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. PhilP.
    May 12, 2006
    10
    Incredible! The first game was amazing, and this one had me hooked even before the chopper fight!
  2. CurtisC.
    May 12, 2006
    10
    As a kid turning teen i can not still believe how awesome the graphics are i mean this is better then the final fantasy series best game ever made enough said.
  3. AivarsL.
    May 12, 2006
    10
    Bestest game ever made :D
  4. NickD.
    May 12, 2006
    10
    Awesome... no other words can describe.
  5. MichaelL.
    May 12, 2006
    10
    This game has changed the way people will look at FPS! the way it encorperates the weight system of every object, the amazing graphics and not to mention the engrossing story line. not playing this game is a crime and ALL halo fans will learn what a FPS game is.
  6. AnthonyN.
    May 12, 2006
    10
    Really good game!
  7. LukeM.
    May 12, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  8. LukeM.
    May 12, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  9. AnonymousMC
    May 11, 2006
    7
    The physics, graphics and audio are great, but the story and the gameplay is nowhere near the standards set by Half Life 1. The world is also nowhere near as wide, even though the previous environment was only a government facility, the city is a more restructive environment with less outside interaction. A disappointment as far as replayability.
  10. AdamM.
    May 10, 2006
    10
    An excellent game! The graphics are beyond any game which I have even seen to this date, May 2006. It is ahead of its time, has great gameplay, and is very realistic. However, it is not Half-Life 1, and is definately not as good. Still, if you are a REAL gamer, you have at least the Gold copy of this game!
  11. SeanT.
    May 10, 2006
    10
    This game rocks.
  12. M.W.
    May 10, 2006
    10
    A superb game. I'd knock the score down for the installation which is a pain, but i'm rating the game itself here which, when it all comes down to it, is near enough perfect. A good storyline, interesting characters and great gameplay are certainly enough to secure a 10 from me.
  13. JonW.
    May 10, 2006
    10
    Simply breathtaking. The immerssion is nothing like i've ever seen before. My only conern is the all too regular moments where you have to load the 'next level' - kinda breaks the flow alot, but the rest is so good - it easily deserves 10!
  14. CosinusPlaygroundWarrior
    May 10, 2006
    10
    Best 1ST Person Shooter I've ever played. I really liked the Raven Holm Chapter. ~I Don't Face Anything Else Than My Monitor~
  15. JustusR.
    May 10, 2006
    10
    This game is superb. The atmosphere is great, and the story pulls you in your computer, just like half life 1. Again it is a great combination of puzzling, story and combat action, that makes the game so interesting. Despite the fact that this genre is being overpopulated with games, half life still remains the king!
  16. TelmoC.
    May 9, 2006
    10
    The best game in the world.
  17. DeVoiDAnGeL
    May 9, 2006
    10
    For the peeps who said, "oh, just following the crowd and give it a 10". this game IS A TEN (10) TEN. for all the slack-tards complaining about steam, or im not in it for the graphics, kiss my biffins' bridge.. You people that are never satisfied with anything.. you lack imagination and I would suggest you go by a leap-frog game.......... more fitted to your mental capacity The For the peeps who said, "oh, just following the crowd and give it a 10". this game IS A TEN (10) TEN. for all the slack-tards complaining about steam, or im not in it for the graphics, kiss my biffins' bridge.. You people that are never satisfied with anything.. you lack imagination and I would suggest you go by a leap-frog game.......... more fitted to your mental capacity The sequel will be just as great!… Expand
  18. TonyM.
    May 9, 2006
    10
    Better graphics and detail smooth and slik ..good new mines and weapons....but no no no no no way is it long enough need more levels more story and .... i need more.
  19. OmarM.
    May 9, 2006
    10
    Es un juego perfecto, con gráficas increobles, la única mala noticia es que es algo corto en comparación con hl uno, veremos que continua en la historia con hl episode 1.
  20. LukeM.
    May 9, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  21. AndreK.
    May 9, 2006
    10
    Breathtaking Action and wonderfull detailed Graphics made me rate this Game 10. Good work Valve.
  22. BenH.
    May 8, 2006
    10
    Quite possibly the most intense game and best graphics I've ever seen.
  23. AnonymousMC
    May 8, 2006
    1
    The game itself is great! It would even be my favorite of all time, if it weren't for all of the bugs. There are almost 20 pages of help topics on various subjects. My personal problem is that all of the updates hang at 99 percent. I've had more than enough time to try everything discussed in the help topics, some twice.
