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
  31. TheLostBoy
    Nov 22, 2022
    10
    An unforgettable experience. Not many games leave such a lasting impact. The game is even more outstanding when compared directly the games released around the same time. Way ahead of it's time.
  32. RazorSamurai
    Jan 17, 2019
    7
    Хехе, как я и говорил, обещал что пройду всю серию и я это сделал. Знаете когда я играл в гмоде во всякие хлрп сервера и прошел первую халву я думал что первая часть будет что-то с чем то. Ну я и прошел, ожидания конечно были велики но в принципе игра неплохая, она не идеальна но хороша. Для 2004 ого года наверное графика халвы была революционной и сам движок с физикой. НО проблема в томХехе, как я и говорил, обещал что пройду всю серию и я это сделал. Знаете когда я играл в гмоде во всякие хлрп сервера и прошел первую халву я думал что первая часть будет что-то с чем то. Ну я и прошел, ожидания конечно были велики но в принципе игра неплохая, она не идеальна но хороша. Для 2004 ого года наверное графика халвы была революционной и сам движок с физикой. НО проблема в том что это история о палке с двумя концами. Типа физика дает возможность по сэндбоксить с предметами но иногда она так дико багуется или нефизично себя ведет что хочется блевать. Стрельба в этой игре приятна, когда хуячишь гоошников с дробовика, когда с расстояния стреляешь с магнума, это доставляет дикое удовольствие. Мне во второй халве больше нравится сеттинг, порабощенная инопланетными существами земля, тоталитарный режим, что может быть лучше? Дизайн гоошников просто замечательный, идеальный сеттинг. Но проблема в том что лор уебищный, джимен рандомный чел, концовку в эпизодах слили, полная дичь. Геймплей заебывающий, идешь и идешь идешь и идешь, спасибо хоть то что иногда есть разнообразие в плане всяких "сложных" головоломок и покатушек.
    Первая часть намного лучше. Теперь речь пойдет о эпизодах. Не знаю почему но эпизоды ощущаются пободрее, скорее всего из-за того что там чуток поменяли движок и она ощущается по другому, графика кстати тоже поменялась. Но там больше разнообразия в плане геймплея. Поэтому эпизоды намного лучше оригинала. Но концовку реально слили, взяли рандомных личинок наспавнили и низахуя убили дедушку, идите нахуй.    … Expand
  33. MillersWeeb
    Nov 17, 2018
    0
    Zero. This game is too overrated, stubpid 1984 parody with blend characters and retarded gameplay.
  34. Amorph0us
    Jan 6, 2022
    9
    It is considered by many the best game of all time. I agree it is one of the best, I really enjoyed it, found it intelligent and inventive, but this is not the kind of game I would put in the top. I cannot find myself playing it again after the first run.
  35. gilliamesk
    Feb 25, 2022
    10
    best fps game in my whole lifetime. this war real fps game. only HL can be a rival against HL2
  36. Padre-Sirius
    Apr 10, 2019
    3
    Advantages:
    1) Pretty nice graphics. Unfortunately, from 2019 it is difficult to evaluate the 2004 schedule, but it seemed decent to me and without soap.
    2) Simple control. No need to think for hours on what button to put this or that action. 3) If that the author and managed to convey, so is the atmosphere of the game. The gray world in which pressure is literally felt. Although I    Advantages:
    1) Pretty nice graphics. Unfortunately, from 2019 it is difficult to evaluate the 2004 schedule, but it seemed decent to me and without soap.
    2) Simple control. No need to think for hours on what button to put this or that action.
    3) If that the author and managed to convey, so is the atmosphere of the game. The gray world in which pressure is literally felt. Although I personally did not have enough contrast. Any scene where all the protagonist and his friends get together and just chat or something.
    4) Good Russian localization. Professional voice without stupid mistakes.
    Disadvantages:
    1) Unfortunately, I did not play the first Half-Life and therefore I cannot soberly and correctly evaluate the plot of this game. I didn’t play because I didn’t want it, but because of the devilish attitude of Valve to my fan base. Nevertheless, he seemed to me very bland and boring. A bad uncle installs totalitarianism in the city and another good uncle decided to stop him. Straight plot for the new film "The Expendables."
    2) Characters. They are all very cliché. Faddish professor, brave, fighting girlfriend, cowardly traitor and faithful, but an old "soldier." Where is originality, where are great ideas?
