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. AidanP.
    Jun 9, 2006
    10
    Awesome, the only game better? HL2
  2. JakubS.
    Jul 13, 2008
    9
    This game Is Very good, clear story, GREAT MODS but graphics are outdated.
  3. Geniasis
    Aug 19, 2011
    10
    After all these years, Half-life is still just as timeless as ever. Sure, the graphics are dated, but if you can look past that then you're in for a treat. Just be warned, Half-Life 3's release date is still sometime after the rapture. So you might want to prepare for a wait.
  4. HaydenJ.
    Sep 17, 2003
    10
    First of all- this game kicks ass. Graphics-good even by todays standards story-best fps story ever gameplay- fun as hell, not to mention counte-strike w00t now for all you n00bs saying the graphics suck-- turn the graphics to Open GL mode on 1600 by 1200 pixels, if your computer can even handle that, then talk to me whether u think the graphics are good or not.
  5. KevinK.
    Dec 5, 2002
    10
    Well seems how there are not alot of reviews i will just say. Even tho this game isnt that new it is still the best PC game to ever be made. The mods make it even better. You can play the single player thru and then move easily on to the multiplayer with full enjoyment. BEST GAME EVER.
  6. Drunky
    Mar 25, 2006
    10
    It's quite possibly the best FPS ever. Yes, the graphics are aging, yes the crate puzzles were a bit on the annoying side, but they are minor flaws on a beautiful game. The AI still amazes me now, as the soldiers hide, throw grenades and constantly cause a thread, and then there's the set pieces. I always get excited when I see the G-Man. The story is excellent, people who It's quite possibly the best FPS ever. Yes, the graphics are aging, yes the crate puzzles were a bit on the annoying side, but they are minor flaws on a beautiful game. The AI still amazes me now, as the soldiers hide, throw grenades and constantly cause a thread, and then there's the set pieces. I always get excited when I see the G-Man. The story is excellent, people who complain about it clearly can't be bothered to chase after it. Like so much about this terrific game, you have to work at it. You need to discover every clue, talk to every scientist, that's the way to play the game. And what a game it is...… Expand
  7. MartinV.
    Oct 31, 2004
    10
    "sure it set a new standard on its DATE"... What kinda of **** is that, the game is 7 years old? Of course there are "better" games now. That doesnt change the fact that it was the best for its time and continued to influence game development for many years to come. What if all FPS games released the last 7 years had been as boring as Doom3 for instance? Of course we all want nice smooth "sure it set a new standard on its DATE"... What kinda of **** is that, the game is 7 years old? Of course there are "better" games now. That doesnt change the fact that it was the best for its time and continued to influence game development for many years to come. What if all FPS games released the last 7 years had been as boring as Doom3 for instance? Of course we all want nice smooth gfx, but i want GAMEPLAY as well!… Expand
  8. PeterB.
    Aug 7, 2007
    10
    The single greatest FPS, and possibly the single greatest game ever made.
  9. AnonymousMC
    Jan 17, 2008
    10
    HL is just the best game with best encheted engine with best platform for mods and HL borns the best gamers on world
    Adrenaline Gamers !
    it made relationships on whole world and it is a reason why gaming & games are so famous today but Valve today is a imperialism crap :P
  10. BradD.
    Jul 14, 2003
    10
    5 years later this game still kicks the ass of any major contendor. Not just in my opinion, but in the eyes of many PROFESSIONAL video game critics this is the BEST GAME EVER WRITTEN! Buy this now! Its like 20 bucks. Plus you get to play counter strike and day of defeat for 10 dollars less than the retail box's are.
  11. potatoes351
    Apr 1, 2012
    8
    Half Life is a game of epic proportions, Valve provided a knock-out game. Good shooting mechanics, great map design, deep and involving story and of course hitting alien zombies with crowbars. Gameplay gets slightly repetitive at times though.
  12. Mike_Morhaime
    Jul 29, 2012
    9
    This game produced one of the greatest Mod's of all time: CounterStrike. And only because of that it well deserved this epic score! But only because i never actually played through the game i can only give it a 9
  13. gstiker5
    Sep 4, 2013
    10
    This is among the best games ever made the story is excellent so is the gameplay, level design everything is perfect except for a few things the dated graphics but back in 1998 is was amazing and the platforming is sometimes really fiddly and it is actually challenging even on Normal difficulty and for less experienced or casual players Easy presents a challenge (i think) but its neverThis is among the best games ever made the story is excellent so is the gameplay, level design everything is perfect except for a few things the dated graphics but back in 1998 is was amazing and the platforming is sometimes really fiddly and it is actually challenging even on Normal difficulty and for less experienced or casual players Easy presents a challenge (i think) but its never unfair it has some interesting setting and that feel of shooting in Half Life and then there is the multiplayer while this isn't the strong point of the game it's decent and paved the way for Counter-Strike and then theres the mods Counter Strike, Team Fortress started out as a Quake mod though), Day of Defeat and is better than Ocarina of Time… Expand
  14. fudgepuddlez
    Jul 9, 2013
    10
    One of the best games ever made. EVEN NOW YEARS AFTER IT IS MADE, PLAY IT nuff said. the only bad thing about the game is the ladder climbing is really obnoxious
  15. MPSGutboy
    Aug 5, 2013
    10
    The metascore on this game, should be 100. This game was named game of the year by over 50 publications! I just beat it today. (8/5/13) Best. Game. EVER
  16. Sweix
    Sep 16, 2013
    10
    Gaming perfection, resulting in the quality of gaming we know today. Map design was genius for the time, when most games lacked puzzle elements, weapon design and a.i. was also top notch. Everything from the safe feeling the start had until the ending on xen was a joy ride with constant new equipment and weapons.
