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. EthanL.
    Sep 7, 2006
    10
    Best FPS I have ever played without a doubt. No one pay attention to the poor reviews that involve people hating Steam. They say it requires such a high end pc, but mine is definately not that and I can run Steam with ease. I guess they must have aweful computers. The only downside is for gamers who don't have internet (which is about 1 out of 1242567 gamers) since you can only run Best FPS I have ever played without a doubt. No one pay attention to the poor reviews that involve people hating Steam. They say it requires such a high end pc, but mine is definately not that and I can run Steam with ease. I guess they must have aweful computers. The only downside is for gamers who don't have internet (which is about 1 out of 1242567 gamers) since you can only run Steam with internet. Some reviews also complain about bugs, and I have encountered absolutely no bugs that were so bad they ruined the experience, and again, my computer is still nothing special. The multilpayer is awesome with HL2: DM and Counter-Strike and the few mods that are out (and the endless list of mods yet to come). The story is actually quite good (if you can figure out the things that were left out) and the ending, although many might disagree, I think is good. Or at least decent. It ended pretty abrubtly which was disapointing but was made up for from a mysterious speech by the G-Man. The ending, for sure, also falls under the catagory of suspenseful. The somewhat dissapoiting ending is made up for in Half-life 2: Episode 1 though, which you must buy after beating this game. In the end this game is great for any FPS fan and the sequals will probably just get better.… Expand
  2. Dajmin
    Sep 7, 2006
    9
    The Source engine is a fine piece of work, and as a showcase for it you can do no better than HL2. You can actually see emotions on character's faces, you can watch the physics react as it would in real life. The storyline is very well done, and sure it has it's cliche's, but I think sometimes they're necessary. It has funny moments and it's "But...but..." The Source engine is a fine piece of work, and as a showcase for it you can do no better than HL2. You can actually see emotions on character's faces, you can watch the physics react as it would in real life. The storyline is very well done, and sure it has it's cliche's, but I think sometimes they're necessary. It has funny moments and it's "But...but..." moments, and basically all of Ravenholm scared the crap out of me! If you've not seen it yet, you'll understand why "we don't go to Ravenholm". HL2 is no longer new, but I think the graphics are aging quite well. It's supposed to look gritty and realistic, so expecting "bloom" lighting is a little silly despite it's appearance in almost every game since Guild Wars. Since no game is perfect and there are a couple of things about HL2 that I'd like to see improved (AI has already been mentioned, and I'd like to have seen more choice in the vehicle levels - take the boat and go the fun way or go by an alternate land route, for example) and expanded on, I'm giving HL2 a 9. Probably 9.5 if I had the option :) Well worth the cost!… Expand
  3. JoeB.
    Sep 4, 2006
    10
    Probably the best first-person shooter I have ever played. A variety of weapons keeps the player interested, and the storyline, while straightforward, is very well thought out. Missions vary, rather than the classic go here shoot this and go here shoot that. Overall, and excellent game.
  4. RyanC.
    Sep 1, 2006
    10
    Very Very Very great game. Awesome graphics, interesting story, long lasting game. Just plain awesome. Worth every penny.
  5. CarlosJ.
    Sep 1, 2006
    10
    Probably the best fps ever made. Classics such as Goldeneye and Perfect Dark sit along side it, but this game is revolutionary in the way as a large step foward for video games. Valve raise the bar once again.
  6. CristobalA.
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    This the best game that can scare u can make u laught and other thingss but the bad thing is that what valve publish as the video preview doesnot come in the half life 2 and thats make u think other things but this the best game ever did and the episode
  7. WillF.
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    Great, fun to play, intresting story line and amazing graphics.
  8. AlexS.
    Aug 26, 2006
    10
    Nothing short of amazing. Half-Life 2 is by far the best computer game -- nay, the best game, period -- to date.
  9. BartekX.
    Aug 26, 2006
    10
    Just great! :D I love it! Great Physics, gravity gun and all :D For me - Best FPP!
  10. DanC.
    Aug 25, 2006
    10
    Always been a huge fan of Valves. Their work is Industry Changing.
  11. LukeM.
    Aug 25, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  12. AnonymousMC
    Aug 25, 2006
    1
    Quite frankly this game is shit... The whole game is a load of boring nonesense mixed with some pretty graphics, its boring, the AI is stupid, where are the marines??? and the combine arent enemies, they just piss you off. Long scenes of driving vehicles and doing nothing. Boring, easy, shit. Nothing compared to hl1
  13. RandyM.
    Aug 23, 2006
    10
    Absolutely incredible. Half-Life 2 is an amazing experience the whole time. I was constantly finding myself with my jaw to the floor. Simply amazing.
