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. LiamW
    Dec 3, 2009
    10
    I remember walking into the store near my house back in '98, I remember seeing this game on the shelves. Not expecting much out of this shooter I picked it up, I got home and installed it. When I was through playing, I was shocked. This game has revolutionized all shooters out there. And to this very day, it still amazes me how great this was. Even after 11 years, it is still great!
  2. AnonymousMC
    Feb 12, 2009
    10
    For all of those who are complaining about the graphics on this game, give it a fucking break! This game was made in 1998, before most of you who give it 0's were even born. The graphics were revolutionary back then, and still way better than anything you faggots could come up with. Half-Life is still a masterpiece after all of those years to rust. Valve is probably the best gameFor all of those who are complaining about the graphics on this game, give it a fucking break! This game was made in 1998, before most of you who give it 0's were even born. The graphics were revolutionary back then, and still way better than anything you faggots could come up with. Half-Life is still a masterpiece after all of those years to rust. Valve is probably the best game maker ever. Also
    @Alex E. -
    You say this game is pointless, but if you thing about it, does any game really have a point? Really?    … Expand
  3. HelpU
    Jul 19, 2009
    8
    Every thing is well detailed and designed to an amazing degree. Everything is awesome until were the game should have ended. Before The Desert. I mean, you fight through everything until you get to the main goal of making it to the surface after that everything drags on. Its directionless. Once you open the doors to get to the desert that is when you should have been revieled the entire Every thing is well detailed and designed to an amazing degree. Everything is awesome until were the game should have ended. Before The Desert. I mean, you fight through everything until you get to the main goal of making it to the surface after that everything drags on. Its directionless. Once you open the doors to get to the desert that is when you should have been revieled the entire plot of everything, but no you keep going. Sometimes its feels like the level designer is trying to fill the game with cheap tricks instead of good design when you get to this point. This is were the fun ends. Honestly, the desert and the levels after should have been an expansion that no one bought, it totaly deviates from the game's design. Even the soldiers AI seems confused and out of place. If the desert wasn't apart of the game I would give this game a 10 and the desert a 5. Actually, I stopped playing after I hit the desert because it really pisses me off and I can tell the rest of the game is like it because I briefly played it.… Expand
  4. EddieD
    Sep 13, 2009
    7
    In it's day, this was one of the premier FPS available. Nothing else came close to the storyline and the gameplay. In the intervening years the game has become somewhat long in the tooth. Going back and playing it today I realized just how far game technology has come. I never knew just how difficult to control this game was! With modern hardware and good quality controls, this game In it's day, this was one of the premier FPS available. Nothing else came close to the storyline and the gameplay. In the intervening years the game has become somewhat long in the tooth. Going back and playing it today I realized just how far game technology has come. I never knew just how difficult to control this game was! With modern hardware and good quality controls, this game really shows its age. But comparing it with modern games isn't completely fair. If you played Doom, Quake, or other FPS in the 90's, you know how far ahead this game was. And, in a way, it still is. Just don't expect 21st century realism from a 20th century game.… Expand
  5. AnonymousMC
    Nov 22, 2006
    10
    Alright, I read some very disturbing reviews, made by illiterate idiots who don't know how to spell, I just want to say that if you think you can make a game better, then do it rather than b****ing about how other games suck and how you'd rather play the sequal, obviously if there's a damn sequal, the game is pretty old, take this detail into perspective before you make aAlright, I read some very disturbing reviews, made by illiterate idiots who don't know how to spell, I just want to say that if you think you can make a game better, then do it rather than b****ing about how other games suck and how you'd rather play the sequal, obviously if there's a damn sequal, the game is pretty old, take this detail into perspective before you make a complete bafoon out of your already idiotic review. Thank you and have a nice day.… Expand
  6. PeterR
    Dec 26, 2009
    10
    After I have read through the user comments, I am APPALLED at all the people who gave zeros because they thought this was another game, such as Half-Life 2 or COUNTER STRIKE. But asides from these morons... For it's time, Half-Life was a fantastic game, it had a great environment exceptional storyline, and pretty good characters. I have never had more fun in my life. Even today, its After I have read through the user comments, I am APPALLED at all the people who gave zeros because they thought this was another game, such as Half-Life 2 or COUNTER STRIKE. But asides from these morons... For it's time, Half-Life was a fantastic game, it had a great environment exceptional storyline, and pretty good characters. I have never had more fun in my life. Even today, its re-playability is still going!… Expand
  7. SameDifference
    Oct 23, 2010
    10
    This is a great game to play. Lots of hours, lots of thrills, plenty of challenges. The story line is pretty good, too. This game can be replayed and still be found very enjoyable. You can move at a fast pace, or take your time. I find that very enjoyable. I get tired of some games where you have to run break neck speed through the whole process. I think there should be more games likeThis is a great game to play. Lots of hours, lots of thrills, plenty of challenges. The story line is pretty good, too. This game can be replayed and still be found very enjoyable. You can move at a fast pace, or take your time. I find that very enjoyable. I get tired of some games where you have to run break neck speed through the whole process. I think there should be more games like this. Half Life 2 is good, too but way too fast paced for me to thoroughly enjoy playing it.… Expand
  8. ERIDIAN
    Dec 4, 2010
    8
    This is a good game, everyone who is a REAL gamer knows what Half Life is and respects it for being an important piece of video game history. However, it is well known that first person shooters do not age well, that is all that is keeping this game from being a 10 in my eyes. So instead of purchasing this game, it may be worth the wait to download a copy of Black Mesa Source (aThis is a good game, everyone who is a REAL gamer knows what Half Life is and respects it for being an important piece of video game history. However, it is well known that first person shooters do not age well, that is all that is keeping this game from being a 10 in my eyes. So instead of purchasing this game, it may be worth the wait to download a copy of Black Mesa Source (a independent source engine remake of the original Half Life) to play the old fashioned shooter and puzzle action in a restored modern glory.… Expand
  9. Hemiovoid
    Sep 21, 2012
    9
    At this point, you can just get Black Mesa for free and have done with it. Black Mesa gets a 9/10 because it's not without its bugs and annoyances, but it surpasses HL1 on quite a few fronts.
  10. GolovA
    Nov 22, 2015
    9
    So after Duke Nukem 3D and Quake, and parallel to Unreal this thing comes out. Wow! Were we ever prepared for the impact? NO! :D Half Life blew my mind. U can do THAT in games? No waaaay man! It was a revolutionary period for games in general, but Half Life is around the top of the pyramid in my book :) so much fun with this one!
  11. keefbaker
    Jan 1, 2014
    8
    An old classic. A good storyline (but not a patch on its even better sequel) but it's a classic "for its time". Best game of 1998, sure. But unlike some games it's not survived the test of time as well.
  12. Mr_Big
    Nov 8, 2011
    9
    Half-Life is truly one of the most iconic and memorable first person shooters in existence. The immersion is masterfully executed, and the moment you get on the monorail to Black Mesa, the game does all that it can do in it's power to thrust you into a dynamic and changing environment. A lack of cut-scenes prevents gameplay break, so the player is constantly on his toes in a desperate bidHalf-Life is truly one of the most iconic and memorable first person shooters in existence. The immersion is masterfully executed, and the moment you get on the monorail to Black Mesa, the game does all that it can do in it's power to thrust you into a dynamic and changing environment. A lack of cut-scenes prevents gameplay break, so the player is constantly on his toes in a desperate bid for survival. Graphics are solid for it's time, but have definitely aged. Shooting is fun and intuitive, and the game heaps a truckload of interesting and varied weapons for you to use. Boss fights play out like puzzles, challenging you to find their weaknesses. Sadly, the only thing that soils this game is the Xen stages at the very end, a commonly cited complaint for this game. The complete change in atmosphere and tone comes suddenly after hours in Black Mesa, a jarring experience for many. Thankfully, the last boss manages to be interesting enough in it's own right.