  17. Andante
    Aug 11, 2014
    10
    I feel really proud for playing this masterpiece when it first came out. I still remember I had a debate with a friend of mine and PS1 owner back at the day. He was claiming that PC graphics cant surpass console graphics. So, I invited him to my home and showed him HL1. He was freaking shocked and speechless and at first thought that the intro with the train was a FMV, until I moved theI feel really proud for playing this masterpiece when it first came out. I still remember I had a debate with a friend of mine and PS1 owner back at the day. He was claiming that PC graphics cant surpass console graphics. So, I invited him to my home and showed him HL1. He was freaking shocked and speechless and at first thought that the intro with the train was a FMV, until I moved the mouse... One year later he bought a PC… Expand
  18. augh18
    Apr 16, 2014
    10
    The people that made this must have genius level IQs. Absolutely mind blowing. Whenever I go back to it, I realize how much every other FPS before and after sucks in comparison (yes, even the original "Deus Ex" and "Human Revolution" missed notes that this game constantly nails on the head).

    Not only is it an amazing single-player title, we got some game-changing multiplayer mods out of    The people that made this must have genius level IQs. Absolutely mind blowing. Whenever I go back to it, I realize how much every other FPS before and after sucks in comparison (yes, even the original "Deus Ex" and "Human Revolution" missed notes that this game constantly nails on the head).

    Not only is it an amazing single-player title, we got some game-changing multiplayer mods out of it as well (Counter-Strike, TFC [which was a *much* improved version of the Quake TF], Natural Selection, Science & Industry) that were absolutely *free*. Guys setting up servers in their basement and players getting pings better than you can get in CoD or any other console multiplayer title. Those were the days. People who got into gaming after all this have no idea what they missed. Kind of like getting into "The Beatles" *after* the hippie movement. Still a great band, but the music doesn't have anywhere *near* the same impact it would've if you were there when it was happening.    … Expand
  19. Mario_Luigi
    Mar 31, 2015
    10
    Best plot ever! A revolution in game industry. One can play this game forever. It gave birth to Counter-Strike and both projects live till now and will live very long. Worth to be in collection.
  20. Overrwatcher
    Sep 3, 2011
    10
    This is possibly one of the best PC games ever made(Tied with Deus Ex and its sequel, Half-Life 2). For its time, the graphics were stunning. The level design, despite it being a linear game, still encourages free movement. The guns are satisfying to shoot and combat has the perfect difficulty. It's an incredible cinematic experience lasting over 12 hours, and only once or twice are youThis is possibly one of the best PC games ever made(Tied with Deus Ex and its sequel, Half-Life 2). For its time, the graphics were stunning. The level design, despite it being a linear game, still encourages free movement. The guns are satisfying to shoot and combat has the perfect difficulty. It's an incredible cinematic experience lasting over 12 hours, and only once or twice are you forced too look at a certain area. If you like FPS games, there is no question. BUY IT.… Expand
  21. WewLad
    Jul 19, 2016
    10
    There is a 150 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content.
  22. 1Shorzz
    Jul 12, 2021
    10
    SHORZZ / Half-Life: Hi I'm Shorzz. If you haven't played this game yet, I think it's definitely a game you should play. I think it would be unfair not to see what this production has accomplished and the innovations it has brought to the game world. A game that every player must have finished once.
  23. HeywoodF.
    May 10, 2006
    10
    At the time of publishing Half-Life it was simply the Best Game ever and continued to hold that position for a lenghty period of time. Now Half-Life is naturally out-dated game, especially in graphics point of view.. But still it is worth every penny you need to invest in buying this masterpiece of Gaming History.