    What makes this especially annoying, is that it will    The game itself is great! It would even be my favorite of all time, if it weren't for all of the bugs. There are almost 20 pages of help topics on various subjects. My personal problem is that all of the updates hang at 99 percent. I've had more than enough time to try everything discussed in the help topics, some twice.
    What makes this especially annoying, is that it will not let me get past a certain part of the game because of this. I even tried updating the other games include, while my update for HL2 was paused, and they updated with no problem... until they reached 99%, then they stopped. I updated Steam with no problem, to 100%.
    Personally, I will never buy another game with Steam on the box again. Not until they start offering their downloads through other sites like Cnet download or filefront. I've had this game for 3 months and I've only been able to play it for 2 weeks. A complete rip-off and total waste of time.
    It does offer the feature of backing up your files for you (so maybe you could save your progress), but, you guessed it, it won't let you do that because the game isn't updated.
    The good part is, if you do get desperate, you can use the box for toilet paper. I tried using the disk, but I couldn't download anything to it! A game is no good if you can't play it.    … Expand
  24. Isolation
    May 8, 2006
    10
    Quite simply, one of the grandest PC games of all time. Kudos Valve.
  25. Z.B.
    May 8, 2006
    9
    Very good climax, storyline and even better graphics. Small levels are still a bit annoying (especially at earlier parts of game). Weapons could be more realistic (sounds, weight). Almost as dragin in as 1 HL.
  26. CarlosS.
    May 8, 2006
    10
    this game is super cool. amazing graphics and gameplay. the physics involved in the puzzles are fun. i already bought episode 1 and cant wait till it comes out.
  27. AnonymousMC
    May 8, 2006
    10
    People, you are not reviewing steam, you are reviewing half-life 2 so don't include what you think of steam in your reviews. Remember steam is just a delivery method to the goodness of HL2. There are people below who are trying to be witty about how poor they think this game is yet they haven't even reviewed the game probably in terms of the overall package you get along with thePeople, you are not reviewing steam, you are reviewing half-life 2 so don't include what you think of steam in your reviews. Remember steam is just a delivery method to the goodness of HL2. There are people below who are trying to be witty about how poor they think this game is yet they haven't even reviewed the game probably in terms of the overall package you get along with the amazing graphics (which by the way are better than doom 3 as doom 3 is just mainly played in dark rooms which are much easier to render and create!), plot, character animation (not beaten to date) and cleaver AI which responds to any situation (yes the team AI could have been done better but its a single first person shooter, not a team playing game!!!). If you haven't played this game all the way through then your missing out. The plot is mysterious but that is keeping within the tradition of half life. It makes you want to find out more and more about the overall plot of the game and spurs you on throughout. This game really does deserve the unbeatable amount of game of the year awards it has won over the past few years and the highly rated opinions of the industry's top gaming experts! Buy this game and you won't be disappointed when you get it working!… Expand
  28. Dr.Impulse
    May 8, 2006
    10
    The best game ever! I got this game the day it came out and still find myself playing it! The best thing about this game is it will play on just about anything and has one of the best single player plots ever created. Anyone who gives this game less than 10 obviously hasn't played it!
  29. MattM.
    May 8, 2006
    10
    Amazing game, great story line, good gameplay great graphics, a fitting sequal!
  30. SamJ.
    May 8, 2006
    10
    LOVE it!
  31. IanM.
    May 8, 2006
    10
    Awesome visual work. Great interactive enviornments and great story line.
  32. SeanB.
    May 8, 2006
    10
    this game is so good i though that half life 1 was a good game but when i bought this it is so good and this is y i vote it 10 out 10 no 12 infact its that good.
  33. DmitryElisov
    May 7, 2006
    10
    It's really good! I have maybe finished it about 6 times, but it didn't become boring to me! Gabe Newell, you're the best!
  34. Quincunx
    May 7, 2006
    9
    Amazing game, I stills say Half-Life 1 was the best of all time, but this is great.
  35. Pharoah
    May 7, 2006
    10
    Kick ass game, bottom line. 2 thumbs way up!! Great characters, plot, levels, and gameplay. I enjoyed playing from start to finish, the ending totaly screems "what happens next!!" i can't wait for Half-Life Episode 1 to be released. ^_^
  36. RetR.
    May 7, 2006
    10
    Amazing.
