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. ilya_zotov24
    Jul 17, 2021
    9
    _Good game _
  2. Henker
    Apr 20, 2020
    9
    Half-Life 2 is undoubtedly a great game, well ahead of its time, a solid story that continues the events of the 1st game, excellent and fun gameplay, a wide variety of scenarios, weapons and possible interactions.
  3. MacMountainGoat
    Sep 27, 2020
    9
    This will go down in history as one of the greatest shooters of all time. Epic story, great blend of extremely dark setting with sprinkles of humor, insane graphics/voice acting/environments for its time, and great blend of puzzle solving and shootout arenas.
  4. drcoomer
    Aug 11, 2020
    9
    Half Life 2 is truly the epitome of what an FPS should be. From start to finish, this game is a masterpiece that even exceeds a lot of recent games. Between it's way-ahead-of-its-time graphics, amazing level design, and exhilarating gameplay, Half Life 2, even 16 years after release, still sets the bar high for all future games.

    Graphics: 9/10 HL2's graphics still hold up pretty well    Half Life 2 is truly the epitome of what an FPS should be. From start to finish, this game is a masterpiece that even exceeds a lot of recent games. Between it's way-ahead-of-its-time graphics, amazing level design, and exhilarating gameplay, Half Life 2, even 16 years after release, still sets the bar high for all future games.

    Graphics: 9/10
    HL2's graphics still hold up pretty well in 2020. This game is designed beautfiully, and there's an extremely unique atmosphere that you feel as soon as you step into City 17. I remember playing the Orange Box as a kid, and thinking to myself "There's NO WAY graphics can get any better than this." Well, I was certainly wrong there, but that doesn't take away from the timeless look that Valve gave us.

    Narrative: 9/10
    Gordon's journey is a blast to experience. I think the story is very well-written, creatively playing off the events of HL1, while also expanding the environment and establishing its own identity. It may have a couple sluggish moments here and there, but for the most part, the action keeps on rolling with ease.

    Protagonist: 10/10
    The ever-silent Gordon Freeman, never change.

    Characters/Interactions: 10/10
    There is a plethora of supporting characters, both good and bad, that drive this story forward. In addition, interacting with the now-friendly Vortigaunts is a nice touch. And the Alyx and Dog combo provides some of the game's most cheerful moments.

    Gameplay: 10/10
    I can't find one thing to complain about here. The level design in this game is insane. The horror-themed Ravenholm is one of my favorite parts of the entire story. Same with the long Highway 17 cruise through the Antlion infested coast. Per usual, Half Life utilizes some unique puzzles and platforming that are sure to test your brain power. But the real highlight here is the Gravity Gun. It is by far the most fun weapon to use, and it really elevates this game to the next level.

    Overall Score: 9/10    … Expand
  5. exitm35
    Jun 20, 2020
    9
    While showing its age, this game still keeps me hooked with good pacing, lighter moments breaking up the action and an intriguing plot, it still managed to hold its own after all of these years.
  6. O3liveon
    Dec 23, 2022
    9
    Well it's freaking Half Half 2. One of the most ultimate of ultimate classics. You don't have to be a gamer to know that Half Life is still after all these years at the pinnacle of gaming and story telling. Even at the time of this short review, December 2022, it's still an extremely fun game to play and the story is timeless and brilliant. What an incredible world! Saying you love thisWell it's freaking Half Half 2. One of the most ultimate of ultimate classics. You don't have to be a gamer to know that Half Life is still after all these years at the pinnacle of gaming and story telling. Even at the time of this short review, December 2022, it's still an extremely fun game to play and the story is timeless and brilliant. What an incredible world! Saying you love this game isn't enough. With that said, old games are old, even though this still holds up to a pretty good extent - it's still an old game... And old games are old. If you haven't experienced these games there's no question. You must. YOU MUST! Sorry for yelling.
    A review like this could've been read at release, all that's needed is a single word - Perfection.
    But it's 2022 and again, old games are old... And yet, still gets a 9 from me. So good!    … Expand
  7. SewAwOw
    Aug 15, 2021
    9
    Что сказать - классная игра, крутое продолжение первой части, в которой развилось всё - графика, сюжет, геймплей. А взаимодействие с окружающим миром вышло вообще на новый уровень, больше нигде не видел такой офигенной подачи графики. Да что сказать, даже ИИ врагов прилично так подтянули, на средней сложности не раз давали просраться))
    Короче, игра топ и уже классика.    Что сказать - классная игра, крутое продолжение первой части, в которой развилось всё - графика, сюжет, геймплей. А взаимодействие с окружающим миром вышло вообще на новый уровень, больше нигде не видел такой офигенной подачи графики. Да что сказать, даже ИИ врагов прилично так подтянули, на средней сложности не раз давали просраться))
    Короче, игра топ и уже классика.
  8. C4teater
    Jul 25, 2020
    9
    This game is a very fitting sequel to Half Life. The graphics and game play feel a little ahead of its time. The story picks up where it left off in the first game and has a satisfying ending. The weapon diversity is very similar to the first game. The story/character writing continued to hold some of the cliche or cheesy bits from the first game, but again not bad by any means. TheThis game is a very fitting sequel to Half Life. The graphics and game play feel a little ahead of its time. The story picks up where it left off in the first game and has a satisfying ending. The weapon diversity is very similar to the first game. The story/character writing continued to hold some of the cliche or cheesy bits from the first game, but again not bad by any means. The puzzles/map design in this game often had simple yet rewarding alternative solutions. A fun vehicle portion was added, however my biggest negative with this game was the mines first seen during the vehicle portion boss. They were so hideous and immersion breaking, they looked like the mines from Lego Star Wars. Besides this, enemies and characters were brought back from the first game in unique and well done ways and new enemies and characters were brought in and felt right at home in the game.… Expand
  9. ChierHu
    Feb 8, 2021
    9
    The games from this series are first-person shooter action games in which the player traverses a virtual world that seems to be vast but which in reality is confined to a narrow path. The whole story of Half-Life is told within the game. There are no cut-scenes that take the player out of the game, all dialogue is performed by characters inside the game, and the player can choose to listenThe games from this series are first-person shooter action games in which the player traverses a virtual world that seems to be vast but which in reality is confined to a narrow path. The whole story of Half-Life is told within the game. There are no cut-scenes that take the player out of the game, all dialogue is performed by characters inside the game, and the player can choose to listen or ignore them altogether. Half-Life has perfected the art of guiding the player through the game, creating a well-structured experience for him. The practice is often referred to as railroading; in this light, it is probably no coincidence that in Half-Life and Half-Life 2 the player arrives on a train. The disadvantage of railroading is that the player’s freedom is mostly an illusion. When players go in a direction that was not intended by the game, the illusion can break down very quickly. It takes a lot of design skill to prevent players from noticing the invisible boundaries that prevent the player from exploring in other directions.… Expand
  10. Coolguymike
    Sep 26, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I originally played Half-Life 2 on the Orange Box for the 360, but I recently bought it on Steam to playthrough again and man, does this game rock. It's a bit disappointing that Valve abandoned this game, but with the teaser at the end of Half-Life: Alyx, who knows what's in the future of the series.… Expand
  11. Morze232
    Sep 13, 2020
    9
    There are not many words to say, the game is really a masterpiece story, very good gameplay, very good, briefly nothing is missing
  12. ErayTellezi
    Nov 17, 2020
    9
    İlki kadar iyi olan ender devam oyunlarından. Bugün bile hala gideri var. 9/10
  13. apokalipto
    Aug 19, 2023
    9
    Very good game. I enjoyed playing this game a lot. I strongly recommend this.
  14. kimi1775
    Nov 9, 2020
    9
    ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎ ‏‏‎
  15. nietzfk
    May 20, 2023
    9
    Why doesn't this game get old? It's really nice, I play it from time to time, I enjoy it very much.
  16. Fallconex
    Dec 17, 2020
    9
    This is an incredible game, I recommend to everyone who does not know about it!
  17. Relenea
    Jul 11, 2022
    9
    Özgün hikaye anlatımı ve daha birçok konuda başarısını kanıtlamış Half-Life 2, çıktığı yıl düşünülmeksizin deneyimlenmesi gereken, klasik oyunlar arasına adını altın harflerle yazmış bir oyun.
  18. asdasdasd01
    Jan 9, 2021
    9
    asdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasdasd
  19. Yustan
    Jul 27, 2023
    9
    Это база, понимаешь? Классика, основа, фундамент, понимаешь? Даже сейчас мне, молодому зумеру, не прикасающийся к столь стареньким играм, было очень даже интересно её проходить... Быть может это говорит о том, как надо делать игры?Это база, понимаешь? Классика, основа, фундамент, понимаешь? Даже сейчас мне, молодому зумеру, не прикасающийся к столь стареньким играм, было очень даже интересно её проходить... Быть может это говорит о том, как надо делать игры?
  20. FamilyJules8x
    Jan 9, 2021
    9
    Classic game by Volvommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
  21. Nitemarezzz
    Jul 17, 2021
    9
    Rated 10/10 because gordon freeman is god and gaming wouldnt be the same without him and valve. -1 because halo was better
  22. Menetys
    Mar 2, 2021
    9
    this game's only flaw to me is the storytelling. but thats okay go play it!
  23. Zeyon88
    Mar 17, 2021
    9
    Story: 9/10
    The Way story is given: 17/20
    Gameplay: 28/30
    Design: 10/10
    Feelings left after playing: 19/20
    Playability(Bugs and optimization): 10/10

