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. NachoGameplays
    Feb 21, 2022
    10
    Revolución de los FPS. Envejeció bastante mal con el tiempo pero sigue siendo un clásico y una obra de arte.
  2. HouseClarkzonia
    Nov 6, 2013
    8
    Great game, although I have to say. Playing it over and over again really digs into your skull that it's quite boring.
    (Sorry guys and gals. It's still good).
  3. markwhitton
    Nov 20, 2013
    7
    Half-Life 2 has been an interesting yet mixed experience… At times throughout playing the game my interest just fell completely flat and I couldn't play it any-more and yet at other times I just couldn't stop playing… So I feel the story and action elements were very much hit and miss, however the graphics are flawless. I’m unsure if they've ever been updated but for a 2004 game it’s gotHalf-Life 2 has been an interesting yet mixed experience… At times throughout playing the game my interest just fell completely flat and I couldn't play it any-more and yet at other times I just couldn't stop playing… So I feel the story and action elements were very much hit and miss, however the graphics are flawless. I’m unsure if they've ever been updated but for a 2004 game it’s got incredible textures! The most frustrating thing about this game is when Gordon is joined by a group of soldiers and they continually trap you in rooms by clogging a doorway, minor issue but seriously annoying… Spinning more positively, the enemies were great, the majority of the environments were interesting and it was a generally good game.… Expand
  4. anggadaz
    Aug 8, 2014
    9
    Yeah. This is a legend game. This game has amazing graphic for old game and very good story for role playing game. This game also has gravity gun, this gun is very helpful.
  5. sonic125
    Jul 25, 2014
    9
    A brilliant game and an epic sequel to one of the best shooters of all time ,BUT I STILL CAN NOT BEAT THE GAME,each and every level is unique and cool.Some Players think it is one of the Most overrated game ever made,But to them i say this ,Call of duty is when of the most overrated game ever made.
  6. 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.
  7. Garfoodle
    Sep 2, 2014
    10
    Isn't it sad that this 10 year old game looks a lot better than most games that have came out in the past few months?
    Also-HL3 CONFIRMED
    Also-GORDON FREEMAN
  8. LPDawid
    Mar 21, 2022
    10
    Pure classic, I played it back in 2005 and was blown away. Game is full of polished details, gameplay style is differential, immersion high, story engaging. It's one of THOSE games you love with all you heart and can replay for years without boredom.

    As if that was not enough, amount of user created content is huge - there is always something new to do.
  9. n0837
    Jul 15, 2014
    9
    Awesome game with some humor, action, and awesome gameplay. Valve has done a fantastic job with Half-Life 2. It is a game that you will be talking about for years to come. Buy this game and make yourself super freakin' happy.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. BlackVoid
    Sep 25, 2015
    2
    The most overhyped game ever. Much worse than the original, instead of the varied aliens, you will mostly face human soldiers. Boring. On top of this, levels are counter-intuitive, easy to get lost and not find the way forward. Black Mesa in HL1 was an exciting place, compared to that, the levels are bland and uninteresting. Play the original instead, that is much better.
  13. 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
  14. halflifeistrash
    Apr 17, 2015
    0
    The gameplay was completely ruined by the fact it's only single player. How can you truly enjoy a game with your friends all by yourself? Let your friends WATCH you play? Absurd. Need same room multiplayer!
  15. astuka
    May 19, 2015
    7
    Pros:
    + incredible pacing/level design
    + well thought out world
    + solid controls
    Cons:
    - lack of soundtrack
    - lackluster story

    Final score: 7/10, 3/5
  16. Nel
    Dec 1, 2016
    7
    Played this game when it came out, and I was surely impressed by how it changed the gaming world. THe game itself is a great first person shooting game that is still today consider to be one of the better games ever made.
  17. 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
  18. Preidon
    Oct 26, 2015
    0
    Guys just admit it,this game is overrated,It has a boring story,characters look awful,little enemies,nothing to see here. I was really dissapointed that this game is so bad. Such a shame for PC.
  19. Chocice
    Nov 12, 2015
    7
    I do not enjoy this game that much but i do understand how people do enjoy it.
    I think it is overated but is by no means a bad game.
    Overall a pretty good game
  20. Hiel_UFF
    May 5, 2022
    10
    El mejor juegos en primera persona y lo sigue siendo mas de 18años despues de su salida
  21. Demon2017
    Jun 10, 2022
    9
    Игра, совершившая революция в игровой индустрии. Прорывная графика и физика, очень крутой искусственный интеллект, интересный сюжет и классная атмосфера. Единственный минут - это то, что часто приходится решать какие-то головоломки и лазить по люкам, что немного сбивает темп игры.Игра, совершившая революция в игровой индустрии. Прорывная графика и физика, очень крутой искусственный интеллект, интересный сюжет и классная атмосфера. Единственный минут - это то, что часто приходится решать какие-то головоломки и лазить по люкам, что немного сбивает темп игры.
  22. FromKanga
    Jul 16, 2017
    7
    Half-life 2 is overrated in my opinion but I have to point out that I have no nostalgic feelings towards this game so that's probably why I don't think that this game is as good as everyone says it is and I don't think the game has aged very well.

    The story was interesting but I never felt invested, Alyx was an interesting character but I wish I saw more of the other characters to make    Half-life 2 is overrated in my opinion but I have to point out that I have no nostalgic feelings towards this game so that's probably why I don't think that this game is as good as everyone says it is and I don't think the game has aged very well.

    The story was interesting but I never felt invested, Alyx was an interesting character but I wish I saw more of the other characters to make me care about the world around me, the villain was a bore and had a pretty weak motivation and the ending was really anti-climatic (I know I have to play episode 1 and 2).
    There are some highlights, the more scripted parts where the characters interact with one another was the most interesting part about the game but I wish I got more of that.

