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. Damocles346
    Nov 14, 2013
    8
    Though it did change the WAY we look at games in general, I have never been wowed by Half Life's gameplay. It gets an 8 from me standing on it's genre changing nature all by its own, but if you stood it up only on it's game play, I would probably give it a 6.
  2. Metalpizza123
    Jun 14, 2019
    8
    Playing it again in 2018, I don't know how i found this so fun when I was younger. The mission structure is boring, with repetitive combat with uninteresting enemies that lack variety. Certain sections seem thrown in just to show off the engine, without considering why it's even necessary. Physics puzzles may have been interesting back when it launched but even then I found it boring andPlaying it again in 2018, I don't know how i found this so fun when I was younger. The mission structure is boring, with repetitive combat with uninteresting enemies that lack variety. Certain sections seem thrown in just to show off the engine, without considering why it's even necessary. Physics puzzles may have been interesting back when it launched but even then I found it boring and insulting to the player. More often than not they're incredibly simple and is just busywork/filler to pad out the levels. However, it is still fun to run through its expansions, which refined a lot of the game's mechanics and feel more polished as a result. The story itself is honestly pretty bland, and never reaches the highs of the original. The characters occasionally feel flat and as a result feel more like necessities to drive the game, but overall the writing is pretty good. It Still lacks a compelling reason to keep invested. It's linear structure is not helped by otherwise boring level design, perhaps due to the limits of the combat system. A pity then, as some of the weapons and tools are legitimately quite fun and unique, and provide interesting ways to interact with the environment and enemies. Ravenholm is still a highlight where the tools and level design feel consistently fun. Play it in short bursts and the combat is pretty fun. However, after certain events in the game, you're forced to face gauntlet after gauntlet of combine enemies. This is easily the most unrewarding part of the game, forcing you to battle wave after wave of enemies that rarely change their tactics and with the level design failing to bring any interesting twists to the combat.

    Thankfully it's usually on sale pretty cheap on steam, and fairly regularly (with its expansions). It's still wonderful to watch people speedrun it and it's worth playing through, at least once. i would advise any modern gamer to play it more as a way to see how gaming evolved, rather than using it as a standard for games to compare to. Many games have learnt and built upon the changes made in this game. I do give it points for running wonderfully on many modern systems. I have now played it across 4 operating systems and it has run well across multiple brands of graphics cards. Graphics mean little to me in terms of gameplay but from an objective standpoint it has aged well, unlike many 3D games from the early 2000s. It won't blow anything away now, but it does look serviceable and much better than many games from its era. Sound design is good, but not memorable. Serviceable perhaps.

    It does have a wealth of fan made mods but that does not affect my score, as Valve did not create them.

