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. Bobbobbo
    Jun 19, 2006
    10
    The best game I have ever played.
  2. GraemS.
    Jun 19, 2006
    10
    A very gripping experience, taking you through this futuristic underground railroad. The ammunition capacity is realistic, the length of the game is great, the sound is pretty cool, and the graphics are near top-notch. But them greatest of all is the story. This game has one of the most fantastic and entertaining stories I have ever experienced! This is a truly revolutionary game, (in A very gripping experience, taking you through this futuristic underground railroad. The ammunition capacity is realistic, the length of the game is great, the sound is pretty cool, and the graphics are near top-notch. But them greatest of all is the story. This game has one of the most fantastic and entertaining stories I have ever experienced! This is a truly revolutionary game, (in terms of enjoyment) and should not be missed by anyone who enjoys the genre(s). The great thing about the Source engine is that you can be playing off of a medium-low end computer and still enjoy decent gameplay. But if you want to max it out, I recommend using a quality rig. ottom line: This is a fantastic, amazing, enthralling, and revolutionary game.… Expand
  3. NaitZ.
    Jun 18, 2006
    7
    Its a great game, but some stuff aint just exellent.. it should be more realistic, and the teamplay is bad, I see one problem about it, You always play alone in battles in singleplayer, theres never npcs to help you, its much funnier if you always can get support.
  4. PutinVladimir
    Jun 18, 2006
    10
    COOL!!!
  5. AdamD.
    Jun 17, 2006
    10
    this game is brilliant. hands down. valve is once again masters in their craft. valve holds such a high standard for the games they make, and it shows here in this game. it takes the original and kicks it in the ass and tells it to go home. it does the same to most shooters for that matter.
  6. MarcoC.
    Jun 16, 2006
    9
    It's a good game. I play it with all full graphic details, and it's nice to watch. The water and the sky are really well done, and the HDR is there!
  7. MichaelP.
    Jun 15, 2006
    10
    Exciting, edge-of-your seat game that immerses you in the very realistic, alternate world of Gordon Freeman.
  8. CalebG.
    Jun 14, 2006
    10
    Out of all the FPSs I have played, like Doom, Quake, F.E.A.R., ect. this is by far the best and greatest FPS of all time. I find myself looking at my collection of PC games thinking about what I want to play and it always comes back to Half-Life 2. This game has taken so many hours of my life and I dont want them back.
  9. EvanT.
    Jun 14, 2006
    0
    The worst game ever it is all fake and the guns are crap. do not get this game!
  10. MorpheusL.
    Jun 14, 2006
    10
    This is one of the greatest game ever created. A great game worthy of hall of fame!
  11. CWilson
    Jun 13, 2006
    1
    Brilliant game, until I hit the buggy final two levels. It went from fun entertainment, to annoyance and frustration and anger. It took over 50 relaunches, and numerous saves, just to get anywhere near the end. If the purpose of this product is entertainment, then it is most certainly unfit for purpose!
  12. AnonymousMC
    Jun 11, 2006
    10
    The push back in dates were disappointing. And so was the ending. STEAM blows unless you have the right equipment for it. But throughout the bad ending and STEAM not delivering what I so rightly deserved [I bought the game], the gameplay, the graphics, and the all out layout of this game made every bad detail worth it. I give it a 10. 9 wouldn't do it. Anything lower would be a littleThe push back in dates were disappointing. And so was the ending. STEAM blows unless you have the right equipment for it. But throughout the bad ending and STEAM not delivering what I so rightly deserved [I bought the game], the gameplay, the graphics, and the all out layout of this game made every bad detail worth it. I give it a 10. 9 wouldn't do it. Anything lower would be a little [okay, a lot] unjust. It isn't perfect, but for todays standards, this game left me breathless, and it left me for me. Like a game should. Similar to God of War. Gameplay kept me hooked, the storyline going somewhere, the graphics were, dare I say, orgasmic. Hats off to you Valve. And STEAM, fix yourself up. The HL series lost fans to you, but fans loyal enough stayed with it and say the same as I. Can't wait for what else you have in store.

