me. Hopefully they will be more creative in the future and stop trying to make another bad post-apocalpyse-revelution-thing that we've all seen 1,000 times over. The game is very intense at points. Really intense. Ever try fighting a helicopter with a pistol in a radiated canal? Well, life gets a helluva lot worse for Mr. Freeman later on, but for us, it's pretty damn fun. Keep making stuff like that.… Expand
  39. MadelineV.
    Nov 28, 2006
    0
    Characters are boring and uninteresting and pretty unattractive. There is no finesse with the weapons like most fps shooters. AI is poor. Storyline isn't too great. Too much physics gimmicks. It's cool at first, gets old very quick and really in most action films or horror, the killing doesn't exactly revolve around this. It's just unrealistic. Despite your so called Characters are boring and uninteresting and pretty unattractive. There is no finesse with the weapons like most fps shooters. AI is poor. Storyline isn't too great. Too much physics gimmicks. It's cool at first, gets old very quick and really in most action films or horror, the killing doesn't exactly revolve around this. It's just unrealistic. Despite your so called cheat free environment, i found cheaters in multiplayer and many people called out the same people I saw cheating. Nothing is done. The unreal 3.0 engine even the 2.5, far exceeds this engine and characters. Who wants to play a 4 eyes ugly dude who never talks anyway? The only thing I liked were a few of the maps though when looking at them closer in the editor, again the unreal editor FAR exceeds this game.… Expand
  40. Slipcr
    Nov 20, 2006
    10
    This is best game I ever played in different ways, one of these is the large escale of graphics and textures, and this game have the most advanced movement system of all the thing and environment. Really GOOD game!
  41. AW
    Nov 16, 2006
    7
    This game had breakthrough physics, and it was awesome watching the guys collapse or get tossed around like dolls. The gravity gun was a unique weapon and really drew away from mainstream guns put in games today. However, this game also failed in a lot of aspects. While the potential and hype was driven up after years of suspense and waiting, the game just did not deliver. Though it kept This game had breakthrough physics, and it was awesome watching the guys collapse or get tossed around like dolls. The gravity gun was a unique weapon and really drew away from mainstream guns put in games today. However, this game also failed in a lot of aspects. While the potential and hype was driven up after years of suspense and waiting, the game just did not deliver. Though it kept my attention long enough to finish the game, I just was not impressed by it. The levels were pretty cool, though the city did get a little old after a while. The haunted city was probably the best atmosphere created in the game. But here's the biggest kicker: The weapons SUCKED. Yes, though the grav gun was unique, I ended up not using it for much of the game, because there aren't always objects to pick up and launch at people. Instead, you are stuck with a bunch of the same boring weapons as the first game - WITHOUT the aliens weapons. The only new gun I can remember besides the grav gun is the other combat rifle that also has a powerful (but generally unused) secondary fire. The random bullet pathing did not make it any better as you often waste a lot of bullets firing any of the smg/rifles from a distance any other than what you'd call short (which is a lot of the game). The boring weapons combined with a so-so story line was not exhilirating in my book. Top it off with the same gameplay as the first game, and you've got HL2 - which had the potential to be so much more.… Expand
  42. JonahR.
    Nov 12, 2006
    7
    Great looking engine, but the single player is only fun once. The lack of co-op play, and a really poorly delivered story separate this game from the truly great games.
  43. Sna696
    Nov 12, 2006
    10
    The best game in the world! Amazing graphics and sound! Supreme history and marvelous physics!
  44. SebastianB.
    Nov 12, 2006
    10
    Extremly entertaining game with great graphics and physics!
  45. Bobbobbo
    Nov 11, 2006
    10
    The best game I have ever played.
  46. DevinT.
    Nov 10, 2006
    9
    Not as good as farcry, I liked Farcry better because it is troppical and you get to rome the levels and do what ever the hell you want.
  47. JoeyR.
    Nov 10, 2006
    10
    All I can say is wow! Truly AMAZING! Far Cry was my all time fav for sometime and didn't think a game would be better then it for a while but man, everything about This game is so sweat. Definitely a 10!