    AVARAGE: 93/100
  24. nazarkin123
    Mar 10, 2021
    9
    Blew my mind when it got released. Amazing graphics for its time and still very good. Blowing story as well.
  25. BFG-1337
    Apr 18, 2021
    9
    Half Life 2 isn't the best game ever or the best story ever, but what it is is the best balance between those two things in a very polished and great looking package (relative to release), even tho the graphics are outdated which only makes sense, it woulnt make sense if graphics werent outdated in such an old game, the graphics still hold up in a retro kind of way, game runs in 1080p, hasHalf Life 2 isn't the best game ever or the best story ever, but what it is is the best balance between those two things in a very polished and great looking package (relative to release), even tho the graphics are outdated which only makes sense, it woulnt make sense if graphics werent outdated in such an old game, the graphics still hold up in a retro kind of way, game runs in 1080p, has nice Anti aliasing which is pretty cool.

    Gameplay is not Deus Ex level, but it is very easy to get into (Hard to master?), the enemy AI is really smart on Hard difficulty, they do all kinds of flanking tactics and grenade flushing, they don't spam you with grenades, they use them tactically. Id say second best AI in a game - F.E.A.R being the number uno(To this day.... how funny)

    Sound is like the graphics, holds up in 2021 but some sounds are from Half-Life(1998), but they are far between and very few of them, you dont notice them until you look for them. Some of the songs are timeless like "Triage at dawn" - recommend you look up that song and listen to it.

    Level design, like the gameplay, it is not deus ex level of complexity, it works brilliantly for what it is, there are lots of secret stashes with ammo, medkids and so on. They really help out If you take the time to look for them.

    Bottom line: This is a great polished game, It has lots of great polished features, physics interaction is a great addition even tho its a bit wonky at times, but its not a crucial part to the game where id chip away points for it, in fact you barely notice the physics bugs if you don't search for them.

    9/10 - One of the best PC games, not the deepest gameplay ever but it is very polished and its great at what it does.

    *Half life 3 joke*    … Expand
  26. rubyjakewillton
    Apr 18, 2021
    9
    During the time of it's release, the graphics in the game is phenomenal. Granted, now it looks pretty old but it still has good graphics until now. The gunplay isn't anything special, but they chased their own glory with the introduction of the gravity gun, Valves' one of the most iconic weapons (also the crowbar). While there are some parts that do drag on for quite a while, the amazingDuring the time of it's release, the graphics in the game is phenomenal. Granted, now it looks pretty old but it still has good graphics until now. The gunplay isn't anything special, but they chased their own glory with the introduction of the gravity gun, Valves' one of the most iconic weapons (also the crowbar). While there are some parts that do drag on for quite a while, the amazing world design and environment storytelling definitely overshadowed it. It is not perfect, but everyone should definitely try this game at least once.… Expand
  27. BrainlessCowork
    May 26, 2021
    9
    Wow just wow! Half Life 2 is one of the best games ever made hands down. If your an avid PC player and still haven't played a Half Life game your doing yourself a disservice.
  28. Dec4dence
    Aug 25, 2022
    9
    Well, everybody knows this legend.
    If we speak in 2022 about this game, i'll say...

    Graphics - 8/10. Old game, but the graphics still doesn't disturb or annoy you.
    Gameplay Mechanics - 10/10
    Sound Effects - 9/10
    Storyline - 10/10 Superb storyline!
    Characters - 10/10. Especially Alyx, and her father.
    Music - 9/10.
    Overall - 9/10