    - Always waiting,
    [ e X i l e ]    … Expand
  13. JackHander
    Jun 11, 2006
    10
    Maybe this is the best game ever. The story is so nice, like the gameplay too. Great game!
  14. nils
    Jun 11, 2006
    10
    the game is my 2.big love near my girlfriend fine story, big action, and physical engine is so nice,sounds and music is bombastic better as doom and loser game fear.
  15. TimoS.
    Jun 11, 2006
    10
    New level of fps playing. Story, the World, sounds, figures, etc: everything is in it's own class. I've been playing Valve's games since they have been available and never dissapointed. Still this is something much more than I could have ever expected or imagined even in my wildest dreams or hopes! This goes far beyond normal gaming experience: this is a journey, it is the New level of fps playing. Story, the World, sounds, figures, etc: everything is in it's own class. I've been playing Valve's games since they have been available and never dissapointed. Still this is something much more than I could have ever expected or imagined even in my wildest dreams or hopes! This goes far beyond normal gaming experience: this is a journey, it is the half-life.… Expand
  16. AnonymousMC
    Jun 10, 2006
    10
    Very much enjoyed this game. i play the single player over and over. what i like about it is the Physics system where you have to think about the puzzles and put counter weights in to get past the next area. things i dont care for is 1 the AI Pathing for the Npc they seem to get in the way.
  17. DavidF.
    Jun 10, 2006
    10
    best game so far. Great graphics, great story, great characters, and a lot of neat puzzles to boot.
  18. TeodorIkonomov
    Jun 10, 2006
    10
    The Best Game Ever
  19. KevinJ.
    Jun 9, 2006
    9
    Awsome game! The first time I played it, I was lost in the story and played for hours. Scalable engine makes this game good on even budgeted systems, yet is one of the best looking games out there.
  20. nemesis
    Jun 9, 2006
    9
    great game in 32 bit but 64 bit well thats another story, it has lots of bugs
  21. Tommy
    Jun 9, 2006
    10
    Just the best first person shooter ever created! It got graphics, action, killing and a really good engine!! Worth every penny!
  22. JohnV.
    Jun 7, 2006
    8
    The game looks pretty nice, plays well, but the story isn't deep at all. there is basically no story, just random missions on a list. Took me 10 minutes to install and play, so im not complaining about that. Weapons were very unoriginal, and AI was very stupid.Game play is Awesome, and Ravenholm rocks more then Doom (at some parts). Not as good as Far Cry or Half life 1, but The game looks pretty nice, plays well, but the story isn't deep at all. there is basically no story, just random missions on a list. Took me 10 minutes to install and play, so im not complaining about that. Weapons were very unoriginal, and AI was very stupid.Game play is Awesome, and Ravenholm rocks more then Doom (at some parts). Not as good as Far Cry or Half life 1, but definitely better then games like CoD2.… Expand
  23. BlakeC
    Jun 7, 2006
    10
    It ROCK's
  24. TUsion
    Jun 7, 2006
    10
    The best PC game I have played to date! Incredible graphics, which can be run on surprisingly low-level systems, great story and interactivity.
  25. MatthewM.
    Jun 7, 2006
    10
    i have beaten this game over 5 times and it is the best game ever.
  26. PatS.
    Jun 7, 2006
    10
    Best game for the PC. Awesome graphics and an awesome storyline. For the people who say there is no storyline, try to actually watch and listen in the environment rather than just trying to get from point a to point b in order to beat it. Also, you dont NEED to be online on steam in order to play hl2. The first time you do to register the game, but after that, its optional for offline Best game for the PC. Awesome graphics and an awesome storyline. For the people who say there is no storyline, try to actually watch and listen in the environment rather than just trying to get from point a to point b in order to beat it. Also, you dont NEED to be online on steam in order to play hl2. The first time you do to register the game, but after that, its optional for offline play...morons.… Expand
  27. FredrikK.
    Jun 7, 2006
    10
    Best game i ever played, it really made you like you are a part of the world and the story.