  14. MalcolmD.
    Aug 22, 2006
    10
    My personal opinion is that this is in truth the greatest game ever made. I feel this way because it is the 'full package'. Half Life 2 has some of the most fast paced and intense fighting of any FPS, and I think some (emphasize some) of the NPCs are very intelligent. It also has some vehicle senarios (if not the best in the world) which on the whole offer a welcome, and My personal opinion is that this is in truth the greatest game ever made. I feel this way because it is the 'full package'. Half Life 2 has some of the most fast paced and intense fighting of any FPS, and I think some (emphasize some) of the NPCs are very intelligent. It also has some vehicle senarios (if not the best in the world) which on the whole offer a welcome, and enjoyable, change of pace. It also has a good amount of fairly trick puzzles, some of which took me quite some time and some of which were very easy. Also I think it has a quality over looked in many FPSs that makes it really stand out, a plot. The plot of Half Life 2 is quite deep complete with betrayal and lots of other fun twists. Also it is undeniably one of the most beautiful games ever; from the skylines to the textures on the walls to the wrinkles in people's faces. I am proud to give this game a 10/10 and hope that every body plays this game.… Expand
  15. TeodorIkonomov
    Aug 22, 2006
    10
    The Best Game Ever
  16. SolO.
    Aug 20, 2006
    10
    Despite a story line that may seem a bit trite, this game definitely takes the gaming experience to the next level of realism, suspense, and action. A must have for anyone who likes fun.
  17. JosephG.
    Aug 17, 2006
    10
    The Best Game ever made, the graphics surpass all the other games. I first thought that no game would beat counter strike, but i am overwhelmed by this, this magnificent game.
  18. ThomasD.
    Aug 17, 2006
    10
    An amazin FPS game + the story is wicked right down the core.
  19. KenB.
    Aug 17, 2006
    10
    Excellent thriller. The game captures the player's attention right from the beginning and the thrill factor stays at 10 throughout the game. The makers have taken ideas from film and combined them with the very realistic physics to produce the best game yet.
  20. SimonBlain
    Aug 16, 2006
    8
    [***SPOILERS***] I was merely 13 when I played the first Half-Life. I was a little Doom fiend back then and when I played Half-Life, I was a scared little wuss. The game didn't scare me, it was its music. But enough about that. I grew up in FPS games and I have loved just about any of them which I played. Even those with the crappy graphics from 1993. When I first set eyes on[***SPOILERS***] I was merely 13 when I played the first Half-Life. I was a little Doom fiend back then and when I played Half-Life, I was a scared little wuss. The game didn't scare me, it was its music. But enough about that. I grew up in FPS games and I have loved just about any of them which I played. Even those with the crappy graphics from 1993. When I first set eyes on Half-Life 2. I told myself: "My my, what a pretty little thing you are!" I saved it from its dusty EB Games shelf and bought it for my own. It proved cold to me, as Steam itself told me I couldn't do anything with this game until I had properly let it encrypt the game's data to ensure it wasn't a copied version. I could not refuse as I am a legit gamer. After an afternoon (just about) of attempting to install the game, I was satisfied to see its update finished. Over with that and up into the game I went. I was glad to see G-Man talk to me in such a kind way as when I left him in Half-Life 1. Then he sent me on to be chased by a ravenous Combine before I met Alyx (whom was indicated to me by Barney). Only then could I properly start defending myself. And only then did the game really start. The first few minutes of the game are all nothing but showing you how the physics work and that you can interact with characters around you. That, however, is a lie. You may think that: "Oh, I can toss items on people or make a barricade if ennemies attack me." Que nenni, my friend. The ENTIRE game is based on pure action, where gunfight follows stabs from the crowbar on alien heads or zombie headcrabs. My all-time fear factor, the Barnacle, made its return. How pretty is that thing now, compared to the Half-Life 1 model. It looks like it was meant to be: A plant. Half-Life 1's model looked much more like a stalagmite hanging from a mountain's roof. Monsters, all-timer classics are back with some cousins. Headcrabs come with three species now... The old ones, the fast headcrabs and the black poison headcrabs. The old headcrabs are fat and dumb. The fast headcrabs are ... well, fast. However they wish, they can harrass you with absolutely no let down until you've bashed them away with the crowbar. Black Headcrabs were balanced from their horribly startling attack. They make this sort of gremlin-ish warcry before dashing towards you with their gaping mouth. Contact, wherever they hit you, will drop your life to 1 HP. As it is a poison, your HEV suit will heal you gradually to your healthstate before the attack. That implies that if you're getting shot at that a headcrab hits you, you will instantly die. That is just about the only thing I loved, about the ennemies. The rest is for you to find out, if you haven't played. The A.I is silly. What happened to the marines in HL1 ? They were fast and effective, aside from those over-confident Combine warriors that stay in place, hoping their Kevlars will help them resist a shot from your .350 magnum. The world itself is vast and wealthy in graphical details. You'll come from a victorian neighbourhood, to a port, to a beach, to an old and dusty Jailing system and to the Citadel. The game itself makes absolutely no innovations as "physical engineering" has been seen in previous games. Some quirks look as though they might have been stolen from Quake 2, but are tossed aside as you just take a look at it all. The game in itself -can- be hard, if you are the kind to blindly run in and blast whoever's around you. But it can also be very fun, if you use your surroundings adequately. Certainly not the best game of all times, but certainly one of the best around so far.… Expand
  21. CodyM.
    Aug 15, 2006
    10
    half-life 2 is the single most entertaing exelerating amazing cool wowing 100% perfect game out there it is my best and favorite game i own.
  22. VictoriaT.
    Aug 15, 2006
    10
    By far... this game surprized me in many ways. Two thumbs up in my book... top score as well!
  23. NickR.
    Aug 14, 2006
    10
    Amazing. Simply amazing.