    3) The physics of shooting seemed to me unconvincing. I understand that the authors wanted to depict the future and the corresponding weapons, but the practice of shooting from the “stick” I went through in Call of Duty.
    4) AI, in my opinion, is also a sore subject for this game. They do not try to bypass you, but simply go right through, taking quantity, not quality.
    5) The gameplay is monotonous and boring. The authors tried to diversify it with various puzzles, but I think it did not help.
    6) For me personally, the variety of weapons seemed very small. I understand that this is not Battlefield, but nevertheless, this is a shooter, whose main goal is shooting. Therefore, I would like the assortment of tools for this purpose to be larger.
    7) It is a pity that the game is completely absent variability passing. Perhaps this is a niggle, since the game is quite old, but I would like to be able to go through missions in different ways, and not just running and going through.    … Expand
  37. Soullex
    Nov 29, 2022
    9
    İlk oyunun üstünde dev bir dünya inşa edip. Fizik motorunu o kadar üst seviyeye taşımışlar ki. Hala bu kadar iyi çalışan bir fizik motoru cidden yok.
  38. Mishanski
    Aug 1, 2022
    10
    Classics of FPS genre which is still looking good. Music, atmosphere and plot makes it even better.
  39. IrishPan
    Jul 8, 2022
    9
    Для меня эта игра разделила игровую индустрию на до ( то что я могу назвать олд скулом) и после, (нынешнее время) многие могут не согласится и сказать что халфа 2 уже тоже устаревшая, но по моему мнению даже сегодня эта игра способна многому научить разработчиков 92/100Для меня эта игра разделила игровую индустрию на до ( то что я могу назвать олд скулом) и после, (нынешнее время) многие могут не согласится и сказать что халфа 2 уже тоже устаревшая, но по моему мнению даже сегодня эта игра способна многому научить разработчиков 92/100
  40. Pxel_Dennis
    Dec 27, 2020
    7
    A linear shooting game, looks like it could have a good plot and lore but it never seems to go deep inside it.
  41. moonlaba
    Jan 17, 2022
    9
    2004년작이라고는 믿을 수 없을정도의 그래픽과 게임구성..기술적 성취를 이 정도로 보여주면서 동시에 게임의 내실까지 잘 잡았다는건 역시 기적같다.
  42. Gabzguy
    Dec 29, 2020
    7
    Joguei HL2 depois de zerar DOOM ETERNAL e HL, e acabei me decepcionando com o game. Uma física e aspectos técnicos excepcionais, um bom roteiro, entretanto o jogo me desagradou bastante por desconsiderar muitos dos aspectos que tornaram HL tão especial e único, causando um ar de um FPS em horas ,até bem genérico, tirando tudo que fazia HL especial, as armas, cenários, inimigos. HL2 lembraJoguei HL2 depois de zerar DOOM ETERNAL e HL, e acabei me decepcionando com o game. Uma física e aspectos técnicos excepcionais, um bom roteiro, entretanto o jogo me desagradou bastante por desconsiderar muitos dos aspectos que tornaram HL tão especial e único, causando um ar de um FPS em horas ,até bem genérico, tirando tudo que fazia HL especial, as armas, cenários, inimigos. HL2 lembra em momentos mais Halo ou CoD do que seu antecessor.… Expand
  43. BoomerZoomer
    May 7, 2022
    9
    Finished it for the first time and it still holds up really well in every aspect
  44. DuckTearPopper
    Feb 15, 2020
    0
    Very boring game. Too much exposition and sitting around waiting for scripts to trigger. Also, no friendly fire like in the first game.
  45. sheppardbo
    Mar 29, 2020
    10
    The greatest video game of all time, an absolute masterpiece. Thank you GabeN
  46. yuriy_mosiychuk
    Mar 8, 2022
    10
    Without a doubt a legendary game, deserves more than 10 points.
    Better, it hasn't come out yet. We are waiting for the third part.
  47. yangfanhong
    Feb 9, 2022
    8
    Epic game！The physical engine was so advanced at that time and it was so fun.
  48. Chubac
    May 13, 2020
    10
    Revolutionary in the FPS genre and games in general (just like the first one).
  49. Rustick
    Jul 7, 2022
    8
    для своего времени шедевр сюжет весьма неплох геймплей радует кроме транспортных миссий
  50. ErhanCeylan123
    Jul 17, 2020
    10
    A genre-defining game.Thanks the valve for this storytelling and phyics engine.
  51. Yhhh
    Feb 27, 2022
    10
    Best game every made. Seriously best game ever made
    Don’t believe me. Play it Best game every made
    Period
  52. WHITESIXOMAR
    Apr 18, 2022
    10
    What a masterpiece. I considered myself as a casual gamer until half life one, I was a teen in 1998. That was the 1st time I took interest in a video game story, searched the internet for answers about XEN, black mesa, Gordon freeman and if valve was planning to continue this exciting venture.