  28. TaylorB.
    Jun 7, 2006
    10
    Excellent game. I've seen all these few negative reviews saying that the story sucks and the a.i. is horrible. You people dont know what youre talking about. The a.i. is the best out there, and i have yet to find a better story or better interaction with the characters. it has the best physics of any game out there, and while the weapons arent the best, the gravity gun is fun. as for Excellent game. I've seen all these few negative reviews saying that the story sucks and the a.i. is horrible. You people dont know what youre talking about. The a.i. is the best out there, and i have yet to find a better story or better interaction with the characters. it has the best physics of any game out there, and while the weapons arent the best, the gravity gun is fun. as for steam, i dont have a problem with it. True fans of half-life 1 will givei it at least a 9.… Expand
  29. MarcO.
    Jun 7, 2006
    10
    The fact that HL2 can have mods attach to it gives it a big boost. This is the greatest game in history.
  30. DaveM.
    Jun 5, 2006
    10
    The best PC game of all time. Plays like an immensely good book or movie; you will be sad when it's over. That said, it will take you quite a long time to reach the climax. Half-Life 2 is a paragon in gaming and not to be missed by anyone with a PC.
  31. MikeW.
    Jun 5, 2006
    10
    As easy as I can put it this game break the wall and limits of 1-10 rating and really gets a rare 11 pout of 10 again! Don't miss out and fill bad if your some blind dumb ass like IGN that rates it high but don't say why they rated it 2 down from the normal. Really people no game is perfect but this game is perfect and fun and po0ut of this world. There are few words for how As easy as I can put it this game break the wall and limits of 1-10 rating and really gets a rare 11 pout of 10 again! Don't miss out and fill bad if your some blind dumb ass like IGN that rates it high but don't say why they rated it 2 down from the normal. Really people no game is perfect but this game is perfect and fun and po0ut of this world. There are few words for how great this game really I… Expand
  32. StevenP.
    Jun 5, 2006
    10
    how can you not give this game a ten? great graphics, gameplay, physics, voice overs, enemies, weapons, controlls, etc. half life is the best FPS series ever, and anyone who isnt buying it because of the price should know it is worth every penny!
  33. KennyW.
    Jun 5, 2006
    9
    The source engine is awsome not only does half-life2 use it but thier is so much that you can do with it that wasn't used in half-life2 they could of put a grappling hook in hl2 but they didn't cause people would go into the less detailed areas of the maps, but one of the mods for hl2 called garry's mod let's you do pretty much anything and you will be able to do more The source engine is awsome not only does half-life2 use it but thier is so much that you can do with it that wasn't used in half-life2 they could of put a grappling hook in hl2 but they didn't cause people would go into the less detailed areas of the maps, but one of the mods for hl2 called garry's mod let's you do pretty much anything and you will be able to do more when garry releases GMOD 10 people mostly use gmod for comics and stuff like that.… Expand
  34. Zero
    Jun 5, 2006
    10
    the level of detail is carefully precise and astoundingly in-depth. when played on a wicked system, this game is nothing less than impressive. gameplay and AI both flow very well and the game is quite long enough without ever getting boring, i've only beat it twice.
  35. ArmageddonP.
    Jun 5, 2006
    10
    This game wasn't as gamebreaking as the first(but remember that was a long time ago before games of this genre could have these high of expectations), but honestly its nowhere near from far off. An amazing game that will make you play it from beginning to end.
  36. B.A.
    Jun 4, 2006
    0
    No story happened. You shoot in a tower, then you get a credit roll. The physics was bad. Walk towards a chair, get stuck, then the chair launches across the room. Realism. The gravity gun was cool, but all it did was make people dangle from your crosshair. In unrealistic ways. That's it.
