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. Ktse
    Jul 22, 2018
    10
    Why is Half-Life beyond a game? It was a very realistic simulator of rebirth after a (possible) collapse awaiting humanity.
  2. default_access
    Jul 9, 2018
    10
    It's hard to believe that, prior to Half-Life 2, Valve had really made only one game. Of course, it was a masterpiece. Half-Life single-handedly reinvented the first-person shooter, putting the emphasis on cinematic pacing and complete immersion in the experience. As a result, it paved the way for many of the outstanding first-person shooters that have followed. And while there was littleIt's hard to believe that, prior to Half-Life 2, Valve had really made only one game. Of course, it was a masterpiece. Half-Life single-handedly reinvented the first-person shooter, putting the emphasis on cinematic pacing and complete immersion in the experience. As a result, it paved the way for many of the outstanding first-person shooters that have followed. And while there was little question that there would eventually be a sequel, no one could have imagined the long and torturous development process that led to Half-Life 2. Well, it's time to forget about that, because Half-Life 2 has arrived. And, in many ways, this big-budget sequel does what it sets out to do: Half-Life 2 is a technically amazing, sharply honed first-person shooter that pulls all the tricks that made Half-Life such a beloved experience. With that said, many of those tricks feel more than a bit familiar now, and the game itself is saddled with a disappointing story. Still, that doesn't stop Half-Life 2 from being a very impressive and engaging shooter, and a faithful follow-up to one of the greatest PC games of all time.… Expand
  3. malalkiller123
    Jun 22, 2018
    10
    A great storyline, great A.I, and pretty much the graphics of the game is awesome, it is a must have if you do not own Half-Life 2. Takes a while to get used to.
  4. TheFker420
    Jun 16, 2018
    10
    Best game ever make. Replayed again and again and mod the game for fun. Better than other games.
  5. BIOHAZARDd
    Jun 16, 2018
    10
    Best game I have ever seen Best game I have ever seen Best game I have ever seen Best game I have ever seen Best game I have ever seen Best game I have ever seen Best game I have ever seen Best game I have ever seen Best game I have ever seen Best game I have ever seen Best game I have ever seen
  6. Kielyr
    May 11, 2018
    10
    one of my favorites. great shooting and great story...milestone for gaming era
    waiting for hl3...
  7. KingJailson
    May 10, 2018
    10
    Melhor jogo criado pelo homem, do mundo, da historia , do universo e por ae vai
  8. ChosenUndead99
    Apr 29, 2018
    10
    This is an excellent game that never takes control away from you. I have gotten stuck multiple times due to simple things because I am so used to modern games that prefer to hold the players hand!
  9. DrakeRainbow
    Apr 24, 2018
    10
    This is the best game I ever played thank you valve. one thing that I love about this game is the physic and combat, the characters feel like people, it feel like adventure the levels I loved the design for this world. I thing the hard mode want makes it fun for me? i played this game 4 times and the movement of your character, speaking about the protagonist, he unique because he have noThis is the best game I ever played thank you valve. one thing that I love about this game is the physic and combat, the characters feel like people, it feel like adventure the levels I loved the design for this world. I thing the hard mode want makes it fun for me? i played this game 4 times and the movement of your character, speaking about the protagonist, he unique because he have no chartacter and we can make are own personality ,like is he scare,shy,brave,listener. But in the first game you can make feel like psychopath. because you can kill people, but it does'nt matter to me.… Expand
  10. semen2006
    Apr 13, 2018
    10
    The best game of Valve. It is a pity that now they do not make such wonderful games.
  11. cousinit99
    Apr 9, 2018
    10
    The sequel to a game that defined and set the bar for the FPS genre for decades to follow. Absolutely groundbreaking for its time, and after so many years, it's still a incredibly fun game to play. At this point, there's a considerable nostalgia factor as well. Easily a 10..
