Half-Life: Blue Shift

 PC
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. GameZone
    90
    Bottom Line is, although it is flawed this game still kicks major ass with steel tipped boot.
  2. TotalGames.net
    88
    Put it this way - if this is your first go of a Half Life game, prepare to be shocked by the AI of these guys.
  3. Gamer's Pulse
    80
    A nice return to a classic game scenario, but is far too short and fails to bring anything new to the series. While playing Blue Shift was fun, I would compare the experience to eating Chinese food. No sooner had I finished, than I wanted more.
  5. Happy Puppy
    80
    Just know that you're in for a short ride that will leave you yearning for a full-fledged sequel.
  6. CPUGamer
    80
    The Music that runs off the Blue-Shift CD. It kicks in at the worst times, and resembles circus music.
  7. FiringSquad
    75
    Too short to justify its current MSRP.
  8. Game Over Online
    74
    The thing that ultimately forces me to give it a low rating is how damnably short it is – the game ending just as you are starting to get involved in the plot.
  9. Gamezilla!
    72
    Without a more engaging gameplay style or any innovation (aside from the High Definition pack), I don’t see Blue Shift as being a strong expansion.
  10. GamerWeb PC
    70
    Short but sweet.
  11. Electric Playground
    70
    Beyond the HD pack, nothing has been done to evolve the game as a whole.
  12. IGN
    70
    A lot of fun, but it was just over too quick. It's certainly worth taking a look at if you're a fan of Half-Life, but you better keep your eyes open, because if you blink you may miss it.
  13. GameSpy
    70
    If you don't own "Opposing Force," get it. If you do, then don't expect a repeat performance.
  14. GameSpot
    70
    The bad news is that Blue Shift, the actual game, doesn't amount to much on its own terms. The good news is that the revamped graphics and the inclusion of Opposing Force make the retail package a lot more worthwhile.
  15. ActionTrip
    68
    The puzzles are your standard - "push-lever-break-thing-press-button" type of brain crackers, which will be about as challenging to a HL veteran as… well okay, some of them are somewhat inventive, but on aggregate they'd only be interesting to the DC crowd I guess.
  16. Game Revolution
    67
    While the game looks better than "Half-Life" did before the 1.1.0.6 patch, the engine does nothing new or revolutionary and comes off as fairly dated. Don't expect any amazing solar effects or vast open areas with incredible viewing distances.
  17. GamePower
    62
    If you've never played "Half-Life" or "Opposing Force," you'll be blissfully unaware that Blue Shift has the same weapons, the same monsters, and the same basic cast of characters. But it's still a blast to play.
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  18. Yahoo!
    60
    As it stands, it's almost in the realm of the type of content you expect to freely download.
  19. Maxim Online
    60
    Stevie Wonder could breeze through this first-person shooter in under five hours.
  20. Adrenaline Vault
    50
    Essentially a graphics enhancement pack bundled with a short single-player campaign and a title many have already played, all for around 20 dollars after rebate.

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Best PC Game of 2001
3
#3 Most Discussed PC Game of 2001

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 739 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 508 out of 739
  2. Mixed: 186 out of 739
  3. Negative: 45 out of 739
  1. Longtimegamer
    Nov 9, 2009
    10
    This game has to be the best of all the half-life series... I've always wanted a game where I could do exactly what I would in real This game has to be the best of all the half-life series... I've always wanted a game where I could do exactly what I would in real life... If I were casted into this apocalyptic senario you can bet your butt that I would be doing nothing other than trying to escape... I would not go to some alien homeworld to kill their boss... I would just make a break for it.… Full Review »
  2. Svenborg
    Feb 4, 2012
    9
    Yet another good expansion with Half-Life's trademark storytelling, and now constant reaction with an NPC, Blue Shift is a stable expansionYet another good expansion with Half-Life's trademark storytelling, and now constant reaction with an NPC, Blue Shift is a stable expansion with a good graphics update. My only problem was it's length, but since it's Half-Life, it's awesome.… Full Review »
  3. NickN.
    Dec 11, 2007
    4
    Possibly the biggest let-down in gaming history. While it may still have some of the qualities of the original half-life, the irritating and Possibly the biggest let-down in gaming history. While it may still have some of the qualities of the original half-life, the irritating and confusing levels in this short game, along with the boring ending that isn't even really a "climax" at all, ruins Blue Shift completely. Something worth mentioning is that you have LESS weapons than in the original half-life. Not having any new weapons is already dissapointing enough, but to actually take away weapons in an expansion pack is really disappointing, especially coming from such a great company as Valve.… Full Review »
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