  37. PaulB.
    Jun 3, 2006
    8
    This game was amazing. I hear all of the complaints about Steam; I had trouble with it myself until I looked around the forums enough. The physics are excellent, but, unfortunately, there isn't much the physics are used FOR. And I have heard the complaints about loading times; I have a Dell XPS 400, and the loading times do not interrupt the game badly at all, although slower This game was amazing. I hear all of the complaints about Steam; I had trouble with it myself until I looked around the forums enough. The physics are excellent, but, unfortunately, there isn't much the physics are used FOR. And I have heard the complaints about loading times; I have a Dell XPS 400, and the loading times do not interrupt the game badly at all, although slower computers I can understand. The graphics are good, as are the facial expressions. And everyone's problem with a linear game: what's wrong with it? I felt like I was playing in a movie. Also, the fact that one doesn't see oneself in cutscenes is great, because it makes the player seem as he is the character, rather than some random watching entity. True, the Allied AI does indeed suck. You can send your squad elsewhere, whoop-de-do. However, the enemy AI is amazing, on hard mode. There have been several times when I thought I was safe, but not even my trusty crowbar could save me. The enemy AI runs like soldiers, covering eachother while moving and throwing grenades just for the stun effect. Why can't the Allied AI be that great? Actually, there is a good reason. The Allies are just civilians with guns and stuff, they aren't trained soldiers like the Combine.… Expand
  38. J4Y123
    Jun 3, 2006
    10
    I would rate it 20/10 if i could, the only problem with the game was "Steam." When i bought the game i was so Pis**d Off because i could not play it because i did not have the internet at the time so i installed it on someone else's computer to play it, later to find out they didn't have a good enough graphics card so that didn't help. Then eventually i got the internet and I would rate it 20/10 if i could, the only problem with the game was "Steam." When i bought the game i was so Pis**d Off because i could not play it because i did not have the internet at the time so i installed it on someone else's computer to play it, later to find out they didn't have a good enough graphics card so that didn't help. Then eventually i got the internet and the i still couldnt play it because the disc was already registered to another comp. and user >:( in order for me to play it i had to send it away to get checked etc.. and i just really couldn't be bothered. So i went out and bought it for the Xbox to find out that it was the best game i had ever played :) so i had to get it for the pc because i was soon to be selling my xbox so i could get an Xbox 360 and this is one game i have to have. So once i bought it AGAIN for the pc if ound out it was even better than the xbox version, the graphics and lightig was practically twice as good and the physics engine etc.… Expand
  39. MarcoP.
    Jun 3, 2006
    9
    The game is beautiful under all aspects but the italian language isn't perfect.
  40. SolidSnake
    Jun 2, 2006
    10
    The End is not the best, but the Game is one of the best I ever played. The Gafik ist a revolution.
  41. ElliotM.
    Jun 2, 2006
    10
    If anybody ever asks me for proof that videogames can be art, I will point to Half-Life 2.
  42. SebastianF.
    Jun 2, 2006
    10
    This is without a doubt the best PC game ever made. A worhty follow up to the first Half-Life game. With graphics as sophisticated as the gameplay - this is a winner.
  43. LukeM.
    Jun 2, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  44. SteveL.
    Jun 2, 2006
    10
    I love this game.
  45. MarkC.
    Jun 1, 2006
    10
    Even though Half LIfe 2 was delayed for so long, it showed us that patience is really something. The game just gets better with each update. I can hardly wait for Half Life 3.
  46. MattiasL.
    Jun 1, 2006
    10
    This game has great graphics, good use of ram, has great mods - It totally rocks.
  47. DrewS.
    May 31, 2006
    10
    It may be impossible to match the ambience this game created.
  48. LukeM.
    May 31, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  49. AnonymousMC
    May 30, 2006
    3
    Buy this game for the mods that may or may not come out. The game sucks, but hopefully like Half-Life 1, the mods will be worth it. I bought Half-Life for the mods. Half-Life and as always any farther Half-Life including the not yet released Half-life Episode One (WTF were they thinking, this isn't Star Wars) will suck. If a good mod comes out, then perhaps get this game. If notBuy this game for the mods that may or may not come out. The game sucks, but hopefully like Half-Life 1, the mods will be worth it. I bought Half-Life for the mods. Half-Life and as always any farther Half-Life including the not yet released Half-life Episode One (WTF were they thinking, this isn't Star Wars) will suck. If a good mod comes out, then perhaps get this game. If not don't waste your money. Also EBAY may be cheaper so don't buy inflated prices from greedy untalented developers, k?… Expand
  50. LukeM.
    May 30, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  51. MathewO.