  24. Cr0ssCr0ss
    Aug 14, 2006
    10
    This is the best game of the world!
  25. TeodorIkonomov
    Aug 14, 2006
    10
    The Best Game Ever
  26. JohnL.
    Aug 14, 2006
    10
    Half Life 2 is one of those rare games. it's a game that can be played over and pver again and not really get sick of it.
  27. DracoL.
    Aug 13, 2006
    10
    This is one of the best games i have ever played.... and trust me i have played a lot of games.
  28. Nemo
    Aug 13, 2006
    10
    I think that the Valve team have never made a game worse than best ;)
  29. CalebH.
    Aug 11, 2006
    10
    Outstanding graphics, good plot line. solid atmosphere.
  30. DmitriN.
    Aug 11, 2006
    10
    Best game of the world - forever!!!
  31. EthanP.
    Aug 11, 2006
    9
    Beautiful game with intricate details and gameplay, the only real downfall is the length of the game, it took me a total of 8 hours to complete without stoping to play games with the physics. Could also use a little more freedom in your path beacuse it seems a little linear right now.
  32. RodigG.
    Aug 10, 2006
    9
    Very good game. A little bit too short ^^ but very nice =)
  33. CorpseFactory
    Aug 10, 2006
    10
    A must have. The graphics are spectacular and and the unrivaled physics make this truly immersive. Add in a gripping storyline with loads of cool moments (using a crane to pick up a truck and drop it on your enemies) and you have a masterpiece
  34. FlamingAngel
    Aug 9, 2006
    10
    I like the dinamic grapich ^-^ i even played Episode one and it was better =3 so you shud play it or die =3
  35. MikeP.
    Aug 8, 2006
    10
    An absolutely wonderful game created by Valve, in has a nearly fully interactive environment. I definitely would reccomend it to any fan of the series, or to anyone who wants to play a hyper realistic game.
  36. MitchO.
    Aug 8, 2006
    10
    This game roxorz my boxorz... to say the least. I thoroughly enjoyed playing this game and took breaks frequently to get food and beverage and say to myself, "This game is incredible." Can't wait to play Lost Coast and Episode One.
  37. MattA.
    Aug 7, 2006
    9
    Great game, Looks amazing if you have a good computer.
  38. BrettB.
    Aug 6, 2006
    10
    one of the best games i have ever played and i have played a lot of games.
  39. HarryM.
    Aug 6, 2006
    10
    Loved it amazing cant belive how good it was and is.
  40. ChaseM.
    Aug 6, 2006
    10
    One of the best games i've ever played! On par with the original, the original has some points that are better, and the new one does, which pretty much evens both games out to 10/10. I'm sick of hearing people bitch about steam, aside from waiting for loading times on Steam which i didn't mind becuase I'd do somthing else anyways, there was no problem with tihs game. One of the best games i've ever played! On par with the original, the original has some points that are better, and the new one does, which pretty much evens both games out to 10/10. I'm sick of hearing people bitch about steam, aside from waiting for loading times on Steam which i didn't mind becuase I'd do somthing else anyways, there was no problem with tihs game. I'm not sure how people can say "THE AI SUCKS" when their simply too retarded to change the difficulty from easy to hard mode like the rest of us who actually enjoyed this game. those of you who say its not "challenging"... try turning your difficulty up. and the storyline does not suck, and people who are saying you go into tower and gravity gun dangles people and end of game..… Expand
  41. JacekI.
    Aug 5, 2006
    4
    Games are not about graphics and physics engine but fun*. I confirm some oppinions expressed so far - it is tedious, predictible, it is a repetitive sequel. * Compare some desktop java games on www.java.com with HL2 - then it is obvious you do not need realistic graphics, expensive harware and so on to enjoy computer games. That is true that the industry including Valve misses the point.
  42. Doomthing
    Aug 3, 2006
    10
    This game is really good. Though steam sucks, I was able to get around it. I saw zeros in this pile of reviews, and most of them were people complaining about steam. Try reviewing HL2 instead of steam. The reviews on this page are for HL2....NOT steam. Now back to my review. I dont care about graphics at all.....i just focus on gameplay. But i was STILL blown away by the grapchics and This game is really good. Though steam sucks, I was able to get around it. I saw zeros in this pile of reviews, and most of them were people complaining about steam. Try reviewing HL2 instead of steam. The reviews on this page are for HL2....NOT steam. Now back to my review. I dont care about graphics at all.....i just focus on gameplay. But i was STILL blown away by the grapchics and physics. The A.I. could have been made better.....but that doesnt effect my score (also love the story line)… Expand
  43. LukasL.
    Aug 3, 2006
    10
    Half-Life 2 once again revolutionized the FPS genre. The story is great, plus you have endless hours of play with Deathmatch, especially appealing thanks to the gravity gun - best gun ever.
