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. pumrel
    Dec 22, 2013
    5
    I am really sorry to say that but I can't bear with this game. As other have said it is quite boring and repetitive and it is not fun. I am an occasional player and can't play hours just hoping that it would possibly get better. It's boring from the start.
  2. Frankey
    Aug 30, 2013
    5
    As of now, this game hasn't really aged well. The combat is extremely simple and boring, just point at the enemy and hold left click. The only thing interesting is the Gravity Gun, but that's also kind of boring because even games like Sonic 06 implemented this combat feature for Silver the Hedgehog. So yes, the combat is meh.

    The graphics is still pretty good for today if it has    As of now, this game hasn't really aged well. The combat is extremely simple and boring, just point at the enemy and hold left click. The only thing interesting is the Gravity Gun, but that's also kind of boring because even games like Sonic 06 implemented this combat feature for Silver the Hedgehog. So yes, the combat is meh.

    The graphics is still pretty good for today if it has improved lighting and better textures. The story is very uninteresting, I also don't feel attached to characters like Alyx, Barney, and others. Like the part when you are seperated from Alyx and you have to go to Ravenholm. I'm just like, meh I'll move on. I don't feel worried of other characters in danger and all that For a game that is supposed to be story driven, it is extremely BAD AT STORY.

    People say that this game is a physics puzzle game, but guess what? None of the puzzles are hard. All it takes is to stack enough objects on one specific place and move on. Nothing challenging there, so why is it a physics puzzle game?

    The game is very linear, but also provides some exploring you can do to find hidden pockets of extra health, armor and ammo, which is stupid because you'll encounter a lot of them on plain sight, so you can survive this game on hard mode without ever finding the hidden supplies.

    Overall, for today's standard, it is an average cookie-cutter first person shooter and for $10, it's good I guess.    … Expand
  3. chellboy
    Sep 3, 2013
    5
    Half-Life 2 is very average game. The game is a very linear shooter with very little deviation from the main path. Only to collect ammo which is everywhere so it doesn't matter. It offers no replay value and its a short 8 hour experience compared to many RPGs that go for 30hours. The story is quiet good but even this has problems. It is presented by conversations but the volume of the NPCsHalf-Life 2 is very average game. The game is a very linear shooter with very little deviation from the main path. Only to collect ammo which is everywhere so it doesn't matter. It offers no replay value and its a short 8 hour experience compared to many RPGs that go for 30hours. The story is quiet good but even this has problems. It is presented by conversations but the volume of the NPCs is so unbalanced to the game I can't hear them. There is also no explanation for most of what is going on. The ending is very good but it comes at the end of a bland level and "boss fight". The game looks good and has great sound and some cool weapons, but that isn't enough to save it. I can't recommend this to anyone.… Expand
  4. CustardPot
    Nov 9, 2013
    5
    This is a game I bought because of the hype and the awards it got but then did not see what was so good about it, the game had a massive world and brilliant graphics that still stand today, but it does not change my opinion that it slowly got repetitive and boring and did not have a clear path or story. It was ok, but not amazing by any standard.
  5. awesomeface225
    Feb 21, 2014
    5
    It's not the best game I have ever played but it is a pretty game. I like the story line but the AI for some of the characters are pretty bad and the zombies almost made me puke because they look so disgusting.