    May 30, 2006
    10
    Best. Game. Ever. It has physics, great storyline, stunning graphics and great gameplay. I can't get bored of this game!
  52. BjornF.
    May 30, 2006
    10
    This game is probably the best ever. It's so realistic, when others are talking, they are looking you in the face. When you walk the natural laws are in charge. And you don't finish it in a week, it takes time. The thing I really love is that you have to think to get further in the game, and often move things around or push a button to get to the next level! It's just the This game is probably the best ever. It's so realistic, when others are talking, they are looking you in the face. When you walk the natural laws are in charge. And you don't finish it in a week, it takes time. The thing I really love is that you have to think to get further in the game, and often move things around or push a button to get to the next level! It's just the best game I'll ever played!… Expand
  53. VinceK.
    May 30, 2006
    10
    Best features are realistic environments and life-like gameplay! I love it!
  54. JasonFlax
    May 29, 2006
    10
    This is THE SINGLE BEST multiplayer game, EVER!!!!
  55. LukeM.
    May 28, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  56. LukeM.
    May 28, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  57. BalazsS.
    May 28, 2006
    9
    Incredible! What I didn't like that there are only a few monsters in the game and the ending is a slapdash work not to mention the weapons.
  58. MagnusT.
    May 28, 2006
    10
    Splendid graphics, the best physics you have ever seen in a game, uncompromising audio and an amazing story mode to back it up. The game was a little too easy for any standard, but that small falice can be overlooked when faced with this, the undoubtedly best game in FPS history to date.
  59. mattbearcroft
    May 27, 2006
    10
    its awesome
  60. ChicoritaK.i
    May 27, 2006
    9
    not really perfect in physical calculation (eg. you can see the rain in water, and some objects' shadow through the wall) but i think this is the best of those fps/fpa game.
  61. SamN.
    May 25, 2006
    10
    Wow.
  62. AnthonyD.
    May 24, 2006
    9
    I loved the game however I was disappointed with the ending of it.
  63. MasterN.
    May 24, 2006
    10
    It's the best game I ever played, i have a worse Cpu(celeron 2.4 Ghz 133 Fsb 128 Mb Cache) and the game just plays well on the highest resolution and texture filter. It's the best programmed game i ever played. Physik engine is perfect, lightning effects are perfect and everything in the game is perfect. A Thanks, programming this game, for the Valve-team.
  64. VuN.
    May 24, 2006
    10
    I can only say I love it so much I bought the complete Valve Game Package.
  65. GarrettW.
    May 23, 2006
    7
    Awsome game, awsome story but playing it makes me nauseous just because it's very fast and with alot of movement.
  66. SamN.
    May 23, 2006
    10
    Wow.
  67. EvanC.
    May 23, 2006
    10
    This is a great game. I really like we dont go to raven holm. It had a nice element of realism.
  68. AlP.
    May 23, 2006
    10
    The best single player FPS ever.. The graphics, ai, lighting, effects, water, physics and sound are all above the competition. It's well programmed product allows gamers to experience the half life 2 in a flawless and error free environment. To walk away from this game without a few stains in your pants would obviously mean you changed them.
  69. TerenceC.
    May 23, 2006
    8
    This game is probably one of the best games I have ever played in my entire life. The storyline is so involving, the gameplay is addictive and is imense, and the ai of the enemies is so incredible. The only flaws this game has is that it requires more aliens, an explanation of how them aliens learnt how to talk, and why they befriended the humans, and one major flaw is that if ypou have This game is probably one of the best games I have ever played in my entire life. The storyline is so involving, the gameplay is addictive and is imense, and the ai of the enemies is so incredible. The only flaws this game has is that it requires more aliens, an explanation of how them aliens learnt how to talk, and why they befriended the humans, and one major flaw is that if ypou have not played the original Half-Life then it's quiet boring and very confusing.… Expand
  70. GeorgeZ.
    May 22, 2006
    10
    this is the best game i have ever played, it has excellent storyline, non-stop action, suspense, and excellent. this game will keep any gamer playing for hours!