    Eh, you know. Valve games are always great.
  29. bruhman54
    Aug 2, 2021
    9
    One of my favorite games Ive ever played. This game is what got me into singleplayer narrative games and made me realise the importance of them. It does everything better than Half Life 1. The only downside I would say is that the enemies were a bit more repetitive than in Half Life 1, but its a very minor detail the game is still great.
  30. hange122
    Oct 15, 2021
    9
    This game is such a masterpiece. You might be wondering why i gave it a 9/10? Because most parts was pretty confusing and made me stop continuing the campaign.
  31. TheSikvel
    Sep 28, 2021
    9
    Perhaps the best game of its time that has stood the test of time. It is worth playing at least for the sake of acquaintance with the gaming industry. The plot is not bad, but the gameplay in our time is certainly not very interesting, but the interactivity is not bad.
  32. johnsky
    Oct 13, 2021
    9
    This is a gem of a game. A revolution. A complete rethinking of what is possible in terms of action and narration. An inspiration for thousands of games to come. You name it. This is, by far, one of the best corridor shooters ever created. The atmosphere is there. The characters are there, and for 2004, they look really good. The plot, while it has its fair share of stupidity, isThis is a gem of a game. A revolution. A complete rethinking of what is possible in terms of action and narration. An inspiration for thousands of games to come. You name it. This is, by far, one of the best corridor shooters ever created. The atmosphere is there. The characters are there, and for 2004, they look really good. The plot, while it has its fair share of stupidity, is ultimately alright. The voice acting is top notch. The music is crap. Total score of 9.… Expand
  33. MrFreemanVg
    Oct 25, 2021
    9
    There is no need to interpret half-life anyway. I've played it 9 times and I can say that half - life 2 is an extremely good game, although everyone knows it. But even though I finished Half-Life 2 and half-life Alyx with love, I can't like half life 1, it seems too old to me.
  34. sikvoyo
    Jun 5, 2022
    9
    an amazing game that is still good despite the fact it's 18 years old. must-play for every gamer!
  35. Edik191
    Dec 3, 2021
    9
    Очень годная игра. И в 2021 году ещё удивляет своим коммюнити. Выходят фанатские моды, и кампании. Совету пройти данную игру. Если хотите пройти с другом то есть в стиме модификация Synergy, желаю удачи
  36. JJ2FAS4U
    Dec 28, 2021
    9
    For Xbox 360
    Atmosphere: 9
    Enjoyment: 9
    Gameplay: 9
    Graphics: 8
    Music: 8
    Story: 9
    Total: 8.67
  37. GoldCrusader
    Mar 14, 2022
    9
    Very fun game and definetely worth a try. map design and environmental story telling is very good in quality. voice acting and animations used for npcs is top notch, the puzzles while easy feel rewarding, gunplay is good, sound effects are kinda meh, but the music is great. It's main downside is how linear it is. It should be like the original, where you had certain liberties that can makeVery fun game and definetely worth a try. map design and environmental story telling is very good in quality. voice acting and animations used for npcs is top notch, the puzzles while easy feel rewarding, gunplay is good, sound effects are kinda meh, but the music is great. It's main downside is how linear it is. It should be like the original, where you had certain liberties that can make someone's experience somewhat different that someone else's, but they wouldn't alter the game enough for it to be extremely different, for example, in the first game, you could find certain weapons earlier. In the sequel, the only thing you will get if you try to deviate from the already set path, you will get some hp back and some ammo. (also you could kill friendly npcs in the original but i don't want to seem like a psycho) Other than that, it's a game worth your time and i believe that everyone should play this game at least once.… Expand
  38. Gazownik
    Jun 8, 2022
    9
    One of the best FPS games from my childhood.
    Good simple story and pretty simple yet fun gameplay.
  39. hollowspillz
    Aug 3, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Half Life was one of those games that you’ll just never find anything like it. It’s almost impossible for you to genuinely dislike it. Amazing world building with great story-telling. A game that was way ahead of its time. That ending when G-Man appears is one of the best cliffhanger endings I’ve ever seen. For some reason I’m yet to play those two other episodes but I’ll get on them soon.… Expand
  40. christyguy
    Aug 9, 2022
    9
    Amazing game that shaped the entirety of my imagination, and moulded and influenced my entertainment interests for years.
  41. Stitch_Ha
    Sep 8, 2022
    9
    Эту игру знают все и у нее все в порядке со всем)
  42. waifuviolenta
    Sep 25, 2022
    9
    If only all single player shooters could be this great. HL2 is the shining gold example of storytelling and game play all fused into the perfect package.
  43. 3ls0ul
    Mar 6, 2023
    9
    Este juego aún no lo eh jugado o completado, así que pondré una reseña y nota diferentes cuando lo haga.
  44. Mastereed
    Mar 25, 2023
    9
    THE DISCOVERY OF PHYSICS

    BEFORE WE BEGIN: The game was completed on pc in normal mode. THE TRAIN IS ON TIME: Half-Life 2 starts with a speech by the mysterious Gman explaining the mission that the meticulous scientist Gordon Freeman will have to accomplish in this long-awaited sequel. The introduction maintains the standard set by the first chapter, with progressive mechanics that    THE DISCOVERY OF PHYSICS

    BEFORE WE BEGIN:
    The game was completed on pc in normal mode.

    THE TRAIN IS ON TIME:
    Half-Life 2 starts with a speech by the mysterious Gman explaining the mission that the meticulous scientist Gordon Freeman will have to accomplish in this long-awaited sequel. The introduction maintains the standard set by the first chapter, with progressive mechanics that are taught to the player through small puzzles. The plot is easily guessed by listening to the speeches of the various initial NPCs in addition to the various broadcasts on the screens. This combination makes the player's learning curve extremely fast from the start.

    STOREKEEPER SIMULATOR:
    Half-Life 2's gameplay takes the quality of the first title to an extreme level. It boasts numerous approaches to most puzzles, thanks to the use of vastly improved physics compared to the first one. In fact, all game objects will be moveable at will and, actually possessing their own mass, will give room for creativity in game puzzles . In addition, the objects will be able to be used as a shield or as a weapon, and depending on the mass of the object, the damage will vary. In addition, many of them will actually be destructible. Several weapons are also added at some point in the game that can move even heavier objects and thus consequently use them as a weapon. Thanks to this weapon, it will then be possible to create alternative passageways, stacking crates to reach higher points or breaking through reinforced walls. The game boasts several new weapons, but these will not be as distinctive as some in the first chapter, but for the most part will simply be real weapons. The feeling that using some of them gives, however, turns out to be one of the best ever tried on an fps, so much so that it was later reused in the popular Counter Strike. The game's plot, as with the first chapter, will be limited to defeating the Combine forces, a power composed of humans and aliens with the goal of conquering as much territory as possible.The length of the game is very close to that of the first chapter, with about twenty hours diversified across many different areas.

    GMAN IS ALWAYS WATCHING YOU:
    Graphically it looks excellent, both in terms of the quality of the textures and models and the adaptability to any screen. Most of the models were done in such an optimized way that they were then used for a decade by several Valve and non-Valve games, later bringing to life Gmod, one of the most enduring games ever thanks to the creation of various mods and servers. It certainly does not excel from an animation standpoint compared to other titles, but it is rarely unpleasant.

    “HELP ME!”:
    On the audio side, Half-Life 2 excels extremely in terms of sound effects, which are still iconic to this day. As for the in-game OSTs, on the other hand, they all turn out to be spot-on at the time, but certainly not memorable. The only extremely negative point concerns the voice acting, which for the Italian one turns out to be terrible and unlistenable.

    BUT WHY 9?

