Half-Life

 PC
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 5680 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5,113 out of 5680
  2. Mixed: 349 out of 5680
  3. Negative: 218 out of 5680
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  1. Richard_dias
    Aug 14, 2023
    7
    Yeah, I like it but not that much. Really think HL2 did it better and after beating the OG two or three times I don't really see myself playing it again. It is a important piece of history though, and most people should do themself a favor by giving it a fair chance. You most likely will find it better than I did!
  2. turgaysenturk
    Jul 13, 2023
    6
    I didn't have the opportunity to play this game during my childhood, but I finally got to experience it in 2020. While I had fun playing it, I couldn't fully grasp the feeling of playing one of the best games in history, as it was originally released in 1997 and understandably feels dated by today's standards. Overall, it was an average experience for me.
  3. Midyen
    Jun 28, 2023
    5
    Based on the gameplay, graphics, sound, content, and originality of the game, I will give it a rating of 5.
  4. Nick7000
    May 1, 2023
    7
    Заценил только сейчас. Наверное, для свое времени это было нечто, сейчас, безусловно скучновато.
  5. Magical_Viktor
    Apr 30, 2023
    7
    Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»
  6. OpticalFred
    Mar 28, 2023
    6
    Another classic that aged poorly.

    Bad platforming, repetitive maze, old fps format.
  7. SprityXD
    Mar 27, 2023
    7
    Half-life is undoubtedly one of the best shooters in history, but there are multiple problems with the game.
  8. RyanRetroGamer7
    Feb 28, 2023
    5
    I like a lot of old games, and I played this from beginning to end. However, when I compare this to other games of the time such as Golden Eye 64 or Doom, this game just falls short significantly. For the time, this would have been amazing considering the games that were out. However, today, I do not see much need in playing it. I do want to try Half Life 2, but Half Life 1, II like a lot of old games, and I played this from beginning to end. However, when I compare this to other games of the time such as Golden Eye 64 or Doom, this game just falls short significantly. For the time, this would have been amazing considering the games that were out. However, today, I do not see much need in playing it. I do want to try Half Life 2, but Half Life 1, I continued playing hoping that there would be some sort of a pay off. It was just underwhelming to be quite honest. I hate to say that about such a classic, but time has not treated this game very well. I got though the story, and I still do not know exactly what it was that happened. Was there supposed to be a plot or were there just excuses for levels existing. The only real story that made any sense was the ending. Also, I do not like helicopters. I will give it a 5 in consideration for the time it was released, but if this came out in 2002 or after, then I would give it a 3. I am sorry fans of Half Life.… Expand
  9. Rocket04
    Nov 19, 2022
    7
    It's a very good Horror FPS. The combat is great though the AI is a little clunky. It's graphics have aged, but i don't think that takes away anything in terms of enjoyment. The Scientists and Guards really make Black Mesa Feel like it's been lived in, though the scientists can be ironically funny.
  10. TEG_17
    May 6, 2022
    7
    Ну что сказать, это классика, даже на теперешнее время играется бодренько, но конечно не ровня современным шутерам. Единственное что не понравилось, плохая реализация уровней сложности и баги с застреванием в текстурах.Ну что сказать, это классика, даже на теперешнее время играется бодренько, но конечно не ровня современным шутерам. Единственное что не понравилось, плохая реализация уровней сложности и баги с застреванием в текстурах.
  11. jancsiXcarcsi
    Apr 29, 2022
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. ba,poate i faina povestea, da ce urat fac aia de sa ma cac pe ei.altfel in rest,tot asa.… Expand
  12. StarkAgentos
    Apr 11, 2022
    5