  71. AnonymousMC
    May 22, 2006
    10
    Simply put, the best-looking, most system-adaptive game I've ever played. I first played this game on an HP Pavilion a220n with an onboard GeForce 4 MX. Yeah. The graphics weren't super (no reflections, dynamic shadows, etc), but the game still looked great and played very well. Then, when I got the ATI Radeon X800, it automatically adjusted the settings, and I was astounded! TheSimply put, the best-looking, most system-adaptive game I've ever played. I first played this game on an HP Pavilion a220n with an onboard GeForce 4 MX. Yeah. The graphics weren't super (no reflections, dynamic shadows, etc), but the game still looked great and played very well. Then, when I got the ATI Radeon X800, it automatically adjusted the settings, and I was astounded! The game is so much better for me now. I love this game so much, and can't wait until the Episode One continuation comes out. I've got it on preorder!… Expand
  72. TeodorIkonomov
    May 21, 2006
    10
    The Best Game Ever
  73. TeodorIkonomov
    May 21, 2006
    10
    The Best Game Ever
  74. TeodorIkonomov
    May 21, 2006
    10
    The Best Game Ever
  75. BenW.
    May 21, 2006
    10
    great game. i love it. great facial and bodily movements. i love how when you finish a puzzle it makes you (think) you're smart.
  76. AlexF.
    May 21, 2006
    10
    Absolutely amazing. This game lives up to the media hype and is simply an incredible experience to play. Even people who arent fans of FPS's will appreciate the gameplay, the physics, the storyline...the game just does not disappoint on any front.
  77. NathanS.
    May 21, 2006
    10
    One of the best games Ive ever played
  78. CristofferL.
    May 19, 2006
    10
    I have play half-life 1 and that was a great story, when i see the first interview about half-life 2 nice graphic, good its running with steam for updates and more, like the story from half-life 1 and need to see the continuation in to Half-life 2 City17, and now ist come a expations pack to Half-Life 2 Epesode 1 something i don´t want to miss. so i see and hope forward for Valve I have play half-life 1 and that was a great story, when i see the first interview about half-life 2 nice graphic, good its running with steam for updates and more, like the story from half-life 1 and need to see the continuation in to Half-life 2 City17, and now ist come a expations pack to Half-Life 2 Epesode 1 something i don´t want to miss. so i see and hope forward for Valve for Half-Life 3 and more.… Expand
  79. DanG.
    May 18, 2006
    10
    The most amazingly realistic and engrosing game to come along in ages. HL2 is one for the history books!
  80. AnonymousMC
    May 18, 2006
    10
    It's a great game if you have the right stuff. I'm really not sure why everyone is comparing this to Far-Cry thousands of times, I have viewed textures, graphics and such: overall, if you can run Half-Life 2 without what probably 50% of the lower rated poster's computers are, preferably horrible 4200 Dells, Half-Life 2 is immense and the graphics are well made and justIt's a great game if you have the right stuff. I'm really not sure why everyone is comparing this to Far-Cry thousands of times, I have viewed textures, graphics and such: overall, if you can run Half-Life 2 without what probably 50% of the lower rated poster's computers are, preferably horrible 4200 Dells, Half-Life 2 is immense and the graphics are well made and just awesome. And since when does a shooter have to be so in particularly be a completely realistic in an environment of the jungle, or some place on Mars, or some really dumb variation of L.A? (I'm looking at you, Bloodlines.) What happened to the good old shooters like Metal Slug, hm? Sure, they weren't packed to their necks with plasma decentigration balls, dual powered shotguns, MP7's, or hoverboats, but what it the issue? Even if you count out the puzzles and map designs (Which, by the way, are practically flawless compared to some of the garbage I've seen from Halo and many other First Persons) the gameplay still heads in the correct direction. Then, complaints on the squads and commands; let me address that you don't even need squads if you're playing on normal, let alone easy. If just having some rebel guy following you and you press 'c' at the ground in front of you, he'll go. I found barely any uses of teamwork, with the exception of Grigori or Alyx, the special NPCs.