  37. IanW.
    May 7, 2006
    10
    Superb, just the best game of this genre around. So polished.
  38. GinFish
    May 7, 2006
    10
    Virtual perfection.
  39. DanieRossi
    May 7, 2006
    9
    é il miglior gioco che abbia mai visto... unico problema è che dura poco.
  40. PatrickN.
    May 7, 2006
    10
    A truly superb and amazing game. The storyline was once again an excellent part to the game, with the same great storytelling elements from the original Half-Life. The graphics and physics engine are second to none, and really add to the gameplay.
  41. ScottJ.
    May 7, 2006
    10
    This game was quite amazing. I've finally finished it, after having gone through 2 reformats and I can't wait for Episode One to come out! Great story, amazing graphics, and the super gravity gun is awesome!!!
  42. TimG
    May 7, 2006
    4
    After about 10 minutes the wow wears off. It does not live up to its predecessor, the only redeeming facts are its graphical system and the ending leavings questions and a want to find out what happens next.
  43. IlyaO
    May 7, 2006
    10
    This game defines sequel. I love the plot, the characters, the graphics especially. Every single thing about this game I love. I want to give it a 100 out of 10.
  44. Bor
    May 7, 2006
    5
    The Best Game!!!
  45. MauriceJ>
    May 7, 2006
    10
    Nice game i loved to play the game many times.
  46. MorrisS.
    May 7, 2006
    10
    This game is totally awesome... from beginning till end perfect.. intelligent enemies, nice story an the best graphics ever 10/10.
  47. jeanbernard
    May 7, 2006
    10
    Exelent
  48. ??????????????
    May 7, 2006
    10
    ????? ??????? ????! ???????, ???? ????????? ???????? ????, ??? ???????? ??????, ?? ??? ?????????? ????????, ? ??????? ??????? ?????2 (!) ????? ??????? ? ??????... ????? ? ?????? ????????? ????? machinima, ??? g-man ???? ???????, ? ???? ???? ????? ?? ??????? - ??? ?????????? ????????... ??????? VALVE, ?? ??, ??? ??????? ???????????? ???? ????????? ? ?????? :) ??? ?? ??????????, ??? ? ????? ??????? ????! ???????, ???? ????????? ???????? ????, ??? ???????? ??????, ?? ??? ?????????? ????????, ? ??????? ??????? ?????2 (!) ????? ??????? ? ??????... ????? ? ?????? ????????? ????? machinima, ??? g-man ???? ???????, ? ???? ???? ????? ?? ??????? - ??? ?????????? ????????... ??????? VALVE, ?? ??, ??? ??????? ???????????? ???? ????????? ? ?????? :) ??? ?? ??????????, ??? ? ??????? ??????? ? ????????? ?????? ????, ?? ?????(????? ??? ????) ????? ???????????? ?????? ? ?????? ?? ??????, ? ????? ??? ??? - ????? ?????? ???? ????-????2 =) ????? ???? ?????????? ?????????? ????????????? ???????, ???????????? ?? ???? ????...… Expand
  49. JamesM.
    May 7, 2006
    10
    A sequal that lives up to the original, so much more depth, graphics better than anything I have seen, even a year and half after it's release it still looks better than 99% of all games out today. The traditional gameplay of the original half life is still here, some original weapons are still here and a few new ones thrown in which make the game a whole load of fun. the pace of the A sequal that lives up to the original, so much more depth, graphics better than anything I have seen, even a year and half after it's release it still looks better than 99% of all games out today. The traditional gameplay of the original half life is still here, some original weapons are still here and a few new ones thrown in which make the game a whole load of fun. the pace of the game moves fluidly and realisticly. This game is a pleasure to play, I think I might go fire it up right now!… Expand
  50. BPsycho
    May 7, 2006
    10
    Fantastic game! Played on hard the AI is not nearly as bad (There is a BIG difference between Normal and Hard). For those touting Far Cry's AI, a sniper shooting you from a mile away through jungle foliage is NOT good AI, and the soldiers were more twitchy than Quake 3 players - not to mention psychic. As far as steam goes, it's come a long way, and is one of the first -or only- Fantastic game! Played on hard the AI is not nearly as bad (There is a BIG difference between Normal and Hard). For those touting Far Cry's AI, a sniper shooting you from a mile away through jungle foliage is NOT good AI, and the soldiers were more twitchy than Quake 3 players - not to mention psychic. As far as steam goes, it's come a long way, and is one of the first -or only- online game distribution systems. At least it's not WON.… Expand
  51. SeanM.
    May 6, 2006
    10
    Best game byfar, valves style of graphics seem more real to me than any other developer. From the physics to the sound a massive achievement and major step forward for pc gaming.