  44. JhonW.
    Aug 1, 2006
    10
    This is one fo the best games EVER made! It keeps you on the edge of you seat wondering when the next enemy will just pop out and try to kill you. Just like its predecessor, you must conserve ammo to survive, and with the new gravity gun, conserving ammo has never been so much fun! The graphics left me in awe, even before i could crank the settings to max. The facial expressions may never This is one fo the best games EVER made! It keeps you on the edge of you seat wondering when the next enemy will just pop out and try to kill you. Just like its predecessor, you must conserve ammo to survive, and with the new gravity gun, conserving ammo has never been so much fun! The graphics left me in awe, even before i could crank the settings to max. The facial expressions may never been so focused on this much in any game before this. The physics are just a toy to play with the entire game. The enemies incorperate ragdoll physics(yay!) and everything else behaves just like it would in the real world. If anyone can find anything about this game that can ruin the experience, good luck trying! 10 out of 10! If i could go any higher than 10, i would!… Expand
  45. WouterR.
    Aug 1, 2006
    10
    What can I say, Half-Life was great and Half-Life 2 is even better! The physics engine is really used to be part of the gameplay and the physcannon is by far my most favority weapon in any game ever! Valve managed again to get the maximum fun out of my PC!
  46. WillL.
    Jul 31, 2006
    10
    The greatest game ive ever seen or played. (On a great PC like mine that is.)
  47. FabioL.
    Jul 31, 2006
    10
    Currently lacking time for a proper comment,all I can say is it can definetly be considered one of the greatest games of all time.
  48. AnonymousMC
    Jul 30, 2006
    10
    Ok I've been reading through some posts and ive come up with my own opinion.

    For one ill start with a recomendation. This game is for die-hard fans of the HL series and FPS games, and works best with an NVIDIA graphics card in my experiance and also ppl complaining about how "STEAM ruined the game it took too long i couldnt update it" stop your damn whining, I mean i got this when    Ok I've been reading through some posts and ive come up with my own opinion.

    For one ill start with a recomendation. This game is for die-hard fans of the HL series and FPS games, and works best with an NVIDIA graphics card in my experiance and also ppl complaining about how
    "STEAM ruined the game it took too long i couldnt update it" stop your damn whining, I mean i got this when it came out and only until a month ago could i play it and i still rate this a ten, my point here being dont let a gay ass program ruin your fun. And for those who say it gets boring try playing in sparring. And also for the marine complaining about your internet issues, its called OFFLINE MODE use it retard it got updated.
    Now on to the ending complaints. You see they ended the game like that so that they could have an open horison on sequel pick ups, and the episode formate is to keep players from waiting another ten years for HL3 to come out. I for one acually love the way the game is set up.

    Ok and now to you story line nerds. This game did have a story line for those who payed attention, and it all pointed to the final solution of having Gordon Freeman lead a revolt against the combine of city 17. And in my opinion " tedious. boring" isnt a f***ing post thats an unintelligent lazy kid putting up an excuse to be different.

    Finally i would like to mention that people dont all put a ten to be with the in crowd as Hideto M put in his post, I call bullshit on his post with the " It's human nature to simply mindlessly follow the crowd" staement. Just beacause you dont agree with the rest of us who have taste doesnt mean you can call it human nature. Its social nature to want to fit in with a large crowd, and guess what. This is just a large FACELESS groupe of gamers we dont know each other and we dont need to worry about any reprocusions of our posting cuz there are none.

    well that was my post and i hope you ppl can now see some reason to their problems. If there are any problems i can be found in mostly any G-mod servers under the screen-name "ShadowMarshal9525" so you can take it up with me as a gamer instead of a poster.    … Expand
  49. AnonymousMC
    Jul 29, 2006
    10
    if you hate this game get out of your house now... and run because a mob of Hl2 fans will hunt you down. this game is the top of gameing. beautiful graphics compelling story, incredible action, some scary elements, those fast zombies always scare the crap outta me. ive had this game since jan 06 and am just now reveiwing and well its amazing, the only downside is probably the worst endingif you hate this game get out of your house now... and run because a mob of Hl2 fans will hunt you down. this game is the top of gameing. beautiful graphics compelling story, incredible action, some scary elements, those fast zombies always scare the crap outta me. ive had this game since jan 06 and am just now reveiwing and well its amazing, the only downside is probably the worst ending ever!!!!!!… Expand
  50. DiatrexV.
    Jul 29, 2006
    10
    Half-Life 2 is amazing. The first one was aswell but now this is better. This one was worked on hard. This game has very good graphics, if you have the proper graphics card. The A.I. in Half-Life 2 is awsome. No cut scense! I love that about The Half-Life games. The phisics are absolutly spectacular. This game 10. Those assholes say 9.1, screw that bullshit. This game is sooooo worth Half-Life 2 is amazing. The first one was aswell but now this is better. This one was worked on hard. This game has very good graphics, if you have the proper graphics card. The A.I. in Half-Life 2 is awsome. No cut scense! I love that about The Half-Life games. The phisics are absolutly spectacular. This game 10. Those assholes say 9.1, screw that bullshit. This game is sooooo worth getting. You'll love it.… Expand
  51. JamesV.
    Jul 28, 2006
    10
    This is just the best FPS and it has a story line. No more needs to be said.
  52. WilliamF.
    Jul 26, 2006
    10
    This game is amazing... Graphics.. Story... and its so realist, you feel like youre in the game!
  53. BenD.
    Jul 26, 2006
    10
    One of the best games i have ever played. i am now on my forth play throught of the game an still loving it. the one thing that severly ruins the whole experience is STEAM.