    What sort of makes me mad too is the fact people continue to say 'this game is overrated', 'this game is behind its time', 'this game is crap no thanks to Steam', personally, these are whiny comments. First of all, the game would probably not be overrated, if it weren't for the 2003 hacking. Second, it would not of been behind its time. If I do recall, some companies found part of the coding and used it for their own games. Next to that, the physics engine was remarkable for what it was way back when, when it drove awe into the people who watched E3 and the beta clips. I'm not sure what's wrong with registering to Steam either: You simply install the game, which takes NOT 4 hours, it takes 10 to 15 minutes before for my old, lousy Dell. Then you register the game, which shouldn't even take that long, if 3 minutes counts as yet another sarcastic 1 hour. If it takes the person installing Half-Life 2 at least 4 hours, then your computer dates back to the days Half-Life 1 could run on those awesome Pentium 1 Windows 93 computers. And complaining of load times? Get a computer upgrade, stop whining. If you save some money for at least 3 months, you could get a gigabyte of ram and a GeForce 7300 at its cheapest.
    Enough complaining, it's time to get on to Half-Life 2, and what it brought, and would of brought to this generation. I applaud Valve for simply releasing this; I was almost doubting a real release at all due to the beta hack. The guns, if I say, are awesome. The MP7 I would delightfully switch with an MP5K anyday, though.    … Expand
  81. MichaelW.
    May 18, 2006
    10
    Clearly the environment, puzzles, and levels are the best out to date. With the advent of chapter one soon to be released, we'll see this series evolve in ways that can only be experiance through total game emersion. To those critics of Steam, Its irrating at times but I have to its definalty the best way to provide a balance of anti piracy and freedom to manipulate the game through Clearly the environment, puzzles, and levels are the best out to date. With the advent of chapter one soon to be released, we'll see this series evolve in ways that can only be experiance through total game emersion. To those critics of Steam, Its irrating at times but I have to its definalty the best way to provide a balance of anti piracy and freedom to manipulate the game through the SDK. I think steam is a good idea and the nay sayers are just plan noobs.… Expand
  82. MartinB.
    May 17, 2006
    10
    very exellent game , they should make more like it.
  83. AnonymousMC
    May 17, 2006
    10
    Oh my goodness! half life 2 is THE most fun i have ever had in a game . the physics are fantastic and are fun to play with. the storyline is scary and graphics go along way in expressing the feel of the game . THIS IS THE BEST GAME
  84. Death
    May 17, 2006
    10
    very good- nice graphics well played out all depends on the computer to run it for the best performance other than that it's just as good.
  85. [Anonymous]
    May 17, 2006
    6
    Mediocre, at best. Nowhere near impressive enough to warrant the hardware requirement and unacceptable load times that DON'T plague a myriad of other similar-and-better games both in and out of the FPS genre. Utter technical failure combined with a lackluster story and embarassingly bad character interaction.
  86. LuisS.
    May 17, 2006
    10
    Loved part 1, and part 2 just left me begging for more. Great graphics, and control is fluidly awesome.
  87. NIckR.
    May 17, 2006
    10
    This game was amazing when it came out and is still at the top of the game 2 years after its release.
  88. AnonymousMC
    May 16, 2006
    10
    This is anintense game. If you haven't herd, valve is using the same kind of technology they used to creat HL2, and making a game called Lost Cost. You can play the test level for free, but once you do you'll want the game. It's not fully released yet, but it will be great. Only people with serious gamming computers can fully enjoy the "art" the creaters put into thisThis is anintense game. If you haven't herd, valve is using the same kind of technology they used to creat HL2, and making a game called Lost Cost. You can play the test level for free, but once you do you'll want the game. It's not fully released yet, but it will be great. Only people with serious gamming computers can fully enjoy the "art" the creaters put into this game. I played it on my friends computer and thought it was cool. got it on mine, and my nVida 6600+ plays it great. The game used shader 1 and 2, without telling you about it. so it's going to use twice the video ram than usual.… Expand
  89. DanL.
    May 16, 2006
    10
    The game had great graphics and well the play of it n stuff was brilliant.
