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. WastedTitanium
    Oct 15, 2022
    10
    Great game. Very long story. Some of the puzzles can be a bit tedious, like the cinder block seesaw, but this can easily be overlooked with how awesome the story and overall shooting throughout the game.
  2. AdskyiyDrochila
    Oct 7, 2022
    10
    I met the game as a student, then I had a weak PC and I missed all the new items that came out for obvious reasons. Well, one day a friend calls me and says "Man, I started playing Half Life 2 yesterday, it was just something to play I assure you you won’t regret it” then I already knew about this game, but my hands didn’t reach to play because of sessions, lessons and so on. But still II met the game as a student, then I had a weak PC and I missed all the new items that came out for obvious reasons. Well, one day a friend calls me and says "Man, I started playing Half Life 2 yesterday, it was just something to play I assure you you won’t regret it” then I already knew about this game, but my hands didn’t reach to play because of sessions, lessons and so on. But still I found time to play it and what do you think is right I was delighted. First of all, the facial animation of the facial expressions of the character is well done in the game, how they move their bodies during the dialogue, how they are sad, happy, experiencing it all done at a good level even after 18 years it looks great. Also, what I really liked was the atmosphere, all these abandoned houses, mines, cities, it all looks very scary. It is especially well shown in the city of Ravenholm, where only zombies and Father Grigory remained from the townspeople. In general, these are all the pluses that are right for me I liked it, yes, I didn’t tell about the plot and weapons for the reason that, firstly, go through the game yourself, and secondly, I have nothing to say about weapons, it’s just good, no more, no less, let’s say the base. In general, I advise everyone to play this game as you like and download it wherever you want, you will not regret it. All the best :)… Expand
  3. brutforce1337
    Oct 7, 2022
    10
    Genre-defining game. The greatest mix of story telling, shooter and exploring. Great physics and AI, graphics for the 2004 was extremely stunning and looking normal even now. Soundtrack is greatly complements the gameplay. Fantastic video game, thank u Valve.
  4. waifuviolenta
    Sep 25, 2022
    9
    If only all single player shooters could be this great. HL2 is the shining gold example of storytelling and game play all fused into the perfect package.
  5. Gliphy
    Sep 24, 2022
    5
    I don't hate this game, okay. It's just boring for me. I really love the first Half-Life but the second seems to me like tech-demo. City-17 is boring for me. Characters is boring for me. Plot is boring for me. Half-Life has its atmosphere. Labs, you know, everyone wants to kill you, militaries. I tried a lot to complete this game but I just can't. It's much bored than the first partI don't hate this game, okay. It's just boring for me. I really love the first Half-Life but the second seems to me like tech-demo. City-17 is boring for me. Characters is boring for me. Plot is boring for me. Half-Life has its atmosphere. Labs, you know, everyone wants to kill you, militaries. I tried a lot to complete this game but I just can't. It's much bored than the first part adventures of Gordon Freeman… Expand
  6. SCK_HZBLH
    Sep 24, 2022
    10
    This is the best game I've ever played. This game really fits in the Source Engine. Half-Life 2 has a great story. This game has a lot of great mods too such as Entropy Zero 2.
  7. KRChief
    Sep 19, 2022
    10
    The physics, musics, graohics, ambience, story and characters... man there is nothing bad in this game and sector breaking fps story game
  8. KolesAdlerov
    Sep 14, 2022
    7
    Stereotypes about the "masterpiece" of HL2 (2004, not a modern one), like a litmus test, showed how poorly the average user thinks and how easy it is to make "everyone recognized 10/10" out of nothing. This is a half-baked sandbox with a lot of lazy conventions, huge empty spaces (often without a sane background) and COMPLETELY disabled enemy AI on cheap scripts. Also, Helicopter BossesStereotypes about the "masterpiece" of HL2 (2004, not a modern one), like a litmus test, showed how poorly the average user thinks and how easy it is to make "everyone recognized 10/10" out of nothing. This is a half-baked sandbox with a lot of lazy conventions, huge empty spaces (often without a sane background) and COMPLETELY disabled enemy AI on cheap scripts. Also, Helicopter Bosses with infinite mines, oppressive one-hole gameplay in vehicle missions and hordes of useless friendly NPCs from the CallOfDuty circus.

