Half-Life: Source

 PC
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 107 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 70 out of 107
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 107
  3. Negative: 14 out of 107

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  1. Kirase
    Jan 1, 2012
    10
    The overall package with its brilliant singleplayer, multiplayer and modability were much more than any other game could deliver back in 98. Every aspect of this game was as good as it gets, only unreal managed to have slightly better graphics and music back then. While its basicly technically superior competitor unreal focussed more on mulitplayer games in future, half-life managed toThe overall package with its brilliant singleplayer, multiplayer and modability were much more than any other game could deliver back in 98. Every aspect of this game was as good as it gets, only unreal managed to have slightly better graphics and music back then. While its basicly technically superior competitor unreal focussed more on mulitplayer games in future, half-life managed to succesfully create a new singleplayer univere and keeps it alive till today. This was the start of a flawless series that still keeps millions of people hooked.… Expand
  2. Nomax
    Apr 22, 2020
    10
    Классика на новом движке, прошел не раз, обожаю эту серию!
  3. Schmchr
    Jul 16, 2021
    10
    It's just as good as its original version, it's basically a version with some improvements, in case you're unsure which game to go with this one.
  4. F4bi4n
    Jan 19, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Magnífico no se puede pedir más de este motor gráfico para la época, muy buen juego lo recomiendo… Expand
  5. Generic_M_User
    Feb 2, 2023
    10
    10 out of 10. The game is very serious and super realistic, their are hardly any bugs, and the fact that all the floors have been waxed is amazing. Blackmesa can suck my **** cause this is the best source remake of half-life. I also think the third game is phenomenal.
  6. uhik
    Jul 19, 2023
    10
    I too float more than a yard above my chair when inputting preciese and complicated into a NASA super computer.
  7. MegaGamer37
    Aug 19, 2010
    9
    A complete remake of Half Life in the Source engine, it can't be bad. My only complaint is that it isn't as much a remake as it is a shiny new coat of paint. Valve was suprisingly lazy with this one, only adding slightly improved textures, ragdoll effect, water effects, and physics. While no doubt a good game, I would only say you should buy it if you don't own Half Life. I wouldn't giveA complete remake of Half Life in the Source engine, it can't be bad. My only complaint is that it isn't as much a remake as it is a shiny new coat of paint. Valve was suprisingly lazy with this one, only adding slightly improved textures, ragdoll effect, water effects, and physics. While no doubt a good game, I would only say you should buy it if you don't own Half Life. I wouldn't give this a 10 because it's just Half Life only slightly improved (graphicly) but the game is indeed still good so it gets a 10.… Expand
  8. BlacksitePSU
    Oct 6, 2011
    9
    Half-Life: Source is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting and challenging PC titles that you will have the good fortune of playing. It is, in my opinion, much more enjoyable than Half-Life 2. Black Mesa is surprisingly huge and the visuals are rendered nicely. Of course the game runs very smoothly. You really shouldn't have any problems running this game. It features a lot ofHalf-Life: Source is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting and challenging PC titles that you will have the good fortune of playing. It is, in my opinion, much more enjoyable than Half-Life 2. Black Mesa is surprisingly huge and the visuals are rendered nicely. Of course the game runs very smoothly. You really shouldn't have any problems running this game. It features a lot of stuff that you would find with the addition of the Source engine (slightly improved lighting, ragdoll physics, better water effects etc.) The only reason I'm not giving this game a perfect score is due to the fact that the textures remain the same, which might put some people off from buying it if they were expecting a full-fledged remake. Still... it's worth checking out. Exploring the entirety of Black Mesa with the G-Man walking out of sight as you approach the next room can be a lot of fun.… Expand
  9. Svenborg
    Feb 4, 2012
    9
    The original Half-Life was a great game, but when they remade it in the source engine I thought it would be with HD models and improved graphics, but instead it was just ragdolls, water, and a few lighting effects like shadows. I didn't like it as much as the original because with the Source engine it takes away some of the nostalgia, but the advantage of it is the ability to get a portalThe original Half-Life was a great game, but when they remade it in the source engine I thought it would be with HD models and improved graphics, but instead it was just ragdolls, water, and a few lighting effects like shadows. I didn't like it as much as the original because with the Source engine it takes away some of the nostalgia, but the advantage of it is the ability to get a portal gun in Black Mesa.… Expand
  10. Marica
    Sep 22, 2014
    9
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  11. Topoide
    Mar 27, 2022
    9
    Un juego perfecto pero un remaster un poco pobre, tiene muy pocas mejoras y algunos bugs
  12. LT_Gruber
    Jan 19, 2023
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Still a great game but it did not need this remake in my opinion.