  6. robomartion
    Mar 5, 2023
    5
    I never realized it before, but replaying this venerated classic, beneath its advanced visuals for the time, the gameplay of Half-Life 2 is brutally repetitive and simplistic. The only way I could handle it was to rush through it as fast as humanly possible. It is fairly simple to explain why Valve does not release any new games that are worth their salt, it is a myth that they ever did inI never realized it before, but replaying this venerated classic, beneath its advanced visuals for the time, the gameplay of Half-Life 2 is brutally repetitive and simplistic. The only way I could handle it was to rush through it as fast as humanly possible. It is fairly simple to explain why Valve does not release any new games that are worth their salt, it is a myth that they ever did in the past.… Expand
  7. GamerOTYear
    Mar 15, 2015
    5
    remind me, why is this game so popular again? what does it do so well/uniquely that makes it one of the best games ever? frankly, this game is one of the most overrated games ever, not in the sense that it is bad, but in the sense that people say it is that good. it isnt. these games really dont' stand as their own franchise. i cant think of a single thing this game does better than anyremind me, why is this game so popular again? what does it do so well/uniquely that makes it one of the best games ever? frankly, this game is one of the most overrated games ever, not in the sense that it is bad, but in the sense that people say it is that good. it isnt. these games really dont' stand as their own franchise. i cant think of a single thing this game does better than any other game of its own genre. the level design is lame, the enemy AI is laughable, and it is hyped to oblivion.… Expand
  8. Nintendont
    Jan 23, 2015
    5
    Overrated game that is for some reason considered a classic. Half life 2 is the old sick man of video games. Its cliche themes and poor optimization make it quite an overrated mess.
  9. DarkMoonGaming
    Feb 19, 2015
    5
    Not so good that i expected. The game is boring in most of levels, they are repeating everything again. Chapters 3, 4, 6 ( and more i think) dont have story just doing the same thing. And others chapters are just cutscenes in first person. The only good thing about this game is story and gravity gun, but gameplay is just awful. And the worst part is chapter 6 (Ravenholm). God, this isNot so good that i expected. The game is boring in most of levels, they are repeating everything again. Chapters 3, 4, 6 ( and more i think) dont have story just doing the same thing. And others chapters are just cutscenes in first person. The only good thing about this game is story and gravity gun, but gameplay is just awful. And the worst part is chapter 6 (Ravenholm). God, this is worst level i saw in all my life. Very bad. Very bad. I could talk all day about this game fails. Portal was much, much better (TF2 also). I dont recommend spending a dollar on it. Better buy a pile of bricks! ( Sorry for bad english).… Expand
  10. xcylo
    Nov 16, 2020
    5
    Let's face it, the game hasn't aged well. While I'm sure it was revolutionary back in 2004, and I know your pal who's maybe a few years older than you said you should *totally* check out the game, but here's the thing: video games rarely age well. While you can go back and enjoy an old movie or a classic book and not lose any of the experience, games are always changing and developing.Let's face it, the game hasn't aged well. While I'm sure it was revolutionary back in 2004, and I know your pal who's maybe a few years older than you said you should *totally* check out the game, but here's the thing: video games rarely age well. While you can go back and enjoy an old movie or a classic book and not lose any of the experience, games are always changing and developing. Where we are today is so far ahead of where we were when this game came out that this really just feels janky and primitive. Don't get me wrong, the game is a classic. It changed the way we create and play games. But with all the hype around it, coming back to the game now is nothing more than disappointing.… Expand
  11. vova22379
    Feb 25, 2023
    5
    ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
  12. 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
  13. JONY28
    May 26, 2022
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. omgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgogmgongigngjgngjgbdhbshavahabahshushsjzhdhdj… Expand
  14. Hydra5819
    Apr 5, 2023
    5
    half life 2 is a game that has shaped the history of the game. It is a great game with great graphics, gameplay and details according to its period. The absence of dialogue of our main character gordon puts you in the place of the main character. The game does not give you the task given to you or what to do, dialogue and small help It gives you a freedom by giving it with. I can't passhalf life 2 is a game that has shaped the history of the game. It is a great game with great graphics, gameplay and details according to its period. The absence of dialogue of our main character gordon puts you in the place of the main character. The game does not give you the task given to you or what to do, dialogue and small help It gives you a freedom by giving it with. I can't pass without mentioning the map and the design.… Expand
  15. CC
    Jul 1, 2010
    4
    Good start and much potential. Needs some balance tweaking, but overall is very fun. Minor issues are dwarfed by moments of brilliance. If you like GTA, and wished, "Hey, I wish I could play this online with my friends with an MMO twist (leveling, gear, etc..)" then you will be very pleased!
  16. TimG
    May 7, 2006
    4
    After about 10 minutes the wow wears off. It does not live up to its predecessor, the only redeeming facts are its graphical system and the ending leavings questions and a want to find out what happens next.