    I guess Valve made a great game for its time, but for its time only. While other games have gone on to play well long after they have been released, Half Life 2 stands as a dated classic. If you want to play a game from this era that plays just as well as the first time it was released, I would recommend FEAR. It's almost the complete opposite. Storytelling is far better, with immersion done far better. It has aged worse, has numerous compatibility issues, and requires extensive tweaking to get working on modern operating systems. but it's fun to play, even today. Another example would be Max Payne 2. It has aged awfully, but remains fun to this day. But play half life 2. At least once. You'd be missing out otherwise.    … Expand
  3. mulv81
    Feb 3, 2015
    8
    I really enjoyed the first Half-Life, but the sequel was mediocre for the most part. The graphics were really top notch for their time, and today the Source engine is an incredible success and very well optimized. Aside from the gravity gun, the rest of the gun-play was not great. The story was mediocre, with one dull cut scene after another, some trope fostering a communist politicalI really enjoyed the first Half-Life, but the sequel was mediocre for the most part. The graphics were really top notch for their time, and today the Source engine is an incredible success and very well optimized. Aside from the gravity gun, the rest of the gun-play was not great. The story was mediocre, with one dull cut scene after another, some trope fostering a communist political overtone in an hyperbolic fascist Orwellian dystopia. Perhaps the most overrated game of all time, but still worthy of recognition and respect for the technically innovative Source game engine… Expand
  4. Tyrfalger
    May 1, 2015
    8
    As far as shooters go (I have become disillusioned with shooters), this was pretty decent. Good story, variety of weapons, level design and flow. However, playing for longer than a few hours made me slightly nauseous from motion sickness and I have only encountered a handful of games that made me nauseous. So adjust FOV/head bob accordingly.
  5. russiangamer
    Nov 7, 2016
    8
    Сегодня (7.11.16.) впервые прошёл данную игру.
    Услышал я про неё впервые ещё лет 8 назад, играл в демку, да и забил. Но вдруг решил пройти классику.
    Ниже мнение человека, который не проходил игру в 2004, 2005... а только в 2016, в конце 2016. Я не ньюфаг, прошёл игру с удовольствием, местами было скучновато, местами очень весело и эпично. -Геймплей тут вполне стандартный. Он неплох, но    Сегодня (7.11.16.) впервые прошёл данную игру.
    Услышал я про неё впервые ещё лет 8 назад, играл в демку, да и забил. Но вдруг решил пройти классику.
    Ниже мнение человека, который не проходил игру в 2004, 2005... а только в 2016, в конце 2016.
    Я не ньюфаг, прошёл игру с удовольствием, местами было скучновато, местами очень весело и эпично.
    -Геймплей тут вполне стандартный. Он неплох, но местами, а точнее ближе к концу, он становится довольно скучноват. До середины игры дают покататься на 2-х транспортных средствах- багги и лодка на воздушной подушке, довольно неплохое разнообразие игрового процесса. Плавно перейдём к физике. Физика шикарна до сих пор, а в 2004 просто взрыв мозга... , но порой она выдаёт такие нелепости или странности, что немного не по себе. вообщем за геймплей 7,5-8/10
    -Сюжет довольно интересный. Диалоги было интересно слушать, а финал так и вообще очень крутой вышел. А лицевая анимация просто шик, тоже до сих пор смотрится улётно, а в 2004... За сюжет 8/10.
    -Атмосфера и музыка. Атмосфера тут бывает настолько разная, что диву даёшься. То это налёт хоррора, повсюду какие-то хлюпания, шорохи, темнота. То это атмосфера одиночества, едешь по дороге на той же машине, а на ней никого, вокруг только горы и океан. Ну и атмосфера пост-апокалипсиса. Музыка хороша, порой задаёт тонус вести дальнейшую битву, она довольно динамична, местами просто расслабляет. 9/10 за атмосферу и музыку.
    Вообщем на данный момент игра всё ещё ОЧЕНЬ хороша, если вы не играли в неё и вы не ньюфаг, не презираете старые игры, а любите их, то я настоятельно рекомендую данную игру, кто знает, может она станет одной из ваших любимых!
    2004- 9-9,5/10
    2016- 8/10    … Expand
  6. Heaves
    Jan 8, 2016
    8
    Even in 2016, this game still stands up well against its modern equivalents as it is. It can be further enhanced with a few good mods to improve the graphics etc.
  7. Dagfinn
    Sep 22, 2018
    8
    A deserved classic. Great story and shooting and a bit of puzzling. Loses some points because the story will never be finished though.
  8. nayecritic
    Feb 1, 2016
    8
    i just buy and played this game maybe... 7 month ago? whatever.
    this game is very good but..
    sometimes i have lose way, and i'm losing way, i fell something horror,, and horror sound
    i hate that sound :(
  9. DreamEaglr
    Apr 8, 2020
    8
    Отличный движок, неплохой геймплей и классная музыка, но сюжет и вторая половина игры это тихий ужас.
  10. auditbadger
    Jul 30, 2017
    8
    I think that this is truly a unique game and I would recommend that if you are a fan of this type of genre then I think you should give this game a try.
  11. Axilley
    Jul 22, 2021
    8
    good good good good good good good good good good good good good goodgood good good good good good good good good good good good good goodgood good good good good good good good good good good good good good
  12. ethanspeed
    Mar 27, 2019
    8
    Ok, I finished Half-Life 2 for the first time recently. I never really got into the game because of the mountains of other games that I needed to play, but I finished it recently and...It's really good. Best game of all time though? Not quite. The game isn't perfect, with the story and the gameplay having a lot of faults, but I'm very glad that it exists. If this game was not created, mostOk, I finished Half-Life 2 for the first time recently. I never really got into the game because of the mountains of other games that I needed to play, but I finished it recently and...It's really good. Best game of all time though? Not quite. The game isn't perfect, with the story and the gameplay having a lot of faults, but I'm very glad that it exists. If this game was not created, most of the shooters we see nowadays would not exist (for better or for worse) and I don't know what the gaming industry would be nowadays without this game. Half-Life 2 isn't perfect, but all in all, it's a revolutionary title that still stands up today as a great game.… Expand
  13. UncleEd
    Nov 30, 2017
    8
    I have found this one overrated. I know I have played it more than 10 years after the release date, but I still enjoy FPS classics such as Unreal, Duke Nukem 3D, whereas Half-Life 2 was a "not bad" experience at best. I don't get why the story is found so spectacular, which in my opinion is not. Yes, the graphics are good, gravity gun is interesting but the game gave me the feeling ofI have found this one overrated. I know I have played it more than 10 years after the release date, but I still enjoy FPS classics such as Unreal, Duke Nukem 3D, whereas Half-Life 2 was a "not bad" experience at best. I don't get why the story is found so spectacular, which in my opinion is not. Yes, the graphics are good, gravity gun is interesting but the game gave me the feeling of "hey, now we are using the gravity in our games and this is very innovative. so you should appreciate it as a classic". No... Half-Life 2 is not the best game ever made, it is not even a classic. It is, however, a fairly good game with good sound and atmosphere, average story and shooting physics and some spectacular graphics for its time. There are some chapters that are too long, such as the ones where you use an airboat, in which the game feels more like a tech demo where the devs are trying to impress. And the worst thing about the game, a huge minus, is that Half-Life 2 will likely give you nausea. In some chapters I felt sick and my face went pale. I have been playing shooters forever, never have I suffered a nausea in a game, which I believe indicates some serious design mistakes.… Expand
  14. LaroTayoGaming
    May 28, 2023
    8
    "Rise and shine, Mr. Freeman." The most iconic voice lines of this great game. Replay-ability and the great storytelling will just love this game a lot more.
  15. Domino---
    Dec 13, 2018
    8
    This game was a revolution, and a big one. No Clip actually just published a documentary about it to explain how it influenced the entire industry. Sadly it's not aging well and I just finished it for the first time.
  16. sebastianali
    Oct 18, 2020
    8
    Half Life 2 es uno de los mejores FPS que existen. En primer lugar, vamos por los gráficos. Los gráficos. En pleno 2004, los gráficos, las físicas son de lo absolutamente mejor que he visto nunca, y si bien puede estar anticuado para estándares actuales, es la ambientación y el diseño de niveles lo que lo hace destacar a día de hoy. En cuanto a la historia, es excelente y va de la mano conHalf Life 2 es uno de los mejores FPS que existen. En primer lugar, vamos por los gráficos. Los gráficos. En pleno 2004, los gráficos, las físicas son de lo absolutamente mejor que he visto nunca, y si bien puede estar anticuado para estándares actuales, es la ambientación y el diseño de niveles lo que lo hace destacar a día de hoy. En cuanto a la historia, es excelente y va de la mano con la jugabilidad y la progresión e interacción de los mapas, similar al primer juego pero mejorado (aunque la inclusión de nuevos personajes que supuestamente son de antaño como Eli Vance, que si bien son carismáticos, el juego no los introduce de manera correcta y eso no me ha gustado). Sin embargo, hay algunas cosas que empeoraron con respecto a la primera entrega. La jugabilidad en parte me pareció peor: si bien alabo la inclusión de vehículos (entretenidos y con mucha adrenalina) o la arma gravitatoria (muy innovador por cierto), hay menos variedad de armas, lo que da menos estrategia a la hora de combatir y se convierte en algo genérico, ademas de carecer de modo multijugador a diferencia del primer juego (y no, el multijugador por consola con trucos o con mods no cuenta). Quitando eso, es un juegazo, ademas de marcar un antes y un después en el genero, habiendo envejecido de manera espectacular. A nivel jugable sera inferior al primer juego, pero a nivel de narrativa y ambientación le gana por mucho.… Expand
  17. rezo_21
    Sep 19, 2021
    8
    ====================IIIIIIIIII GAME SCORE : 80 IIIIIIIIII====================
  18. FrpMan
    Dec 19, 2020
    8
    Zamanı için harika oyun. Lakin geç oynadım o yüzden o kadar etkilenmedim. Fizik motoru bugün bile harika.
  19. SolidSovereign
    Jul 5, 2019
    8
    Unpopular opinion: I liked Half Life 1 better. The level design to Half life 2 is much better but nothing can capture the feeling that I felt when I first played HL 1
  20. Pyro552
    Oct 24, 2019
    8
    While the game is amazing the first 3 or so times, it gets a bit boring to sit through conversations between characters so i normally just find myself messing around while the cutscene plays out. Physics are pretty fun to mess with and looks more like a 2012 game than 2004. Holds up great though, unlike Half-Life 1. Seriously, tell me one person who dosen't just dick around on a 2ndWhile the game is amazing the first 3 or so times, it gets a bit boring to sit through conversations between characters so i normally just find myself messing around while the cutscene plays out. Physics are pretty fun to mess with and looks more like a 2012 game than 2004. Holds up great though, unlike Half-Life 1. Seriously, tell me one person who dosen't just dick around on a 2nd playthrough of Half-Life… Expand
  21. Monort
    Dec 31, 2019
    8
    The best fps game. Gorgeous Graphics, awesome atmosphere, awesome episode designs, outstanding physics, awesome story and more. Get And Play.
  22. geekslayer
    Aug 25, 2020
    8
    Плюсы:
    - атмосфера игры держит в напряжении постоянно, не отпуская ни на секунду
    - потрясающая графика на момент выхода. Заточенность под графические процессоры от ATI была новинкой в мире игр. Мимика персонажей и их лица вообще (как и модели) лучше, чем в Doom 3, а пейзажи, можно сказать, несколько выигрывают у Far Cry - звук в игре заставляет прислушиваться ко всем мелочам -    Плюсы:
    - атмосфера игры держит в напряжении постоянно, не отпуская ни на секунду
    - потрясающая графика на момент выхода. Заточенность под графические процессоры от ATI была новинкой в мире игр. Мимика персонажей и их лица вообще (как и модели) лучше, чем в Doom 3, а пейзажи, можно сказать, несколько выигрывают у Far Cry
    - звук в игре заставляет прислушиваться ко всем мелочам
    - физический движок Havoc - это нечто
    Минусы:
    - заскриптованная подача сюжета, всё очень линейно
    - граната, брошенная в вертолет, застревает в крутящихся лопастях, а когда труп падает в воду, его кровь не растворяется в воде, окрашивая ее в розовый цвет, а пятном падает на дно
    - самого главного героя (или даже часть его тела) не видно до конца игры. Если Гордон берет что-то в руки, то предмет зависает в некотором отдалении от него
    В целом, отличный FPS для своего времени, но вряд ли его можно назвать революционным. Крепкая 8/10.    … Expand
  23. yeezymane
    Apr 1, 2021
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Графика - 8/10
    Игровой процесс - 9/10
    Сюжет - 8/10
    Музыка - 6/10    … Expand
  24. yangfanhong
    Feb 9, 2022
    8
    Epic game！The physical engine was so advanced at that time and it was so fun.
  25. Haeder
    Jul 20, 2020
    8
    This game is surely something And I have been wanting to play it for a while now and I have just gotten the time to do so, Let me go through it one by one:
    Firstly, The graphics, The graphics of this game is Good-looking maybe not the best by today standards but it's still good and the facial animations are nice to have, The level design on the other hand is more interesting, Sometimes    This game is surely something And I have been wanting to play it for a while now and I have just gotten the time to do so, Let me go through it one by one:
    Firstly, The graphics, The graphics of this game is Good-looking maybe not the best by today standards but it's still good and the facial animations are nice to have, The level design on the other hand is more interesting, Sometimes you get stuck not knowing where to go? and sometimes you just have to stop and admire the brilliant level design, The voice acting is lower then normal only exception is G-Man his voice is just gorgeous, The story is pretty neat and the gameplay is unique, The guns are different from each other and each got Its own use case, The gravity gun is so awesome, and the vehicles that you can drive are well made, The AI is smart, For me the gameplay is the strong point in this game.