    Half-Life remains a solid gaming experience for any gamer looking for that extra challenge.    … Expand
  13. Ztride
    Dec 21, 2011
    8
    Played this game for the first time this year (2011), and I was positively surprised by it, altough I knew how much people like it. The graphics are dull today, but I imagine perhaps the best '98 had to offer. Despite that it is 13 years after release they still work fine, and gameplay is great aswell. The best thing about the game however is the way it tells the story, constantly throughPlayed this game for the first time this year (2011), and I was positively surprised by it, altough I knew how much people like it. The graphics are dull today, but I imagine perhaps the best '98 had to offer. Despite that it is 13 years after release they still work fine, and gameplay is great aswell. The best thing about the game however is the way it tells the story, constantly through the eyes of the players with no cut-scenes, and that said it is quite an interesting story aswell.… Expand
  14. KalanYamato
    Mar 26, 2013
    8
    Dr. Freeman is a pretty cool game, he diagnosed me with ichthyophobia and doesn't afraid of anything. 8/10.
  15. NektarN
    Oct 2, 2012
    10
    The iconic game Half-life made by valve is a must-play game. Its graphic hols up to this day and the gameplay is amazing. A great story-line which is delivered by a great number of subtle hints instead of interrupting in-game videos showing how the story progresses. Revolutionary in its time and a great inspiration for other classics, this game is definitely worth a try 10/10.
  16. Rayken
    Aug 25, 2012
    9
    Half Life. One of the games that revolutionized the FPS genre. It has a good story, great gameplay and good graphics (for that time). The protagonist, Gordon Freeman, has no defined personality, but I guess Valve wanted the player to imagine what Gordon says and thinks throughout the game. A bit repetitive with it's puzzles, but it shouldn't hinder you from having fun with it.
  17. hwanin
    Sep 17, 2021
    9
    This is possibly the best single player FPS I played. Not because it was flawless, but because of the overall experience it provided.
    I really like "sandbox" type games and this is exactly the opposite. Quite a corridor-type game with invisible or made up walls if needed, but the AI was definitely one of the best (if not the very best) to that date of initial release.
    It has an intro    This is possibly the best single player FPS I played. Not because it was flawless, but because of the overall experience it provided.
    I really like "sandbox" type games and this is exactly the opposite. Quite a corridor-type game with invisible or made up walls if needed, but the AI was definitely one of the best (if not the very best) to that date of initial release.