    After completing the original game, I was wondering what the “Source remake” was all about. When playing, it was fine, but I did not notice that much of a difference.

    You still play as Gordon Freeman, the silent protagonist that is late for work at his job in the Black Mesa Research Facility. As part of an experiment, you casually put some sort of unknown crystal in a device called the anti-mass spectrometer. This goes horribly wrong, and everything explodes and a portal to another dimension, called Xen, is opened. Immediately, Xen aliens are going through the portal and attack every living soul in sight. The US military is also alerted and sends a special force called HECU to cover everything up, including you and the personal of Black Mesa.

    Gordon learns of a way to close the portal and makes his way to the surface. He battles a giant tentacle monster, kills a lot more new alien species and tries to make his way to the other side of the facility. He gets captured by the HECU, is left for dead by the garbage compactor, escapes and makes his way to the Lambda Complex. He then learns that the portal is controlled by a mighty entity in the Xen world that keeps it open. He gets teleported with the aid of the scientists there to Xen and searches for the beast. He encounters the thing, called the Nihilanth, kills his ass and is then greeted by a slim, creepy figure of a man called G-Man. He is offered employment for G-Man and his buddies. If you refused, you get obliterated by a thousand soldiers. If you accept, you are put to sleep in wait of your next assignment.

    The mechanics in Half-Life are unique. In the first place, it is your standard FPS, you collect different weapons, find ammo, kill enemies and move forward. But then you got the puzzle mechanics in which you need to stack boxes to reach a higher platform, navigating mazes, or figuring out what the best path will be to reach a certain area, without falling to your death. In the Source remake, the physics are a lot better for stacking crates.

    You also use the terrain a lot more than other games. When facing a strong enemy, you can use the environment for cover while fighting, something that is impossible in games like Doom and Duke Nukem.

    Lastly, you got a badass HEV suit that grants you more protection and offers a ton of neat tools like a build in flashlight, oxygen for swimming sections, a compass, and your HUD. The suit absorbs a lot of damage and runs on an energy meter. When the suit is depleted, functions like the flashlight do not work anymore. You can recharge your health and suit energy at special stations scattered throughout the game.

    The combat mechanics are fluent and feel very responsive and satisfying. It is fast paced, accurate and a ton of fun. You can use various weapons and choosing which weapon works best for each fight is a must. And of course, your most iconic weapon is your good old crowbar.

    The graphics are nice and solid in Half-Life. It is a little polygon like, and some enemies and characters have some square shapes edges, but it is smooth and the textures on them are fine. The weapon detail, bullet impact and explosions are great.

    The animations are a little stiff when looking at it today, but for the time, they were excellent. The physics and water effects have improved in the Source remake but other than that, there are no new polished graphics or details.

    The sound is also excellent. Weapon fire sounds realistic, the fancy sounds your HEV suit makes are great and the voice acting is spot on.
    In terms of controls, the game plays fluently. Everything is responsive and feels natural.

    Overall, Half-Life: Source is the same game as the masterpiece Half-Life, with some polished water and physics. It is still a great game, but in my opinion, the new release of this game with “: Source” at the end was not entirely necessary, this should be reserved for games like Counter Strike: Source.