    Valve clearly knows how to make a good and a bad game and this game is one of the good ones, maybe not the best but it's surely good.

    tl;dr
    Pros:
    + Neat story
    + Beautiful graphics
    + Smart AI
    + Awesome gameplay
    Cons:
    - Level design is sometimes confusing
    - Voice acting is way less than I would expect from the company that made Portal (and any other story-based game)
    - Some weird bugs overall    … Expand
  26. Rustick
    Jul 7, 2022
    8
    для своего времени шедевр сюжет весьма неплох геймплей радует кроме транспортных миссий
  27. KitterKatster
    Nov 14, 2021
    8
    Its terrible that this game from 2004 still has the best physics. Well maybe not best BUT IT USES THEM thus making it the best. Some of the later levels drop in quality which is a shame. Weapon and enemy variety is less so then HL1 which is a shame. Pacing is alot slower then HL1, which isn't necessarly a bad thing but on your 5000th playthrough u kinda host_timescale it.
  28. ewenr
    Jun 29, 2020
    8
    For me, Half Life 2 didn't quite capture the magic of the previous game but it was very enjoyable none the less.
  29. Hanekoma
    Jul 3, 2020
    8
    As the first fps game I played, it left a deep impact on me. Of course, for me, who was only 6 years old, the game was a bit bloody, but I still like it.
  30. WaldieX
    Jul 4, 2020
    8
    I remember I bought Half-Life Complete just for GMOD textures and then I wanted to try it and I enjoyed this game. Gameplay was great and as a fan of FPS games I liked it. Graphics was great it you keep in mind it was FRICKING 2004 GAME! Physics of this game are great and I feel like it is better than in some 2020 games. I enjoyed it and I will play it again, I will give Half-Life 2 8/10.
  31. Nekellor_Met
    Aug 1, 2020
    8
    Отличнейшее разнообразие геймплея. Как шутер не идеальный. Как сюжетная приключенческая игра довольно хороша.
  32. emilyratesgames
    Jul 21, 2020
    8
    Score: 8
    ------------------------------------------------------------------
  33. MrTextar
    Aug 9, 2020
    8
    ПЕРИОД ПОЛУРАСПАДА

    О серии Half-Life наслышаны все, как минимум из-за того, что миллионы игроков ожидают выхода третьей части. Почему же эта серия в прошлом заняла особое место в пантеоне хороших игр? Попробуем разобраться. И сегодня речь пойдёт именно о второй части серии, т.к. она является наиболее популярной. Roleplay проекты, фанатские модификации и переиздания - всё это признак    ПЕРИОД ПОЛУРАСПАДА

    О серии Half-Life наслышаны все, как минимум из-за того, что миллионы игроков ожидают выхода третьей части. Почему же эта серия в прошлом заняла особое место в пантеоне хороших игр? Попробуем разобраться.

    И сегодня речь пойдёт именно о второй части серии, т.к. она является наиболее популярной. Roleplay проекты, фанатские модификации и переиздания - всё это признак того, что игра жива и любима.

    Действие сюжета происходит спустя несколько лет после событий первой части. Из-за мощного резонанса на Землю хлынули пришельцы, прозванные Альянсом. И именно борьбой с захватчиками мы будем заниматься в лице молчаливого Гордона Фримена. По пути нам встретятся как старые знакомые, так и новые союзники и враги. Сценаристы затронули тему любовных отношений между Гордоном и его подругой Аликс, которая заполучила собственную игру в VR. Сюжет всё также полон нераскрытых загадок и мелочей. Если подвести итог по этой части, то за повествованием интересно наблюдать.

    Теперь игровой процесс. Подобного рода игры я описываю именно как ИГРА.

    Можно проходить различные участки уровней совершенно разными способами, ровно как и вести борьбу с врагами. В наличии имеется несколько видов вооружения: от классических SMG и револьверов, до фантастических лазерных винтовок. Это всё поможет сражаться с обычными врагами и монстрами, а вот ПТУРС пригодится для уничтожения высоких шагающих живых турелей. Кроме того, можно бросаться в противников предметами, ставить мины и загораживать им путь, дабы дать себе время для отступления.

    По ходу игры нам придётся побывать в разнообразных локациях. Пустынные пляжи, закрытые бункеры, заброшенные города. И вечно Гордона преследует напасть. Но это не значит, что удача покинула его. По случайности за ближайшим углом оказывается высокий ящик или взрывная бочка, а в кустах спрятан вентиль от трубы. Всё это пригодится для того, чтобы обойти препятствие. Загадки эти просты, но интересны.

    Отдельно хочется сказать про музыкальное сопровождение. Оно классное, задаёт ритм, но резко обрывается в самый неподходящий момент.

    По сути, это всё, из чего состоит игра. Хороший сюжет, довольно устаревшие, но в то же время бессмертные механики, красивые локации. Шедевром явно не назвать, но играть и переигрывать всегда приятно и не надоедает.    … Expand
  34. genesisdoes
    Oct 2, 2020
    8
    The original Half-Life very well may be my favorite first person shooter of all time. I see it as the turning point between the first person shooters of yesteryear (Doom, Quake etc.) and more story driven first person shooters of today. I've played the original Half Life so much that it honestly surprises me that I never got very far in Half-Life 2. I never even got to Black Mesa EastThe original Half-Life very well may be my favorite first person shooter of all time. I see it as the turning point between the first person shooters of yesteryear (Doom, Quake etc.) and more story driven first person shooters of today. I've played the original Half Life so much that it honestly surprises me that I never got very far in Half-Life 2. I never even got to Black Mesa East before this playthrough. I'm not exactly sure why, I didn't need any kind of walkthrough beating the game this time around.

    Regardless, Half-Life 2 is without a doubt one of the best first person shooters of all time. The bleak and depressing Orwellian world that was designed here was something that I truly had never seen anything like upon my first time picking this game up when I was about 8 or 9 years old. Around that time, I'd call it the "weird game" because it truly is weird. It's weird, sad, ugly and bland but this world truly works with the plot around it. You're not supposed to want to be here.

    My favorite chapters from HL2 were Nova Prospekt and the final chapter (the GMOD gravity gun rules.) My least favorite chapter was Follow Freeman due to it's length that overstays its welcome and its constant need to hand you NPC followers that don't know the meaning of personal space. Seriously, these guys cannot stay out of your way. You command them to walk away and they just come right back. Truly a chore to experience.

    Nevertheless, this game is phenomenal. While the first one is still my favorite, I can probably acknowledge that, from a critical standpoint, this one outshines the original.

    I'm currently playing through HL2 Episode 1 and I'm excited to see where this story goes.

    I beat this game in December of 2019.    … Expand
  35. BenzoSt
    Jul 12, 2022
    8
    This game’s greatest strengths are its groundbreaking physics system, varied and satisfying weapons, memorable and well-scripted characters, and an interesting story that takes place in a dystopian future where humanity has been subjugated by mysterious aliens. The issues I take with this game are that checkpoints are too abundant (which makes dying inconsequential), and that explosivesThis game’s greatest strengths are its groundbreaking physics system, varied and satisfying weapons, memorable and well-scripted characters, and an interesting story that takes place in a dystopian future where humanity has been subjugated by mysterious aliens. The issues I take with this game are that checkpoints are too abundant (which makes dying inconsequential), and that explosives are disproportionately deadly. Nevertheless, a very good game with lots of great mods online, such as HL2: Update, MMod, Smod Redux, and Minerva: Metastasis. Also check out Freeman's Mind and Civil Protection by Ross Scott.… Expand
  36. Gorbunov2004
    Apr 19, 2021
    8
    Хорошая игра, шутер нормальный есть элементы головоломок. Где-то даже музыка отличная, оружия вроде стало по меньше, также появился транспорт водный и наземный. И NPC напарники которые будут помогать вам в бою. Даже можно будет командовать муравьиными львами, боссов нет.Хорошая игра, шутер нормальный есть элементы головоломок. Где-то даже музыка отличная, оружия вроде стало по меньше, также появился транспорт водный и наземный. И NPC напарники которые будут помогать вам в бою. Даже можно будет командовать муравьиными львами, боссов нет.
  37. MaKu7
    May 6, 2021
    8
    Everything is better here than in first one. Shooting, movement, plot... literally everything.