  52. Bobbobbo
    May 6, 2006
    10
    The best game I have ever played.
  53. ChrisE.
    May 6, 2006
    9
    This is one of my favorite games of all time if there was a 9.8 score I'd give it that but the game wasnt PERFECT but sure damned close to it....I LOVE THIS GAME....Good Job Valve! :)
  54. LukeM.
    May 6, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  55. AndrewF.
    May 6, 2006
    10
    Even though this new company, valve, has been known for their delays, they still offer quality material. And to me, that is well worth the wait. I would much rather wait 6 months then to continue to play some of these games that have been rushed together that would have had so much potential. Valve stepped up to the plate and offered an amazing AI just like their first release. Sound, Even though this new company, valve, has been known for their delays, they still offer quality material. And to me, that is well worth the wait. I would much rather wait 6 months then to continue to play some of these games that have been rushed together that would have had so much potential. Valve stepped up to the plate and offered an amazing AI just like their first release. Sound, graphics, and replay value all met my expectations. The question is what will their new engine produce in multiplayer.… Expand
  56. AdamL
    May 6, 2006
    9
    This game was amazing, all the comments that say that this game was horrible, stupid, etc. they are dumbasses. seriously. They are being stupid, they are pointing out all the flaws in this game. Of course the AI isn't perfect, its a game. Those peopl who say that the ending was stupid and dropped off, its meant to. If you know anything about half life or half life 2, you'll This game was amazing, all the comments that say that this game was horrible, stupid, etc. they are dumbasses. seriously. They are being stupid, they are pointing out all the flaws in this game. Of course the AI isn't perfect, its a game. Those peopl who say that the ending was stupid and dropped off, its meant to. If you know anything about half life or half life 2, you'll understand that it's meant to be this way. People have dedicated years into make this an awesome game and it still is one. Compare all the negative reviews to the positive, you'll see how good this game really is. It is amazingly good, not to mention has a ton of mods out there so you get around 100 games in one. and most of them are actually good, rather then the crap that lots of other modders put out for other games. I have to say that the story is slightly liniar, but the amazing fights and battles make up for it. It is an intense game. Maybe those people who gave it negative reviews should try it on some other mode then easy, maybe that'll make the game more fun, when there is actually a challange.… Expand
  57. RS
    May 6, 2006
    10
    Half-Life 2 is an Interactive-Cinematic masterpiece. Valve has done a great job of populating the game with an extensive library of detailed sounds, rich textures, high-quality animations, and excellent scripting tools which all compliment a trully engaging storyline. Half-Life 2 will stand the test of time.
  58. AlexDeLand
    May 6, 2006
    10
    This game is absolutely amazing. I love all of the detail that was put into this game. It really makes a difference.
  59. AlexB.
    May 6, 2006
    10
    Brilliant, worth the extra wait. worth the cash.
  60. LukeM.
    May 6, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  61. JohnM.J.K.
    May 6, 2006
    10
    Amazing game with real life physics! This is THE or one of the best fps I've every played! Love it
  62. JohnnyH.
    May 6, 2006
    10
    The game uses astounding physics to create innovative puzzles, which are mixed in with great realism and intense firefights to make one of today's finest games.
  63. LukeM.
    May 6, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  64. PeterS.
    May 6, 2006
    10
    This game was a great advance in the gaming world. Supurb graphics, awesome physics, and great gameplay made this one a winner.
  65. PeterSellers
    May 6, 2006
    10
    Probally the best single player game ever, it ecells in all areas and comes with free down loading of other great games. And the Zero-Point Energy Field Manipulator (gravity Gun) is the coolest weapon of any video game ever. Up yours Halo
  66. AnonymousMC
    May 6, 2006
    1
    Würg...Story is the worst i ever experienced for such an overhyped game. Nice graphics and poor physic with an awful stupid ending dont make this game worth spending the time playing it. Ist nice too; to play a silent hero <--sarcasm. by the way halo2 has a equal stupid ending & story;) everyone please buy this game and help industrie create more borring games with best graphics ever.