    PROS:
    Certainly the pros of Half-Life 2 are countless. The feeling of the weapons always turns out to be perfect and very engaging. The story that, although quite simple, always turns out to be interesting. The variety of weapons and setting along with the length of the game gives room for numerous hours of entertainment and fun. But the greatest merit that Half-Life 2 holds, and which makes it reach near perfection, is that it has given birth to a development method in use to this day, with the study and deepening of the physics and lighting systems within video games, setting a very high standard that subsequent games would have to reach to be on par with it.

    CONS:
    The cons turn out to be few but they stop this game from achieving perfection. Leaving aside the outrageous voice acting and some technical problems, the game has some rather empty and boring sections, such as the part by the sea with the Dune Buggy. In addition, many sections are extremely bypassable thanks to physics that are sometimes too lax. Finally, the lack of extremely distinctive weapons such as those in Half Life's Opposing Force expansion marks a lack of variety within the weaponry.

    RATING
    Gameplay: 10
    Music: 8
    Story: 9
    Level Desing: 10
    _    … Expand
  45. Grabvo
    Nov 21, 2022
    9
    Go play this game. It is a must have for all fps enjoyers. While the graphics had aged quite a bit, the gameplay is still very tight. And, for the time, the feats this game accomplished were crazy. The story, too, is very good. All aspects come together to create a truly fantastic gaming experience. And, to top it off, there is a fairly sized modding community as well. Great game, worth the play.
  46. arllda
    Feb 4, 2023
    9
    When I was little, my computer was bad and the game kept crashing, I tried to play with crack, I was constantly getting errors, so I could only advance for 10 minutes, now I've finished it many times The legend of 2004
  47. Soldr
    Jan 31, 2023
    9
    While the game isn't perfect, the game definitely deserved a lot of the criticism it got however, it is still one of the best games of all time. Definitely worth anyone's time.
  48. Generic_M_User
    Feb 2, 2023
    9
    Great game, great story, great engine, great movement, and funny ragdoll sometime. Would give a 10 but they have made very slow development on the third game for the last 19 years.
  49. Naked_Snakee
    Jul 22, 2023
    9
    Just text (crutch) to save the game to the list. Such things. Maybe I'll do a review later.
  50. Magical_Viktor
    Apr 30, 2023
    9
    Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»
  51. JIMEY
    Aug 24, 2023
    9
    Half-Life 2 is often hailed as a classic and a pioneering game in the first-person shooter genre. While it's highly regarded, some factors might lead someone to rate it as a 9 out of 10 rather than a perfect 10.

    In conclusion, rating Half-Life 2 as a 9 out of 10 acknowledges its undeniable strengths in storytelling, gameplay, and innovation, while also recognizing that it might have    Half-Life 2 is often hailed as a classic and a pioneering game in the first-person shooter genre. While it's highly regarded, some factors might lead someone to rate it as a 9 out of 10 rather than a perfect 10.