  24. AmirS.
    Sep 21, 2006
    9
    I am a big fan of teamplay FPS games, and I loved games such as TF, Quake 2 CTF, and CS. FLF is quite possibly the best team FPS out there because it combines teamwork and strategy while maintaining a frantic pace. I would give it a perfect 10 score but the lack of players is an issue that can't be ignored. Graphics, sound, animations, levels, it's all excellent. A must play for I am a big fan of teamplay FPS games, and I loved games such as TF, Quake 2 CTF, and CS. FLF is quite possibly the best team FPS out there because it combines teamwork and strategy while maintaining a frantic pace. I would give it a perfect 10 score but the lack of players is an issue that can't be ignored. Graphics, sound, animations, levels, it's all excellent. A must play for any teamplay FPS fan.… Expand
  25. ChaseM.
    Jul 27, 2006
    10
    one of the best games ever made. It's rare that you find a sequal to a game such as this that kicks just as much ass also I might add. I'd been playing this game since my dad bought it and i'd never beaten it until I got steam and Half Life: Source. This game never stops entertaining me, with or without cheats, on any difficulty, its fun to play over and over. Anyone who one of the best games ever made. It's rare that you find a sequal to a game such as this that kicks just as much ass also I might add. I'd been playing this game since my dad bought it and i'd never beaten it until I got steam and Half Life: Source. This game never stops entertaining me, with or without cheats, on any difficulty, its fun to play over and over. Anyone who wants to get one of the best games ever created, buy this game.… Expand
  26. BrianJ.
    Jul 27, 2006
    10
    Greatest PC FPS ever... as long as you get the High Definition pack. Without it, the guns look like toys. With it, they look and sound nice enough to get you involved in the game. The best action sequences ever - take on an entire alien army and an entire marine corps. Brilliant AI ends the "spray, take cover, reload" sequence. You will still be taking cover and reloading, but when you Greatest PC FPS ever... as long as you get the High Definition pack. Without it, the guns look like toys. With it, they look and sound nice enough to get you involved in the game. The best action sequences ever - take on an entire alien army and an entire marine corps. Brilliant AI ends the "spray, take cover, reload" sequence. You will still be taking cover and reloading, but when you do, expect a grenade to be tossed your way or a swarm of thornets to seek you out. Puzzles are not all that puzzling since there is usually only one path open to you, but are still interesting enough to keep the non-combat portions of the game fun. Guns are varied and interesting. This is the game that created genre mainstays like vent crawling, squad based AI, and seamless first person scripted events. A true masterpiece. When combined with Opposing Force, the massive amount of quality is astounding to behold. I simply cannot get into the mods for the game and the multiplayer, because all-together the massive amount of perfection is too staggering to fit in this blurb.… Expand
  27. AlesG.
    May 27, 2008
    10
    This is seriously one of the best games i have ever played. I just spent my whole day yesterday playing this game. Not only does it make you think (which is great fro most people), but it also scared the crap out of me at some times, surprised me at other times, and it totally broke the annoying box that Videogame companies usually stay in.
  28. TylerC.
    Jul 14, 2008
    10
    First off, Steve M. has no idea what he is talking about because this is Half-Life 1, not Half-Life 2 OR The Orange Box. Secondly, this game was and still is a masterpiece of its time. Although it was built off the quake 2 engine, it completely shattered Quake as well as Doom, completely revolutionizing First Person Shooters. Also, just because some amateur from the Cincinnati Enquirer First off, Steve M. has no idea what he is talking about because this is Half-Life 1, not Half-Life 2 OR The Orange Box. Secondly, this game was and still is a masterpiece of its time. Although it was built off the quake 2 engine, it completely shattered Quake as well as Doom, completely revolutionizing First Person Shooters. Also, just because some amateur from the Cincinnati Enquirer does not know how to use the jump button, does not mean the game is frustrating or "almost impossible". Take it from a 10-year Half-Life veteran, there is no better game around than the HL series. Period.… Expand
  29. BlazingArrow
    Jun 18, 2006
    10
    You know, I used to hate fps. I thought, well, killing people wouldnt seen right, even virtually. Then, my best friend GAVE me the game: Half-Life One Anthology. I stared my vibe of fps ever since. This game, even years after release, is still one of the best games out there, and it plays on most computers, ensuring your satisfaction for the game. I love EVERYTHING about it, form the You know, I used to hate fps. I thought, well, killing people wouldnt seen right, even virtually. Then, my best friend GAVE me the game: Half-Life One Anthology. I stared my vibe of fps ever since. This game, even years after release, is still one of the best games out there, and it plays on most computers, ensuring your satisfaction for the game. I love EVERYTHING about it, form the mysterious G-man to the puny litte, cute headcrabs. This game will NEVER get old. Garanteed.… Expand
  30. ZeroDestiny
    Jul 27, 2006
    10
    Still one of the greatest shooters out there. Half Life 2 has a ton of potential, but valve kinda tripped at the finish line when they released what felt like a partial attempt at a game. I play the original to get that feel good sensation that HL2 was kinda lacking.