    It has an intro a person can never forget!
    The graphics were very good, though really not groundbreaking. The controls were just flawless.
    The NPCs made a lot of difference with their also clever AI. I mean you could technically bring other people with you who (if armed) could shoot opponents saving you ammunition.
    The decision to create the Xen planet also added a depth - like playing a base game + an expansion.

    The characters were good, the animations, sounds and voices remarkable.
    The weapons were all and usable.

    I refrain from giving this 10/10, but a close one for sure.
    I bought a collector's edition back in the day with both expansions and even Counter-Strike on separate CD! - that reissue deserve 10/10.    … Expand
  18. Jouna92
    Dec 25, 2013
    9
    It isn't everyday that you come across a game that totally revolutionizes an entire fps genre, but Half-Life has done just that. Immersive and engaging entertainment experience.
  19. Cazanator
    Sep 26, 2013
    9
    While the sequel to this game takes all of the plaudits for being one of the best games ever made, but for me Half Life is so much better. As someone who has recently beat the game you would think that the dated graphics would be an issue, but the answer is no.

    If I'm honest however, I must admit that the story is fairly mediocre at best, and also you will find slightly repetitive    While the sequel to this game takes all of the plaudits for being one of the best games ever made, but for me Half Life is so much better. As someone who has recently beat the game you would think that the dated graphics would be an issue, but the answer is no.

    If I'm honest however, I must admit that the story is fairly mediocre at best, and also you will find slightly repetitive 'room to room, wave after wave' situations throughout the game. But the fact is, the sheer genius and quality of Half Life dwarfs those issues. What is also a testament to the game is that I am simply not used to/experienced with classic/old games so the fact I can appreciate the game is surprising for me.

    Of all the games I have played, Half Life has by far the best level design. You will experience that there isn't just one way of getting through a section of the game. Throughout the 15 hour campaign, I honestly felt none of the levels were repetitive which is something that should be praised as it was the first ever game made by Valve.

    The enemies are varied and challenging, in fact, its one of the most difficult games I have ever played. I often watched walkthroughs to help me progess. Nevertheless, the enemies are outstanding, level design is incredible and the length of the game is very satisfying. I've also played Half Life 2 and for me, this game is a lot better.

    9/10 Brilliant    … Expand
  20. Claytality
    Feb 4, 2020
    9
    Superb level design, enemies, story, puzzles, and shoot-em-up action make Half-Life an amazing game. It has aged surprisingly well and is still fun today. Figuring out how to progress to the next area is very rewarding.

    Small flaws:
    -crosshair can be hard to see
    -one save game crash, otherwise ran smoothly on windows 10