    When Half life 2 was released in 2004, the engine, gameplay mechanics & storytelling was WAY    What a masterpiece. I considered myself as a casual gamer until half life one, I was a teen in 1998. That was the 1st time I took interest in a video game story, searched the internet for answers about XEN, black mesa, Gordon freeman and if valve was planning to continue this exciting venture.

    When Half life 2 was released in 2004, the engine, gameplay mechanics & storytelling was WAY ahead of its time, I must have completed the campaign several times by then. The whole thing was mind-blowing. Then, I became a passionate gamer.

    If we rate games in the context of when they were released, then we can all agree Half Life 2 is the best game ever. But, if we compare a game released in 2004 with games released almost 20 years later, there is no way to say it is the best game ever. Many modern games took the valve guidelines and created games that surpass HL2 in every way. We all valve lovers must admit to that.

    I've been a Valve fan since 1998. But there is something that I will never accept from them: their communication style. After the cliffhanger at the end of EPISODE II they got us all hooked asking for more, and they promised more. I understand from what was disclosed that they tried a couple of projects and nothing worked, so they abandoned it. But instead of telling us the truth, they kept us wishing for something that they knew they were not going to release. They even got mad at the gaming press, or they got awkward when asked about EPISODE III. This was like seeing my role model do something ethically wrong. I will never accept the way they chose to manage the situation by simply acting like nothing happened. We are making tons of money with steam, so don't bother us with half life questions.    … Expand
  53. Koleck0LP
    Oct 1, 2020
    7
    You'll hear everywhere that Half-Life 2 is a must play game, and that's why I bough the HL2, EP1 and EP2 on steam, This game was so hard to finish, I don't mean hard in difficulty but in motivation to play it.
    This games get's really boring at times. I don't mean to hate on it but it's not as good as people make it out to be.
  54. genesisdoes
    Oct 2, 2020
    8
    The original Half-Life very well may be my favorite first person shooter of all time. I see it as the turning point between the first person shooters of yesteryear (Doom, Quake etc.) and more story driven first person shooters of today. I've played the original Half Life so much that it honestly surprises me that I never got very far in Half-Life 2. I never even got to Black Mesa EastThe original Half-Life very well may be my favorite first person shooter of all time. I see it as the turning point between the first person shooters of yesteryear (Doom, Quake etc.) and more story driven first person shooters of today. I've played the original Half Life so much that it honestly surprises me that I never got very far in Half-Life 2. I never even got to Black Mesa East before this playthrough. I'm not exactly sure why, I didn't need any kind of walkthrough beating the game this time around.

    Regardless, Half-Life 2 is without a doubt one of the best first person shooters of all time. The bleak and depressing Orwellian world that was designed here was something that I truly had never seen anything like upon my first time picking this game up when I was about 8 or 9 years old. Around that time, I'd call it the "weird game" because it truly is weird. It's weird, sad, ugly and bland but this world truly works with the plot around it. You're not supposed to want to be here.

    My favorite chapters from HL2 were Nova Prospekt and the final chapter (the GMOD gravity gun rules.) My least favorite chapter was Follow Freeman due to it's length that overstays its welcome and its constant need to hand you NPC followers that don't know the meaning of personal space. Seriously, these guys cannot stay out of your way. You command them to walk away and they just come right back. Truly a chore to experience.

    Nevertheless, this game is phenomenal. While the first one is still my favorite, I can probably acknowledge that, from a critical standpoint, this one outshines the original.

    I'm currently playing through HL2 Episode 1 and I'm excited to see where this story goes.