  31. RazorSamurai
    Jan 10, 2019
    10
    Стоит ли вообще что-то говорить об игре? Да эта игра блять старше меня нахуй. Если бы я жил в том времени и я бы увидел эту игру своими глазами я бы охуел. Игра, которая создала всю историю видеоигр. И это истина. Если вы увидите человека который говорит что халва говно бейте его по ебалу сука, все будет справедливо. Я его прошел 4-5 месяцев назад, для меня было сложно адаптироваться ведьСтоит ли вообще что-то говорить об игре? Да эта игра блять старше меня нахуй. Если бы я жил в том времени и я бы увидел эту игру своими глазами я бы охуел. Игра, которая создала всю историю видеоигр. И это истина. Если вы увидите человека который говорит что халва говно бейте его по ебалу сука, все будет справедливо. Я его прошел 4-5 месяцев назад, для меня было сложно адаптироваться ведь я продукт нового поколения игр, я еще дурак на самой сложной сложности играл, мучался, сейвился по кд рассчитывал боеприпасы патронов. Тут кстати очень большой арсенал оружия и все они пригодятся да и всеми ими стрелять очень приятно. Вообщем о чем я, игра пиздатая. Каждый уважающий себя GaMeR должен пройти халву.
    Поговорим о длс:
    Адриан - заебись но там какая то хернюшка была которая меня бесила но я уже не помню склероз, спасибо вкусно гирбокс
    Барни - спасибо вкусно но что то с прыжками не то
    Ко-оп - поиграл с медведсом в ко-оп было пиздато но она очень легкая потому что была сделана для консолей, концовка хуета    … Expand
  32. thehoang123
    Aug 20, 2023
    10
    A standard of the industry, especially for the FPS genre. Who thinks they could released a game like this in 1997, 1998 lol. So many things that make Half-Life is one of the greatest games of all time, And even better, this game has many mods, some of them are iconic (TF Classic, Counter-Strike, Cry of Fear) that still existing and keep growing until today.
  33. enderlol
    Oct 13, 2022
    10
    SOOO GOOD Makes you think and Fight Whoever thinks this is *Bad* THEN HE NEEDS TO PAY RESPECTS TO ONE OF THE LEGENDS HERES A LIST OF AWSOME THINGS ABOUT HALF LIFE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jdl2g1CF0G4) AMAZING STORY FOR NOW AND 1998 THE ENEMYS AI IS SOO GOOD I STILL PLAY IT TO THIS DAY Its so Wacky and cool(TM)
  34. GrigoryT
    Jan 2, 2010
    10
    Half-Life was the thirst game I've ever played. And now I've realised that it was only GAME.
  35. MikeF.
    May 8, 2006
    9
    best ist game in the gender i played.Please can steam make some dungeon dragon type games in the same format.
  36. HobartJ.
    Aug 3, 2010
    10
    Amazing!
  37. BobG.
    Oct 1, 2003
    10
    The game is 5 years old and it's still rocks!
  38. KennyK.
    Dec 3, 2006
    10
    I found this game extremely entertaining and the ability to surprise me. To me the story of a game is very important, maybe even more important than the gameplay, but this game gave me a new standard to follow, when reviewing games, which new games has a very hard time following up to!
  39. JoeK.
    May 14, 2006
    10
    GREAT GAME!
  40. ColinP.
    May 9, 2006
    10
    i think it one the best and origial games out there. the story is assom and they did a grate job for the time it was made.
  41. AnonymousMC
    Feb 1, 2007
    10
    Half-Life earns a sure fire 10, and to Jerry H who gave it a 1... your reasoning has nothing to do with HL1, the game is great because it came out many years ago and revolutionized FPS games. Its not great because there is a huge amount of people playing its multilayer mode. Think about it this way, without HL1 you wouldn't even be playing Day of Defeat or Counter-strike- their basedHalf-Life earns a sure fire 10, and to Jerry H who gave it a 1... your reasoning has nothing to do with HL1, the game is great because it came out many years ago and revolutionized FPS games. Its not great because there is a huge amount of people playing its multilayer mode. Think about it this way, without HL1 you wouldn't even be playing Day of Defeat or Counter-strike- their based on the HL1 engine!… Expand
  42. AnonymousMC
    May 10, 2007
    10
    ive been playing dis game since i bought it back in 2001 (wen i was 9yrs old), and ta tink dat i at dat age could crack da puzzels dat half da guys dat rated da game bad couldnt... , its actually quite sad, really, i'll bet dey didnt even play da game. or dey got bored within a 1st 5min cause it didnt start in a battlefield wit gut and gore flying in al different directions.
    P.S.    ive been playing dis game since i bought it back in 2001 (wen i was 9yrs old), and ta tink dat i at dat age could crack da puzzels dat half da guys dat rated da game bad couldnt... , its actually quite sad, really, i'll bet dey didnt even play da game. or dey got bored within a 1st 5min cause it didnt start in a battlefield wit gut and gore flying in al different directions.
    P.S. all da guys dat guys dat gave da game a bad rating cuase da reason i just mentioned or da fact dat dey just couldnt play r luzers:)    … Expand
  43. RobR.
    Jun 10, 2007
    10
    The game that set the standard... Has the perfect blend of action and puzzles that makes for a truly unique expierience. Being extremely lengthy, you won't forget about this games for a long time. The ending is absolutely incredible, giving the feeling of a dorky scientist turned epic hero of humanity.
