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. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. AntonA.
    Aug 9, 2007
    10
    I love this game!
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. FakeiFAKE
    Jan 7, 2010
    10
    Amazing game! Completely changed the FPS genre. This is also a MUST-play if your going to play hl2
  15. Marc
    Mar 21, 2004
    10
    You are Gordon Freeman...now strap yourself in for the ride of your life. Seriously.
  16. 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!!!
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. TobiasGruber
    May 10, 2006
    10
    The mother of all games... -Simply the best game ever made.
  20. 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!!!!!!!
  21. 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!
  22. 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!
  23. 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.
  24. 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!
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. TeodorIkonomov
    Jul 17, 2008
    10
    The Best Game Ever
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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!
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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 »