  67. YvesB
    May 6, 2006
    10
    The best game ever created, you arent a true gamer if you havent played this game!!!
  68. PeterC.
    May 6, 2006
    10
    This is one of the best games i ever have tried.
  69. JoeK.
    May 6, 2006
    9
    GREAT GAME!
  70. RossH.
    May 6, 2006
    7
    Thought the graphics and physics were incredable for a game. However, i dont think valve worked hard enough on the gameplay and storyline such as on hl1, every level was something interesting. hl2 is to predictable in most cases.
  71. TeodorIkonomov
    May 6, 2006
    10
    The Best Game Ever
  72. JosaihB.
    May 6, 2006
    9
    About the game missing an easy-hard scale, what the heck man, it has one (easy, medium, hard). Great game, one of the best ever, makes games like Halo 2 that promise so much look like last nights dinner.
  73. EdwardMolyneux-Roberts
    May 6, 2006
    10
    Half-Life 2 is awsome! Such detail, such a setting, such a storyline! The only games that could rival it are it's expansions and Half-Life 3 (when it arrives some time in the future, maybe 2012). I love the super gravity gun, the ultimate weapon, even though it arrives much later in the game.
  74. Zex
    May 6, 2006
    10
    It are best single player game ah when i remember those playing days with gordon freeman i am sad because in Episode 1 now i hawe to play with alyx i will yearning for gordon and oll those playing days on HL2.
  75. SamN.
    May 6, 2006
    10
    Wow.
  76. MathewF.
    May 5, 2006
    10
    amazing game - had me captivated to the end. the physics alone can give hours of fun, the graphics are great and the story is good - the music is amazing! plus with all the free mods that have come out and are to come, you cant go wrong. download and installation were easy - i actually like steam - it keeps all the games in one place and completely does away with all the trouble of manual amazing game - had me captivated to the end. the physics alone can give hours of fun, the graphics are great and the story is good - the music is amazing! plus with all the free mods that have come out and are to come, you cant go wrong. download and installation were easy - i actually like steam - it keeps all the games in one place and completely does away with all the trouble of manual updates.… Expand
  77. LeeCalder
    May 5, 2006
    1
    Tedious. Boring.
  78. MikeA.
    May 5, 2006
    0
    Steam is terrible. Why reconfigure a high end pc to play one game? I wasn't impressed, should've saved the money.
  79. ChrisS.
    May 5, 2006
    10
    I can't think of a game I've ever enjoyed as much as this! Some people complain about the teammate AI. Though it isn't perfect, it's really not that bad, plus you rarely have a teammate! And to those of you who whine about it being linear. You know what? Sometimes, linear isn't bad! With a storyline as interesting as HL2's, I'm more than happy to follow a path.
  80. Eon
    May 5, 2006
    10
    This is the best FPS ever made on earth planet. And i really don't think I should explain it to people, who cannot see something that obvious. Everyone else, enjoy it , and do so many times.
  81. NikS.
    May 3, 2006
    10
    This game grabbed hold of me and never let go. I have now played it about 3 times and every time i learn something new and witness something cooler.
  82. DanielM.
    Apr 29, 2006
    10
    This game is mind blowing peace of art! Everyone should play this gorgeus game!
  83. CameronM.
    Apr 25, 2006
    10
    This is the best game ever made! I hope Half Life 3 will live up to it's reputation as the other games hqve.