  44. Leonidasgp4
    Aug 30, 2007
    10
    It is very hard to make a "critic" to H-L, since H-L change my life, in a way, like F1 Racing simulators did. It is not new that H-L change every little thing from the universe of FPS, but, in the other hand.. H-L have changed the point of view of many people, through gamer to developers. The week point of H-L was that you can actually see, that the physics seem to fail in many ways... It is very hard to make a "critic" to H-L, since H-L change my life, in a way, like F1 Racing simulators did. It is not new that H-L change every little thing from the universe of FPS, but, in the other hand.. H-L have changed the point of view of many people, through gamer to developers. The week point of H-L was that you can actually see, that the physics seem to fail in many ways... for example , you can shoot a bow from 10 miles and the impact is instantaneous... anyway... Me, (and I think many people too) didn't realize off that things until we've got H-L 2 to compare. The best game ever... H-L… Expand
  45. AntonA.
    Aug 9, 2007
    10
    I love this game!
  46. AdrienV.
    Jan 10, 2008
    10
    Best FPS for its time, don't be shunned away when you see the graphics, it was freakin 1998/9! I used to look at a games graphics first in till i got half-life. I bought the Anthology and was dissapointed with the graphics. But 1/4 way through I suddenly realised I did not give a crap anymore. I was too busy having fun.
  47. SteveS.
    Apr 6, 2008
    10
    Many people this this is one of the best games out there. I would agree. Portal was amazing but this you could get free mods and thats what put it over the edge. I happen to be a fan of Valve's games but I will say if its a bad game. This was the most fun i have had in a long time. A lot of people are just about running and gunning but hate game were you might have to think a little. Many people this this is one of the best games out there. I would agree. Portal was amazing but this you could get free mods and thats what put it over the edge. I happen to be a fan of Valve's games but I will say if its a bad game. This was the most fun i have had in a long time. A lot of people are just about running and gunning but hate game were you might have to think a little. The puzzle are not impossible and they are fun. I could tell people about this game but most people already know about it. I just wish they put this game into the orange box as well the game would be complete! altogether this IS the best game on the PC and one of the more fun times you will ever have!… Expand
  48. PierreH.
    Jul 10, 2008
    10
    A wonderfull game for 1998, bought when he came out. The voices, ambiance and the storyline are very good. The game play is quite a revolution in the FPS at this time, only deus ex was released and wasnt that fluid. Very nice game, still worth to play ... 10 years later.
  49. AnonymousMC
    Jul 18, 2008
    10
    U know what Steve M, u must be one of the dumbest people i've ever read about. First of all ur talking about Half Life 2 U DIPSHIT! Second, Halflife 2 doesn't suck, and u should keep your fucking negativity to yourself and third the original half-life doesn't suck either... So if u hate these games soo much don't fucking waste ur time writing stupid reviews...

    As    U know what Steve M, u must be one of the dumbest people i've ever read about. First of all ur talking about Half Life 2 U DIPSHIT! Second, Halflife 2 doesn't suck, and u should keep your fucking negativity to yourself and third the original half-life doesn't suck either... So if u hate these games soo much don't fucking waste ur time writing stupid reviews...

    As for a review, I give this game a 9 and Half Life 2 a 10.    … Expand
  50. RobS
    Oct 18, 2009
    10
    This is the game that started it all. The game to end all games. The one, the only HALF-LIFE! Buy it. No, don't ask questions, just buy it now. Don't be put off by the aged graphics, that just makes it all the more "retro." While it's true that some of the game is a little long, the Xen level was a bit rough, it's still worthy of being in the top 5. I remember playing This is the game that started it all. The game to end all games. The one, the only HALF-LIFE! Buy it. No, don't ask questions, just buy it now. Don't be put off by the aged graphics, that just makes it all the more "retro." While it's true that some of the game is a little long, the Xen level was a bit rough, it's still worthy of being in the top 5. I remember playing this back in 2000. I was about 10 years old and it scared the crap out of me, but I loved every second of it. After I found out about Half-Life 2, I freaked. I needed the second game; and when I got it the heavens materialized, and I was transported to gaming nirvana.… Expand
  51. AnonymousMC
    Apr 5, 2009
    10
    Mike J?
    I don't think they made it knowing that games like Cod 4/5, Halo and all of them were going to come out, I bet HL is older than you to be honest.
    Other than my rant, about Half Life. Brill game, still amazing to this day, pretty fun story line.
  52. AnonymousMC
    Aug 1, 2009
    8
    Good game. Sadly, this review comes too late because of the age of the game. If it was '98, I would most likely give it a 10, but due to the antiquated graphics and somewhat slow storyline compared to contemporary titles, I can't get into it as much. However, everything is very well designed and the experience is top-notch.
  53. FakeiFAKE
    Jan 7, 2010
    10
    Amazing game! Completely changed the FPS genre. This is also a MUST-play if your going to play hl2
  54. Marc
    Mar 21, 2004
    10
    You are Gordon Freeman...now strap yourself in for the ride of your life. Seriously.