    In conclusion, rating Half-Life 2 as a 9 out of 10 acknowledges its undeniable strengths in storytelling, gameplay, and innovation, while also recognizing that it might have some minor drawbacks or aspects that have aged over time. Despite these potential weaknesses, Half-Life 2's impact on the gaming industry and its lasting influence make it an essential experience for any gamer.    … Expand
  52. CraigS.
    May 9, 2005
    8
    Took over an hour to install Steam and the Game even with broadband. Runs fine and looks amazing. Load times ruin immersion factor - these were a shock considering the pre-cached insta-loads from the original HL. Game play is almost too easy - on normal diffiuculy, I've died twice! AI not too challenging. While the game is entertaining, and the physicis are sweet, there is little in Took over an hour to install Steam and the Game even with broadband. Runs fine and looks amazing. Load times ruin immersion factor - these were a shock considering the pre-cached insta-loads from the original HL. Game play is almost too easy - on normal diffiuculy, I've died twice! AI not too challenging. While the game is entertaining, and the physicis are sweet, there is little in the gameplay that we haven't seen in NOLF or even thr original Halo. Gameplay and movement are very similar to the original - No real awe-inspiring moments, like the first time I left the ship in Unreal to see an open valley and waterfall, or the Normandy beach landing in MOA. This is a good game, but I think it's somewhat over-rated. I expected more after 7 years development.… Expand
  53. ReisenbichlerE.
    Jan 20, 2007
    8
    This could be one of the greatest Egoshooters ever created, but Valve had the great Idea to punish the gamers (= buyers) with Steam. The Installation took me AGES and I dont get why I couldnt play a singleplayershooter without internetconnection. If it wasnt Half Life 2, I would NEVER pay for a Game that uses Steam and I will not do it again. Why Steam? For gods sake, someone explain this to me!
  54. 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
  55. 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
  56. 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
  57. AlexW
    May 31, 2009
    8
    Although visuals are wonderful, gameplay feels unrealistic. I know it did a lot to revolutionize FPS's, but somehow the engine doesn't feel right. It works for TF2, just not this game. Also, AI is rediculous and moves unrealistically. Instead of crouching behing cover and firing, they walk back and forth, which nobody would do in a real fight.
  58. PyryJ.
    Apr 9, 2010
    8
    Liked the game. Looking at the other comments and ratings I could say that there is too many people rating it 10 and too many people just trolling amongst them. The AI is bad, levels are intresting but linear(but I didnt expect anything else from a FPS), the story is good, the graphics are good for the time (go to hell grapics whores!), and the game play was fun for most of the time.
  59. DivineMethod
    Dec 9, 2004
    8
    The source engine and the graphics have a lot going for it, but when it comes down to creativity this game falls short. 10 for graphics 10 for the feel of the game 9 for the sound 8 for the fun level 5 story/ script.
  60. K-van
    Feb 17, 2005
    8
    A great technical achievement. But you've all heard the good, so here's the bad: Unfortunately HL2 lacks the challenge presented by its predecessor. Health power ups were available at every turn, which eliminated the need for any serious kind of FPS tactics (even on hard)...simply run, gun, and heal yourself. Ammo was extremely plentiful as well. This was a shame since limiting A great technical achievement. But you've all heard the good, so here's the bad: Unfortunately HL2 lacks the challenge presented by its predecessor. Health power ups were available at every turn, which eliminated the need for any serious kind of FPS tactics (even on hard)...simply run, gun, and heal yourself. Ammo was extremely plentiful as well. This was a shame since limiting the ammo would have forced players to use the gravity gun more. Instead the grav gun felt more like a gimmic. The vehicles were cool for the most part, however the airship level was too long. It's hard for me to say this but I was actually bored at that point. Overall HL2 is a game of amazing moments strung together by mediocre ones.… Expand
  61. 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.
  62. TobiasS.
    Sep 18, 2006
    8
    Great graphics! Great Atmosphere! Bit too linear. But it IS a great game!
  63. Daniel
    Oct 11, 2007
    8
    Graphics, physics and sounds are ok. Shooting is in it's own style as expected... Good Old Half-Life feeling is present too =) but the game itself sometimes is too predictable and some places(maps) were made/created without much imagination, especially at the end... too easy sometimes. There are some surpises in the game but they aren't that neccessary.
  64. WestleyB.
    Oct 23, 2007
    8
    Felt abit shorter than HL and not many big bugs to squish, plus weapons good but not many crazy ones.
  65. PaulT.
    Jun 30, 2007
    8
    Definitely one of the best games I have ever played. Combines suspense with excitement and even has a little horror in there. The music adds infinitely to the mood of the time, and immersion into the realistic world is all but inevitable. A must play!
  66. armandvonhelden
    Sep 4, 2007
    8
    Macht spass ist so ähnlich wie far cry , aber etwas gruseliger(spannender) Ist richtig Fesselnd :)
  67. GabrielU
    Jan 24, 2010
    8
    This is one piece of good fps. Interesting story and awesome characters too. Few dull moments, when I could hit the PC of the deck. That's H-F2 in few words.
  68. YoM.
    Mar 17, 2010
    8
    OK Valve, I get it, you like zombies. Oh and soldiers. You like soldiers too. What happened to all the space aliens!!! All we get is antlions and headcrabs (which lead to.. yes... more zombies). One of the best things about half life was the aliens - really well designed, alien looking aliens, not just humans in suits. And a cool top secret government base to explore. In HL2 all we have OK Valve, I get it, you like zombies. Oh and soldiers. You like soldiers too. What happened to all the space aliens!!! All we get is antlions and headcrabs (which lead to.. yes... more zombies). One of the best things about half life was the aliens - really well designed, alien looking aliens, not just humans in suits. And a cool top secret government base to explore. In HL2 all we have is zombies and soldiers, zombies and soldiers, in lots and lots of ruined buildings. HL2 is great in lots of ways.The graphics and facial expressions still look good 6 years later. The plot is sci fi ham but it fits together great and is really immersive. The gravity gun is lots of fun and the combine biotech, striders, gunships etc is cool. But while HL1 left me genuinely apprehensive and scared about what I would see around the next corner, HL2 didn't because I knew what was coming: a ruined cityscape full of zombies and soldiers. Again, and again, and again. Would it have hurt to make the enemies a little more varied? It's a good game, but it is no way better than HL1, not even close.… Expand
  69. MattN.
    Nov 3, 2005
    8
    There were parts of this game that I thought were brilliant unfortunately these just served to highlight the parts which were substandard. It does have great graphics but they lacked the wow factor of Far Cry or FEAR. The A.I was strictly average more like the A.I in Quake4 (though for some reason in Quake4 this doesn't detract at all from the game) and your own guys do nothing but There were parts of this game that I thought were brilliant unfortunately these just served to highlight the parts which were substandard. It does have great graphics but they lacked the wow factor of Far Cry or FEAR. The A.I was strictly average more like the A.I in Quake4 (though for some reason in Quake4 this doesn't detract at all from the game) and your own guys do nothing but get in your way. The puzzles seemed little pointless and added nothing as they were so simple. I did like the main characters and enjoyed the story overall particularly the last quarter of the game. I didn't experience any technical problems at all with game nor did I have any trouble with steam and apart from initial conatct to set up my steam account and verify my copy was genuine I have never needed a internet connection again to play this game. I didn't love it (it's no Far Cry) but I would definitely recommended it.… Expand
  70. KeshR.
    Jan 21, 2005
    8