  17. JacekI.
    Aug 5, 2006
    4
    Games are not about graphics and physics engine but fun*. I confirm some oppinions expressed so far - it is tedious, predictible, it is a repetitive sequel. * Compare some desktop java games on www.java.com with HL2 - then it is obvious you do not need realistic graphics, expensive harware and so on to enjoy computer games. That is true that the industry including Valve misses the point.
  18. JenjaN.
    Jan 9, 2007
    4
    I played the game and win the hole game, but I didin't like it soo much becuse chapter 4-5 are boring when you only playing around with airboat! and even more boring is 7-9 when you playing with a jeep that's not fun either! but the start was good and the end that's why I gave it 4.
  19. RyanL
    Oct 1, 2008
    4
    How this game got a good score? no really how? this is prob one of my least favourate games ever made. the bad guys cant shoot u even if they were standing next 2 u and the weapons in it suck. what were they thinking.
  20. JayG
    Apr 26, 2008
    4
    I fail to see how this game warrants so many "Perfect" scores. This is not a game, Its a tech Demo for a very beautiful, very versatile engine but entertaining to play... Half life 2 is not, unless you enjoy repeating the same puzzle every 30 seconds and navigating some of the worst level design that I have seen in any game. What could be a very thrilling and engrossing game, is broken up I fail to see how this game warrants so many "Perfect" scores. This is not a game, Its a tech Demo for a very beautiful, very versatile engine but entertaining to play... Half life 2 is not, unless you enjoy repeating the same puzzle every 30 seconds and navigating some of the worst level design that I have seen in any game. What could be a very thrilling and engrossing game, is broken up by a repetitive string of physics puzzles with no purpose other than to show off the physics engine. Which would have its own charm, were the puzzles not repeated every 5 mins with an identically puzzle. This is demonstrated best in any level that contains a vehicle for the player to drive, where you will have to move an obstacle out of your way every 30 seconds with the "Gravity gun." Top that off with 90% of the plot being as in depth as Mario's "The Princess is in the next castle, navigate your way to the next location" and you are left with a game that left me "Blue" for a decent story and some thrilling action. Half life 2 is a monumental technical achievement, and the mods that have come out for this game make it well worth the price of purchase, but I would rather pull out and eat my own intestines like spaghetti than call this a "reviting good time."… Expand
  21. ReysanD
    Jul 24, 2008
    4
    Linear play, cliche/unnecessary zombies and physics fetish; this game soils what could have been an interesting setting. Frankly, it's boring.
  22. THunt
    Sep 23, 2007
    4
    Over-rated. Too much filler and defineately not the game it thinks it is.
  23. Someguy?
    Sep 12, 2008
    4
    I bought this game with very high expectations due to it's predecessor, I was horribly ashamed when I started playing Half Life 2. I gave it a 4 because of the graphics, which even now are a little lame and out-dated. Let me tell you why this game is a overrated piece of crap. First of all everyone is pissing out things like "wow the ai are so intelligent and realistic, and wow there I bought this game with very high expectations due to it's predecessor, I was horribly ashamed when I started playing Half Life 2. I gave it a 4 because of the graphics, which even now are a little lame and out-dated. Let me tell you why this game is a overrated piece of crap. First of all everyone is pissing out things like "wow the ai are so intelligent and realistic, and wow there is so much interactions with levels." Bullshit, even on hard I had to laugh at the pathetic ai as they stumbled around like retards. They don't try to flank you, they don't try to circle you they just stand there shooting at you with the occasional strafe, and you can take your time killing them as their aim is terrible. As for your team mates, the most pathetic bunch I've ever seen. They do a good job at blocking you, always annoying you with stupid dialogue and always dieing as they are retarded. As for interaction with levels, I think anyone who says anything about it needs some toilet paper to wipe away the shit they are dribbling. You can pick up a box with a gravity gun, uh... so? If you want examples of interactivity with levels try stalker or maybe even crysis. As for level design, it's always the same, complete some stupid puzzle a newly born infant could solve, kill about 6000000 stalkers and