  84. AnonymousMC
    Apr 23, 2006
    9
    Quit Hyping up how great Far Cry is over Half Life 2. I bought Far Cry because a friend told me how awesome it was. The highest graphics settings on Far Cry slow my Pc Down but the graphics on Half Life 2 Do not. The cutscenes for Far Cry are short and choppy and the character acting is bad, they do not model how humans really move when they talk (Half Life 2 does and everyone knowsQuit Hyping up how great Far Cry is over Half Life 2. I bought Far Cry because a friend told me how awesome it was. The highest graphics settings on Far Cry slow my Pc Down but the graphics on Half Life 2 Do not. The cutscenes for Far Cry are short and choppy and the character acting is bad, they do not model how humans really move when they talk (Half Life 2 does and everyone knows it). Far cry would make even Carlos Mencia say "Nuh na NUuuuUuUh !!!" The game play sucks so badly that i wonder why i even bought the game. You are supposed to be able to sneak through the jungle and silently kill opponents. Um so why don't I have a silencer and as far as i know there is no meelee button. Also, why am I such a pansy in Far Cry that i can not even fire my weapon when i am on the surface of the water? If you want a real jungle sneeking game with great story, buy a playstation 2 and get Metal Gear Sold 3. People are also talking about how Half Life 2 is repeatable through certain sections if you play them over and over. My friend died three times at that massive turret on that part where you are taking the airboat to Eli's and you have to explode the barrels to knock open a gate. Each time he played the section against that combine soldier, the soldier ended up in three different places when my friend crouched behind tha cart and slowly pushed it toward him. On another part when you are escaping the combine in the train tunnels my friend looked down the hallway and saw a combine soldier next to an exploding barrel that was knocked over. He went to the wall to get some health and when he went back to go kill the soldier, we saw him pushing an exploding barrel down the hall towards him. Now i haven't played doom 3 or quake but what other AI does this? What about the Zombies who through barrels and crates at you? I didn't expect that.

    Bottom line is that Half Life 2 has great graphics without compromising performance and all you people need to get off of your Far Cry trip.    … Expand
  85. CarmineR.
    Apr 17, 2006
    6
    This game is rediculously overated. The A.I. is abysmal, story linear beyond believe, and you spend pretty much the whole game on your todd being sent down some tunnel or what not. The plot is predictable and the weapons are awful. I also didnt understand why Gordon never spoke, making him seem like a social retard. On the plus side the engine has some nice graphics and fancy physics. A This game is rediculously overated. The A.I. is abysmal, story linear beyond believe, and you spend pretty much the whole game on your todd being sent down some tunnel or what not. The plot is predictable and the weapons are awful. I also didnt understand why Gordon never spoke, making him seem like a social retard. On the plus side the engine has some nice graphics and fancy physics. A decent enough game but does nothing to improve the legacy of HL1, and there a far superior titles out there now (Far Cry and Call of Duty 2), neither of which need the staming trud that is steam.… Expand
  86. AndrewD.
    Apr 14, 2006
    10
    The best game ever, granted a long wait, but worht every heart-breaking seconfd of it.
  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. AnonymousMC
    Apr 8, 2006
    10
    Excellent, a very great game, love the graphics, the physics, gameplay, and you dont even need a really good game to play it... (I.E Far cry and doom3). I didnt like steam at first, but after a year, it kinda grows on you, you just gotta deal with it, because it looks like thats how games will be distributed in the future... anyhow, great game, cant wait for the expansion (theExcellent, a very great game, love the graphics, the physics, gameplay, and you dont even need a really good game to play it... (I.E Far cry and doom3). I didnt like steam at first, but after a year, it kinda grows on you, you just gotta deal with it, because it looks like thats how games will be distributed in the future... anyhow, great game, cant wait for the expansion (the counter-strike source added to it is very nice as well, spend many hours on that) I rate it a 10 on 10!… Expand
  89. AnonymousMC
    Apr 8, 2006
    9
    I will agree with some of the critics of HL2 that it doesn't break a ton of new ground in terms of gameplay. Honestly, though, that's really kind of a side issue because the game is so immersive, that it makes up for any and all other shortcomings. It simply has one of the most compelling and immersive storylines that I've ever seen in a video game. It puts most modernI will agree with some of the critics of HL2 that it doesn't break a ton of new ground in terms of gameplay. Honestly, though, that's really kind of a side issue because the game is so immersive, that it makes up for any and all other shortcomings. It simply has one of the most compelling and immersive storylines that I've ever seen in a video game. It puts most modern Hollywood movies to shame really; it's a video game epic.… Expand
  90. AnonymousMC
    Apr 8, 2006
    10
    Half Life 2 is a great game, for the people who think that Steam is "bs", it's a very good thing as long as it works. I wouldn't give the game a 0 because Steam didn't install at first, but you would have given the game itself a 10...

    There are so many modifications for Half Life 2 popping up, most of them are free too! This game should be owned by every Half-Life fan in    Half Life 2 is a great game, for the people who think that Steam is "bs", it's a very good thing as long as it works. I wouldn't give the game a 0 because Steam didn't install at first, but you would have given the game itself a 10...

    There are so many modifications for Half Life 2 popping up, most of them are free too! This game should be owned by every Half-Life fan in my oppinion.