    I beat this game in December of 2019.    … Expand
  55. Devastator1988
    Jul 17, 2022
    10
    I beat the game twice and enjoyed almost every sec of it.
    The legendary gameplay with the various mechanics didn't bore me till the end.
  56. Kaisa
    Aug 10, 2023
    10
    Best game from childhood. It's classic. Excellent work in art, sound and game engine
  57. BenzoSt
    Jul 12, 2022
    8
    This game’s greatest strengths are its groundbreaking physics system, varied and satisfying weapons, memorable and well-scripted characters, and an interesting story that takes place in a dystopian future where humanity has been subjugated by mysterious aliens. The issues I take with this game are that checkpoints are too abundant (which makes dying inconsequential), and that explosivesThis game’s greatest strengths are its groundbreaking physics system, varied and satisfying weapons, memorable and well-scripted characters, and an interesting story that takes place in a dystopian future where humanity has been subjugated by mysterious aliens. The issues I take with this game are that checkpoints are too abundant (which makes dying inconsequential), and that explosives are disproportionately deadly. Nevertheless, a very good game with lots of great mods online, such as HL2: Update, MMod, Smod Redux, and Minerva: Metastasis. Also check out Freeman's Mind and Civil Protection by Ross Scott.… Expand
  58. 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.
  59. vova22379
    Feb 25, 2023
    5
    ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
  60. Wernyi39
    Apr 28, 2021
    10
    Six years past and boom, Half-Life 2 comes, it's crazy that they have been working on this game for 6 YEARS. Well that's because Half-Life 2 invented and innovatived so many things. Things like gravity gun, Ravenholm, Realistic Physics and ambient soundtracks and so many other things were introduced by this game. Half-life 2 is a game that is going to be remembered forever. It came duringSix years past and boom, Half-Life 2 comes, it's crazy that they have been working on this game for 6 YEARS. Well that's because Half-Life 2 invented and innovatived so many things. Things like gravity gun, Ravenholm, Realistic Physics and ambient soundtracks and so many other things were introduced by this game. Half-life 2 is a game that is going to be remembered forever. It came during the good times of Valve.… Expand
  61. Thunder95
    Jan 5, 2022
    10
    One of the greatest games I have ever played its a roller coaster for me. Simply fantastic
  62. 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.
  63. fedec
    Jan 13, 2022
    10
    DE LOS MEJORES JUEGOS DE LA HISTORIA.
    Si el 1 hacía muchas cosas bien con el tema de la narrativa en tiempo real, acá se maximiza todo. Los primeros 15-20 minutos del juego se ponen siempre de ejemplo a la hora de explicar como se puede narrar o presentar historias en un videojuego sin necesidad de cinemáticas. También se perfecciona mucho el movimiento y la acción gracias al uso    DE LOS MEJORES JUEGOS DE LA HISTORIA.
    Si el 1 hacía muchas cosas bien con el tema de la narrativa en tiempo real, acá se maximiza todo. Los primeros 15-20 minutos del juego se ponen siempre de ejemplo a la hora de explicar como se puede narrar o presentar historias en un videojuego sin necesidad de cinemáticas. También se perfecciona mucho el movimiento y la acción gracias al uso excelente de las físicas.
    Divertido y variado de principio a fin.
    Queda en vos si jugas o no a uno de los mejores juegos de la historia.    … Expand
  64. saeedgamer16
    Oct 26, 2021
    0
    The game is my best game forever.its graphic,gameplay,story and also its level design are in the highest level.Also its length its good and doesn't make the game boring.
    I will wait for half life 3.
    Thanks for your great game!
  65. mariavkj
    Mar 19, 2022
    8
    Zerei agora, gostei muito

    Jogo leve d+ Ótima história Ótimos personagens Os gráficos são muito bons e envelheceram bem Você se sente dentro do jogo, você se agonia com os headcrabs, se apega aos personagens... Os "enigmas" também são algo memorável, minhas 30 horas de game foi tudo presa neles... Infelizmente não joguei o Half-Life 1 então não entendi muito da história, porém    Zerei agora, gostei muito