  48. LukeM.
    Nov 2, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  49. LukeM.
    Oct 31, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  50. TelmoC.
    Oct 31, 2006
    10
    The best game in the world.
  51. LukeM.
    Oct 31, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  52. AlexP.
    Oct 29, 2006
    10
    One of the best single player FPS shooters out there. If you've never played the original Half-Life game, you won't really understand this. Seems kind of short, then again I spent 20 hours a day on this until I beat it. A must-have.
  53. SheepDip
    Oct 27, 2006
    3
    An average shooter at best. Nice graphics, good texture work and good use of physics...at the start. I'm not sure what everyone loves so much about HL2, and I am left angry and frustrated by the fact it repeatedly gets good scores. The game itself is intensely linear, the playtime is about average for a fps these days, which in my opinion is too short, especially if you're going An average shooter at best. Nice graphics, good texture work and good use of physics...at the start. I'm not sure what everyone loves so much about HL2, and I am left angry and frustrated by the fact it repeatedly gets good scores. The game itself is intensely linear, the playtime is about average for a fps these days, which in my opinion is too short, especially if you're going for the "holding your hand" gameplay, as valve have done. At the start of the game there are some physics puzzles, but they seem to drop the idea after about an hours play. The enemy AI is practically non-existant, that includes the NPC's who "help" you later on. Nothing like any of the video's valve released of combat in late 2003. The weapons in the game also frustrated me. They do little or no damage to the enemies, and any powerful, or accurate weapon is restricted by the fact you can only hold 12 rounds for each (crossbow, magnum). The grenades in the game have a little red light on, and click very loudly making it painfully obvious when one is near you. I do wonder how the combine managed to take over earth using such poor weaponry. Most of the weapons left me with the feeling the player is to always be drawn into always having to engage the enemies at close range. Probably because if you encountered them at range, they'd just run at you and you'd kill them easily. There's a part later on in the game where you have to go down an alley towards a road at the end of the street, naturally there's a sniper watching the street. But, if you thought "Ah, its ok, I'll get out my trusty scoped crossbow and take him down" you would be suprised to find the ONLY way you can defeat this enemy is by manouvering your way up the street, and throwing a grenade into of the window. Again, an example of the "holding your hand" gameplay, and dictating the style of combat. The story too is non-existant, valve decided to go for the overly vague mysterious story, probably because they couldn't be bothered to think of one. My main beef with the game however, is how completely different it is, from what it was supposed to be. A 20 minute video was released at the end of 2003, showing all aspects of the source engine, and gameplay in HL2. Enemy AI ducked to cover, found alternative routes, and did not just run at the player and fire their guns. Friendly AI used cover, moved up and outflanked the enemy. And the area known as Ravenholm was filled with traps and combine, not zombies (something which I believe was introduced into the game just to offer "a scary bit") The whole presentation gave the impression HL2 was going to be something special. Intelligent, variable gameplay. There's nothing new about HL2, it's not realism, and it's not intelligent, in fact to an experience fps player, it's an insult. The source engine is good (even if the game has far too frequent, and too lengthy save & load times), and has enormous potential. Offering nothing upon the original this game seems destined to greatness purely because it is the sequel to one of the best fps ever.… Expand
  54. HughieM.
    Oct 25, 2006
    10
    The best game I have ever played. The only thing that surpasses it is Half-life given the year half-life was released.
  55. LeeM.
    Oct 24, 2006
    10
    This game really opened up alot of things to advanced Gaming. Everything on this game is perfect in my opinion. The Graphics is unbelievable! Its as if playing in real life... Imagine Virtual Reality becoming like this? The game play on this game was excellent as well! I was given a lot of challenges to face! Overall, Im impressed with this game and hope that an Episode "2" comes out. This game really opened up alot of things to advanced Gaming. Everything on this game is perfect in my opinion. The Graphics is unbelievable! Its as if playing in real life... Imagine Virtual Reality becoming like this? The game play on this game was excellent as well! I was given a lot of challenges to face! Overall, Im impressed with this game and hope that an Episode "2" comes out. Episode 1 was great as well!… Expand
  56. Bob
    Oct 23, 2006
    10
    Very excellent graphics, extremely enthralling gameplay.