  90. AndyH.
    May 16, 2006
    8
    Graphically fantastic, with the new game physics creating new methods of play, this is a stunning game. Although i thought some of the weapons was under powered. The game it self was quite short but all new FPS games are quite short in actual game time from beginning to end. Would be great with a co-op multiplayer mode for the single player side. The multiplayer side is also fantastic but Graphically fantastic, with the new game physics creating new methods of play, this is a stunning game. Although i thought some of the weapons was under powered. The game it self was quite short but all new FPS games are quite short in actual game time from beginning to end. Would be great with a co-op multiplayer mode for the single player side. The multiplayer side is also fantastic but does'nt play as well as the older Half-Life for smooth internet play.… Expand
  91. SpidyB.
    May 16, 2006
    9
    its almost an perfict game and to play it its al fun and an good story in the game zo it is one of the best games till now.
  92. JustinF.
    May 16, 2006
    7
    Not bad - a little disappointed in the ending - I felt that there was another slice of tense action necessary to fulfill my needs. Also, a bit easy!
  93. ShaneC.
    May 15, 2006
    10
    I would honestly say that this game has the best gameplay and physics of environment out of any game that I have ever gotten a chance to become addicted to.
  94. KlausF.
    May 15, 2006
    0
    Let me see I have Half life check installed it check played it nope. The reason why i'm givinh HL2 as zero is because of steam. I'm sure Half life 2 = 10 but steam = minus ten. What kind of a idiots tick people off by making the go through a living hell but never make it to the other side oh yeah Valve ! I mean what were they thinking or not thinking if I get Half life 2 to work Let me see I have Half life check installed it check played it nope. The reason why i'm givinh HL2 as zero is because of steam. I'm sure Half life 2 = 10 but steam = minus ten. What kind of a idiots tick people off by making the go through a living hell but never make it to the other side oh yeah Valve ! I mean what were they thinking or not thinking if I get Half life 2 to work i'll maybe give it a 10.… Expand
  95. NiekM.
    May 14, 2006
    10
    i think they amde a great engine for the game but though. Everyone thinks that.
  96. Richard
    May 14, 2006
    10
    It's one of the best games I ever played! One the one Hand has it a good graphik and a good sound. On the oter Hand the game is running on many computer, cause it hasen't high requirements. And the last cause is that the game is never boring.
  97. Baby-stealingdingo
    May 13, 2006
    9
    In response to the more reasonable critics: HALO was hyped. HL2 is not. The story is a continuation of HL1, and the ending is meant to be a cliff-hanger. There are more episodes on the way. What FPS does not have a basically linear story? If you want an RPG, go buy an RPG. Problems with Steam/load times/installation: get a better machine. Too easy: turn up the difficulty. That's what In response to the more reasonable critics: HALO was hyped. HL2 is not. The story is a continuation of HL1, and the ending is meant to be a cliff-hanger. There are more episodes on the way. What FPS does not have a basically linear story? If you want an RPG, go buy an RPG. Problems with Steam/load times/installation: get a better machine. Too easy: turn up the difficulty. That's what the slider is there for. Call of Duty, Doom 3 and Far Cry are better: Justify it. Doom 3 consists of walking around in darkness waiting for a demon to jump out of a closet at you. There is no strategy. Far Cry is a great game but that doesn't mean HL2 needs to be rated 0. Call of Duty I & II? Again, great games but not any better than HL2. A final note, the online play for HL2 is outstanding; deathmatch, counter strike are well supported and have tons of players and maps. The tool kit included with HL2 is excellent, as is the map builder.… Expand
  98. AdamG.
    May 13, 2006
    9
    Fantastic Game, intuitive gameplay, illuminating textures, and exceptional physics. Only bad point was the poorly responsive AI.
  99. LukeM.
    May 13, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  100. YermakirumY.
    May 13, 2006
    10
    Very good game.
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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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