  54. MarkS.
    Jul 24, 2006
    9
    this game is awesome, you gotta get it, the physics, the models, the skins, details, graphics, action, puzzles, everything, gotta get it.
  55. SamN.
    Jul 23, 2006
    10
    Wow.
  56. ZachB.
    Jul 21, 2006
    10
    Greatest game ever to hit pc or any system the graphics gameplay sound are outstanding the onyl bad thing abotu this game is how creepy it is at 1:00 at night and zombies are attacking you at night.
  57. Paul
    Jul 21, 2006
    10
    Not only does it have awesome graphics, and amazing visuals, but it continues to be a very playable game that puts you in many different types of scenarios and not one part of the game feels like a previous part.
  58. AnonymousMC
    Jul 21, 2006
    10
    Steam aside (evil software), the actual game itself is insane. The facial details of the opening cutscene blew me away before I even fired a shot. The plot is brilliant and easily a worthy sucessor to HL1. My only concern is that HL3 will need the Pentagon's mainfraim to work.

    If your computer is less than 1 year old, play it. If not, buy a new machine (levels can take weeks to    Steam aside (evil software), the actual game itself is insane. The facial details of the opening cutscene blew me away before I even fired a shot. The plot is brilliant and easily a worthy sucessor to HL1. My only concern is that HL3 will need the Pentagon's mainfraim to work.

    If your computer is less than 1 year old, play it. If not, buy a new machine (levels can take weeks to load, but they are worth it).    … Expand
  59. MatheusR.
    Jul 19, 2006
    10
    the best game i see in my life.
  60. TomJ.
    Jul 19, 2006
    10
    This game is great; it twists in both amazing graphics with amazing gameplay. Something many other games fail to accomplish.
  61. JeffreyH.
    Jul 16, 2006
    10
    One of the best FPSs ever.
  62. AnonymousMC
    Jul 16, 2006
    0
    This is a good game dont get me wrong. But what kills this game for me, and makes me want to throw it out the window is, in a word: Steam. Steam kills this game and any other game that uses it. In my opinion Steam is the worst thing to hapen to gaming since E.T. for the atari. Im a Marine who is on deployment right now. I dont make alot of money so it was a choice between picking upThis is a good game dont get me wrong. But what kills this game for me, and makes me want to throw it out the window is, in a word: Steam. Steam kills this game and any other game that uses it. In my opinion Steam is the worst thing to hapen to gaming since E.T. for the atari. Im a Marine who is on deployment right now. I dont make alot of money so it was a choice between picking up F.E.A.R. or Halflife 2. I had played HL 1 and loved it, and only a demo of F.E.A.R. I chose HL 2 and have had a game that i could not play for 4 months because i dont have access to internet on a navy ship. What Valve didnt realize, or just didnt give a .... about what that not everyone has internet. Yes 'most' gammers do, but not 'all'. Also 'most' gamers that i have talked too or seen on forums are angry or scared about what this means for the future of computer gaming. If someone dosnt have internet access he cant play games on his computer? That right there is reason enough for this game to get a 0. Its not like it helps fight piracy, in my eyes it makes it worse. There are cracks for this game everywhere, it took less time to find a crack then to register the game with Steam. Someone like me who has no problem paying for a game and registering it Is forced to go get a crack because he cant get his laptop to an internet source for the hours it takes to do the initial update, but its easy to take a flash drive and get a 30 second download of the crack. Valve has alienated so many gamers with Steam, and agin in my opinion has given pirates a major victory, by forcing someone who would normaly never download a crack to get one just to play the game he bought. Basicly, I will never buy another Valve game after this. They have lost me as a customer and i will recomend to all my friends who come to me for game advise to stay away from this company and any games they make. I shoulda got F.E.A.R.… Expand
  63. TomppaHakla
    Jul 15, 2006
    10
    This is the best action shooter game ever!!! Nice graphic's and NICE STORY!!! i can't stop foe playing this again and again and again..
  64. RobertA.
    Jul 13, 2006
    10
    Best game to date. The engine is amazing.
  65. LukeM.
    Jul 13, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  66. ScottL.
    Jul 12, 2006
    10
    This is a game that is like a drug. You get addicted to it. This is a fast paced and exciting pc game. It never gets old or boring.
  67. BrandonR.
    Jul 11, 2006
    10
    Perfect by comparison to other FPS games, HL2 is the best game to ever hit the PC. It engages the player through so many different levels - everything from the anticipation of fear to the fun of using military tactics to command your team of resistence volunteers against an alien-dominating society. Nothing better than HL2 has yet been produced to date.
  68. willmaster510
    Jul 10, 2006
    10
    this is the best 1st person shooter on PC I ever played .this game is way better than halo or gta its sweest damn game I ever played way to go velve And sierra.
  69. KevinT.
    Jul 10, 2006
    0
    Absolute trash, this game is nothing more then your standard made FPS with some flashy graphics and trashy glitchy physics. The AI are horrible, the story is exactly the same as every other "hero" FPS, unlikely hero fights his way to the top with his beautiful cohort and win victory. Give me a break. This games only saving grace are its mods but most of them fall apart or take years Absolute trash, this game is nothing more then your standard made FPS with some flashy graphics and trashy glitchy physics. The AI are horrible, the story is exactly the same as every other "hero" FPS, unlikely hero fights his way to the top with his beautiful cohort and win victory. Give me a break. This games only saving grace are its mods but most of them fall apart or take years before they even come out.… Expand
  70. LukeM.
    Jul 10, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  71. FernandoM.