  55. Jacob
    May 17, 2004
    10
    This game is (as Tony the Tiger would say) GRRRRREAT. Its storyline, graphics, and gameplay far surpass any game made in the same time period as Half Life. And I cant wait to see the upcoming battle between Half-life 2, Doom3, and Halo 2. Its gonna be SWEET!!!
  56. JonathanM.
    Oct 22, 2006
    10
    I didn't think this game was going to be a cool one. After about 5 months of playing Counter-strike, I was getting to be bored. I'd see the pre-loaded Half-Life everytime i started steam thinking that there was nothing in Half-Life fun. Then finally, I gave up. Before going to sleep at 10:05, I decided to buy the game. Each step of the buying process lead me to bet me more and I didn't think this game was going to be a cool one. After about 5 months of playing Counter-strike, I was getting to be bored. I'd see the pre-loaded Half-Life everytime i started steam thinking that there was nothing in Half-Life fun. Then finally, I gave up. Before going to sleep at 10:05, I decided to buy the game. Each step of the buying process lead me to bet me more and more anxious. After I finished buying the game, I immediately got on it. I tried to keep myself form going on anything but the training room at first, so that i may not spoil anything yet. Even that tutiral made me anxious. Forgetting i had to be at school at 8:00, i kept playing. I finally told myself to go sleep, but iIcouldn't. I lay in my bed all night curious,desperate for more Half-Life. I woke up at 5:00 in the morning tp play the game. I found myself "sick" at school and came home to play this great game. I give this game a 100 outta 10, but it could use a graphics improvement.… Expand
  57. AnonymousMC
    Oct 6, 2006
    10
    This game has everything; I just wanna say to all low- rating people that this game has been made 8 years ago !!! For windows 95/98 !! Of course if you play it now the graphics are less then you are used to. But it still takes HOURS to complete the game. I can't believe some are saying the game wasn't well tought out.It's GENIUS ! And.. DON'T vote low if YOU can'tThis game has everything; I just wanna say to all low- rating people that this game has been made 8 years ago !!! For windows 95/98 !! Of course if you play it now the graphics are less then you are used to. But it still takes HOURS to complete the game. I can't believe some are saying the game wasn't well tought out.It's GENIUS ! And.. DON'T vote low if YOU can't solve a level. If you would end the entire game without dieing a single time, the game would s**ks.… Expand
  58. TobiasGruber
    May 10, 2006
    10
    The mother of all games... -Simply the best game ever made.
  59. AnonymousMC
    May 10, 2006
    10
    Perfect! This game is way ahead of its time. It is the BEST game ever made! There is absolutely no real comparison, even between it and the sequel, which is also ahead of its time. Valve is an excellent company! IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THIS GAME, BUY IT IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!
  60. JamesM.
    May 7, 2006
    10
    The original and best, gameplay, graphics (at the time), plot and story line, character interaction, aliens, anti gravity, it had it all. The weapons were varied and each had to be used in different situations, so you had to think. Not a mindless shooter by any means. I think when it came out I played this game 5 times over before I even touched any other game, it really was that good!
  61. MichaelL.
    May 7, 2006
    10
    Best game seen to date on the PC in my 18 years of playing computer games. There is so much there it is even great the second and third time around!
  62. BenediktZ.
    May 8, 2006
    10
    Although it's old by now you could still call this game the mother of all FPS... The Game was (for the time release) graphically amazing and the story still is very interesting.
  63. AllanP.
    May 9, 2006
    9
    It's really a great game, it kept me thinking a great period. I didn't want even to study, to play half-life. It's a great game, but some puzzles are too much difficult and big, so some people can get stuck sometimes. But this don't kill the fun. Great game!
  64. Dr.ShainE.
    Apr 25, 2007
    10
    This is the game that changed gaming. You aren't even a gamer unless you've played this game through at least once. It's one of the most compelling, intuitive, and fun to play games ever made. The story is still incredible if you have enough brain cells to deal with a story that isn't spoon fed to you. This game is for thinking players, if you don't like thinking This is the game that changed gaming. You aren't even a gamer unless you've played this game through at least once. It's one of the most compelling, intuitive, and fun to play games ever made. The story is still incredible if you have enough brain cells to deal with a story that isn't spoon fed to you. This game is for thinking players, if you don't like thinking or are too young to think, then I'd advise you to go play Halo. Otherwise, welcome to the big leagues!… Expand
  65. Jgcxelite
    Oct 30, 2008
    9
    Good game, but i found a few things that prevented it being great, at least for me, confusing me somewhat about how it gots its iconic status. This may simply be because i played the half life 2 series first and expected the same level of gameplay - it did begin very fun but sagged a little in the middle. Also, the crowbar is not just as good; i have had limitless fun whacking headcrabs Good game, but i found a few things that prevented it being great, at least for me, confusing me somewhat about how it gots its iconic status. This may simply be because i played the half life 2 series first and expected the same level of gameplay - it did begin very fun but sagged a little in the middle. Also, the crowbar is not just as good; i have had limitless fun whacking headcrabs just as they leap for my face. I found the gameplay a little too hard; for example, the tentacle level took me a very long time and i felt i would have enjoyed it more were it to at least have not made this so confusing.… Expand