shoot at some retarded ai and go through some stupid scenery and lame secrets. As for your weapon choices, the most generic array of weapony i've ever seen, I was bored to tears having to use boring guns with lame animations. As for dying, it's practically impossible to die as every metre there is a health pack or a health thingy on the wall. Another thing on level design it's just cliche move into this area kill everything there whilst using your crate of unlimited ammo and to many health packs then move on to the next area and do the exact same thing, get any more lamer or boring?? This game is overall an over-rated game that is just using all the credit from half-life 1 to make it seem like a good game. Use your damned head man, it's just another cliche to sit and rot on the benches or to be bought by stupid and gullible people who happily ride hype train to idiot vile. This game is a waste of money I suggest sticking to half-life 1, the true guru of games.… Expand
  24. CraigC
    Apr 17, 2010
    4
    Very overrated game. Was a glorified tech demo when it first came out, now its just an incredibly mediocre game. It did nothing all that well, story wasn't really there, gameplay consisted of very bland FPS play and gratuitous physics puzzles. I still can't understand to this day why so many hold it so high when it's really nothing special, and an insult to the first which Very overrated game. Was a glorified tech demo when it first came out, now its just an incredibly mediocre game. It did nothing all that well, story wasn't really there, gameplay consisted of very bland FPS play and gratuitous physics puzzles. I still can't understand to this day why so many hold it so high when it's really nothing special, and an insult to the first which was a great game.… Expand
  25. PalliN.
    Dec 28, 2004
    4
    Game equals 8, steam equals 0 and that makes the overall 4. Seriously valve, what the hell you were thinking with the steam crap? Or weren't.
  26. PRF
    Sep 29, 2005
    4
    Very Poor AI for a start laughable I am not sold by graphics and or the amazing physics I never have been and never will be. What does catch me is what I have to do and this as with all FPS is the same old collect weapons 1-8 (8 being the best weapon) which you get near the end then be lead around the game although what makes HL2 poor is the restricted linear way it shoved me about. Non Very Poor AI for a start laughable I am not sold by graphics and or the amazing physics I never have been and never will be. What does catch me is what I have to do and this as with all FPS is the same old collect weapons 1-8 (8 being the best weapon) which you get near the end then be lead around the game although what makes HL2 poor is the restricted linear way it shoved me about. Non access to certain map parts that could and would have been interesting if valve coudl have been bothered.… Expand
  27. AlyxF.
    Jul 25, 2008
    4
    Pretty good graphics although it could be a lot better, bad ai. and the game is one of the just play once games. When i did play the game i took a lot of time exploring as much as the game allowed me to do, and that isn't pretty much. the game is designed for a just rush through session.
  28. CarlM.
    Dec 27, 2004
    4
    How can you rate a game with a bad rating because of a loading issue? Loading is a part of every game. Rate it on the superior graphic and the blah blah blah that everyone is fasinated with. Obviously as long as the picture is pretty it is a good game. Hey anyone a mortgage rep, If you rated my credit report maybe i could get a $1.3 mill house.
  29. PsiCat
    Dec 5, 2011
    4
    Flat and mediocre sequel to one of the most innovative shooters ever made. Half Life had a depth that is definitely missing from it's overrated sequel.
  30. Oookeeek
    Nov 14, 2011
    4
    Most overrated game ever made. Half-Life 2 is not just disappointing, it's really boring. The first one was much better than this. Of course HL2 has some interesting things such as the Source engine (although many really poor textures), the gravity gun or pheropod, but this isn't enough to keep the game alive. And, as this wasn't enough, the game doesn't have a decent ending. I'll neverMost overrated game ever made. Half-Life 2 is not just disappointing, it's really boring. The first one was much better than this. Of course HL2 has some interesting things such as the Source engine (although many really poor textures), the gravity gun or pheropod, but this isn't enough to keep the game alive. And, as this wasn't enough, the game doesn't have a decent ending. I'll never understand why Half Life 2 is so praised.… 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 »