    If you had never play any game from this franchise, just skip first one (watch only some sum up of the plot) and jump into this. It's worth it.
  38. MrIslamic
    Jan 29, 2021
    8
    A great FPS. The gameplay is really fun. The story is great (even if it is a bit cliche) I would rate it a 9, maybe a 10 but there are some bits in the game that make the game a pain to replay.
  39. GameBoyAdv4002
    Aug 29, 2021
    8
    This game has aged spectacularly. It still looks like an optimised PS3 game, especially with the free HL2: Update mod. The world of Sector 17 is one of the most unique and interesting dystopias around and the moment to moment gameplay is excellent with the weapons feeling just right. Seems like 10/10, right? Well, the game suffers from spending too much time in single places. While thereThis game has aged spectacularly. It still looks like an optimised PS3 game, especially with the free HL2: Update mod. The world of Sector 17 is one of the most unique and interesting dystopias around and the moment to moment gameplay is excellent with the weapons feeling just right. Seems like 10/10, right? Well, the game suffers from spending too much time in single places. While there are lots of different and interesting areas, you end up spending too long in each of them, which leads to half of the chapters feeling like a drag. The gun selection isn't as good as in Half-Life 1 despite the better balance and handling and the soundtrack only has two or so stand-outs.… Expand
  40. kndr
    May 15, 2021
    8
    Story presented better. Gameplay is also good but I couldn't stand some levels. Especially the ones with helping resistance. It didn't feel like half life at those levels. It felt like freedom fighters. Half life should be about survival.

    There are not enough enemy types. No bullsquids, houndeyes or alien grunts. It is just not enough. Gravity gun is great gun but there should have    Story presented better. Gameplay is also good but I couldn't stand some levels. Especially the ones with helping resistance. It didn't feel like half life at those levels. It felt like freedom fighters. Half life should be about survival.

    There are not enough enemy types. No bullsquids, houndeyes or alien grunts. It is just not enough.

    Gravity gun is great gun but there should have been more weapons.

    Graphics and atmosphere still looks good today.

    I still like it, but not as much as hl1.    … Expand
  41. Woolee
    Sep 26, 2021
    8
    I just replayed Half-Life 2 again about a month ago. Even in 2011, seven years after its initial release, I am still reminded why Half-Life 2 is one of the greatest first-person shooters of all time. Not the greatest, but definitely one of them.
  42. mariavkj
    Mar 19, 2022
    8
    Zerei agora, gostei muito

    Jogo leve d+ Ótima história Ótimos personagens Os gráficos são muito bons e envelheceram bem Você se sente dentro do jogo, você se agonia com os headcrabs, se apega aos personagens... Os "enigmas" também são algo memorável, minhas 30 horas de game foi tudo presa neles... Infelizmente não joguei o Half-Life 1 então não entendi muito da história, porém    Zerei agora, gostei muito