    Наконец, спустя долгое время я смог запустить эту игру, но на старом компе 10-летней давности с 2ядерным процессором. На удивление, даже на таком кирпиче на максималках выдавало 60 фпс стабильнейшие (я их ограничил на 60). Первое время мне даже нравилось играть, потом мне дали пушку, и мне игра надоела. Коридорные локации, подгрузки каждую секунду. Потом, после 1 смерти пушку почему-то неНаконец, спустя долгое время я смог запустить эту игру, но на старом компе 10-летней давности с 2ядерным процессором. На удивление, даже на таком кирпиче на максималках выдавало 60 фпс стабильнейшие (я их ограничил на 60). Первое время мне даже нравилось играть, потом мне дали пушку, и мне игра надоела. Коридорные локации, подгрузки каждую секунду. Потом, после 1 смерти пушку почему-то не вернули. Игра устарела.… Expand
  13. lidwang
    Jan 11, 2022
    7
    I understand the influence on the fps genre this game had, and I had a lot fun with it, but I was still a bit underwhelmed. Some part felt like they overstate their welcome in termos of lenght, specially the bzarre plataforming parts that feel out of place. It's still a techinchally impressing game and the shoting itself was preety satisfying tho, so I don't regret playing it.
  14. Tosaver0324
    Aug 17, 2021
    7
    The game has 2 pluses for me, its gameplay and multiplayer. Half life's story is very simple. There is a man, as a result of a wrong experiment, aliens invade the world. The story is just that. I was able to finish the last 2 hours of the game just by cheating. I felt like throwing up every time I played it. Sooooo boring.
  15. defenz
    Aug 8, 2021
    5
    ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
  16. ADITYA0526
    Apr 27, 2021
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. TTHIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS... you're someone into PC gaming in the 90's and i think you would agree that there were two largely defining moments for shooting games that decade.
    this is one of the most influential and groundbreaking FPS games.in this game you take a role of gordon freeman, the typical the oritical physicist working in the fictional black mesa re-scarch facility.
    here the character begins a long journey fighting all manner of aliens and hostile soldiers along the way gordon can also be added by members of the science and security team.
    the most essential feature is of unlocking security doors. its reliability is good due to its amazing 1080p resolution graphics, which has practically zero compatibility problems ,which makes a lot easy to get into and up and running.
    everything they put in this game world was put in a way that felt a lot more realistic ,guns were kept in storage rooms for instance and health or battery packs found in crates or on shelves.
    playing this game for hours doesn't disappoint you at all.
    valve software did a pretty good job as per my view.    … Expand
  17. nazarkin123
    Mar 10, 2021
    7
    Legendary game. I still remember some moments after years. It is a great beginning.
  18. Antictra
    Mar 10, 2021
    5
    Half Life is strongly overhyped (even when it was just out on the market back in the end of 1990s) , while it has one strong advantage: strong moddability, that entered to the cultural canon of long time computer gamers, it's story has not much of interesting or original quality, the gameworld felt rather empty, not engaging and not that interesting. The interactivity of the game wasHalf Life is strongly overhyped (even when it was just out on the market back in the end of 1990s) , while it has one strong advantage: strong moddability, that entered to the cultural canon of long time computer gamers, it's story has not much of interesting or original quality, the gameworld felt rather empty, not engaging and not that interesting. The interactivity of the game was interesting and it was used extensively by modders. It also gets old badly.… Expand
  19. MrIslamic
    Jan 28, 2021
    7
    I like this game but there are so many things that just bring down the experience (especially the last couple of chapters) Definitely worth playing especially with how cheap it can be on steam.
  20. Skysea28957
    Dec 31, 2020
    7
    Very good game-in scenes very good sounds and not bad graphic but one enemie is very bad can’t aim to headcrabs and they take so much health and this
  21. BaileyJ
    Nov 15, 2020
    7
    Despite this game finally showing its age, it still is and always will be one of the best most influential, innovative FPS games of all time.