    * Manhack drones in collectors ARE EXTREMELY GOOD. Headcrab Shells on civilians ARE dramatically GOOD. The tunnels before the Citadel don't look too bad, to be honest (better - in Episode One).

    Physics - just a HAVOK-engine with issues when three bricks balance the protagonist on a swing. Puzzles are squalid in most.
    Graphics - good water, but FarCry1 is already there; not bad flames, but Unreal2 is already there; poor empty landscapes; awkward architecture with cheap textures; bad models and body-textures except for 2-3 faces; bad animations except for 2-3 faces.
    Story - the plot is not revealed, means "mocking_disregard"; characters are flat; feigned dialogues are just disgusting. First part of walkthrogh is boring, second part is more sickening than CallOfDuty. Look, out of a 5h30mins walktrough in total - 35mins of Airboat-mission, 35mins of Buggy-mission (and the Bridge), only 20mins of Ravenholm, 35mins of Prison_CoD_bullsh!t, 1h15mins of Urban_CoD_bullsh!t and 25mins of Citadel.

    Gameplay:
    combat mechanics [**] 7/10
    combat logic [scripts out of logic + the Gravity Gun nonsense] 4/10
    atmosphere (Ravenholm and Citadel only) 7/10

    Story [*] 7/10

    Graphics [*] 9/10

    Sounds & music [good standalone music, but stupid annoying sounds and warnings] 8/10

    .
    If you want real HALF-LIFE in the 21st century, just play Black Mesa.    … Expand
  9. m-tugkan
    Sep 11, 2022
    10
    The best FPS game in the world, the physics engine, the AI, the action of the game, even the simple puzzles make this game unique in every field. It is a game that can be played even after years.
  10. sconeeee
    Sep 11, 2022
    10
    There are no words to describe the quality and scope of a game that has stood the test of time as well as this game. If you haven't already played this masterpiece, do so now instead of reading these reviews.
  11. Stitch_Ha
    Sep 8, 2022
    9
    Эту игру знают все и у нее все в порядке со всем)
  12. MattchewHawk
    Sep 5, 2022
    10
    Half life 2 is the game that started a gaming revolution. Everything was compared to it after its release. And it changed gaming for the better after. If you haven't played it yes. Please do. It's an experience even in 2022
  13. Chemiker
    Sep 4, 2022
    10
    Просто моё почтение 2004 год был хм 17 лет назад, как по мне хорошая графика даже сейчас!, сюжет (ну тут без возражений думаю) Было приятно переиграть вспомнить, осмыслить то что не понимал будучи ребенком (рейвенхольм как был неприятным и пугающем местом так и прошел проверку временем ( как и игра кстати) так таким и остался)
    В завершении думаю и в 2030 будут играть и превозносить шедевр    Просто моё почтение 2004 год был хм 17 лет назад, как по мне хорошая графика даже сейчас!, сюжет (ну тут без возражений думаю) Было приятно переиграть вспомнить, осмыслить то что не понимал будучи ребенком (рейвенхольм как был неприятным и пугающем местом так и прошел проверку временем ( как и игра кстати) так таким и остался)
    В завершении думаю и в 2030 будут играть и превозносить шедевр на века так сказать!
    А где халва 3? Да и не виар а на PC, и чтоб запомнился еще на 50 лет? Valve? Терпим и ждем!    … Expand
  14. RickPedroStalke
    Aug 29, 2022
    10
    Te amo Gabe te AMO STEAM TE AMO HALF LIFE EL MEJOR JUEGO DE LA DECADA Y YA ESTA
  15. VirtualAK
    Aug 27, 2022
    10
    This one game already deserves a 10 without me explaining why. But I am going to anyway. About 4 years ago, I finally got the chance to play Half-Life 2 after being introduced to every other major game/franchise made by Valve when I started my Steam account and the game is really good. After I played through the game, I started noticing how a lot of games take influence from not onlyThis one game already deserves a 10 without me explaining why. But I am going to anyway. About 4 years ago, I finally got the chance to play Half-Life 2 after being introduced to every other major game/franchise made by Valve when I started my Steam account and the game is really good. After I played through the game, I started noticing how a lot of games take influence from not only Half-Life 2 but the game engine made for it, the Source engine. Legit, almost every single thing in modern gaming can be traced back to this game and it's influence it made back when it was released (okay, maybe not the microtransactions but everything else, yeah). I recently played through the game again and I felt the same enjoyment I felt 4 years ago. Sometimes I didn't even need to actually play the game to feel enjoyment, I could just stand around doing nothing and still feel a sense of happiness. Overall, I think this game has withstood the test of time and will continue for years to come. The game does have some issues but for a 1st attempt at a sandbox action game like this, I appreciate what the game sets out to accomplish. In terms of the DLC (or Expansions if you wanna call it that), I think they are good as well. I just wish they didn't cancel the expanded storyline they had setup. Deathmatch and Lost Coast were a bit fun to explore but nothing else to really say. Once you play 5 minutes of both, you'll know everything these two side games have to offer. And I actually went back to play the original Half-Life and that too has some good things going for it (but to be honest I prefer Black Mesa, the unofficial remake of Half-Life but you can still buy it on Steam for $19.99). So yeah, play Half-Life 2 when you get a chance as it will not only serve as a welcome introduction into Steam but also a lot of video games. Anyways, thanks for reading. Peace out.… Expand
  16. ingari
    Aug 26, 2022
    10
    The epitome of narrative FPS. It is a masterpiece of the century. The most commendable part of Half-Life 2 is that it's play-only, with no cutscenes.
  17. Dec4dence
    Aug 25, 2022
    9
    Well, everybody knows this legend.
    If we speak in 2022 about this game, i'll say...