    Jogo leve d+
    Ótima história
    Ótimos personagens
    Os gráficos são muito bons e envelheceram bem
    Você se sente dentro do jogo, você se agonia com os headcrabs, se apega aos personagens...
    Os "enigmas" também são algo memorável, minhas 30 horas de game foi tudo presa neles...
    Infelizmente não joguei o Half-Life 1 então não entendi muito da história, porém mesmo sem entender continua um jogo FODA.    … Expand
  43. Dellou
    Nov 13, 2021
    8
    Игра быстрей надоедает чем первая часть. Что то прям не то, прошлая часть была атмосферная, ты видел все события на глазах, тут же погнались скорей больше ща революцией чем за другими не менее важными аспектами игры
  44. Ave-Nar
    Nov 18, 2021
    8
    A legendary game but not my genre. The story and atmosphere are good, the enemies, the weapons and the environment are diverse. Personally I didn't like the last few chapters.
  45. Kuzya_Zeleniy
    Mar 28, 2022
    8
    This is an incredible level for 2004! But nowadays it may be boring for some players. But even in 2022 it is a shooter that has a soul!
  46. Id1KK
    May 4, 2022
    8
    amazing game, but every level past RavenHolm is mediocre at best, especially on a second playthrough, and the ending SUCKS. great game, it just isn't as good as the original.
  47. RighteousVote
    Jun 11, 2022
    8
    Vote apparently doesnt work without a "review" so here it is , i voted therefore i have been.
  48. nickplays69
    Jun 21, 2022
    8
    Name a game that is this good, name one game that is as close as great Half-Life 2, not only does this game age amazing visually, it also aged gracefully by the combat and story, the combat is exiting, the story is carefully written, almost everything about the game is great, everything but the pacing and the Highway 17 chapter, the pacing is my biggest problem with the game, not only do IName a game that is this good, name one game that is as close as great Half-Life 2, not only does this game age amazing visually, it also aged gracefully by the combat and story, the combat is exiting, the story is carefully written, almost everything about the game is great, everything but the pacing and the Highway 17 chapter, the pacing is my biggest problem with the game, not only do I have to wait for the maps to load, but also there are these pauses between dialogues that rapidly bore me out, and Highway 17 is for me the worst chapter in the game, it's just a slug to get through, you have to constantly stop and get supplies that you probably don't even need, which is just so repetitive, but after you finish the chapter and got to the next one (Nova Prospekt) you immediately regain interest, I love this game no matter what, it's phenomenal, and the Battle of City 17 is the best part of the game, it truly feels like an actual war is happening, and other things that make Half Life 2 one of the best games of all time… Expand
  49. MagnusWolfX
    Aug 25, 2022
    8
    Very good game sticking back to its origins, superb gameplay. Characters and story also next level.
  50. SSMC_Delta
    Apr 24, 2023
    8
    Don't think this game is as good as some people like to say it is but still a pretty good game.
  51. xalugg
    Dec 3, 2022
    8
    Esse jogo e uma obra de arte parabens o unico problema e que podiam facilitar a parte do bixo gigante na cidade 17 mas tirando isso o jogo e muito bom eu quase quebrei meu pc por causa desse jogokkkkkk
  52. IronBrandon
    May 4, 2023
    8
    If you like first-person shooters and a good story then this game is well worth your time. It's aged very well and can still be enjoyed to this day. The physics are fun to play with and the characters are well written.
  53. xpMARCUSpx
    Aug 26, 2023
    8
    The game was completed after playing the first part. I definitely liked the second part. The graphics are good for their year and the plot can be liked by someone. From myself I give 8 out of 10.
  54. JasonT.
    Apr 20, 2007
    7
    I like Half-Life 2. It's a pretty good game, but there are just a couple little things about it that irk me. I'm not talking about long load times, stuttering, bugs, etc. Most of those have been updated out of existence by now and were probably due to my comp being strictly middle of the road anyway. No, I'm talking about this sequels storyline being almost completely I like Half-Life 2. It's a pretty good game, but there are just a couple little things about it that irk me. I'm not talking about long load times, stuttering, bugs, etc. Most of those have been updated out of existence by now and were probably due to my comp being strictly middle of the road anyway. No, I'm talking about this sequels storyline being almost completely disjointed from the original, and the way the game keeps rubbing the physics engine in your face (BTW Max Payne 2 had Havok Physics as well and IMO utilized it better.) First off, I'm a huge fan of HL1 and kept looking for some explanation of what happened to Xen, these Combine guys raise a whole new slew of questions and leave the old ones completly unanswered. We aren't even given much of a hint as to how all the supporting cast of HL1 made it to City 17 from Black Mesa. When I first played, it made my head spin. It's like they took the characters from the 1st and dropped them into a completely different storyline. And yes, the 1st time they gave me a physics based puzzle I thought "wow, cool!" when every other puzzle turned out to be a variation on this theme, I started to get a little peeved. That said, the story is still enjoyable, the graphics very impressive, the combats fun, and for those of you worried about the A.I. it does get better when you turn up the difficulty. Still a little annoying that they don't start off on the level of the marines from HL1 though. It's definitely worth your time and money, just...well...do yourself a favor and pick up the 1st one too. It's still what I spend most of my time on.… Expand
  55. JulianM.
    Jun 20, 2007
    7
    Well.... 96%?? Excuse me? Maybe it's graphically good and has good physical engine. But remember- it appeared in November. And what appeared in march the same year? Far Cry. And it got only 89 %, while it's much better better than HL2 and makes it look funny.
  56. AndrewM.
    Jan 4, 2010
    7
    A good FPS game that is fun, but its creative effort can't compete with the previous game.
  57. Jon
    Jan 1, 2005
    7
    While playing through this game I kept waiting for the awesome moments I had been hearing about for the past month from my friends. Driving under the docks and knocking out the supports, Ravenholm being scarier than Doom 3, the GG being able to pick up anything and hurtling it... etc. The fact is I played this game and didn't feel that electricity and near ecstacy that other people While playing through this game I kept waiting for the awesome moments I had been hearing about for the past month from my friends. Driving under the docks and knocking out the supports, Ravenholm being scarier than Doom 3, the GG being able to pick up anything and hurtling it... etc. The fact is I played this game and didn't feel that electricity and near ecstacy that other people felt. For most of the game I felt like I was being advertised to for this great new engine Valve has created. Instead of "OMG THAT WAS AN AWESOME MOMENT!" it was "alright- i solved your puzzle using your engine... now what?" The most fantastic moments I had during this game had nothing to do with the engine. Commanding a group of aliens and attacking a Combine base, throwing a grenade behind a wall and watching bodies go flying just before whipping out my shotgun and blasting my way through a group of enemies. Half Life 2 does nothing new in the genre- it is simply an improvement on the physics games like UT2k4 have given us while giving us some awesome action. This is definitely not the "end all" that gamers were promised, but somehow the PC hype machine managed to make it so. Summary: HL2 is a very fun game that doesn't do anything new and markets a physics engine to other developers.… Expand
  58. AlexH.
    May 7, 2007
    7
    The game was quite sweet, but I think they could have made more out of it... When I play, I don't feel like Gordon nor I am really depressed of the atmosphere... (...and I guess I actually should be ;) )
  59. B'chandrasekarB.
    Aug 4, 2007
    7
    the game has high quality but the game play isent as great as they say it is . Still it is one of the top games out there
  60. SteveJ.
    Jan 19, 2005
    7
    The Steam set up is so annoying for anyone on a modem that I'll never buy another Valve/Steam product again. For the game, if you're lucky enough to get it running, it is beautifully done as far as the environment goes. The gameplay is fun and the graphics are the best out there, except for Far Cry. (Make sure you have a fast GPU) I found the game to work well and to be The Steam set up is so annoying for anyone on a modem that I'll never buy another Valve/Steam product again. For the game, if you're lucky enough to get it running, it is beautifully done as far as the environment goes. The gameplay is fun and the graphics are the best out there, except for Far Cry. (Make sure you have a fast GPU) I found the game to work well and to be enjoyable. The story line was good too. Overall I enjoyed this game, but feel the overhyped accolades by most review sites are caused by their fear of not fitting in. The game falls flat on the absolute linearity of the gameplay. There's only one way to go. It is so well done that I didn't mind it for the most part, but there is really no ingenuity involved to play the game. You just slog from one sequence to another. Still a pretty good game that would be much better without Steam.… Expand
  61. JaneDoe
    Jan 9, 2005
    7
    Overrated. Can't compare with Far Cry, Deus Ex, Call of Duty, or Medal of Honor.
  62. JoeD.
    Jun 27, 2005
    7
    I don't know why people are so enamoured with this game. It definitely is not worth 10. Why? Far too linear. There is hardly any reply value. The game isn't that much different to Doom 3 gameplay wise. Just has better scripted events, more varied enemies and slightly better AI. Why couldn't Valve spend more of their time developing superior AI? The enemy AI is below average I don't know why people are so enamoured with this game. It definitely is not worth 10. Why? Far too linear. There is hardly any reply value. The game isn't that much different to Doom 3 gameplay wise. Just has better scripted events, more varied enemies and slightly better AI. Why couldn't Valve spend more of their time developing superior AI? The enemy AI is below average at best, no where near as smart as the AI in Halo 1/2 or Far Cry. The graphics are great, although Doom 3 still looks better. The story needed more work, it's still all too shrouded. WIth games as linear as this the story has to be very strong, and it's just too weak and vague here. Real shame, this could have been outstanding, especially with the engine used. The whole experience, even despite some very memorable moments, was for me a little empty once i'd completed the game.… Expand
  63. BobI.
    Aug 1, 2005
    7
    The game is great but it is confusing at times given so little company support. I purchased the game from CompUSA and it came with no manual and a very small player Quick Reference Card. What makes it a great game is the depth of environmental control the player has. You do a lot more than shoot the enemy. You must use your environment to get out of predicaments. Whether it be using The game is great but it is confusing at times given so little company support. I purchased the game from CompUSA and it came with no manual and a very small player Quick Reference Card. What makes it a great game is the depth of environmental control the player has. You do a lot more than shoot the enemy. You must use your environment to get out of predicaments. Whether it be using gravity and pullies to get a ramp to move into place or operating a crane to move your vehicle, there are a variety of problems that go far beyond the shoot-em up experience. Graphics are excellent and play is not bad even on my mid-level system according to game recommendations. The story line is not always clear or even presented in depth but it is there. Battles get intense and require numerous re-loads that are slow at times. The use of Internet connectivity is not clear or explained so installing this on your computer and then registering leaves one feeling anxious about what goes on in the background both when playing and when not playing. As I said before support is weak from my experience. I sent an email to support asking some of these questions and received no reply.… Expand
  64. AW
    Nov 16, 2006
    7
    This game had breakthrough physics, and it was awesome watching the guys collapse or get tossed around like dolls. The gravity gun was a unique weapon and really drew away from mainstream guns put in games today. However, this game also failed in a lot of aspects. While the potential and hype was driven up after years of suspense and waiting, the game just did not deliver. Though it kept This game had breakthrough physics, and it was awesome watching the guys collapse or get tossed around like dolls. The gravity gun was a unique weapon and really drew away from mainstream guns put in games today. However, this game also failed in a lot of aspects. While the potential and hype was driven up after years of suspense and waiting, the game just did not deliver. Though it kept my attention long enough to finish the game, I just was not impressed by it. The levels were pretty cool, though the city did get a little old after a while. The haunted city was probably the best atmosphere created in the game. But here's the biggest kicker: The weapons SUCKED. Yes, though the grav gun was unique, I ended up not using it for much of the game, because there aren't always objects to pick up and launch at people. Instead, you are stuck with a bunch of the same boring weapons as the first game - WITHOUT the aliens weapons. The only new gun I can remember besides the grav gun is the other combat rifle that also has a powerful (but generally unused) secondary fire. The random bullet pathing did not make it any better as you often waste a lot of bullets firing any of the smg/rifles from a distance any other than what you'd call short (which is a lot of the game). The boring weapons combined with a so-so story line was not exhilirating in my book. Top it off with the same gameplay as the first game, and you've got HL2 - which had the potential to be so much more.… Expand
  65. 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.
  66. Jag
    May 2, 2008
    7
    Half Life 2 is an FPS that is announced by many magazines as ''Greatest game ever made''. Personally I think that is had well balanced gameplay. You can run and gun but its not recommended. Its always good to take cover but not all the time. I've heard some talk about the A.I being so good but it really didn't seem like anything real special. The combat zones Half Life 2 is an FPS that is announced by many magazines as ''Greatest game ever made''. Personally I think that is had well balanced gameplay. You can run and gun but its not recommended. Its always good to take cover but not all the time. I've heard some talk about the A.I being so good but it really didn't seem like anything real special. The combat zones were kind of limited so enemies would come out and shoot and maybe grab some cover in the process. Normally you will kill them before you see them doing something truly eye catching. The A.I isn't bad its just not amazingly impressive. The graphics are great. Reflections on the floor move as you do and texters are high rez. Character modles may not be impressive at first but if you take the time to see the lip synchronization and facial expressions. Characters are great and well developed. One of the icons of Half-Life 2 is the gravity gun. This unique weapon lets you pick up any object man sized and under and fling it at enemies. A but what would this weapon be without wicked good physics? These physics are very good. every thing not bolted down can move with the proper amount of force applied to it. However the only thing bad that came out of these physics is the puzzles you will encounter throughout the game. There are just a little to many. I personally didn't like it because this lead to an annoying lack of combat and the ability to move on. I had no problem solving most of them and it is satisfying when you do but when you look back on it it seems like a waste of time. One every now and then is fine but they went a little overboard here. sometimes you'll end up stopping you vehicle every five minutes because of there. Speaking of the vehicles the sequences were pretty cool apart from what was mentioned in the previous sentence. Even though you will end up having to stop look around and find a path. this can be really annoying after a while especially when you are being chased by a chopper. The story was a bit disappointing at the end and was slow moving through out the game. But now for some good things. The game does a real good job of immersing you. You really feel like you want to help the people and have a pretty good idea of whats going on. The arsenal was a decent size and had some unique stuff in it. overall this game is worth picking up.… Expand
  67. J.J.
    Nov 17, 2004
    7
    Good game bad story.
  68. 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.
  69. JustinF.
    May 16, 2006
    7
    Not bad - a little disappointed in the ending - I felt that there was another slice of tense action necessary to fulfill my needs. Also, a bit easy!
  70. NaitZ.
    Jun 18, 2006
    7