    Still recommend it to everyone though.    … Expand
  13. Termin8ter
    Apr 12, 2018
    8
    This game isn't a massive graphical improvement from the original GoldSrc game, but it's a decent improvement, with much better skyboxes and some other graphical improvements. The original game is still awesome, and in my opinion, has aged better than Half-Life 2. But only buy HL:S if you never played the original game.
  14. KingJailson
    May 30, 2018
    8
    Mesmo com engine source, não mudou muito o jogo, então jogue o black mesa, que é um remake completo
  15. gman2971
    Jun 14, 2011
    7
    not much improvement. wouldve liked the hd pack, but other then that and the same graphics from the original, the game is just as good as the original.
  16. Dune_Jumper
    Feb 10, 2015
    7
    -snip-
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  17. cidgrad01
    Mar 18, 2014
    7
    I’m going to recommend Half Life: Source to modern gamers but just barely. I never played it nor Half Life 2 back in the day, so I am completely unbiased by nostalgia. Both games have intrigued me for years, though, and I saw them together in a Steam sale bundle so decided to pick them up and finally play through them. Though a flawed release, HL: Source still shines thanks to itsI’m going to recommend Half Life: Source to modern gamers but just barely. I never played it nor Half Life 2 back in the day, so I am completely unbiased by nostalgia. Both games have intrigued me for years, though, and I saw them together in a Steam sale bundle so decided to pick them up and finally play through them. Though a flawed release, HL: Source still shines thanks to its brilliant & pioneering design.

    Yes, it was state of the art when it came out and a truly groundbreaking game for its time. But should people spend money & time to play it today? Despite the Source engine update, Half Life looks quite dated and is missing many modern FPS creature comforts we have come to take for granted. When I first fired the game up my initial thought was, “I can’t do this. It’s too old.” The polygon models are harsh. People’s hands look sharp enough to poke your eye out. The sound is downright terrible in some places. Environments are often sparse with low-res textures. It can also be difficult to tell whether or not you are damaging certain enemies.

    So I took a break and came back to it. I’m happy to say I got hooked shortly afterward. Half Life is made so well, I was able to overlook its technical shortcomings and get immersed in Gordon’s flight from Black Mesa. The pace is frenetic, rarely giving you the chance to catch your breath. It’s a very intelligent shooter, also. There are many hidden areas, multiple paths, clever puzzles, and neat surprise moments along the way. You keep moving almost continuously to the very mysterious ending.

    Which brings me to why I almost gave the title a thumbs down. The ending is deeply unsatisfying. After everything that happened I still only had the vaguest idea of what was going on. I think there was an accident in the lab that led to an alien invasion, with either the gov’t or privately contracted troops trying to destroy the entire facility to cover it up. And then, dude in suit with briefcase in the interdimensional train car. The end.

    I have started Half Life 2 and while I love it so far, in terms of story it adds even more confusion to the narrative. Gordon Freeman is one of the most incurious people in the universe, never once pausing to ask anybody, “Hey, WTF is happening!?!?” I’m hoping more light gets shed on the plot as I progress through the sequel. You can only tease people for so long before they get bored.

    From a pure gameplay standpoint, though, Half Life: Source will not disappoint. If you have never played it and can deal with outdated graphics & sound, go ahead & pick it up. If not, you can skip straight to Half Life 2 without missing much in the way of story. In other words, you’ll be just as confused at the beginning of HL2 whether you played through the first game or not.    … Expand
  18. forfb
    May 20, 2018
    7
    For me, 19 years later, Half-Life is still very playable, often underestimate game, with - sadly - not astonishing storyline and thrilling gameplay. The game's climate of secret institution (based on 'Area 64' complex) and design of underground labs is perfect. I won't reffer to anything about graphics since in 1998 it was delightful, however the sound quality could've been definitelyFor me, 19 years later, Half-Life is still very playable, often underestimate game, with - sadly - not astonishing storyline and thrilling gameplay. The game's climate of secret institution (based on 'Area 64' complex) and design of underground labs is perfect. I won't reffer to anything about graphics since in 1998 it was delightful, however the sound quality could've been definitely better. Storytelling technique was highly sophisticated back then, it was told rather visually than in bare spoken text. The game guarantees tons of action and fun. Personally - as my favourite one - I find it the best one in the series and now, Source engine is making it even better. Thanks Valve.… Expand
  19. big_chonky
    Dec 29, 2020
    6
    the first half-life was an amazing game with a unique story at the time. it revolutionized the gaming industry back when it came out. valve released this and half life 2 back in 2004. this port was... disappointing. it is very buggy with residue processing getting the worst of it. this had lots of potential, it was just wasted. although decent fun to play it Half-Life 1 was better. pleasethe first half-life was an amazing game with a unique story at the time. it revolutionized the gaming industry back when it came out. valve released this and half life 2 back in 2004. this port was... disappointing. it is very buggy with residue processing getting the worst of it. this had lots of potential, it was just wasted. although decent fun to play it Half-Life 1 was better. please if you want to experience Half-Life 1 in the source engine go play Black Mesa. Another fantastic game.… Expand
  20. The_D4RknesS
    May 24, 2023
    6
    As old as half life 1998 molds are, this one is still good, the only thing I didn't like is the amount of loading per scenario no matter how fast they are, they are still boring.
    now in fact the biggest problem of this game is the amount of bugs
  21. Crispy_
    Apr 22, 2016
    5
    No difference when compared to the original Half-Life. The only noticible new things are bugs and somewhat prettier water. That's it. Also half life mods wont support this, so you should get the original half life instead. You won't regret it.