    Unfortunately, playing it today it's a real sludge to get through. With enemy AI being dumb, bugs showing up every now and then, and level design being really outdated and boring. But aside from that, I believe this is a game everyone should play.    Despite this game finally showing its age, it still is and always will be one of the best most influential, innovative FPS games of all time.

    Unfortunately, playing it today it's a real sludge to get through. With enemy AI being dumb, bugs showing up every now and then, and level design being really outdated and boring. But aside from that, I believe this is a game everyone should play. It's a landmark in video game history and really shows how much influence this game has had on all video games.    … Expand
  22. MatikTheSeventh
    Oct 8, 2020
    6
    I can see the appeal of the game in its early years, but it hasn't aged well. The story is cool and it gets progressively better. The gun play is also quite OK. But I do not see myself replaying it, I liked it the first time and that's it for me. I understand the story of Valversum better now, but some parts I just swung through not even thinking about it and wanting to get done with themI can see the appeal of the game in its early years, but it hasn't aged well. The story is cool and it gets progressively better. The gun play is also quite OK. But I do not see myself replaying it, I liked it the first time and that's it for me. I understand the story of Valversum better now, but some parts I just swung through not even thinking about it and wanting to get done with them as fast as I could.

    Especially the Xen levels are just a pain to go through and seem pointless.    … Expand
  23. Haeder
    Jul 14, 2020
    5
    Don't get me wrong, The game is good But on its time, The game now doesn't compare to new fps adventure games.
  24. PnuTTT
    Jul 2, 2020
    7
    The game is fun but it gets a bit repetitive also the story is kinda bad, not horrible but not amazing.
  25. DefaltWorld
    Jun 19, 2020
    7
    Demasiadas buenas mecanicas y graficos para su tiempo lo malo es la censura que hay en la nueva version, quitando efectos que incluia el original y algunos bugs visuales que no existian en la original
  26. mr-NachoMen
    Nov 27, 2019
    6
    I've heard wonders about Half-Life for years (specially the second game), I've heard that is the best game ever created and stuff like that and I never had the chance to play it until now, and honestly it wasn't what i was expecting it to be. (AND I KNOW THAT SOME PEOPLE WHO READ THIS WOULD HATE ME FOR THIS) but Half-Life was a huge disappointing game in my opinion and a really bad game.I've heard wonders about Half-Life for years (specially the second game), I've heard that is the best game ever created and stuff like that and I never had the chance to play it until now, and honestly it wasn't what i was expecting it to be. (AND I KNOW THAT SOME PEOPLE WHO READ THIS WOULD HATE ME FOR THIS) but Half-Life was a huge disappointing game in my opinion and a really bad game.
    I have to admit in a positive way that even that the story is not ground breaking or anything like that, it was a huge improvement into storytelling, all the game's plot was shown via "scripted sequences" and this made useless the need of use pre-rendered cutscenes or cutscenes in general, so the players don't loose the immersion that this world has build playing as one of the most iconic video game characters.
    It's a shame that the gameplay in general is... well... bad. Let's begun with the combat, one of the very first weapons that the player got their hands off was the iconic crowbar, but... melee combat is awful in this game, it is good to break crates and glasses but combat totally no. Fire weapons are so inconsistent in their damage rate, like, how is it possible that a pistol is more powerful than an assault rifle? or a shotgun? the best gun is the magnum revolver, unfortunately ammunition for this gun is really scarce, this gun is literally one shot kill.
    Enemies are annoying, specially those little alien things that zombies had in their heads, those things appear out of nowhere and can inflict a lot of damage, and the soldiers too, those guys are bullet sponges!!!. In this game you will die a lot, but you die in the most unfair ways possible and this end of feeling like a really cheap move to make the game feels "challenging".
    Even that the levels are lineal, and the game's nature is lineal as well, I end being lost a lot of times wondering "what am i suppose to do now?" there's no objectives tab or anything like that, you have to interact with NPC's that will give hints to were to go next, a good addition from this NPC'S is that some can be useful to unlock some doors or even help you in combat, but they die quickly, even more that what you could expected.
    Platforming sections are terrible and it's a good example of why platforming and First Person Shooters usually don't get along, and the game's implementation of boxes with physics... are awful (good thing this was fixed in the second game).
    Half-Life is indeed an iconic game from the late 90s and calling it the worst game would be fair or perhaps it wouldn't be a very accurate statement. The game isn't entirely that bad as i made it look, it had it's moments of glory, but still, calling it a masterpiece... well, it's not masterpiece.
    Half-Life is a most have game or even one of the game you should play before dying, give it a try, master game, learn it's combat pasterns and you will have a really satisfying experience.    … Expand
  27. REEDDLES
    Jul 19, 2019
    7
    Main evaluation criteria:
    -Story: 7
    -Atmosphere: 6 -Characters: 6 -Graphics and design: 8 -Gameplay: 8 -Sound and Music: 7 -Bugs: 9 -Interface: 9 -Completeness of the world: 7 -Balance (Multiplayer): 8 - Donates influence on the game (Pay to win): 10 Аdditional evaluation criteria (Do not really affect the assessment): -Freedom of choice: 0 -Coop in Story mode: 0 (only with    Main evaluation criteria:
    -Story: 7
    -Atmosphere: 6
    -Characters: 6
    -Graphics and design: 8
    -Gameplay: 8
    -Sound and Music: 7
    -Bugs: 9
    -Interface: 9
    -Completeness of the world: 7
    -Balance (Multiplayer): 8
    - Donates influence on the game (Pay to win): 10

    Аdditional evaluation criteria (Do not really affect the assessment):
    -Freedom of choice: 0
    -Coop in Story mode: 0 (only with mod)
    -Multiplayer: 8
    -Mods and the ability to change the game: 7