    Its a great game, but some stuff aint just exellent.. it should be more realistic, and the teamplay is bad, I see one problem about it, You always play alone in battles in singleplayer, theres never npcs to help you, its much funnier if you always can get support.
  71. vidman
    Oct 17, 2007
    7
    The most overrated game in existence. I give it a 7; everyone else gives it a 10. I bought this game off of Steam and encountered zero problems. I beat this game in 3 sessions. For the first 7 hours, I was pretty happy and couldn't wait for the story to unfold. Then next 5 hours was fast paced and still left me waiting for the story to unfold. It felt like I was only 1/3 to 1/2 way The most overrated game in existence. I give it a 7; everyone else gives it a 10. I bought this game off of Steam and encountered zero problems. I beat this game in 3 sessions. For the first 7 hours, I was pretty happy and couldn't wait for the story to unfold. Then next 5 hours was fast paced and still left me waiting for the story to unfold. It felt like I was only 1/3 to 1/2 way done with the game because so many questions were unanswered. Then finally, the last 3 hours of left me disappointed. It didn… Expand
  72. DaveK.
    Jun 1, 2007
    7
    Honestly, aside from the physics engine, it's nothing revolutionary. Grav gun is fun, but underutilized. The game progresses very linearly compared with some modern shooters like Far Cry, but is still a very entertaining experience. A solid followup to one of the top 5 games released at this point. A cliffhanger ending opens up for episodic content well. Of course, CSS makes this Honestly, aside from the physics engine, it's nothing revolutionary. Grav gun is fun, but underutilized. The game progresses very linearly compared with some modern shooters like Far Cry, but is still a very entertaining experience. A solid followup to one of the top 5 games released at this point. A cliffhanger ending opens up for episodic content well. Of course, CSS makes this worth buying 10x over.… Expand
  73. OliverM.
    Aug 3, 2007
    7
    im choosing to vote 7 for this, not so much the game, but the engine. Its worth buying the game and putting up with steam jsut to have access to the various mods that have been produced. On my try of the game (after a day installing, no joke, non broadband and various problems calling for reinstillation) i was amazed by the opening sequence in the train and shortly after the station and im choosing to vote 7 for this, not so much the game, but the engine. Its worth buying the game and putting up with steam jsut to have access to the various mods that have been produced. On my try of the game (after a day installing, no joke, non broadband and various problems calling for reinstillation) i was amazed by the opening sequence in the train and shortly after the station and city 17. I didnt want that bit to send, the city so lifelike, the cps bullying you, being able to peep into houses to see peoples gettin beaten up, people talking quietly about their supressors and various scanners looming the town. I carried on playing enjoying the long sojurn of the airboat, being different from the footsloggin before then. Ravenholm was impressive, the atmosphere created was nice, although over use of traps and the ability to get well and truly lost along with at one point a perminant spawning of zomibes. It was at this point where my family lost the internet... no internet, no steam, no halflife 2. So for a long time i went back to games like deus ex (deus ex being my favourite all time game). when my family got broadband i started playing hl2 again, finally realising how to get passed the respawning zombies n out of ravenholm. The mines wernt very impressive, they could have done better and the spinning blade cart at the end is... unusual to be round in a mine. The buggy part was fun being able to stop at place but antlion sandtraps wernt impressive, my pc isnt powerful, i get low fps and its hard for me to control various props, as such i noclipped passed the sandtraps. Nova prospekt fun until the point where over 50 troops attack you... the city 17 fighting was nice, i would have like dit if the citizens helped a lil more tho. The citadel at the end is stupidly easy, it seems more like a kiddys play gorund than a gran finale for such a game, being able to kill entire squads of combine elites in 1 shot isnt fun. Over all throughout the game some areas are lacking finishing touches, making them look bland and pointless (most of the blk mesa place) also throught the game you are constanly forced to comprehend wiht pointsless annoying and trivial physics puzzles, wat makes this worse is that most of them involve cinder blocks which have a habit of either a) sliding nicly off or b) knocking all the other cinder blocks then sliding off. so on my replays i often noclip past the various jumping and physics puzzles. The ai is somewhat dissapointing, from the reviews and teasers i was expecting npcs ot take cover, neil, grenade, supply covering fire and find alternate routes. For some scripted squences this does happen but youll often find in the way of self preservation and npc will stand still for a few seconds then either die of shift slightly sideways out of view, only to come bk into view to die, i mean shoot you. The city at the end was particularly nice, with the striders causing lot sof damage, it can be annoyign when you get lost in the rubble or cant find ammo crates to dispell the multiple striders on your tail. Some points are confusing wiht little differnce between them giving the impression of goign round in circles when really your on the opposite side of the building and while being fun the characters are far and few. I woudl have prefered to see more variation in the npcs behavior, more subplots woven in (like maybe jsut discovering a couple trying to escape), less physics puzzles, less steam and situatiosn where the character cna have an impact on the world instead of the same things happening everytime you play. Conclusion, amazing on first try, quickly looses freshness but some of the mods created are uttly superb (notably garrys mod and insurgency) its also worth triyng out counterstrike source. A warning to any who are interested tho you need constant inernet access better pc than mine and alot of pacience to put up with the evil steam. thnx 4 reading… Expand
  74. jamesr
    Dec 28, 2009
    7
    Its a good game, but not the best of all. I dont understand why that much people rate it with 10... A lot of games are better than this
  75. LysanderS
    Dec 2, 2009
    7
    I really don't understand what all the fuss is/was about, i mean it's a mediocre shooter, with a below average storyline. The only parts which stand out are the physics puzzles. It's probably worth your time, and like i said, the physics can be fun, but aside from that, it's just another FPS.
  76. HelpU
    Jul 19, 2009
    7
    I consider 7 to be average. I mean compared to the first half of half-life the puzzles and enemies of half-life 2 are laughable and unimaginative. The only good qualities of this game is that it has good graphics and sound but that is a flaw in trying to make a lasting impression because, in the future( I can't believe it either) graphics and sound will be better than this, thus, in I consider 7 to be average. I mean compared to the first half of half-life the puzzles and enemies of half-life 2 are laughable and unimaginative. The only good qualities of this game is that it has good graphics and sound but that is a flaw in trying to make a lasting impression because, in the future( I can't believe it either) graphics and sound will be better than this, thus, in essence, this game is no more than a technological demonstration because its not really that imaginative.… Expand
  77. MickT.
    Nov 18, 2004
    7
    Very good production quality but the story bites. i prefered halo 2 over this. now before all u halo haters come and beat me up i have one very simple explanation. i did not feel involved in the story as much as i have other titles( eg. zelda oot and halo) i appreciate the (mostly) good reviews on this site. as aposed to halo 2 where a million people gave it a hundred. deserved 98 at most.Very good production quality but the story bites. i prefered halo 2 over this. now before all u halo haters come and beat me up i have one very simple explanation. i did not feel involved in the story as much as i have other titles( eg. zelda oot and halo) i appreciate the (mostly) good reviews on this site. as aposed to halo 2 where a million people gave it a hundred. deserved 98 at most. i give this game 7/10.… Expand
  78. DanielC.
    Jan 14, 2005
    7
    A good game, although only just average to today's standards. The excellent physics engine and awesome pixel shader effects make this game a real treat to play, but the overly-scripted events, insufficient AI, and bad plot ruin the overall experience. Having been spoiled by Far Cry, Call of Duty, Doom 3 and other shooters I can only give this game a score of 7.
  79. TheMagicalHippieKiller
    Nov 29, 2006
    7
    It is very rare for a game to have a story that people actaully care about. But I kinda stopped caring after I entered City 17. Half-life! Kinda Crazy, a little Creepy (little), pretty inventive (it's great that people will state how much they hate the orginal, but how many games have since added its elements to their own. How many heros can you name with a super suit with shields?) It is very rare for a game to have a story that people actaully care about. But I kinda stopped caring after I entered City 17. Half-life! Kinda Crazy, a little Creepy (little), pretty inventive (it's great that people will state how much they hate the orginal, but how many games have since added its elements to their own. How many heros can you name with a super suit with shields?) The gameplay is ok, but I wasn't interested in being a lame knock-off of neo from the matrix in glasses, i wanted to shoot aliens. Instead, we get the stupid ai combine, who will run from a grenade and straight into your fire. The puzzles are also just them showing off their new physics and gravity gun. By the way, the gravity gun is stupid. There. I said it. Shotgun rules ( even though it was downgraded... actually, ALL the weapons were downgraded) because this game is not much differen than the original: run forward, solve puzzles, and you'll rarely fight in large arenas, just close quarters. The dialouge scenes are annoying and way to long. Other than that, good graphics and pretty gripping gameplay, save the lack of variation amongst the enemies. Wait! There is one more bad thing. Ravenholm=not scary and pointless. This level was just an excuse for the gravity gun, but a handy crowbar, shotgun, and .357 are actually the best weapons, at least for me. Hopefully they will be more creative in the future and stop trying to make another bad post-apocalpyse-revelution-thing that we've all seen 1,000 times over. The game is very intense at points. Really intense. Ever try fighting a helicopter with a pistol in a radiated canal? Well, life gets a helluva lot worse for Mr. Freeman later on, but for us, it's pretty damn fun. Keep making stuff like that.… Expand
  80. GarrettW.
    May 23, 2006
    7
    Awsome game, awsome story but playing it makes me nauseous just because it's very fast and with alot of movement.
  81. FilipO.
    Nov 24, 2007
    7
    Nothing special, really. Quite the disappointment actually. The puzzle were mediocre and the game itself was good - but not a masterpiece.
  82. EeroS.
    Jan 11, 2008
    7
    Good looking, but pooring fps. Better story than most of fps, but not so good that I could say that it was even medicore.
  83. PaulW
    Nov 16, 2008
    7
    How odd that people talk about being emotionally moved by a game that, whilst leaving you to your own defences like Metroid Prime in parts, doesn't have the moments of stunning beauty, accentuated by a beautiful score, such as when you walk into Phenandra Drifts. Half Life 2's best parts are Route Kanal and We don't go to Ravenholme which is a brilliant reminder of overall How odd that people talk about being emotionally moved by a game that, whilst leaving you to your own defences like Metroid Prime in parts, doesn't have the moments of stunning beauty, accentuated by a beautiful score, such as when you walk into Phenandra Drifts. Half Life 2's best parts are Route Kanal and We don't go to Ravenholme which is a brilliant reminder of overall better games with an almost surreal film noir feel (like Max Payne 2) crossed with the survival horror of Resident Evil and Silent Hill. To its credit, this game has more moments of bleak surrealness such as disengaging from a hovercraft, after a very lonely trek, only to find yourself in a camp of headcrabs. If the game had been marketed and regarded as a surreal masterpiece rather than as just one all about AI, physics or character expressions, records that it could only hope to keep for a short time (it never had the best character expressions- the Gamecube Resident Evil remake did by far) then I would have scored it a bit higher. Apart from the sections I have mentioned, the game's graphics never seemed impressive to me on the Xbox and seem relatively prehistoric now. The hyperbole about this game is ludicrous- I had much more fun and emotional investment in playing Metroid Prime, Resident Evil (the remake), and Uncharted- Drake's Fortune.… Expand
  84. RichK.
    Nov 17, 2004
    7
    As far as first person shooters go, it's certainly one of the best. But simply improving another idea (no matter how much) does not mean original. It's basically a better version of every other FPS. Quite an accomplishment but only to the FPS genre. Not to mention it'll cost you a few hundred bucks to upgrade your computer if you wanna run it.
  85. ChrisO.
    Dec 15, 2004
    7
    The game is good, but I don't think it's the second coming that everyone seems to think it is. The graphics are good, but inferior to Doom 3's and even FarCry's, level loading occurs way to often and takes way too long and pulls you out of the mood, Steam sucks badly, disappointing multiplayer (yay! more Counter Strike!!), no variety in enemies, too linear single The game is good, but I don't think it's the second coming that everyone seems to think it is. The graphics are good, but inferior to Doom 3's and even FarCry's, level loading occurs way to often and takes way too long and pulls you out of the mood, Steam sucks badly, disappointing multiplayer (yay! more Counter Strike!!), no variety in enemies, too linear single player component, and while the physics system is very, very nice, without the grav-gun, it'd be a non-issue. Good game, but I thought Id did better.… Expand
  86. DanM.
    Dec 21, 2004
    7
    Great game, some bugs, but Steam is really what killed my vote. If not for steam i'd give it a nine.
  87. JonahR.
    Nov 12, 2006
    7
    Great looking engine, but the single player is only fun once. The lack of co-op play, and a really poorly delivered story separate this game from the truly great games.
  88. DragonsInSpace
    Dec 24, 2010
    7
    A pretty okay game that makes up for a mediocre shooter model by containing an incredible amount of variety. I'd doubt it's actually a shooter at all, but rather an action adventure game, considering the content. You're never doing the same thing for more than an hour throughout the entire game. The story is run-of-the-mill and characters are put in only to say your name and praise youA pretty okay game that makes up for a mediocre shooter model by containing an incredible amount of variety. I'd doubt it's actually a shooter at all, but rather an action adventure game, considering the content. You're never doing the same thing for more than an hour throughout the entire game. The story is run-of-the-mill and characters are put in only to say your name and praise you like you're Jesus, but the way it's told, mainly through allusion and details in the environment, is brilliant.… Expand
  89. Funkymonk
    Sep 26, 2012
    7
    Really? Are people still raving about this after all these years? To be fair the gameplay's solid enough, the graphics are still surprisingly good and ther's just enough variety and twists to keep you playing till the end. I'll give HL2 it's due; it's still a good game (and fairly influential too) but certainly not the great game it was in 2004. Hate to break it to you fan boys but all theReally? Are people still raving about this after all these years? To be fair the gameplay's solid enough, the graphics are still surprisingly good and ther's just enough variety and twists to keep you playing till the end. I'll give HL2 it's due; it's still a good game (and fairly influential too) but certainly not the great game it was in 2004. Hate to break it to you fan boys but all the things HF2 did that seemed ground breaking and/or mind blowing back in the day have been improved and expanded on many times now. Try playing any of the Uncharted games, Resident Evil 4 or Gears of War then tell me the plot, atmosphere or pacing is so great.… Expand
  90. Pelu
    Jan 6, 2011
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's only a well-made shooter. It lasts for over 20 hours, but it has only 4 or 5 real plot twists, and all the other twists are related to the action! (like ravenholm). It seems good at the train station, but soon you'll discover the city isn't real. It's just a lot of combine soldiers. And then you'll have to kill 100 people and 20 monsters to get to the other level, where you'll drive a boat and kill another 100 people and this time 30 monsters. Then someone comes to you and says hey, I'm your father! And then you're like "Noooo!", and kill a couple hundred more. The plot can be written this short:
    - Gordon joins resistance
    - Eli is captured
    - Mossman is a traitor
    - Alyx is captured too
    - Mossman is a traitor again, so prisoners are freed
    - they blow **** up