    Jogo leve d+
    Ótima história
    Ótimos personagens
    Os gráficos são muito bons e envelheceram bem
    Você se sente dentro do jogo, você se agonia com os headcrabs, se apega aos personagens...
    Os "enigmas" também são algo memorável, minhas 30 horas de game foi tudo presa neles...
    Infelizmente não joguei o Half-Life 1 então não entendi muito da história, porém mesmo sem entender continua um jogo FODA.    … Expand
  66. sikvoyo
    Jun 5, 2022
    9
    an amazing game that is still good despite the fact it's 18 years old. must-play for every gamer!
  67. Eniskirazuglum
    Nov 14, 2021
    1
    Çöp?! oynamaya değmez vakit kaybı . Sizlere tavsiyem diğer oyunlara göz atın.
  68. Pblo
    Jan 24, 2022
    10
    Нельзя поставить этой игре какую-либо другую оценку. Передовая графика на то время, гейм дизайн, сюжет. Это эталон для сингловых игр.
  69. Doomdabot046
    Dec 22, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I like how gman appears in ending and the strider fights in follow freeman.totally the best game in history(my opinion) I really like it and half life 1,half life 2 episodes were also good but not great like this.u must play this game I mean you will play this.… Expand
  70. Papugarmer7
    Jan 4, 2022
    10
    Es el mejor juego fps que existe, si eres gamer y no glorificas esta joya es que no eres un verdadero gamer, el juego tiene físicas casi reales o básicamente reales, Terror garantizado (más en el capítulo de ravenholm) mucha acción y demás (para la gente que dice que el juego es sobrevalorado es gente que ni siquiera a jugado el juego) aunque si las armas no son tan poderosas como en halfEs el mejor juego fps que existe, si eres gamer y no glorificas esta joya es que no eres un verdadero gamer, el juego tiene físicas casi reales o básicamente reales, Terror garantizado (más en el capítulo de ravenholm) mucha acción y demás (para la gente que dice que el juego es sobrevalorado es gente que ni siquiera a jugado el juego) aunque si las armas no son tan poderosas como en half life 1 pero el manipulador de campo de energía cero (pistola de gravedad) ayuda mucho.… Expand
  71. CoffeeMan8916
    Jan 19, 2022
    10
    Legend Game Ever
    거대한 서사의 중심에 서서 긴 여행을 다녀온 느낌
    인류 게임역사에 남아야 할 명작
    유일하게 깔 점은 3를 안 내준다는 것 뿐이다
  72. RickPedroStalke
    Aug 29, 2022
    10
    Te amo Gabe te AMO STEAM TE AMO HALF LIFE EL MEJOR JUEGO DE LA DECADA Y YA ESTA
  73. nuckol
    Jan 26, 2022
    10
    Одна из лучших игр всех времен. Сюжет +5 баллов, графика для тех времен +3 балла, Гордон Фриман +6 балла, ГДЕ HALF-LIFE 3 -4 балла
  74. PzKpfwIV
    Jan 25, 2022
    10
    It still looks good after all these years, i don't remember how often i replayed that masterpiece.
  75. Uarabei
    Feb 21, 2022
    10
    if i could, i would put 11 gravity guns out of 10.