    There are many many games where you have to wait a long time for things to load, but it's your computer that makes it so slow. Just get an upgrade as you probably need one to experience the game in its full beauty.    … Expand
  91. JohnS.
    Apr 6, 2006
    10
    In my opinion FPS is the best genre, and in my opinion this is the best FPS, so in my opinion this must be the best game ever.
  92. TonyT.
    Apr 1, 2006
    10
    After going through the whole game I finally realized how amazingly clever this game really is. Each and every puzzle was unique and very nicely planned. The amazing physics also made this possible. Who wouldnt love shooiting the enemy off of cliffs. Thats my favorite. Amazing game!
  93. DavidK.
    Mar 30, 2006
    10
    The most innovative, beautiful, immersive, fun, thought-provoking, useful, creative, and awesome game EVER. Graphics are as good as they get, and yet still seem to run playably on relatively old machines. The plot is very realistic, and you're much more involved with full facial animations. I felt that was something all games were missing. Not only do all the characters move with the The most innovative, beautiful, immersive, fun, thought-provoking, useful, creative, and awesome game EVER. Graphics are as good as they get, and yet still seem to run playably on relatively old machines. The plot is very realistic, and you're much more involved with full facial animations. I felt that was something all games were missing. Not only do all the characters move with the full range of emotions that almost makes the game like a movie, but you can make your own animations too! And I've seen some that kicked ass, no less. And physics...DON'T GET ME STARTED! Physics not only make all the gunshots and explosions so much cooler to watch, but it actually brings up a whole slew of new ways to attack enemies. An expert may look down at a new player and say "You just left that splintered piece of wood BEHIND???" Garry's Mod is a game in itself, with enough extra visuals and creative methods that bring the engine's physics to their full extent and back around again. Just go to facepunchstudios.com and see what wonders have been made. When I played Halo, I noticed something - you get lost a lot. A lot of rooms are similar, and I have never ever memorized any portion of a halo level. But Half-Life 2...take just about any screenshot of a level and even someone who only played the game once will look and say "Oh yeah! I remember that part!" Every little room has something in it that's memorable. As for the prequel, let's just say graphics is probably the smallest of the things they improved.… Expand
  94. M.Braun
    Mar 30, 2006
    9
    Atmosphere top, graphics top. Still played in age of 2 years. Can games like FEAR and others beat that? no.
  95. JamesD.
    Mar 29, 2006
    10
    A classic come back for round two;If you don't own HL2, Your obviously not an FPS gamer, and are missing an excellent introduction to the genre.
  96. LukeM.
    Mar 29, 2006
    10
    Best Game Ever!!!!
  97. ImpA.
    Mar 29, 2006
    10
    The best gameplay, graphics and story seen in a computergame since the 90's. You play the story.. the shooting is also nice but is not the main gaol.. the gaol is to finish the story.. not only to shoot. Many shoot 'em up game fail on this point.
  98. DavidH.
    Mar 29, 2006
    10
    This is simply a masterpiece, bettering even the first Half-Life. It's practically faultless, and endlessly varying and truly mesmerising experience. The best videogame ever made.
  99. DavidR.
    Mar 29, 2006
    10
    Best played with 256m graphics card, well worth the play. 10 out of 10.
  100. DelaneyS.
    Mar 28, 2006
    10
    BEST GAME EVER! Seriously. The physics engine...amazing! The AI...amazing! The hours of game time...amazing! This game will keep you glued to your computer with hours of fun on end + an amizing fan base with hundreds of great mods. WOW!
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best PC Game of 2004
1
#1 Most Discussed PC Game of 2004
1
#1 Most Shared PC Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
96

Universal acclaim - based on 81 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 81 out of 81
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 81
  3. Negative: 0 out of 81
  1. CPUGamer
    100
    Nothing less than a revolution in the gaming industry that will keep gamers busy for years to come, just as the original did.
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  2. Play.tm
    95
    An ephemeral and controversial ending, along with the few issues described above, means that for me, Half-Life 2, while a compelling and highly enjoyable game, falls short of the size of impact that the first title had on the gaming world.
    Read full review
  3. Playboy
    100
    A graphics overhaul delivers detailed facial animations and sophisticated physics that leave battle zones strewn with debris after intense shootouts with shuffling corpses, overfed curstaceans and other assorted foes. [October, p.37]
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