    So what kind of plot is that?? But anyway, it's nice to play in the parts where it's well made and not too repetitive. For example the lighthouse, turret defense and driving parts I liked.

    After all, a well made linear FPS is always better than a non-linear game gone wrong. For example Far Cry 2 tries to create a free world, but it fails miserably.    … Expand
  91. badkarma
    Aug 28, 2011
    7
    Half-Life 2 feels overall quite polished. Yet I must say, I can't rate it higher than a 7/10. Some parts are simply too long (especially the vehicle-parts), while others come short. There is a good variety of weapons and though you will use each at least once, you want some maps in the end where you just can freely choose your favourite gun. You won't regret finishing the game, but somehowHalf-Life 2 feels overall quite polished. Yet I must say, I can't rate it higher than a 7/10. Some parts are simply too long (especially the vehicle-parts), while others come short. There is a good variety of weapons and though you will use each at least once, you want some maps in the end where you just can freely choose your favourite gun. You won't regret finishing the game, but somehow it feels like most of the choices you make, are already made by the developers for you. On the good side: The scripted events are placed perfectly and far better than in most later games I've played. And they make up for a good alternation.… Expand
  92. tech-noir
    Sep 29, 2011
    7
    I will begin by saying that if you thought that the original Half-Life was one of the best gaming experiences ever, you will be grossly disappointed by Half-Life 2. The differences and lack of continuation easily outnumber the similarities. First, there was the unexpected motion sickness. I was surprised to discover, upon Google searching, that many others also were put through the sameI will begin by saying that if you thought that the original Half-Life was one of the best gaming experiences ever, you will be grossly disappointed by Half-Life 2. The differences and lack of continuation easily outnumber the similarities. First, there was the unexpected motion sickness. I was surprised to discover, upon Google searching, that many others also were put through the same discomforting extreme nausea. In short, the game is repetitive, surprisingly linear, lacking severely in storyline, and not much really happens. You just go from point to point, without not very much explanation. I should also mention that you should expect to spend between two and three hours driving around in vehicles; which I did not appreciate in any way. I like the Combine soldiers; they are cool, but besides them, there truly aren't many interesting enemies or a good variety of them. Another letdown is that you cannot inflict damage to friendly NPCs like in the original Half-Life. This really bothered me. Also, why are Vortigaunts suddenly my friends, without any explanation whatsoever? Squad members are close to useless and have no real point in being there except for acting as decoy and getting in the way of your path. Valve decided it was a good idea to include incredibly annoying and cheap techno music at times, which disrupts the dark mood and atmosphere. There are too many situations where you are forced to shoot at the same, ever repeating, large, uninteresting targets with an RPG. The boss fights (if you can even call them that) are not creative at all. They are uneventful, uninteresting, and anti-climatic. Overall, Half-Life 2 lacks a story, depth, and creativity. It took me about 21 hours to complete.… Expand
  93. grandpajoe6191
    Nov 9, 2011
    7
    In Valve's "Half Life 2", each and every level is unique and cool. The graphics are pretty sexy if you compare it with the standard rate. However, The gameplay was too original; i've played these kind of puzzle FPS before. I'm not saying its bad; there's a profound story and shocking visuals that covers this up, but I expected more than just running around in cars and boats, stopping byIn Valve's "Half Life 2", each and every level is unique and cool. The graphics are pretty sexy if you compare it with the standard rate. However, The gameplay was too original; i've played these kind of puzzle FPS before. I'm not saying its bad; there's a profound story and shocking visuals that covers this up, but I expected more than just running around in cars and boats, stopping by for some zombie kills and ammo, and repeat that stuff all over again. In conclusion, it's a solidly great game that will entertain you as a game no more or no less… Expand
  94. maxxy3000
    Nov 7, 2012
    7
    There is a good structure of level design, which varies from: run and gun, tactical shooting, alien survival, and the physics puzzles. The physics, by thw way, are amazing. Each object behaves like you'd imagine it to, and it all adds more depth to the game. Also, I'm a huge fan of how the involve all the story and dialog in the game itself, (without taking you into a cut-scene).
    Overall,    There is a good structure of level design, which varies from: run and gun, tactical shooting, alien survival, and the physics puzzles. The physics, by thw way, are amazing. Each object behaves like you'd imagine it to, and it all adds more depth to the game. Also, I'm a huge fan of how the involve all the story and dialog in the game itself, (without taking you into a cut-scene).
    Overall, the game is a great advancement in the area of First Person Shooters.    … Expand
  95. ns0l
    Aug 11, 2014
    7
    Half-Life 2 is a cool game. Tricky and exciting. I like it. The gravity gun. The big bugs. They are endless and really annoying. But once you kill their momma and take its organ they will all become your slaves. Your loyal army. I really liked that part. But I find the story uninteresting.
  96. Budget_Security
    Apr 20, 2012
    7
    This is not perfect or revolutionary but it sets the benchmark. This is the quintessential linear FPS game by which all other linear FPS games are compared.
  97. Badwolf_Alpha
    Jul 5, 2012
    7
    IMHO Half Life 2 is a good game, but for some odd reason, is quite overrated. The game has a great focus on story and a wonderful sense of atmosphere. But for some reason, it feels flat and largely quite boring. In parts the lengthof levels is too long and I find the pacing quite tedious. Also the story does nothing for me. I can only assume that Half Life 2 introduce a generation ofIMHO Half Life 2 is a good game, but for some odd reason, is quite overrated. The game has a great focus on story and a wonderful sense of atmosphere. But for some reason, it feels flat and largely quite boring. In parts the lengthof levels is too long and I find the pacing quite tedious. Also the story does nothing for me. I can only assume that Half Life 2 introduce a generation of younger gamers to the story based FPS and/or immersive sim/fps (perhaps those who did not experience Looking Glass games etc?). Good for them. Just not for me.
    TLDR: Good. But not best game ever.    … Expand
  98. jesterx7769
    Jul 10, 2013
    7
    I just beat it for the first time so here is an unbiased non nostalgia review.