  12. bardas
    Mar 28, 2018
    10
    The best history of the videogames,In the time the graphics of half-life 2 was the best
  13. Felipex5012
    Feb 18, 2018
    10
    Another wonderful game made by Valve with a fantasy plot involving aliens. Now the game of Valve Half Life returns with more dialogs a physics and excellent graphics up to the present day containing remarkable characters and although it has a bit of bugs because of its famous engine for bugs at Source that happens to be another super powerful engine enabling a greater immersion in theirAnother wonderful game made by Valve with a fantasy plot involving aliens. Now the game of Valve Half Life returns with more dialogs a physics and excellent graphics up to the present day containing remarkable characters and although it has a bit of bugs because of its famous engine for bugs at Source that happens to be another super powerful engine enabling a greater immersion in their games that use this engine. Simply an incredible game that was my criticism.… Expand
  14. Al89ex
    Feb 6, 2018
    10
    Half-Life 2 is revolution in computer games. It is worth playing It is perfect
  15. alexkillever
    Jan 28, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. My second game on pc. I played it in 2005 and still one of my best games. Muy interesante con unos graficos magnificos pero esto es lo de menos porque el juego tiene una historia una jugabilidad impresionante tambien la narrativa esta bastante bien.… Expand
  16. iddqd4
    Jan 18, 2018
    10
    Š’ сŠ²Š¾Šµ Š²Ń€ŠµŠ¼Ń фŠøŠ·ŠøŠŗŠ° ŠøŠ³Ń€Ń‹ Šø Š³Ń€Š°Š²ŠøŠæушŠŗŠ° ŠæŠ¾Ń€Š°Š¶Š°Š»Šø Š²Š¾Š¾Š±Ń€Š°Š¶ŠµŠ½ŠøŠµ. Š˜Š³Ń€Š° Šø Š² Š½Š°ŃˆŠµ Š²Ń€ŠµŠ¼Ń, Š²ŃŠµ ŠµŃ‰Šµ сŠæŠ¾ŃŠ¾Š±Š½Š° Š·Š°Ń‚ŠŗŠ½ŃƒŃ‚ŃŒ Šø Š½Ń‹Š½ŠµŃˆŠ½ŠøŠµ сŠ¾Š²Ń€ŠµŠ¼ŠµŠ½Š½Ń‹Šµ шутŠµŃ€Ń‹, Š½Šµ сŠ¼Š¾Ń‚Ń€Ń Š½Š° Š²Š¾Š·Ń€Š°ŃŃ‚. Š“ŠµŠ¹Š¼ŠæŠ»ŠµŠ¹ Šø Š“ŠøŠ·Š°Š¹Š½ Š½Šµ стŠ°Ń€ŠµŃŽŃ‚.
  17. ThinkTank2049
    Jan 15, 2018
    10
    Great game with an amazing storytelling. Most first person shooters have very weak plots but this one is simply amazing. VU Games took the time to listen to their customers and it shows in the game. I just wish all gaming companies operated like this. Sadly many indie game companies are horrible at applying feedback. Great work of art. A must play game.
  18. Termin8ter
    Jan 11, 2018
    7
    Half-Life 2 disappointed me. Some sections of investment, or suspense, or fun. But these are outweighed by other sections of frustration or boredom, and commonly both. Breen is not a good villain. He seems boring and is not intimidating or clever, and does not say any memorable lines or speeches. The characters, voice acting, and gunplay is good, but they are bogged down by my otherHalf-Life 2 disappointed me. Some sections of investment, or suspense, or fun. But these are outweighed by other sections of frustration or boredom, and commonly both. Breen is not a good villain. He seems boring and is not intimidating or clever, and does not say any memorable lines or speeches. The characters, voice acting, and gunplay is good, but they are bogged down by my other complaints in this game. If you like it, fine, but I don't. And that was why.… Expand
  19. karelpica99
    Dec 21, 2017
    0
    Bad graphics, bad story line, not even close to realistic, just plain sucked.
  20. tamcwlmm
    Dec 21, 2017
    10
    There aren't even words to describe this masterpiece of a game. This is Valve's best game in my opinion. HL2 is above Portal 2 in my list of favorite games, which means a lot. Story is great, levels are well made and clever and each character has its own charisma that makes the game great.
    If the only reason not to play this game is because it's so old (2004 is a long time ago), don't be    There aren't even words to describe this masterpiece of a game. This is Valve's best game in my opinion. HL2 is above Portal 2 in my list of favorite games, which means a lot. Story is great, levels are well made and clever and each character has its own charisma that makes the game great.