    I have heard complaints about two aspects in particular. Firslty, steam is a pain. Secondly, the game is too linear. So lets deal with this. On steam, its a pain, and in my opinion, for good reason. Piracy and illegal downloading is rife and while we may secretly indulge in a spot of less than legal activities when it comes to digital copyrights, we have to respect the concerns of the I have heard complaints about two aspects in particular. Firslty, steam is a pain. Secondly, the game is too linear. So lets deal with this. On steam, its a pain, and in my opinion, for good reason. Piracy and illegal downloading is rife and while we may secretly indulge in a spot of less than legal activities when it comes to digital copyrights, we have to respect the concerns of the company. Why should they put up with people stealing their game? The system needs to be cleaned up true, but it is necessary. And personally I haven't found steam to be too troublesome. But the biggest potential criticism is the linear gameplay. Now there are two types of FPS out there really. There are those that are simply linear, and there are those that try to provide the player with freedom. Now personally I fidn that freedom of choice in games is an illusion in most cases, unless we are only talking about what type of weapon etc. In most cases your path is already determined, and only the storyline is affected. But if this is a big issue for you then you won't like HL2 And the fact is that you should already know this. The whole point of HL is to provide a movie like experience. There is a trade off between scirpting and freedom of gameplay. To make the whole thing more movie like, scritping is needed, otherwise the environment will become static. This comes at the cost of raw freedom of movement etc. Given that HL2 is full of scripting, the complaint that there isnt any freedom appears to be valid. But is it a problem? When you watch a movie, do you complain that you can't control the main character? This is how you should view HL2 for maximum enjoyment: you have the priviledge of being the main character in an amazing film. This is what HL1 did and unsurprisingly this is what HL2 does. To change it into some sort of free-roaming game would change the essense of the game, and no one would like that. The second argument against non-linear gameplay is that it increases the workload of the developers dramatically, so they have to cut down on the total length of the game. Now in my opinion HL2 is already too short, so anything less than this would reduce my score greatly. As for other smaller criticisms I have heard, most were minor gripe, but one in particular annoyed me. It seems some poeple are disappointed with the character expressions. This is incredibly unfair if you just comapre HL2's characters to what you find in other games, where developers have spent more time getting the exact way that people die right than the way people talk. I have given the game a score of 8, due to the short length, but if by the time you read this there is sufficient mod support, feel free to consider the score a 9 or even a 10, depending on the strength of the mods.… Expand
  71. Mike
    Jan 31, 2005
    8
    I expected aliitle more from Half life 2, didnt like that the game was so linear. Other than that. Very good.
  72. Jeremiah
    Jan 5, 2005
    8
    A well designed FPS with lots of ambience, detail, and dynamic physics. Worth the price, but I must agree with other reviewers that it is overrated. It is ultimately a very linear FPS with less depth than a game like Deus Ex: Invisible War. My irritations include dealing with the required Steam program and frequent graphical/audio stuttering and long loading times. All in all, though, A well designed FPS with lots of ambience, detail, and dynamic physics. Worth the price, but I must agree with other reviewers that it is overrated. It is ultimately a very linear FPS with less depth than a game like Deus Ex: Invisible War. My irritations include dealing with the required Steam program and frequent graphical/audio stuttering and long loading times. All in all, though, it's a compelling FPS, but probably not much reason to play twice because of it's linearity and scripted sequences.… Expand
  73. Musides
    Mar 24, 2005
    8
    The difficulty levels are poor, even on hard the game is very easy, and it is almost impossible to die. The game progress is entirely linear, no variation on game play is possible, and as usual in Half Life, you really have no idea *why* you are walking forward, just that you need to in order to play the game. Graphics, etc, are all great, of course.
  74. CharlieW.
    Apr 24, 2005
    8
    I have to part-way agree with Mister B. This game's graphics and effects are amazing, but the gameplay's innerworkings are lacking... at best. I was blown away when I first started playing it, but my disappointment mounted when I reached the third level. You spend an hour driving around on a stupid bike solving incredibly dumb puzzles. Yes, Ravenholme won me back for an hour, I have to part-way agree with Mister B. This game's graphics and effects are amazing, but the gameplay's innerworkings are lacking... at best. I was blown away when I first started playing it, but my disappointment mounted when I reached the third level. You spend an hour driving around on a stupid bike solving incredibly dumb puzzles. Yes, Ravenholme won me back for an hour, but no more, no less. Really, if you are going to choose between this 50 - 80 dollar game and the 20 dollar original Half-Life package, go with the original Half-Life. It is defenitely better. Trust me.… Expand
  75. CaseyC.
    Jun 21, 2005
    8
    This was a great game and was a worthy sequal to the original. Playing the game was like watching an epic movie, with its awesome action sequences...but the bad was also that, It is way to linear. Everythings else is fine, especially if you have a top notch PC. Steam, ugg, don't get me started. If your have dial up, youll be spending all day getting it started. I just wish it was This was a great game and was a worthy sequal to the original. Playing the game was like watching an epic movie, with its awesome action sequences...but the bad was also that, It is way to linear. Everythings else is fine, especially if you have a top notch PC. Steam, ugg, don't get me started. If your have dial up, youll be spending all day getting it started. I just wish it was longer, it took Valve 8 years to make this game and it is just as long, if not SHORTER than Half Life1 which took just one or two. This is a great game and i highly reccomend it. It isn't the greatest game of all time though, In my opinion i think Far Cry is much better. But if your a PC gamer, get this game alongside with FarCry and Doom3 and have an ultimate Gaming marathon :)… Expand
  76. 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
  77. 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
  78. 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
  79. Mr.F.
    Nov 24, 2007
    8
    Well, first let me dispell all of the zeroes below. Number one, this is most certainly not a Quake engine modification. Even if it were, the Quake engine is a very powerful one (see games like Nexuiz). Number two, the AI is rather low scale, but nothing like the crappy AI seen in Doom or Counter-Strike: Condition Zero. The storyline is linear, yeah, but so are Portal's (clearly so), Well, first let me dispell all of the zeroes below. Number one, this is most certainly not a Quake engine modification. Even if it were, the Quake engine is a very powerful one (see games like Nexuiz). Number two, the AI is rather low scale, but nothing like the crappy AI seen in Doom or Counter-Strike: Condition Zero. The storyline is linear, yeah, but so are Portal's (clearly so), Halo's and Dark Messiah of Might and Magic's plotlines. And they are still amazing games. The Source engine is probablyone of the most complex physics engines I've ever seen. Sim S.'s turn: Mabye gat a new computer, because Half-Life 2 loaded in under a minute on mine. I have an nVidia GeForce 7300 GT that runs C-S:S, Portal and HL2 with no problem. And if you are going to use a computer for gaming, at least make sure it fits the requirements. Christopher S.: Steam is one of the greatest gaming platforms I ever saw (Microsoft's Games for Windows -- LIVE is an utter piece of crap) and since I really don't have the space for CD's, it's convenient that I can just download my games after my annual system reformat.Trust me, playing the game at minimum graphics settings is not fun. If you have a load time of upwards of 2 minutes it's time to get a new computer, or at least upgrade your old, crappy Windows 2000 and/or Windows ME boxes with 128 megs of RAM and a *gasp* Pentuim III. GNU Gamer: get WINE, Cedega or VMware Fusion. Steam is Windows-only. Windows is, so far, the best and most widely-used platform on Earth. Want to make money? Either you overprice it and market it towards the "Alternitaves" (Mac) or make it a reasonable price and market it towards everyone else (Windows). Lord C.: UPDATE. 'Nuff said. AI S: Mabye you should have looked at the small print :MUST HAVE INTERNET CONNECTION TO PLAY GAME. Also, Steam is very widely-known and produced by Valve. Not third-party at all. Stop whining like a pussy and just do it already. You can even load Steam up in Offline mode to play the Single Player version offline. Take a little time to actually look at the Steam software. Madeline V.: Cheating is absolutlely unpreventable. Period. Even the VAC can't help that. It's what the VAC is for. If a server admin reports the person, then they get banned from playing Steam games online (they can still play 1P, but no MP for them). Look up the server admin's contact information and let them know. Kevin T.: All I have to say is, Portal and Counter-Srike: Source have to be a couple of the best games I've ever played. And they're both HL2 mods. Thomas G.: It's an FPS. It's hard to balance action witn puzzles (see the other end of the spectrum - Portal), so give Valve a break. Republican Skillz: HL2:E1 was incredible. Don't judge a game before it's even released, it makes you look like an idiot. Yves B.: Just... utter fail right there. That review didn't even have any actual, you know, review in it. Carmine R.: COD3 can't even begin to compare with this game. Ian F.: How old are you? For the target audience (16-year-old males) this game is incredible. If you think a game with killing is boring, then you need to see a psychologist. Sean War: Doom 3 didn't have the Source engine. The Steam engine takes up more hardware requirements, and you probably lowered your Video options. HL2 has far superior graphics to Doom 3 (like Quake had to Doom 1). Jim F.: New computer. Stop trying to install it on your crappy HP Pavillion (or whatever you have, obviously it's not working). Also, what is the point in even buying a game if you're only going to play it for three days, then mabye once every few monhs for a hour? Just wrong. Why, oh why does everyone compare this game to Far Cry?? All the CryENGINE has on Source is the damn plants! I mean, come on. The CryENGINE was made as a demo for the GeForce 3. It's old as hell.… Expand
  80. AnonymousMC
    Jan 15, 2007
    8
    The Game is ok. Second Place in my Favorite List. First goes to Far Cry. Good Graphics on average systems. That is very good. I played the german version and i have to say that the german syncro is one of the badest i have ever heard. Next time please spend more money for professional german synco-talkers.