    This is a game that any person who considers himself a gamer should play.
  76. Logitech
    Mar 13, 2022
    10
    Это просто шедевр, ХОРОШАЯ ГРАФИКА,ИНТЕРЕСНЫЙ СЮЖЕТ,очень хорошие оружия,топовые локаций.персонажи.и ПРОСТО сногшибательные анимаций лиц особенно у алекса
  77. Kuzya_Zeleniy
    Mar 28, 2022
    8
    This is an incredible level for 2004! But nowadays it may be boring for some players. But even in 2022 it is a shooter that has a soul!
  78. TimEngineer
    Feb 26, 2022
    10
    Для меня это была первая игра в серии халф лайф, я очень любил в неё играть. А также халф лайф 2 порадила мою любимую игру Garrys Mod, вообщем самая крутая игра 2004
  79. GoldCrusader
    Mar 14, 2022
    9
    Very fun game and definetely worth a try. map design and environmental story telling is very good in quality. voice acting and animations used for npcs is top notch, the puzzles while easy feel rewarding, gunplay is good, sound effects are kinda meh, but the music is great. It's main downside is how linear it is. It should be like the original, where you had certain liberties that can makeVery fun game and definetely worth a try. map design and environmental story telling is very good in quality. voice acting and animations used for npcs is top notch, the puzzles while easy feel rewarding, gunplay is good, sound effects are kinda meh, but the music is great. It's main downside is how linear it is. It should be like the original, where you had certain liberties that can make someone's experience somewhat different that someone else's, but they wouldn't alter the game enough for it to be extremely different, for example, in the first game, you could find certain weapons earlier. In the sequel, the only thing you will get if you try to deviate from the already set path, you will get some hp back and some ammo. (also you could kill friendly npcs in the original but i don't want to seem like a psycho) Other than that, it's a game worth your time and i believe that everyone should play this game at least once.… Expand
  80. everidey
    Mar 19, 2022
    10
    A masterpiece, probably my most replayed game. Everything from the gameplay to the story is top notch.
  81. MoodLq
    Mar 28, 2022
    10
    No bugs no errors no thing that makes you angry Its right perfect game in the world
  82. 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.
  83. Nibsu
    Apr 7, 2022
    10
    Many times said, but this is truly one of the best fps games ever made. Half-Life 2 has so much to offer and give. It has some sci-fi, some horror and some shooting. I still remember playing HL2 for the first time and my god did it feel dystopic and fascinating. I love how the world and story of Half-Life 2 is so mysterious and the ending of this game has one of the biggest cliffhangersMany times said, but this is truly one of the best fps games ever made. Half-Life 2 has so much to offer and give. It has some sci-fi, some horror and some shooting. I still remember playing HL2 for the first time and my god did it feel dystopic and fascinating. I love how the world and story of Half-Life 2 is so mysterious and the ending of this game has one of the biggest cliffhangers ever in the gaming history. A must play masterpiece!… Expand
  84. Hulates
    Apr 11, 2022
    10
    Gelmiş geçmiş en iyi oyun olabilir . Hem hikaye hem grafik zamanına göre zaten en iyisi
  85. sba246
    Jul 3, 2022
    10
    5.2 hours in and kaboom action puzzles story bro buy this game got it with the orange box 10/10 play it.
  86. Id1KK
    May 4, 2022
    8
    amazing game, but every level past RavenHolm is mediocre at best, especially on a second playthrough, and the ending SUCKS. great game, it just isn't as good as the original.
  87. Teps228
    May 10, 2022
    10
    very interesting plot cool graphics some pluses waiting for half-life 3 continue 10 out 10 awesome!
  88. JONY28
    May 26, 2022
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. omgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgomgogmgongigngjgngjgbdhbshavahabahshushsjzhdhdj… Expand
  89. Gornostai
    Jun 1, 2022
    10
    Легендарная игра, которая даже спустя время выглядит хорошо и играется интересно.
  90. hyrts
    Jun 4, 2022
    10
    HL2 is flawless. I've played this again and again and again so many times because the story and execution is just out of this world. I can't express how much I have enjoyed this game.
  91. Gazownik
    Jun 8, 2022
    9
    One of the best FPS games from my childhood.
    Good simple story and pretty simple yet fun gameplay.
  92. RighteousVote
    Jun 11, 2022
    8
    Vote apparently doesnt work without a "review" so here it is , i voted therefore i have been.
  93. nickplays69
    Jun 21, 2022
    8
    Name a game that is this good, name one game that is as close as great Half-Life 2, not only does this game age amazing visually, it also aged gracefully by the combat and story, the combat is exiting, the story is carefully written, almost everything about the game is great, everything but the pacing and the Highway 17 chapter, the pacing is my biggest problem with the game, not only do IName a game that is this good, name one game that is as close as great Half-Life 2, not only does this game age amazing visually, it also aged gracefully by the combat and story, the combat is exiting, the story is carefully written, almost everything about the game is great, everything but the pacing and the Highway 17 chapter, the pacing is my biggest problem with the game, not only do I have to wait for the maps to load, but also there are these pauses between dialogues that rapidly bore me out, and Highway 17 is for me the worst chapter in the game, it's just a slug to get through, you have to constantly stop and get supplies that you probably don't even need, which is just so repetitive, but after you finish the chapter and got to the next one (Nova Prospekt) you immediately regain interest, I love this game no matter what, it's phenomenal, and the Battle of City 17 is the best part of the game, it truly feels like an actual war is happening, and other things that make Half Life 2 one of the best games of all time… Expand
  94. 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
  95. SulfateNa
    Jun 24, 2022
    10
    This is one of the good game that i played.In this game you can see a lot of beautiful locations good weapon and etc. I think its a gold standard and you need to play it.
  96. gingee
    Jul 1, 2022
    10
    Half-Life 2. Where do I begin?
    The Gameplay is 11/10, the V/O is FLAWLESS. In my multiple playthroughs (3 to be precise) I encountered 0 bugs. People say that the graphics are bad, and while yes, the graphics are a little dated, this was 2004! Compared to other games released in 2004, this is next-gen! If you haven't already, buy this game, in whatever way you can. This is a MUST play.
  97. Nicominde
    Jul 4, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Not only was I surprised by the graphics and technical wonders of this 1$ 2004 game, but the story and ambience made it one of my favorite.… Expand
  98. 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
  99. 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
  100. 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.
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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 »