    If the only reason not to play this game is because it's so old (2004 is a long time ago), don't be bothered because the graphics are stunning.

    So 10/10 for sure, best game ever in my opinion.    … Expand
  21. 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
  22. Shashank_Adluri
    Nov 23, 2017
    10
    The Best Game in terms of physics,This game is all about physics and its been around 14 years this game leaves me an experience that i cant ever forget in my gaming history.Half life 2 is breakthrough for fps of this generation.
  23. zkvarz
    Nov 16, 2017
    10
    What I can tell about this excellent game? I've revisited this world after many years again. And I can tell that I've played many games since I was a teenager, but Half Life 2 is just a very immersive game for me which drove me deep into the post-apocalyptic world once again with no disappointment.
    The game has it's unique story with very cool and interesting characters. It has great    What I can tell about this excellent game? I've revisited this world after many years again. And I can tell that I've played many games since I was a teenager, but Half Life 2 is just a very immersive game for me which drove me deep into the post-apocalyptic world once again with no disappointment.
    The game has it's unique story with very cool and interesting characters. It has great character Alex, which is one of the best female characters in gaming in my personal view. The graphics is still impressive and there is no cheap feeling as with many other games, even modern ones. Of course game has great overall design and believable world which expanded just perfectly from the first Half Life. It has very good combination of story scenes and shooting/action scenes which is hard to do for many developers of the games.
    There is a pretty standard arsenal of weapons but also few unique ones. Such as famous crowbar and a gravity gun, which is very fun. Game has it's physics based puzzles and maps where you can beat the enemies with no actual weapons which is very cool. There are vehicle and vessel which can be used in the game and it's a bonus to the great experience.
    After replaying it of course I've seen more and more things that should've been improved or made better even at the time of release. For example every area in the game has it's limits where you can go, do or see. I also wish there where more puzzles or more interesting areas to visit, but the game quite short in length. Overall it's all very far from ruining the total greatness of the game, in my opinion. One thing to mention though I wish the game was actually finished after next Half Life 2 Episodes, but unfortunately what we have in 2017 is a script from the writer and tones of half life 3 memes, which is pity.
    Excellent game, though.    … Expand
  24. Jerusalemlady
    Nov 15, 2017
    10
    What can I say. One of the best games of all time. This game has a soul. You can feel that there is clear idea behind every stage of the game and a clear artistic vision. It keeps on giving and giving from the first opening scen to the credits. Technically, visually, and mechanics is spot on. You need to experience this game atleast once in your life.
  25. Ej_mupas
    Oct 31, 2017
    9
    The game is absolutely amazing in all aspects. Really good story and gameplay. Enjoyable and fun.
    True FPS CLASSIC. Big impact in the video game industry 9/'10 *
  26. BritMboh
    Oct 13, 2017
    10
    Even though I played it 10 years too late it's still easy to see why it is one of the greatest PC games of all time. Amazing graphics and physics for its time and it's gameplay is faultlessly designed.
  27. XtremeGamer888
    Sep 23, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Esre es mi juego favorito, totalmente perfecto en toda aspecto, historia, jugabilidad, hasta el diseƱo de los niveles, totalmente recomendable. Este juego me le pasado como una 10 veces y cada vez es mejor, gracias a dios que juegue este juego, es ORO!… Expand
  28. AstiX
    Sep 19, 2017
    10
    I don't even have to praise this game. It has achieved a status no other game has been able to reach... yet. So I'm just gonna say:

    HALF-LIFE 3 WHEN?
  29. Cristian98
    Sep 6, 2017
    10
    Played this in 2017 cause i wanted to play other valve games. The story is just amazing and interesting but a bit short. finished it in 13 hrs. i played also episode one and episode two and they are like hl2 base.
  30. zimmer600
    Aug 16, 2017
    10
    No other game gives such a rich atmosphere or better combines exciting performances with an exalted story. This is much more than science fiction: "The adventure has compelling characters with great emotional depth and exciting cinematic sets that provide an amazing spectacle. A video game that divided the game industry on before and after.
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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 »