  66. TeodorIkonomov
    Jul 17, 2008
    10
    The Best Game Ever
  67. LucasR.
    Sep 3, 2008
    10
    This is the best game I've ever played!! I've loved this game!! Every body should play it!! I've had finished this one 48 times... and I keep finishing it... I love this serie! I love Dr. Freeman... I have The Orange Box, the HL2 ep.1 and Half-Life Generation!!! I just thing that you (Stem) shoud re-build this great game, not like you've done ai Half-Life Source, but This is the best game I've ever played!! I've loved this game!! Every body should play it!! I've had finished this one 48 times... and I keep finishing it... I love this serie! I love Dr. Freeman... I have The Orange Box, the HL2 ep.1 and Half-Life Generation!!! I just thing that you (Stem) shoud re-build this great game, not like you've done ai Half-Life Source, but whil all the grafics of HL2... I loved every minute of them! You should make the Opp. Force 2 and Blue Shift 2 too... it would be nice!! I'm sure that everybody will want to play these game more then it was played... Thanx!!… Expand
  68. RyanD.
    Sep 5, 2008
    10
    Half-life redefined the first person shooter genre into what it is today. It took a stagnating genre and rewrote the rules. It proved shooters could have a story, friendly characters, and do without key cards. This game has never gone stale. All the mods for it kept it alive well after Half-life 2 came out. If you have never played this game, do yourself a favor and get a copy.
  69. AnonymousMC
    Apr 6, 2009
    10
    @ Mike J
    Half Life is not crap and no one on here wants to know about halo and COD 4 and Final Fantasy 7 in a Half life review so grow up you Xbox fanboy, anyway this is a great game great story great characters great weapons and a challange so great at the end you just want to yell, yeah i did it!
  70. AnonymousMC
    Apr 9, 2009
    10
    Truly one of the best games ever made, this game has appeal ten years after it's release. I can't think of many FPS games where this is true. Also, to all the people he rate this low because it looks bad, it's ten years old. What do you expect. Just enjoy the gameplay.
  71. FakeName
    Jan 1, 2010
    10
    Single player: Best ever. I played it though several times and I still love it. I have played other games like Super Mario 64, Orcana of Time, Halo 2/3, MW 2, and other games and It blows it away. I like it more than the other games in it's series. Multiplayer: I havent played it on multi player but it would be fun to play it with a partner o single player but would get boring Single player: Best ever. I played it though several times and I still love it. I have played other games like Super Mario 64, Orcana of Time, Halo 2/3, MW 2, and other games and It blows it away. I like it more than the other games in it's series. Multiplayer: I havent played it on multi player but it would be fun to play it with a partner o single player but would get boring fighting other people prettey quick. Also: There is a Mod called Black Mesa and it was made with a volenteer team and has taken around 6 years to make (and counting) and they are re-making the game with the HL2 engine and it is around as good as the original game with out being realy cheezy like most mods with the source engine. You should check it out. It should be comming out in 2010.… Expand
  72. KaiS.
    Feb 16, 2010
    10
    It is the best game I've ever played.
  73. HobartJ.
    Mar 15, 2010
    10
    Amazing!
  74. BitBurn
    Oct 2, 2003
    10
    Yes. This is the best shooter I've played. Sound effects are great. Arsenal is very interesting, AI is very well done for a 1998 game...but most of all, the single player storyline blows them all away! Even today in 2003!! Can't wait for HL2!!
  75. [Anonymous]
    Apr 27, 2003
    10
    Fry the bast***
  76. O.K.
    Apr 30, 2003
    10
    It's the greatest single player fps ever, bar none. Many have passed it since, but all stole liberally from the originator. Long live the king.
  77. MichaelB.
    Sep 17, 2003
    10
    Awesome Game.
  78. NathanS.
    Sep 23, 2003
    10
    This Game RULES DUDE!!!
  79. JustinM.
    Jan 18, 2004
    9
    The best fps in my book, i like half-life better than halo. maybe its because of half-lifes creepy feeling of isolation. I think half-life 2 will be better than halo 2.
  80. PhilT.
    Mar 10, 2004
    8
    Absolutely groundbreaking in its day, still very playable today. A very engaging narrative level design that is still not surpassed by some more recent games. I Loved it! Bring on Half Life 2!!!!
  81. MaciejW.
    Mar 8, 2004
    10
    Incredible game with fantastic atmosphere!!!! The best game ever, with no doubt. It is just shocking game.
  82. BillB.
    Apr 26, 2004
    10
    It's awesome.
  83. U
    Jul 1, 2005
    10
    Best Game. When your finished playing single player, there are a ton of mods for both online gaming and single.