    Jul 9, 2006
    9
    For sure Half Life 2 in an incredible game, even not being perfect. Obviously there are some things to improve, there always is, but they're not too many... If producers could make a game more shooting and hard puzzles and less useless enroling scenes it would be nice... the engine is perfect.
  72. JacobS.
    Jul 9, 2006
    10
    By far the most intense, addictive fps i've ever played.
  73. NathanG.
    Jul 9, 2006
    10
    The BEST game i've ever played in my entire life! I can't beleave what will Valve create next with the amazing source engine! I just love this game so much, and all the mods including Garrys Mod! I'm just waiting for Natural-Selection and TFC to come out with New and imporved physics and graphics! and more! Great job Valve!
  74. ArtZ.
    Jul 8, 2006
    10
    Just the best game I ever played. Excellent graphics, nice AI, good weaponry, beautiful gameplay. Congratulations to its developers.
  75. AndreasK.
    Jul 7, 2006
    10
    I've finished it tree times and it just doesnt ever get boring! This is the best fps game i hav EVER seen! Though i wish there was a sniper rifle too.
  76. GarrettD.
    Jul 7, 2006
    10
    Holy Crap! Tihs game is great, completley smooth game play with 3.4 GHz Processor and 2 GB RAM. If you have this game I hate you! Episode 1 is just as good!
  77. JamesG.
    Jul 6, 2006
    10
    great game! i couldnt get off it! love all the weapons, characters and alike. Gordon Freeman is at his best in this one!
  78. DmitriyS.
    Jul 6, 2006
    10
    Best of the games!!!
  79. AnsonG.
    Jul 6, 2006
    10
    HL2 is the best 1st person shooter on PC i ever played. The graphics and display was amazing and gameplay was well-designed. Come on, why not like this game? This game was a famous they ever created. For those who gave below 3 u just moaning because u havent play Half-Life(1998) or u have a crap computer. So why u guys judged already? Do u know what is the story happened at previous HL2 is the best 1st person shooter on PC i ever played. The graphics and display was amazing and gameplay was well-designed. Come on, why not like this game? This game was a famous they ever created. For those who gave below 3 u just moaning because u havent play Half-Life(1998) or u have a crap computer. So why u guys judged already? Do u know what is the story happened at previous Half-Life(1998)? Do u know how many weapons? And do u know what happened to the ending? So please STOP moaning. This game is probably is a best and should buy this one.… Expand
  80. SeanT.
    Jul 5, 2006
    10
    This game rocks.
  81. KrestenM.
    Jul 5, 2006
    10
    One of the best games ever made. Genious gameplay, super stunning graphics, great sounds, and good multiplayer games afterwards. Totally a masterpiece!
  82. ArthurFreda
    Jul 5, 2006
    9
    The graphix are out of this world. The only one ever bad thing is the long ass loading. But all in all the game is the SHIT! I love all the cool things u can do on it. Like along with it u get a sample of counter strike scource with u can play online with tonsof people. But the bottem line is if u like first person scince fiction games this is the one for u!!!
  83. RetR.
    Jul 4, 2006
    10
    Amazing.
  84. AnonymousMC
    Jul 3, 2006
    9
    Overall awesome, Steam is what brings the game down though. Sure, it's nice to be able to get all your games in one program, but it's the bugs of Steam and absolutely horrid support for it that make me hate it.
    As mentioned there were some issues with the physics engine and such, but ultimately, it's a game. It's meant for entertainment purposes, it will never be as    Overall awesome, Steam is what brings the game down though. Sure, it's nice to be able to get all your games in one program, but it's the bugs of Steam and absolutely horrid support for it that make me hate it.
    As mentioned there were some issues with the physics engine and such, but ultimately, it's a game. It's meant for entertainment purposes, it will never be as realistic as some people want it to be unless they just go out and kick the chair themselves instead of having a 3d virtual avatar do it for them.
    As for the game: I've played it on both an old (6 years now) and new (1 month) old PC. Both worked fine if you know how to tweak your visual settings. My gripe with this: At first Steam started automatically updating everything, which is where the "gotta have the awesome PC to run it" thing came in. Too many features being added without consent.