    And I hate your Steam-System. I have payed for the Game and i want to play it on    The Game is ok. Second Place in my Favorite List. First goes to Far Cry. Good Graphics on average systems. That is very good. I played the german version and i have to say that the german syncro is one of the badest i have ever heard. Next time please spend more money for professional german synco-talkers.

    And I hate your Steam-System. I have payed for the Game and i want to play it on my computer without steam!    … Expand
  81. Mark
    Feb 21, 2007
    8
    Half life 2 was a great game. The graphics, the little details such as eyes following you, turning heads and things like that. Also, the download was not "like 6 hours". I had a 10 minute download, and everything worked fine. Steam has no problems, and i dont understand how you cannot get it to work. Anyways, what makes me give it an 8, is because the last level GLITCH, and ending. I had Half life 2 was a great game. The graphics, the little details such as eyes following you, turning heads and things like that. Also, the download was not "like 6 hours". I had a 10 minute download, and everything worked fine. Steam has no problems, and i dont understand how you cannot get it to work. Anyways, what makes me give it an 8, is because the last level GLITCH, and ending. I had to start back a few minutes until the last level worked correctly. The part where you get your guns taken away. Your supposed to get the New grav gun, but i had to reload the game about 15 times to get it to work. Also, the ending is terrible. *sorry* It was like the halo2 ending. Other then that, i still play, use the mods steam released, and have fun with it. Good game… Expand
  82. ChrisK.
    Mar 16, 2007
    8
    It's the best game I ever played but if you have the wrong graphics driver it crashes and the fun ends.
  83. AcidReign
    Jun 13, 2007
    8
    A fine game. But again, a very linear experience. Once you've played it that's it. Just like watching a film. You can't explore. You always know exactly what's going to happen next.
  84. AnonymousMC
    Jun 22, 2007
    8
    A great game if you love fps's, but it was a little repettive in some parts. The story was good and I have played Episode 1 and it makes sense where they leave off in this one. To play it i suggest a good comp but it dosen't have to be a dream system just a decnt computer with a good video card. Still if you love fps's and have a decent system it is a must buy. Also buy allA great game if you love fps's, but it was a little repettive in some parts. The story was good and I have played Episode 1 and it makes sense where they leave off in this one. To play it i suggest a good comp but it dosen't have to be a dream system just a decnt computer with a good video card. Still if you love fps's and have a decent system it is a must buy. Also buy all of the episodes because they are a great value for the $20.… Expand
  85. AnonymousMC
    Aug 22, 2009
    8
    When i played the demo i was like WOW i need the orange box.When i got the orange box i was like this isnt the best.its just a normal fps game but great idea of story but just after chapter 8 you are bored.but the game is fine because you can play synergy dystopia and lots more if you have hl2
  86. AnonymousMC
    Nov 20, 2004
    8
    This game has better graphics than Halo 2. Well, considering the XBOX is 3 years old what does everyone expect? I can't wait to see what all the pc fanboys say next November when XBOX 2 comes out and has hardware 5 times as powerful as what you run Half Life 2 on, makinG it look like PS1. Other than the graphics and different physics, this game is no better than anything else on theThis game has better graphics than Halo 2. Well, considering the XBOX is 3 years old what does everyone expect? I can't wait to see what all the pc fanboys say next November when XBOX 2 comes out and has hardware 5 times as powerful as what you run Half Life 2 on, makinG it look like PS1. Other than the graphics and different physics, this game is no better than anything else on the market. Definately not as good as Halo 2 was overall. And it's on 3 year old hardware. I think I'm gonna laugh.....LOL......… Expand
  87. ArtK.
    Apr 11, 2006
    8
    A great first-person shooter game with an unbeliaveble enviorment and MAYBE best game graphics. The game play is good too but really easy. It is interesting, exciting, creative but has no challenge. The game is missing a "easy-hard" scale. Overall great game to play with top graphics and top plot.
  88. 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
  89. ChrisJ
    Jul 12, 2008
    8
    Above average FPS. Great value with the orange box. Oh and "Nick C" The game is not designed for you. You see 13 != 15. Go back to pokemon.
  90. Brian
    Apr 27, 2009
    8
    The graphics are up there, the gameplay is up there. However, this game is sometimes, if not usually, more of a puzzle game than an actual action shooter. There are times where you spend up to 20 minutes trying to figure out how the hell to get out of a room with 40 foot walls, given nothing but barrels. Granted, you feel a sense of accomplishment when you figure it out, but I want to be The graphics are up there, the gameplay is up there. However, this game is sometimes, if not usually, more of a puzzle game than an actual action shooter. There are times where you spend up to 20 minutes trying to figure out how the hell to get out of a room with 40 foot walls, given nothing but barrels. Granted, you feel a sense of accomplishment when you figure it out, but I want to be doing some progressive.. not sitting around trying to place barrels on top of barrels. I had high hopes for this game, and it just wasnt overall that great.… Expand
  91. MarioP.
    Nov 27, 2004
    8
    It is a great game :fun,addictive,very fluid graphics.My concern is that the game is only 1.19 gig long and valve should have gave us a couple of levels more...for the wait.Also i wish it would have a bit more textures and thoses zombies ...com on !!!!they are not very well designed...overrated i think....
  92. CrayHorse
    Nov 28, 2004
    8
    Half-Life 2 is good, but grossly overrated. Yes, the graphics are eye-popping on the latest video hardware, and the physics is a lot of fun. But the game has long repetetive stretches which are mind-numbingly tedious. Unlike Halo 1/2, riding the vehicles in Half-Life 2 is so tedious that I've come to dread their appearance. At the end of the day, Doom 3 is a better game and a better Half-Life 2 is good, but grossly overrated. Yes, the graphics are eye-popping on the latest video hardware, and the physics is a lot of fun. But the game has long repetetive stretches which are mind-numbingly tedious. Unlike Halo 1/2, riding the vehicles in Half-Life 2 is so tedious that I've come to dread their appearance. At the end of the day, Doom 3 is a better game and a better gaming experience.… Expand
  93. vahn
    Jan 9, 2013
    8
    I'm so going to be hated to death, but I didn't love this game as many others tend to do, even though it's actually very good game for itself and even 8-9 years later it's still fresh to play and doesn't look aged at all. But despite all that, I definitely enjoyed Half Life 2 less than the previous chapter. I wil also say that I started with this chapter and then bought the previous game.I'm so going to be hated to death, but I didn't love this game as many others tend to do, even though it's actually very good game for itself and even 8-9 years later it's still fresh to play and doesn't look aged at all. But despite all that, I definitely enjoyed Half Life 2 less than the previous chapter. I wil also say that I started with this chapter and then bought the previous game. First of all, I did like how the game, like I said, is still fresh: the graphics are surprisingly great and the engine is extremely good, and once you get the gravity gun you can exploit the physics of the game at its best. The characters are, for the most part, very remarkable and likeable to interact with, so nothing wrong here, except that maybe some characters disappear and reapper from the plot and will eventually confuse some people (or not). The game is also very balanced in the combats, with a good variety of weapons, a great variety of (very smart) enemies and with also many different situations to play. Infact, the best word to descrive this game, is "variety": you'll have a lot of situations in the game and they all are surprisingly fun to play and hardly bore you (like the boat section and ravenholm, where you will exploit the gravity gun). The story is...interesting...but I tend to get confused at times and I don't remember really much. And here comes some flaws in my opinion; while the story is good and well written, the game somehow seems very padded because, with some exceptions, the sections seem like a bunch of different parts glued all together! This isn't a big deal but, because of these sections that look like different parts completely, the story might get confusing, because (like I said) characters might appear and disappear all of the sudden and the story seems to get a halt for a pair of hours (the biggest example to me was the teleporter sceme: it seemed like an excuse to insert another part of the game). While I liked the first game because there wasn't much to understand, but only much to discover, in here it felt like I needed too much to understand, with nothing to discover at all. Also, this is kinda personal, I never got the links between the first game and this one (one big reason why I HAD to buy the first), but after finishing that game I still don't know what happened here after the events of the first (especially since that the ending of the first game didn't look like it had anything to do with the start of this. Except the presence of G-man). Maybe I'm just dumb, so I might be totally wrong on complaining this much. Moving to the combat: while I hated a bit the first game for the unbalance between the enemies (entire magazines to dispatch a few soldiers, while few shots would take down big aliens), this game actually fixes a lot of issues, especially with very well balanced weapons and with enemies that, for what I saw, have weakpoints (a head shots seem to do more damage here). My biggest complain here, is that the weapons aren't that many, even if there's the gravity gun. Quality over quantity is always the rule, however we could have used more variety of guns, or have a better thought for using them. For example, one of the rifles is rather bad because of the small magazines, and both of the rifles' secondary fire is very limited due to the lack of proper ammo; the magnum is great, but I hardly found that many ammo to use it so often; the grenades must be choose apart, while it should have been a button instead, or at least a faster way to choose it. And few weapons won't be used at all after certain parts, like the pheromone bomb. And while the gravity gun is a great invention, I found it very limited at times and, to be honest, I used it only on one section (Ravenholm), and NEVER used it again, because there was almost no other reason to use it afterwards and, strangely, only a very limited amount of weapons could be used. On the other hand, when it gets powered, things change completely. Just too bad it's for a brief time. All in all, I liked this game, but I honestly expected much more: while the first one had flaws and could use some more story and more balance, in here the situations don't always match the story properly, resulting in some unnecessary padding at times, and while it was very innovative for its time (and still kinda is), right now we also have games that took from the innovation that this game made and actually evolved it. Probably I'm just not a fan of this game and opinions will be varied, but it's still a good game to play and there's nothing exactly wrong with it. However, if people can't go past the "oldness" of this game, probably it's better to step away. Or else, give it a try and see for yourself.… Expand
  94. Illuminous
    Aug 29, 2011
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I can still remember playing through the first Half-Life game and it's expanionpacks, so I bought this game without reading any reviews or such. It started good but to me it seemed that they took away the dark and gritty parts from the first game and replaced it with a much brigther version. Some of the Aliens will now actually help you and humans make up for the biggest part of enemies you'll encounter throughout the game. The graphics were good and the physics aswell, but it still didn't manage to replace the feeling one got when you played through the first one of the series. There is a story but it's weak and not very special, I actually had to play through it twice to even see that there was one. But what's also so great with Half-Life 2 is the modability and I've played the mods more than I've played the actual game itself.… Expand
  95. Catlin
    Nov 10, 2011
    8
    Quite outdated now but back in its time,it was a fantastic fps,a thrilling story,great dialogue and easy to master gunplay.