    Overall for the time when it came out the game is outstanding. You can see that it inspired many aspects in other games and is worth playing. However taken with a grain of salt the game (like most popular historical games) is over hyped due to the mystery of half life 3 and the nostalgia it brings to many.    I just beat it for the first time so here is an unbiased non nostalgia review.

    Overall for the time when it came out the game is outstanding. You can see that it inspired many aspects in other games and is worth playing. However taken with a grain of salt the game (like most popular historical games) is over hyped due to the mystery of half life 3 and the nostalgia it brings to many.

    Gameplay: The game does a great job of incorporating puzzles without it being too obvious forcing you to think and use your mind without hand holding. The shooting is good but I admit having only a crossbow with a zoom is a bit annoying, I get that modern games make it too easy with every gun having a scope but none is a downer. Some of the difficulty also just becomes annoying at times instead of challenging, I found part of this mainly to do w/the graphics/lighting making it hard to see what you need to do.

    Graphics: Stand the test of time and makes you think less of modern games that they have not improved more.

    Story: This was my biggest complaint. I understand there is half life 1 and the half life 2 episodes but standing alone the story is not good. It is not clearly explained when only a little summary here and there would make it better. You do not really have a purpose in the game as you are just directed from point A to point B helping a resistance (but not with any goal or objective). You should not have to read wikis and time lines and history of things to understand the story of a game.

    Gameplay: 4/5
    Graphics: 5/5
    Story: 2/5    … Expand
  99. AidanM
    May 26, 2013
    7
    I'm just not as high on this game as everybody else. There is some good FPS fun fighting various kinds of creative enemies. There will be a few moments where you will kill lots of enemies at once with a car, toilet, or bouncy disintegrate thing where you will sit back and admire your work. Some of the guns are still more creative than current FPS guns. However, while its moments are great,I'm just not as high on this game as everybody else. There is some good FPS fun fighting various kinds of creative enemies. There will be a few moments where you will kill lots of enemies at once with a car, toilet, or bouncy disintegrate thing where you will sit back and admire your work. Some of the guns are still more creative than current FPS guns. However, while its moments are great, there is way too much shooting waves of basic soldiers without any of the creative others from a far distance, which is not only boring but annoying because only one gun has sights. There are too few opportunities to use the gravity gun, the very fun weapon which is really the signature piece of this game. And while I said the guns are very creative, they fall to often under the linear spell where they are used in one situation well and disregarded for the rest of the game. Basically this game is fun (and only 10 bucks) but very, very over acclaimed.… Expand
  100. shprea
    Jul 9, 2013
    7
    Meh, it's okay.
    Half-Life 2 does a lot of things right. It looks great, plays great, has a large interconnected world, and has a fairly interesting story with cool characters.
    Except the game feels somewhat tedious. Every level is similar to the last later on in the game. You kill the same/similar enemies over and over again. Every now and then there is a driving section to break up the    Meh, it's okay.
    Half-Life 2 does a lot of things right. It looks great, plays great, has a large interconnected world, and has a fairly interesting story with cool characters.
    Except the game feels somewhat tedious. Every level is similar to the last later on in the game. You kill the same/similar enemies over and over again. Every now and then there is a driving section to break up the tedium, but those suck.

    This game is really overrated. I've played much better FPS games than Half-Life 2; games that were far less tedious and less boring. It's a good game, just not that great.    … Expand
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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 »