    In short, this is a nearly direct port. Buying this for Garry's Mod might not even be worth it if you want all of those models. Buy Black Mesa.
  22. kizakmaccazak
    Nov 30, 2017
    5
    This product has no reason to exist. Play the original Half-Life for a bug-free, classic experience and play Black Mesa for a modernized experience. Half-Life: Source is OKAY, but it's now obsolete and runs extremely poorly. The tentacle boss doesn't even do any damage anymore because of whatever updates they pushed through the engine. It's actually quite ridiculous that this gameThis product has no reason to exist. Play the original Half-Life for a bug-free, classic experience and play Black Mesa for a modernized experience. Half-Life: Source is OKAY, but it's now obsolete and runs extremely poorly. The tentacle boss doesn't even do any damage anymore because of whatever updates they pushed through the engine. It's actually quite ridiculous that this game remains for sale on the Steam Marketplace, and shows a more sinister side of Valve if you ask me. Anyway, I digress. The original game is 10/10 amazing, this re-release was good when it first came out but has since turned into a pile of crap - if you don't already own it, DO NOT PURCHASE unless it's on sale for a dollar or something.… Expand
  23. StarkAgentos
    May 13, 2022
    5
    Наконец, я нашёл игру по халф лайв (не vr), которая запустилась бы на моём ПК. Сюжет тут по сути дополнительный. Основное - это геймплей. Геймплей тут для нашего времени очень устаревший. Геймпдизайн очень непонятный. Зачастую ты возвращаешься в старые зоны, в которых уже бывал, но уже обновлённые и не понимаешь, куда надо идти. Главный минус этого ремастера заключается в том, что в нёмНаконец, я нашёл игру по халф лайв (не vr), которая запустилась бы на моём ПК. Сюжет тут по сути дополнительный. Основное - это геймплей. Геймплей тут для нашего времени очень устаревший. Геймпдизайн очень непонятный. Зачастую ты возвращаешься в старые зоны, в которых уже бывал, но уже обновлённые и не понимаешь, куда надо идти. Главный минус этого ремастера заключается в том, что в нём вырезали русскую озвучку. Игра очень устаревшая, даже на максималках ПК в 144 фпс.… Expand
  24. xalugg2
    May 5, 2023
    4
    Eu recomendo para uma melhor experiencia que vocês joguem o half life original pois o half life source esta com muitos bugs, não mudou muito os graficos e não tem muitos mods criados nele comparado com os outros mas ele tem sim pontos positivos, um deles e que ele se manteve fiel ao jogo original e ficou com graficos melhores mas os graficos não melhoraram significantivamente, não mudouEu recomendo para uma melhor experiencia que vocês joguem o half life original pois o half life source esta com muitos bugs, não mudou muito os graficos e não tem muitos mods criados nele comparado com os outros mas ele tem sim pontos positivos, um deles e que ele se manteve fiel ao jogo original e ficou com graficos melhores mas os graficos não melhoraram significantivamente, não mudou muita coisa comparado com o half life original, para uma melhor experiencia recomendo jogar o half life original… Expand
  25. Broyax
    Mar 29, 2020
    3
    Cette version améliorée de Half-Life ne concerne que les graphismes... encore que... à part la résolution, rien de particulièrement frappant en fait. Mais il est vrai que ça date et que le poids des ans n'arrange pas les affaires... En tout cas, le jeu a marché à un moment donné... et même qu'il remarche maintenant (mein führer, je marche, je maaarche !).