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

    Eh, you know. Valve games are always great.
  18. MagnusWolfX
    Aug 25, 2022
    8
    Very good game sticking back to its origins, superb gameplay. Characters and story also next level.
  19. zeromapping
    Aug 17, 2022
    10
    The best sequel, among other universes and continuations of original stories. Thanks to this game, even more mods and other games have appeared.
    It's still nice to make mods and multiplayer maps for this game.
  20. Umami_
    Aug 14, 2022
    10
    This game is the best of all time, my favorite out of the COUNTLESS I mean COUNTLESS Games I've played and even that is an understatement I love this game so much. I have beaten it about 40 times and have over 300 hours on it. Here's a shortened list of reasons why I love it 1. Story: The story in this game is so extensive, deep, and interesting Its great 2. Gameplay: This game is a comboThis game is the best of all time, my favorite out of the COUNTLESS I mean COUNTLESS Games I've played and even that is an understatement I love this game so much. I have beaten it about 40 times and have over 300 hours on it. Here's a shortened list of reasons why I love it 1. Story: The story in this game is so extensive, deep, and interesting Its great 2. Gameplay: This game is a combo of Satisfying, and Fun Gameplay. This Game has stood up for so many years if I could rate it 20/10 I would… Expand
  21. Sweix
    Aug 10, 2022
    10
    I can't really say anything that hasn't already been said. This game is great, period. I would consider it art that should be preserved through the centuries.
  22. christyguy
    Aug 9, 2022
    9
    Amazing game that shaped the entirety of my imagination, and moulded and influenced my entertainment interests for years.
  23. yepitslap
    Aug 8, 2022
    10
    A masterpiece in all of the meanings of this word. You wouldn't believe how many boundaries the game broke when it came out, not only in its genre, but in the game industry as a whole. There's a reason why, as of writing this review, it has a "Must-play" badge on the website. If you told me, back in the day, that the second Half-Life would be even cooler than the first one, which I wasA masterpiece in all of the meanings of this word. You wouldn't believe how many boundaries the game broke when it came out, not only in its genre, but in the game industry as a whole. There's a reason why, as of writing this review, it has a "Must-play" badge on the website. If you told me, back in the day, that the second Half-Life would be even cooler than the first one, which I was already quite the fan of, I'd be pleasantly surprised. I'd even go as far as to say that the Half-Life universe as a whole changed my personality in some ways. So give it a try if you weren't able to in its peek popularity.… Expand
  24. hollowspillz
    Aug 3, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Half Life was one of those games that you’ll just never find anything like it. It’s almost impossible for you to genuinely dislike it. Amazing world building with great story-telling. A game that was way ahead of its time. That ending when G-Man appears is one of the best cliffhanger endings I’ve ever seen. For some reason I’m yet to play those two other episodes but I’ll get on them soon.… Expand
  25. Mishanski
    Aug 1, 2022
    10
    Classics of FPS genre which is still looking good. Music, atmosphere and plot makes it even better.
  26. Trollfacebuddy
    Jul 31, 2022
    10
    It starts with one thing I don't know why
    It doesn't even matter how hard you try
    Keep that in mind, I designed this rhyme To explain in due time All I know Time is a valuable thing Watch it fly by as the pendulum swings Watch it count down to the end of the day The clock ticks life away It's so unreal Didn't look out below Watch the time go right out the window Tryin' to    It starts with one thing I don't know why
    It doesn't even matter how hard you try
    Keep that in mind, I designed this rhyme
    To explain in due time