  57. LukeM.
    Oct 23, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  58. StephenJ.
    Oct 22, 2006
    10
    An excellent game, though I thought it was crashing my computer at first, but it turned out it wasnt so I could install it again, I was soo happy.
  59. KayleeL.
    Oct 18, 2006
    10
    This game is totally awesome! I couldn't wait for it to come out, because I thought Half-Life was the most imaginative game of recent times and I expected Half-Life 2 to be even better! It was everything I thought it could be and more!
  60. DirkM.
    Oct 17, 2006
    10
    Great game! The best of them all! The physics are sooo real, that you think you're in the game yourself! I love this game!
  61. Jamesje
    Oct 17, 2006
    10
    This game rules... it has a great story line... I actually thought I was Gordon and the graphix... they jus BLOW YOU AWAY!
  62. BrandonT.
    Oct 16, 2006
    10
    This is the only first person shooter game series where you actually have to use your brain.
  63. MadsH.
    Oct 11, 2006
    10
    This is the best singleplayer fps-shoot up, I've ever played no doubt to that! Keep em comming.. should I say 'Half life 3' ?
  64. FelipeA.
    Oct 9, 2006
    10
    It starts a new age... It's just great!
  65. DavidW.
    Oct 9, 2006
    10
    Simply the best FPS game around!
  66. BlakeF.
    Oct 6, 2006
    10
    This is a game that had great story, sound affects,great guns, awsome engine great game.
  67. HenrikG.
    Oct 5, 2006
    10
    When I heard of the game I thought the people were overrating the game. But when I tried it I was really suprised about the graphics, and the sounds, I mean I could stand at the beach and throw granades in the water for hours just to hear the boom under water and the eco it gave. Top grade for a Top game
  68. LucJ.
    Oct 1, 2006
    10
    Extra Beautiful graphics.
  69. AnthonyB.
    Oct 1, 2006
    10
    You have to get this game its probably one of the best out there and always will be until the episodes get better.
  70. StephenK.
    Sep 30, 2006
    10
    This game is just awesome, never get tired of playing it over and over, and the Episodic episodes make it even better.
  71. RhysS.
    Sep 30, 2006
    10
    Does not get any better than this, what other game do you know that for a resonable price you get a full amazing game with state of the art effects and gameplay, a mod as in counter strike totally free that is a whole new game in itself and totally addictive, plus the kind of support that would put a wonder bra to shame. If you haven't got it, get it. If you have got it you going to heaven.
  72. mattbearcroft
    Sep 30, 2006
    10
    its awesome
  73. BrianM.
    Sep 29, 2006
    10
    Best FPS game I've ever played, and I've played 90% of them! Great job Valve! PS: Keep the additional content coming.
  74. MartijnH.
    Sep 27, 2006
    9
    Half-Life 2 is the best online. The episodes can beat it.
  75. JavierM.
    Sep 26, 2006
    10
    Best game in a while... Can't wait til Half Life 2 Episode Two
  76. KevinR.
    Sep 26, 2006
    10
    Best Half-Life game to come out since the original. This one takes everything 10 steps forward into the now of technology in advanced computer gaming capabilities, and shows game developers how to keep an ever evolving, rich storyline in the mix of all the battle and survival of that which is Half-Life!
  77. TelmoC.
    Sep 26, 2006
    10
    The best game in the world.
  78. StephenG.
    Sep 25, 2006
    10
    Best game ever! First game anyones made where your in the cutscenes and it's the storyline that makes this a good game. If this was a movie (which it's going to be) it'll be a blockbuster
  79. Bobbobbo
    Sep 25, 2006
    10
    The best game I have ever played.