    So really, Game = 15, but Steam's updates, support, and bugs bring it down.    … Expand
  85. AnonymousMC
    Jul 3, 2006
    3
    Simply put, I think Half-Life 2 was one of the most over-hyped, over-rated games this year with frequent long load times, which break the flow of the game, over extended vehicle scenes, and the complete LACK of a plot line. I
  86. AnonymousMC
    Jul 2, 2006
    9
    Some parts were extremely annoying, and the ending was not that great, but left for a sequel (the episodes). Some parts, especially the airboat ride, are incredibly well done. The controls are fluid and the graphics are spectacular. All this, combined with the surround sound (I HIGHLY recommend headphones) immerse the player in a game full of emotion, problem-solving, ass-kicking, andSome parts were extremely annoying, and the ending was not that great, but left for a sequel (the episodes). Some parts, especially the airboat ride, are incredibly well done. The controls are fluid and the graphics are spectacular. All this, combined with the surround sound (I HIGHLY recommend headphones) immerse the player in a game full of emotion, problem-solving, ass-kicking, and interaction beyond almost anything I've ever seen.… Expand
  87. AnonymousMC
    Jun 30, 2006
    10
    Ok first off, Half-life and Half-life 2 come from two different generations of gaming. Second, this game has awesome weapon effects, graphics, realism, and a way to create a story linking two games together coming from different backgrounds. Third, it has a short storyline only because people don't take time to know the enemy before you kill them. "They" are intellegent AI if you letOk first off, Half-life and Half-life 2 come from two different generations of gaming. Second, this game has awesome weapon effects, graphics, realism, and a way to create a story linking two games together coming from different backgrounds. Third, it has a short storyline only because people don't take time to know the enemy before you kill them. "They" are intellegent AI if you let them challenge you, that means you can mess around and not rush through the game waiting for it to throw fun at you and while its better to try and "make fun" of it. Fourth, Steam is hard for impatient people who blame it for ruining the game (same as taking the trash out after you pressed pause). Don't blame Steam for something that is supposed to help your game and that only time can solve, come on, you can wait, we all did, jeez I think it annoyed everyone who didn't buy it on Steam. Bugs were there because updates can later to fix them. Hardware problems are the users fault. And five Farcry puts everything in front of you because the user is scripted to do that (if you know what I mean), I know, I have that game, its fun only because I made it fun for me (Logically, something is fun if you allow it to or fun know matter what, then you know its awesome). Last but not least Doom 3 is cool and really fun to kill demons with a simple shotgun, I went through it on veteran and nightmare mode cuz its hilarious how its only a shotgun but get serious guys, you are asking for another game toooo... be like another game. Single them out and listen to yourselves. They both have great ancestors, especially Doom but in the end, they both share a common trait: Evolution and Revolution to a gaming experience that in the end challenged gamers and was fun (if they let it). Last but not least, for the people disapointed with the end of the game, two short things: 1you beat the main bad guy and that should be it, but it ends right there leaving off for another time after anymore Half-life 2 episodes all the way to another generation plus technology advances make it seem not that far off. 2its supposed to end if you gave a sh-- or not if you like it or not. Those of you who like putting down the game for reasons of they try or rip off just should realize the fact that all game companies do that but you aren't looking at the fact that products are made because fans have requested them or just want to show pride and the trademark makes money because money and passion go hand in hand. If what I am ending this is just to logical or too much for an explanation, then realize that some people are just saying stupid complaints and so this is their stupid answer(s) and a put down to them for being idiots and in every way a stupid moron for opening their slow unreasonable unthinking mind that should try to find a school that teaches advanced ways to look at morals and common sense before they embarass themselves on the internet. If you think I am doing that right now you either are one of them or are reading a message for someone else of a really low level of society (mind-wise because they don't know how to use it). In the end I will return to the real reason for this post before I dig to much into a hole that is actually a loop in human nature: point-reason-granted reason-back to first one. I will just say that his game is so awesome and I am glad I got this game which behind its awesome graphics and simple creation that some people don't realize was actually easy to make but the problem was that Valve couold have made a complex game with better whatever or stoop to easy-to-use technology and create an equally awesome game that still would have gotten the rate of 10's and 0's no matter what audience it came too. I am glad to be a Half-life fan and I am glad I spent 3 hours setting it up and go back and play it and test the physics to its limits no matter what cost game crash or pointless venture. This game gets a better rating than Halo (95) to both Half-lifes (96) (except for episode 2 because people saw that it should be that way and plus (a litle offtopic) the fans/fanatics ruined it almost like counter-strike. This game deserves a better audience just like some other games do but who can help something so natural anyway.… Expand
  88. AnonymousMC
    Jun 29, 2006
    10
    HL2 is the most realistic game released on the Pc today, i know ive got all the others. For all those people that gave this a bad score your just being noobs cause you have a crap computer, I can run HL2 on full graphics and the experiance is amazing. I also didnt encounter any glitches or stuff ups in the later levels of the game as i think one person said. I do admit thought valve doesHL2 is the most realistic game released on the Pc today, i know ive got all the others. For all those people that gave this a bad score your just being noobs cause you have a crap computer, I can run HL2 on full graphics and the experiance is amazing. I also didnt encounter any glitches or stuff ups in the later levels of the game as i think one person said. I do admit thought valve does have bad support for there users, a friend of mine forgot his password and he done everything valve told him to on there website and they didnt help him at all which in my books is pretty shocking when you hav all the information other than the password.… Expand
  89. MathewM.
    Jun 28, 2006
    10
    AMAZING grafficts, outstanding player animations, and Lighting, and the source engine added some of the best effects I have ever seen in a PC game.
  90. KeeganB.
    Jun 27, 2006
    10
    This game has great graphics great gameplay great storyline and amazing scenery and puzzles along with non-stop action. Who wouldnt want this game?
  91. DeanM.
    Jun 26, 2006
    10
    the variety of half life with less obvious puzzle tedium. graphics have made the game even more immersive than the original. oh and giving it a permanent place in my heart.