    All I know
    Time is a valuable thing
    Watch it fly by as the pendulum swings
    Watch it count down to the end of the day
    The clock ticks life away

    It's so unreal
    Didn't look out below
    Watch the time go right out the window
    Tryin' to hold on, did-didn't even know
    I wasted it all just to watch you go

    I kept everything inside and even though I tried
    It all fell apart
    What it meant to me will eventually
    Be a memory of a time when I tried so hard

    I tried so hard and got so far
    But in the end it doesn't even matter
    I had to fall to lose it all
    But in the end it doesn't even matter

    One thing, I don't know why
    It doesn't even matter how hard you try
    Keep that in mind, I designed this rhyme
    To remind myself how I tried so hard

    In spite of the way you were mockin' me
    Acting like I was part of your property
    Remembering all the times you fought with me
    I'm surprised it got so far

    Things aren't the way they were before
    You wouldn't even recognize me anymore
    Not that you knew me back then
    But it all comes back to me in the end

    You kept everything inside and even though I tried
    It all fell apart
    What it meant to me will eventually
    Be a memory of a time when I tried so hard

    I tried so hard and got so far
    But in the end it doesn't even matter
    I had to fall to lose it all
    But in the end it doesn't even matter I've put my trust in you Pushed as far as I can go For all this There's only one thing you should know I've put my trust in you Pushed as far as I can go For all this There's only one thing you should know I tried so hard and got so far But in the end it doesn't even matter I had to fall to lose it all But in the end it doesn't even matter    … Expand
  27. nDix
    Jul 30, 2022
    10
    Total masterpiece, one of the most revolutionary games ever, totally marked the rest of FPS of the decade. There is quite a bit of HL2 in every modern shooter
  28. vidfraca
    Jul 28, 2022
    10
    El mejor juego que he jugado de valve, cada unos años siempre lo vuelvo a jugar porque la nostalgia me gana.Quizás en su momento no tenia los mejores gráficos, pero tiene una JUGABILIDAD muy fluida, que junto los PUZZLES y como se va desarrollando la HISTORIA lo hacen una experiencia muy entretenida para el jugador.
  29. DanilaV
    Jul 24, 2022
    10
    I think this is the best PC game of all time. It will be possible to pass it even after many years
  30. KapralDominik
    Jul 20, 2022
    10
    Шедевр и топчик на все времена, расширивший границы графических возможностей и прокачавший геймплей до эталонных высот. До сих пор бодро и с интересом играется, сочетая идеальный баланс секций с перестрелками, решением головоломок и отдыхом в локациях с подачей сюжетной болтовни. Итого: 10.Шедевр и топчик на все времена, расширивший границы графических возможностей и прокачавший геймплей до эталонных высот. До сих пор бодро и с интересом играется, сочетая идеальный баланс секций с перестрелками, решением головоломок и отдыхом в локациях с подачей сюжетной болтовни. Итого: 10.
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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 »