    Bought for $1, played 12 hours, highly recommended.
  21. DexEngineer
    Jun 7, 2022
    10
    Absolute masterpice of story telling of sci-fi genre. Make yourself a favor... take one or two days free, shut the door, switch off the phone and enjoy this game. You will be amazed with graphics and strory progression. Recommended thousand times!
  22. suneater
    Dec 17, 2012
    9
    One of the best games ever made. There's not much I can say about this that hasn't been said already. If you haven't played it pick this and the sequel up; the expansions are optional but worth your time for the most part (Opposing Force and Episode 2 are fantastic).
  23. iseeall
    Dec 14, 2015
    9
    At the time this game was released, it was revolutionary. Many scripted character which would talk to you, follow you, open doors and help fight enemies. That was unseen before. The levels themselves are well designed yet somewhat too linear, like in all shooter games. The graphics were excellent for the time. If you try playing it today, you may not really enjoy it, as the genre hasAt the time this game was released, it was revolutionary. Many scripted character which would talk to you, follow you, open doors and help fight enemies. That was unseen before. The levels themselves are well designed yet somewhat too linear, like in all shooter games. The graphics were excellent for the time. If you try playing it today, you may not really enjoy it, as the genre has advanced far ahead.… Expand
  24. Piopal
    Jan 19, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Gra rewolucyjna, nawet dziś przyjemnie się gra mimo wiekowej technologi (jak na dzisiejsze czasy), zaś wątek fabularny każący przetrwać i odkrywać jak skończy się incydent w Black Mesie oraz poznawanie coraz to nowych zagrożeń oraz zagadek czyni tą grę w wielu przypadkach nawet lepszą pod względem fabuły od dzisiejszych arcydzieł /strzelanek, dokładając do tego naprawdę długą rozgrywkę potrzebną na przejście gry oraz niesamowity multiplayer na którym wzorowano wiele późniejszych produkcji. Suma tych wszystkich zalet pozwala tej grze nawet dziś mierzyć się z światowymi Hitami.… Expand
  25. Darthghost1
    Feb 27, 2013
    9
    While it hasn't aged well (play the Black Mesa mod for superior graphics), Half Life still can stand on its own feet as an excellent FPS. It has great game play, good story, and a truly epic ending. The enemies and weapons are varied and imaginative. My only major complaint is the engine. Early in the game, there are a multitude of block puzzles, which are quite frustrating to play onWhile it hasn't aged well (play the Black Mesa mod for superior graphics), Half Life still can stand on its own feet as an excellent FPS. It has great game play, good story, and a truly epic ending. The enemies and weapons are varied and imaginative. My only major complaint is the engine. Early in the game, there are a multitude of block puzzles, which are quite frustrating to play on the gldsrc. engine, but this can be negated by using Half Life: Source, which is the same game on the source engine. This game is not without its flaws, but stands with the likes of Mario and Pac-Man as a timeless classic, and is worth playing on basis of historical value alone.… Expand
  26. Simolius
    Jul 1, 2013
    8
    I thought Half-Life was a standard 90's shooter...but then I played Alien Vs Predator (Classic 2000) and I saw how HL was so ahead of its time, both in controls and graphics. The game plays very similar to today's first person shooters, the graphics still hold up (in my opinion) and the story is quite nice, even though the storytelling suffers a bit from the lack of cutscenes or other waysI thought Half-Life was a standard 90's shooter...but then I played Alien Vs Predator (Classic 2000) and I saw how HL was so ahead of its time, both in controls and graphics. The game plays very similar to today's first person shooters, the graphics still hold up (in my opinion) and the story is quite nice, even though the storytelling suffers a bit from the lack of cutscenes or other ways of telling the story. You will simply not understand the story if you're not paying attention. Nice soundtrack, nice pacing...Overall, its a great game! 8/10.… Expand
  27. Jerrika
    May 25, 2013
    9
    This game is fun and addictive. It is a Sci-Fi game, which I love, and its by Valve so it can't be bad. The Graphics are good, considering that the game was from 1998. But if you look beyond graphics its a pretty good game. The story is easy to follow. I'm not going to say what it is in case I ruin anything. People talk to you and it feels realistic, the voice acting is also very wellThis game is fun and addictive. It is a Sci-Fi game, which I love, and its by Valve so it can't be bad. The Graphics are good, considering that the game was from 1998. But if you look beyond graphics its a pretty good game. The story is easy to follow. I'm not going to say what it is in case I ruin anything. People talk to you and it feels realistic, the voice acting is also very well done. Weapons vary and are each great. Gameplay is amazing, and will keep you hooked from The Desert to The Moon. Characters, there are not many that have a background but the ones that do each have a different roll. Its an amazing game, and I say buy this game.… Expand
  28. AWG
    Jun 4, 2013
    9
    Great storyline and awesome gameplay: fifteen years later, Half Life is still the game many "modern" FPSs would like to be. Maybe not the best game ever. but damn it's among the first five for sure.
  29. Cmf97351
    Jul 17, 2013
    9
    Lets be honest here this game is outdated in many ways (graphics and sound), but the gameplay and storyline still makes Half Life fun almost 15 years after its release. If you enjoyed one of the other Half Life for the magnificent story and the challenges rather than the graphics, then I would highly recommend buying Half-Life.
  30. iddqd4
    Jan 18, 2018
    10
    Мой любимый тип уровней, где приходится искать выход из своеобразного лабиринта. Классный дизайн оружия, интересная история, крутые уровни. Отличная игра.
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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 »