Half-Life 2

 PC
User Score
9.2

Universal acclaim- based on 12734 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11,541 out of 12734
  2. Mixed: 635 out of 12734
  3. Negative: 558 out of 12734
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  1. ilya_zotov24
    Jul 17, 2021
    9
    _Good game _
  2. Henker
    Apr 20, 2020
    9
    Half-Life 2 is undoubtedly a great game, well ahead of its time, a solid story that continues the events of the 1st game, excellent and fun gameplay, a wide variety of scenarios, weapons and possible interactions.
  3. MacMountainGoat
    Sep 27, 2020
    9
    This will go down in history as one of the greatest shooters of all time. Epic story, great blend of extremely dark setting with sprinkles of humor, insane graphics/voice acting/environments for its time, and great blend of puzzle solving and shootout arenas.
  4. drcoomer
    Aug 11, 2020
    9
    Half Life 2 is truly the epitome of what an FPS should be. From start to finish, this game is a masterpiece that even exceeds a lot of recent games. Between it's way-ahead-of-its-time graphics, amazing level design, and exhilarating gameplay, Half Life 2, even 16 years after release, still sets the bar high for all future games.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Eh, you know. Valve games are always great.
  29. bruhman54
    Aug 2, 2021
    9
    One of my favorite games Ive ever played. This game is what got me into singleplayer narrative games and made me realise the importance of them. It does everything better than Half Life 1. The only downside I would say is that the enemies were a bit more repetitive than in Half Life 1, but its a very minor detail the game is still great.
  30. hange122
    Oct 15, 2021
    9
    This game is such a masterpiece. You might be wondering why i gave it a 9/10? Because most parts was pretty confusing and made me stop continuing the campaign.
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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 »