  80. JeffW.
    Sep 25, 2006
    10
    Sweet. Looks even better boosted to a 60 Plasma.
  81. LucasM.
    Sep 23, 2006
    10
    It's a great game. What more can I say?
  82. LukeM.
    Sep 22, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  83. Wdntulk2no
    Sep 21, 2006
    10
    Dude what can i say. I STILL haven't found anything with better game play since it came out!
  84. RyanM.
    Sep 21, 2006
    10
    Fantastic Game left me wanting more.... where is my copy of Half-Life 2: Episode 1?
  85. LukeM.
    Sep 21, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  86. JeffreyVanL.
    Sep 19, 2006
    10
    This is one of my favorite games of all time, by far.
  87. RodrigoA.
    Sep 19, 2006
    10
    It's the best game in the world, I can't wait to play the Episodes 1 and 2.
  88. Bobbobbo
    Sep 18, 2006
    10
    The best game I have ever played.
  89. TobiasS.
    Sep 18, 2006
    8
    Great graphics! Great Atmosphere! Bit too linear. But it IS a great game!
  90. PatrickS.
    Sep 17, 2006
    10
    If I've ever had to rate a more perfect game, I'd be dead. I love it, and the ending is great, and the physics are great too. Personally, I see this game really as a console for gravity/physics that Valve decided to make into a game, with a storyline added. Great game. I LOVED the end. Except for the almost continuous TV-screen taunting. When will Breen learn?
  91. BlaineM.
    Sep 17, 2006
    10
    Absolutely fantastic, I've never seen a game so amazingly thought out. The AI is phenominal, absolutely phenominal. Everything was so intregueing and the graphics, oh, the graphics. I can't even put the graphics into words. Valve, I envy you.
  92. EgonB.
    Sep 16, 2006
    10
    HL2 is a fantastic first person shooter which not only delivers most ashtonishing visuals, and near-perfect physics, but also brings incredibly action - all combined with an intriguing and unique science fiction-story.
  93. JamesW.
    Sep 16, 2006
    10
    Words cannot describe the all encompassing genius of this game.
  94. DennisC.
    Sep 14, 2006
    9
    WOW, I played it and the physics were great, also the graphic, but I think, that one little thing is of an importance and not to neglect: The game is to linear sometimes and it has some bugs/faults ! Otherwise excellent!
  95. ZackJ.
    Sep 13, 2006
    8
    Overall good games graphics and physics wise but lacked in overall game experince. Way too linear and also a little 2 short for my taste.
  96. EraldoM.
    Sep 12, 2006
    10
    No doubt this is the best 3D first person game due to its revolutionary CG technology, combined with a high degree of physics processing realism (acceleration, inertia, rotation and deformation of vehicles, gravity, material stress, explosions etc). Also, the player interactivity with AI objects is still the best one.
  97. AnonymousMC
    Sep 11, 2006
    9
    very well put togeather, good story, awesome game play.. but some minor glitches takes out of the game (shadows that project through items, clipping glitches in the wierdest place that you or key items get stuck on) once more through on the debug might have made this game a 10
  98. NathanC.
    Sep 9, 2006
    10
    This is the greatest game I've ever played because the action is constant, it requires thinking and not just shooting, it has constant surprises, you can take many different paths durring the game and have an incredible amount of freedom, the guns are unmatched, the graphics are impecable, and the reality of the game is unbeleivable in terms of gravity and physics! I could go on and This is the greatest game I've ever played because the action is constant, it requires thinking and not just shooting, it has constant surprises, you can take many different paths durring the game and have an incredible amount of freedom, the guns are unmatched, the graphics are impecable, and the reality of the game is unbeleivable in terms of gravity and physics! I could go on and on about how great this game is. This is a masterpiece!… Expand
  99. RobS.
    Sep 9, 2006
    6
    Good graphics but the game's too linear.
  100. KristianK.
    Sep 8, 2006
    10
    It is the best game in the WORLD :P
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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 »