    Mais bon blague à part, il ne    Cette version améliorée de Half-Life ne concerne que les graphismes... encore que... à part la résolution, rien de particulièrement frappant en fait. Mais il est vrai que ça date et que le poids des ans n'arrange pas les affaires... En tout cas, le jeu a marché à un moment donné... et même qu'il remarche maintenant (mein führer, je marche, je maaarche !).

    Mais bon blague à part, il ne marchait plus lorsqu'ils ont fait une mise à jour pour Counter-Strike Source ou un truc dans le genre... alors pour y remédier, il fallait installer la démo de ce truc ou d'un autre bidule Half-Life, je me rappelle plus exactement. Et ça remarchait je crois.

    Bon, de toute façon j'ai laissé couler, puis j'y suis revenu : des patches ont dû être (encore) appliqués (forcément) sur ce vieux bonze de jeu plus ou moins bien retapé, le pauvre... On peut donc jouer jusqu'en 1080p (impressionnant) y compris avec la manette (chouette !) mais tout à fond, ça reste encore vilain (évidemment, un truc de 2004, oh l'autre eh...) et puis... ça rame en fait, ce truc ! putain dès qu'il y a de l'action, ça rame !

    L'autre souci concerne la vitesse de déplacement vraiment exagérée, même par rapport au jeu original ! j'ai comme l'impression qu'ils ont encore fait de la merde... ça se confirme aussi à la manette mais comme on peut "doser", c'est moins embêtant, forcément ; ça reste néanmoins trop rapide...!

    Quoi qu'il en soit, tout cela est étrangement un peu trop merdique pour s'avérer satisfaisant ! déjà que le jeu d'origine était moyen, car perclus de vieilles lourdeurs multiples et répétées, alors là avec tous ces défauts mentionnés de cette version "Source", le compte n'y est pas... plus du tout même ! Quel merdier ce bazar quand même...    … Expand
  26. Gamerman12346
    Jun 18, 2022
    3
    it's just half life 1 but ported poorly to the source engine, get it only for the garry's mod content, or get black mesa
  27. theoddguy
    Dec 18, 2022
    3
    Half Life: Source is just hard to play. The bugs are hard to aviod, the graphics are a downgrade, and there's no reason to buy this over the original. The only reason why people care for this is because it runs on source, which means it's assets can be used on GMOD.
  28. picboy2000
    Jul 8, 2011
    2
    The Pros:
    The Colt Python is awesome. AI is not bad at all. Weapons have recoil.
    The Cons: The story is quite weak, it doesn't explain much and is not that interesting to start with. Doom 1's is better because it's more focused and Duke Nukem 3D's is funnier. The shotgun doesn't pack the punch that other games offer. The graphics don't live to the engine's potential. Even though the game    The Pros:
    The Colt Python is awesome. AI is not bad at all. Weapons have recoil.
    The Cons:
    The story is quite weak, it doesn't explain much and is not that interesting to start with. Doom 1's is better because it's more focused and Duke Nukem 3D's is funnier. The shotgun doesn't pack the punch that other games offer. The graphics don't live to the engine's potential. Even though the game is a FPS, you spend most of your time jumping (and dying because of it) as well as doing other boring monkey business. NPC are uninteresting, usually don't help that much and you really can't do much for them either, it's a badly implemented feature overall. The worst enemy is not a creature, it's the RLOD (red ladder of death) because of the poorly implemented controls in the game. But most of all, the game is very long and extremely boring most of the time, particularly because the soundtrack is missing most of the time. I wouldn't recommend this game to anyone, not even for a "history lesson in FPS"    … Expand
  29. Overlooked
    Jan 5, 2022
    1
    This game sucked so hard it made the fandom make the Valve-approved definitive version of Half-Life out of spite. If you want to buy it nowadays, do it for stuff in Garry’s Mod.
  30. w-stone
    Aug 14, 2021
    0
    Ужасное , забогованное гавно . Не рекомендую играть , лучше оригинал пройдите !
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