    It spawned a huge following and hopefully we will get a sequel sometime in the near future.
  96. jb3689
    Jan 10, 2012
    8
    I finally got around to finishing this game in 2011. Every other time I gave up in Ravenholm after getting bored. While the game does have some great qualities, It's very overrated. Let's talk about the good first: The graphics are amazing and have aged so well! You'd never guess it was made 7 years ago. The games progression, while linear, is very varied and entertaining. There are actionI finally got around to finishing this game in 2011. Every other time I gave up in Ravenholm after getting bored. While the game does have some great qualities, It's very overrated. Let's talk about the good first: The graphics are amazing and have aged so well! You'd never guess it was made 7 years ago. The games progression, while linear, is very varied and entertaining. There are action packed moments, puzzles, and vehicle sequences. Unlike other shooters, this game does a great job of making fights feel epic (strider battles!). Now for the bad. The story is boring and the characters aren't very interesting. There are a few deadly glitches. The enemy variety isn't too high. The vehicle sequences are mostly boring. Sometimes the varied gameplay takes you from playstyles that you like to playstyles that you hate. Feels a bit formulaic at times. Regardless, with how cheap this game is on Steam these days it's still a must buy especially since it has aged so well.… Expand
  97. TheUnbeholden
    Apr 22, 2014
    8
    There was something very incredible about the original Half-Life. It was ground breaking for its time because it was the first game I played that really felt alive. Half-Life 2 is a step back in some ways. While it continues the same classic formula of run and gun rail shooter, it however goes back in several areas.
    While it has more of a storyline than Half-Life, its just not very    There was something very incredible about the original Half-Life. It was ground breaking for its time because it was the first game I played that really felt alive. Half-Life 2 is a step back in some ways. While it continues the same classic formula of run and gun rail shooter, it however goes back in several areas.
    While it has more of a storyline than Half-Life, its just not very interesting. The combine are perhaps the most bland enemy I've ever seen, the key problem is they are unmemorable. Like a weaker version of the Strogg (from Quake).

    While it has the best physics (which makes sense as you are Gordon Freeman, a theoretical physicist). The game took a nose dive into a completely different locale. The claustrophobia of underground research facility is gone, and some classic aliens don't make a come back (bullsquid/hound eye)... and Vortiguants are friendly -_-

    The game also noticeably lacks difficulty, even on hard the game is perhaps the easiest I've ever played.
    Less explosive barrels - Half-Life 1 had a perfect balance. Every time I saw a barrel in Half-Life 2 I knew someone was going to either go near it or hide behind it. Less health kits, once again HL1 had a perfect balance.. here I always find 2-3 to many. Those unlimited ammo/grenade supply crates where so unnecessary.

    The mediocre AI.. I want the AI to find ways to circle around me and trap me in corners, flush me out with grenades. The airboat portion in Half-Life 2 was dragged on far too long. In between each section you kill a few easy metro cops and then on you go... like some sort of tech demo.

    +Gameplay is fun, and level design is logical
    +Ergonomically designed, so you can play the whole in one sitting
    +Characerisation
    +Very long
    +Ravenholm

    -Easy game, even on Hard
    -Bland enemy design for the combine
    -Unmemorable music
    -Mediocre AI

    -Physics puzzles brought FPS a interesting twist, but I thought that they really didn't do anything substantial to move the genre forward. Instead it feels like a technical achievement rather than the merging of FPS gameplay and physics in some meaningful way. Using the physics gun to launch objects at enemies is about as far as it goes in this regard. I think future games to come end up achieving something like this more so.

    -Why does Gordon have to be a silent protagonist? I feel like it's more a crutch on the story.    … Expand
  98. 176-761
    Jan 30, 2013
    8
    Graphics are fair by nowadays standards, but plot is still quite good. Althougt gameplay is like going in the tube and there is no interactive options with storyline. Still after nearly 10 years this game feels like futuristic.
  99. AWG
    Jun 4, 2013
    8
    Graphics are stunning and the storyline keeps being as interesting as a well-written tv series. I personally got bored very soon by the hovercraft levels but that's just one subjective flaw among innumerable actual merits.
  100. HouseClarkzonia
    Nov 6, 2013
    8
    Great game, although I have to say. Playing it over and over again really digs into your skull that it's quite boring.
    (Sorry guys and gals. It's still good).
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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 »