  92. AnonymousMC
    Jun 26, 2006
    10
    First of all, you're an idiot Klaus F. You're judging the game, not Steam retard. Plus, you haven't even played the game, so why are you judging it already? Steam is hard to use but this game makes up for the long installation times by rewarding you with Counter-Strike: Source, Half-Life 2: Deathmatch, Half-Life: Source, AND Half-Life: Deathmatch. I wouldn't necessarilyFirst of all, you're an idiot Klaus F. You're judging the game, not Steam retard. Plus, you haven't even played the game, so why are you judging it already? Steam is hard to use but this game makes up for the long installation times by rewarding you with Counter-Strike: Source, Half-Life 2: Deathmatch, Half-Life: Source, AND Half-Life: Deathmatch. I wouldn't necessarily say Steam sucks if you get 4 more freakin' games for buying one awesome FPS.
    For all of you that say that the graphics are bad, then what's GOOD? The graphics are incredible in Half-Life 2, with beatiful environments, gorgeous character models, and possibly the best water and glass I've ever seen. This isn't a Pixar movie we're talking about here, it's a video game, where lag, glitches, and bugs are an issue, so graphics aren't going to be photorealistic in a fully interactive world.
    The weapons are pretty good as well. The gravity gun is reather creative, and the laser-guided RPG is a great twist on a classic weapon. The signature crowbar is extremely fun to use, and who doesn't want to impale someone on a wall using a crossbow loaded with radioactive bolts. The pheropod could also be the most unique weapon I've ever seen in my entire life. The pulse rifle's secondary fire was also incredibly well done, and the shotgun was incredibly fun to use. The only weapon that didn't work for me was the grenade, since it takes too long to explode and is a different weapon (they should imply the Halo system were you don't have to switch weapons to throw grenades). Overall, the weapons were very creative and fantastic.
    The story was a bit broken, but still managed to be suspenseful and immersive. There were shocking, scary (Ravenholm, I'm looking at you), exciting, emotional, and intense parts in the story. It was a mix between a horror game, action, puzzle, adventure, and there was even a little love in there (Gordon and Alyx). It fit almost every category (heck, even DRIVING was in there!) and each aspect was pulled off perfectly.
    For those of you that don't think the ending was good, then you don't know what a good ending is. Half-Life 2 - an FPS - won't end with Gordon and Alyx dancing in flowers picking strawberries and singing "It's A Small World After All." The game ended suspensefully so that you'd buy Half-Life 3 (or in this case - Episode 1). If there were too many questions unanswered, then maybe the sequel to this game will answer them. Ever think of that?
    Overall, Half-Life 2 was an incredible game, and was beautifully presented with lush graphics and gripping gameplay. This is a game that everyone with a PC and a right mind should own and enjoy.    … Expand
  93. RyanB.
    Jun 25, 2006
    10
    Pros: This game is sooo much fun. The ragdolls are so much fun, all of the objects follow the laws of physics(meaning no more floating cinder-blocks when they get thrown into the water). The NPCs for the enemies I find are truly amazing. They'll hop over fences, rappel down walls, and even throw stuff at you. Also, the zombies are so sweet. They're all gory and guts and stuff. Pros: This game is sooo much fun. The ragdolls are so much fun, all of the objects follow the laws of physics(meaning no more floating cinder-blocks when they get thrown into the water). The NPCs for the enemies I find are truly amazing. They'll hop over fences, rappel down walls, and even throw stuff at you. Also, the zombies are so sweet. They're all gory and guts and stuff. And also, they'll throw stuff at you. Cons: Horrible teammate AI. Just Horrible. (Except for DOG). If you just simply love the Havok physics and ragdolls, but want to get more freedom just randomly throwing headcrabs against walls, go download Garry's Mod. It's so amazing.… Expand
  94. AnonymousMC
    Jun 24, 2006
    10
    What is it about hl2 that makes it so awesome? The fact that every aspects of a good fps has been covered, from graphics to puzzles, and presented masterfully. Furthermore, unlike other games, the requirements we'rnt high upon release, i ran it on a ti4200 and 2.4 gig p4 and it still looks fantastic. Episode one rocked too, so keep it up!
  95. LukeM.
    Jun 23, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  96. ScottC.
    Jun 23, 2006
    10
    Great game. if you dont play it you deserve all bad that comes to you, you Tibia loser.
  97. TrevorD.
    Jun 22, 2006
    10
    great game, and also great for lan partys. it's graphics engines are superb. Definatly the best FPS i have ever played.
  98. SamJ.
    Jun 20, 2006
    9
    LOVE it!
  99. DevinP.
    Jun 20, 2006
    3
    Demo's awsome but when it comes to technical support, you'd have better luck talking to a brick wall, none of the numbers work if you acually get one. If they do work they point to the website were you get to suffer in agony to find a way to get your god damn cd key to work... thanks valve.
  100. eXperionHL2.
    Jun 20, 2006
    9
    I like this game very much, the AI could be better, but so far i just like it so much. and it was a bit annoying with steam, but smart thinking... But Doom 3 has the stuff in .pk4 files, but Half-Life 2 doesn't but the load time is alot faster. This game owns, its even playing in 2006 ! I am happy with that.
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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]
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