  84. PeterK.
    Nov 6, 2006
    10
    This is the best game ever made, I dont care about the GRAPHICS i care about the plot and well everything that makes a game good (besides graphics) This game Half-life1 got me into creating games you know that? and im only 13 and i have 4 good games with the FPS2 graphic card.
  85. KoshN.
    Apr 18, 2006
    10
    I would give this game an 11 if i could, it is perfectly difficult, long enough and OH so much fun to play time and time again. My favorite game of all time.
  86. AnthonyN.
    May 12, 2006
    10
    Really good game!
  87. SamG.
    May 13, 2006
    10
    When i began playing, it went slow, then it began to pick up. I espicially liked how the player must think to progress, i personally am a adventure and puzzle player, and that's why i liked this so much, also the puzzles give a much needed break in action, if i wanted action, i'd just go outside, but the puzzles out side, i have to make...
  88. StevoM.
    May 13, 2006
    10
    One of the best content action packed oriented game to ever come out, just a blast that keeps you on the edge of your seat while challenging you from beginnning to end.
  89. RobB.
    May 14, 2006
    10
    Played this game for over 6 years, best game ever!
  90. YermakirumY.
    May 28, 2006
    10
    Very good game.
  91. BlobN.
    May 5, 2006
    10
    Probably my favorite game combining Fps and puzzle elements. It casues the player to use their skill and their brain to beat the game.
  92. JohnA.
    May 7, 2006
    10
    Very well though out game and beautiful single player storyline.
  93. PpjB.
    May 7, 2006
    10
    probbably lost a few hundred friends from this game from playing to too much!
  94. AnonymousMC
    Jun 14, 2006
    10
    When this game came out I hadn't really gotten into computer games much, the FPS's at the time being very boring and unimaginative. I played this, and i was hooked! Fine- so its very dated now, and you youngsters giving it such harsh reviews may be used to all your Halo and Halo 2 graphics (Halo was great, but Halo 2? now there's overrated). Of course HL2 is better in everyWhen this game came out I hadn't really gotten into computer games much, the FPS's at the time being very boring and unimaginative. I played this, and i was hooked! Fine- so its very dated now, and you youngsters giving it such harsh reviews may be used to all your Halo and Halo 2 graphics (Halo was great, but Halo 2? now there's overrated). Of course HL2 is better in every way- they had all the feed back gotten from the original to work off of, as well as 6 years to make what is still the best graphics engine in existance. For its time and even now, i still think Half life has one of the most rewarding single player experiences in the industry, both in length and quality. it took me a year to beat it on hard mode, and still takes a comparable amount of time to do the same.
    to mr. Rami W.- please, play the game before reviewing it. there is no "money" involved whatsoever in half life. maybe you're thinking Counter strike. there aren't even "objectives" in half life.    … Expand
  95. AndrewG.
    Jul 9, 2006
    10
    this game is great. THE 2nd best pc shooter ever created, 1st obviously being half-life 2. the graphics were astonishing, and still are better than halo's graphics. considering this game came out 3 years before halo, it had way more variety in weapons, enemies, environments, etc. and its easy mode is 10 times more challenging than halo.
  96. DavidA.
    Sep 26, 2006
    10
    This game is kick .ss for it is the best old FPS ever to own on your PC along with Blue Shift and Opposing Force and Team Fortress Classic. Get the Anthology pack asap to get all these for a nice cheap price and rock ass online with em and well enjoy!
  97. CarlosQ.
    Apr 20, 2007
    10
    This is a perfect game ever made the graphics are the best more of half life 2 (but are the games of half-life are great)and the g-men is spectacular and the last boss is spectacular (all of the boss are grats ) this game have spectacular fps. this game is the best ever made.
  98. DaveP.
    Sep 23, 2007
    10
    This is the first computer game I have every played.... I have been playing games ever since, I think that says something about the impact that it had on me. This game brings a whole new meaning to the words challenging and strategie. All in all one of the best games of all time.
  99. AnonymousMC
    Sep 23, 2007
    10
    Great game! Really really addicting... hard at first recommended to play on easy haha but after you get used to the game the game is outstanding and makes you want to play it till the end. I mean I evan played Opposing Force + Blue shift to continue the half life story cause I can't play the newer half life 2 cause of my grafix card but still Those games are great to! (but they areGreat game! Really really addicting... hard at first recommended to play on easy haha but after you get used to the game the game is outstanding and makes you want to play it till the end. I mean I evan played Opposing Force + Blue shift to continue the half life story cause I can't play the newer half life 2 cause of my grafix card but still Those games are great to! (but they are shorter lol!) So everybody should get this game number one hell yeah!!! was kinda like wtf at first but then the story makes sense and you won't want to stop playing untill you get kiked off.... ok I'll stop typing now haha....… Expand
  100. AnonymousMC
    Sep 29, 2007
    8
    i found the program limiting as all closed in screens are in real life. theres no perifegy vision and its hard getting used to. story line is lame as the head suckers have no purpose other than to jump on your head and become a parasite. its action is almost believable. as you go thru the story looking for whatever. i was always unsure of what i was after.
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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 »