    Scores from 1 to 10, the higher the better    … Expand
  28. Broyax
    Jan 29, 2019
    5
    Un jeu qui a certainement marqué son époque dans le monde foisonnant des FPS, un genre à part entière devenu une mode effrénée en quelques années depuis Doom... j'ai l'impression que ça s'est bien calmé au fil du temps mais tout de même... Mais il faut dire que ce premier Half-Life propose une véritable histoire et pose de véritables questions qui motivent sans cesse le joueur à poursuivreUn jeu qui a certainement marqué son époque dans le monde foisonnant des FPS, un genre à part entière devenu une mode effrénée en quelques années depuis Doom... j'ai l'impression que ça s'est bien calmé au fil du temps mais tout de même... Mais il faut dire que ce premier Half-Life propose une véritable histoire et pose de véritables questions qui motivent sans cesse le joueur à poursuivre son "aventure" ; en même temps, il distille quelques réponses qui amènent d'autres interrogations et ainsi de suite jusqu'au 2 puis jusqu'aux 2 épisodes addtionnels...

    Et c'est comme ça et c'est pour ça qu'on attend toujours Half-Life 3... du moins certains et certains autres qui croient encore au père Noël ou aux soucoupes volantes. Personnellement, j'ai déjà donné (non pas aux soucoupes... quoique avec le père Mulder) de mon temps au Half-Life en son temps et si j'ai été saisi immédiatement par cette maîtrise de la narration, du tempo et des évènements, j'ai aussi subi avec mauvaise humeur pas mal des tics du jeu...

    C'est sans doute à la fois une qualité et un défaut par exemple que de ne jamais lâcher la pression sur le joueur -ou à peine le temps de faire une pause- puis de le faire repartir au turbin, un décidément très sale boulot où l'on ne sait jamais ce qui va nous tomber sur le coin de la gueule... Il faut aussi réfléchir un brin pour se sortir de situations délicates et jouer à saute-mouton et/ou sauter sur des plate-formes et en plus, en plus... gérer ces sauts "longs" très casse-burnes. Ou gérer ses munitions selon les armes, car on manque toujours de munitions dans Half-Life, car ça "augmente la tension" dit-on !

    Or le jeu est déjà assez flippant comme ça... Comme ces crabes qui te sautent à la gueule du début à la fin du jeu, ou la fin elle-même bien pénible (qui a eu raison de mes nerfs, là je crois) ou bien les **** bâtards qui se téléportent derrière toi... ou bien les forces d'intervention qui viennent en remettre une couche (encore une !) rien que pour toi ! comme si le monde entier qui part en morceaux n'était pas déjà suffisant pour "t'occuper"...!

    Intéressant donc le Half-Life mais également énervant et stressant. Hypnotisant, addictif aussi mais très fatigant... Aujourd'hui je ne pourrais plus le refaire, ça me casserait les couilles en moins de deux. Et puis le gameplay a vieilli... on ne veut plus d'aventure linéaire aussi longue même si on salue avec le recul cette mise en scène et ces scripts si inventifs pour l'époque !    … Expand
  29. Steeldude
    May 7, 2017
    6
    + nice beginning
    + great graphics for the time
    - way too hard - not impressed - dropped twice - the game is just annoying to play through The beginning is awesome but once the gameplay starts it gets tedious and difficult really fast. I tried to play this game twice, but gave up each time. It just wasn't worth the frustration. Still, I'm giving some points for the great intro    + nice beginning
    + great graphics for the time
    - way too hard
    - not impressed
    - dropped twice
    - the game is just annoying to play through

    The beginning is awesome but once the gameplay starts it gets tedious and difficult really fast. I tried to play this game twice, but gave up each time. It just wasn't worth the frustration.
    Still, I'm giving some points for the great intro section and an awesome tutorial.    … Expand
  30. JustSomeGamer
    Jun 16, 2016
    7
    This was an amazing game............almost two decades ago. Don't expect so much from this game, as it can't really be compared to modern games. It's was revolutionary a long time ago and it set the standard for the fps games for a long time, but in this day and age it is nothing more than a decent game that didn't age very well.....
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best PC Game of 1998
1
#1 Most Discussed PC Game of 1998
1
#1 Most Shared PC Game of 1998

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
96

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. All Game Guide
    100
    It isn't everyday that you come across a game that totally revolutionizes an entire genre, but Half-Life has done just that.
    Read full review
  2. My Gamer
    94
    The storyline runs in perfect harmony with the action and acts as a conduit not a stopgap, or a padding device. Each gaming element compliments the next and the entire presentation is nothing short of, well…dare we say it…revolutionary.
    Read full review
  3. PC Gamer
    97
    This is The Big One, and it's even better than we could've hoped. [Jan 1999, p.166]
See all critic reviews »