    The gameplay was fun but it did have flaws, the level design was smart and well done and weapons like the gravity gun are fun to use...but most of the other weapons are generic and boring making the game sometimes repetitive and the driving sections are atrocious.

    I'm really conflicted, the game was really innovative for it's time, it has great voice acting (most of the time), the graphics aren't great now but this game came out in 2004 so it's impressive that they still look pretty good and some weapons are great and fun to use.
    But I played this game in 2017 and now there are just much better games in what hal-life 2 tries to accomplish, I do recommend it but I respect this game more than I like it.    … Expand
  23. wpatri04
    Mar 13, 2017
    6
    I am reviewing this game based on TODAY'S standards, and the date today is March 13, 2017. This is almost thirteen years from its release, and since those reading the reviews on here are likely those seeing if it is worth playing today, I will base it as if it came out today.
    Half Life 2 is a game that goes on, and on, and on...and on. It's extremely rare that a game does that while    I am reviewing this game based on TODAY'S standards, and the date today is March 13, 2017. This is almost thirteen years from its release, and since those reading the reviews on here are likely those seeing if it is worth playing today, I will base it as if it came out today.
    Half Life 2 is a game that goes on, and on, and on...and on. It's extremely rare that a game does that while avoiding repetition. One game that comes to mind that did this successfully is Resident Evil 4. I'm afraid to say Half Life 2 is no Resident Evil 4. Half Life 2 struggles to keep itself interesting after the first chapter. The game begins in a train station, in an Orwellian type world with guards, and it is immersive realistic and atmospheric. It was the best start-off to a game I've ever played. But it went downhill fast. The guns are very standard and basic, most are very boring. And there's no variety. All the handguns feel the same, the machine guns are very basic and offer an alternate firing weapon (one a grenade and the other a ricocheting energy orb) and there's one shotgun. The big draw of the game for many was the Gravity Gun, which utilizes a revolutionary (at the time) physics engine. You can gravitate large barrels or pieces of wood or, well anything you can find really, no matter how heavy, and launch at your enemies. You will use it to solve puzzles. I would recommend looking at at YouTube video at this gun in action. But, no matter how cool a gun is, if the gameplay is boring, then everything else gets affected, no matter great or innovative.
    Half Life 2 is LONG, and thus variety should have been used to keep things interesting. Well, with little variety used, it isn't interesting. The story isn't interesting. The weapons aren't interesting. The combat is the most repetitive I've ever played, and it seems to never end. There are stages where you will ride a hover boat and a buggy car, but even those dragged on too long. I would have preferred Half Life 2 rely more on puzzles and story than its shooting, but Half Life 2 IS a shooter after all, first and foremost.
    The sound design is very precise. Atmospheric music will be cued at really mind-hitting times to really drive the immersion. It was quite well done, but I would have preferred to have had music all the way through out like in 007 Goldeneye. It would have helped the boringness of the game.
    All in all, this is an important game. It's a game everyone should play just to experience what was hailed at the time as a technological achievement. This game has and will remain in the video game history books as deeply significant, iconic, and necessary. Just don't expect to have a blast playing it in today's modern game world. While today's gaming isn't better, it does force classic games to show their age, and in this case it was bad.    … Expand
  24. Diugo
    Mar 19, 2022
    10
    Still feels like a brand new game almost 20 years after its release. Engaging story, combat and an amazing ost makes this a must play for not only pc players but every gamer.
  25. gautamkumar633
    Feb 20, 2022
    10
    Half-Life 2 is one of the greatest first-person shooters of all time. Everything about this game is great.
  26. razMN
    Apr 10, 2022
    9
    Great innovation from the first game - everything is better and you quite understand why the game is taken as a classic and everyone wants a sequel. The story is great and the gameplay is awesome!

    The map design hasn't aged well - I'd be glad if NPCs gave you direction sometimes, some parts of it aren't really clear of where you need to go/what you need to do. Also, the game NEVER    Great innovation from the first game - everything is better and you quite understand why the game is taken as a classic and everyone wants a sequel. The story is great and the gameplay is awesome!

    The map design hasn't aged well - I'd be glad if NPCs gave you direction sometimes, some parts of it aren't really clear of where you need to go/what you need to do.

    Also, the game NEVER stops. You'll always be shooting stuff or doing something. Take some good pauses while playing it.    … Expand
  27. j1182567
    Jul 26, 2017
    7
    Not as good as the first but still worth playing. It's just a big dumb tech demo at it's core but it still has some really fun moments especially for when it came out.
  28. Garybaldo
    Jun 2, 2020
    4
    Look, I get that the main thing with this game is its story, but how can you make an fps game in which shooting the guns sounds, looks like (animation-wise), and overall feels like **** I really wanted to like this game but I can't get through how awful it feels to shoot in this game.
  29. karelpica99
    Dec 21, 2017
    0
    Bad graphics, bad story line, not even close to realistic, just plain sucked.
  30. danield80
    Jul 28, 2020
    7
    Probably the most famous game of 2000's turned out for me to be a generic fps.
    Play the same fights and bossfights with boring guns in uninspired maps. The graphics are the best for 2004 but at the same time there's something odd with it.
    At least the characters are good. Eli, Kleiner, Barney and especially Alyx. Only the protagonist is kind of absent. But combined with repetitive gameplay    Probably the most famous game of 2000's turned out for me to be a generic fps.
    Play the same fights and bossfights with boring guns in uninspired maps. The graphics are the best for 2004 but at the same time there's something odd with it.
    At least the characters are good. Eli, Kleiner, Barney and especially Alyx. Only the protagonist is kind of absent.
    But combined with repetitive gameplay and dull level design (which is not even as half as good as HL1 design), it's not a very memorable experience.    … 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 »