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. nemix3d
    Sep 10, 2023
    10
    Half-Life is a great game. It keeps you into the FPS mindset with lots of action and ties in realistic puzzles that keep you sharp and on your toes.
  2. PhoneTheo
    Sep 9, 2023
    10
    THIS game has Extraordinary Graphics,Very Beautiful Gameplay,Movie like Sequences, and Awesome Sound! I hope people who play this game will last a life time in there hearts because this game still ROCKs all others ever made for the PC Valve i love your Work! please keep kickin ass on the best game series you have made in the Years and in the years to come!
  3. cercisyusuf
    Sep 8, 2023
    4
    this is better than 2 everyone like this because of popular cultuer but i play the game and that was boring mostly people like bc this is childhood game i guess
  4. leo_the_beo
    Sep 6, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Fun game, but I suck at gaming so I don't think I'll ever beat the Nihilanth :(… Expand
  5. Pinnvo
    Sep 6, 2023
    10
    I haven't finished Half-life 1. But the story has been spoiled to me, so I think I can give a review on it. I'm currently on Chapter 10 and I love this game. If you don't, then at least give the game a higher number than 0. Just make sure HD models are off. The HD models suck and take away the classic look. Luckily you can easily turn these off,. This game has better story telling thanI haven't finished Half-life 1. But the story has been spoiled to me, so I think I can give a review on it. I'm currently on Chapter 10 and I love this game. If you don't, then at least give the game a higher number than 0. Just make sure HD models are off. The HD models suck and take away the classic look. Luckily you can easily turn these off,. This game has better story telling than most modern games. Half-Life has more life than Call Of Duty and Battlefield combined. Truly one of THE BEST FPS GAMES ON THE MARKET.… Expand
  6. ElKooi
    Aug 31, 2023
    8
    Esta bueno el juego, hizo que los FPS dejen de ser como DOOM de no solamente matar monstruos o sino tambien que los NPC's te ayuden abrir puertas
    lo malo son sus bugs, el jefe final y su version de Steam tiene una baja calidad de la musica (la version fisico tienia en alta calidad) y el menu ahora se ve inferior
    En su version fisico te traia mods preinstalados llamados Team Fortress    Esta bueno el juego, hizo que los FPS dejen de ser como DOOM de no solamente matar monstruos o sino tambien que los NPC's te ayuden abrir puertas
    lo malo son sus bugs, el jefe final y su version de Steam tiene una baja calidad de la musica (la version fisico tienia en alta calidad) y el menu ahora se ve inferior
    En su version fisico te traia mods preinstalados llamados Team Fortress Classic, Ricochet y Deathmath Classic (se requieren jugadores e internet para jugar estos mods).

    Graficos para su epoca: 9/10
    Jugabilidad: 9/10    … Expand
  7. Keron_Heruman
    Aug 28, 2023
    9
    I'm not fan of shooter games but this game is awesome... Great history, great immersion, very good shooter. The options for multiplayer games made the title infinite
  8. JIMEY
    Aug 24, 2023
    9
    "Half-Life," the original entry in the franchise, is often considered a landmark game in the first-person shooter genre. Its impact on gaming history, innovation, and lasting influence contribute to its reputation as a 9 out of 10 title. Here's why:

    While "Half-Life" is praised for its contributions to the gaming industry, some players might not rate it a perfect 10 due to potential    "Half-Life," the original entry in the franchise, is often considered a landmark game in the first-person shooter genre. Its impact on gaming history, innovation, and lasting influence contribute to its reputation as a 9 out of 10 title. Here's why:

    While "Half-Life" is praised for its contributions to the gaming industry, some players might not rate it a perfect 10 due to potential dated graphics and technical limitations compared to modern games. However, its innovative gameplay mechanics, narrative presentation, and lasting legacy easily justify a 9/10 rating.    … Expand
  9. JuanMS
    Aug 20, 2023
    10
    ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀MASTERPIECE¡
  10. 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.
  11. Fake_Stalker
    Aug 19, 2023
    8
    [game finished on hard level]

    78/100 - even from 2023 perspective

    Good shooter with pretty good sci-fi setting. Game aged well and despite it's release in 1998, game still playable and enjoyable.

    Sci-fi setting is not written flawlessly. Lore not flawless too.
    Gameplay sometime is being frustrating.
  12. Archangel2001
    Aug 17, 2023
    10
    One of the best games ever made and also one of my favourite shooters still. Thank you Valve!
  13. 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!
  14. AHMED99
    Aug 12, 2023
    10
    I played it back in 2023 and enjoyed it, after more than 24 years of release, this game is great and forms part of my memory and my idea of ​​games, one of the best experiences of my life
  15. StreetMoth
    Aug 5, 2023
    10
    I will defend valve on almost anything, as most of their works are just straight up masterpieces, classics, games that withstand the test of time, more gen z gamers need to play this game through, its amazing, the story is magnificent, the game pioneered single player shooters, not to mention the amazing enemy design
  16. ugrx_spdrun
    Aug 3, 2023
    10
    Probably the best PC game to speedrun, and in normal playing the game is just amazing.
  17. Ciocolici
    Aug 2, 2023
    8
    Half-Life is not typically the type of game I gravitate towards, but surprisingly, I found myself quite fond of it. While I must admit that I despised the m4 recoil and the character movement, and at times, I struggled to comprehend the purpose of my actions, the overall experience was undeniably intriguing.

    Venturing into Half-Life in 2020 felt like a peculiar journey through gaming    Half-Life is not typically the type of game I gravitate towards, but surprisingly, I found myself quite fond of it. While I must admit that I despised the m4 recoil and the character movement, and at times, I struggled to comprehend the purpose of my actions, the overall experience was undeniably intriguing.

    Venturing into Half-Life in 2020 felt like a peculiar journey through gaming history, immersing me in a pleasant retro escapade. It's astonishing to realize that this masterpiece was crafted back in 1998, a testament to its enduring impact on the gaming world.

    Despite its quirks and the occasional confusion, Half-Life managed to capture my attention and appreciation. The game's innovation, coupled with its rich narrative and atmospheric gameplay, offered a unique and unforgettable gaming experience. If anything, this journey into the past reminded me of the profound impact this classic title has had on the gaming landscape.    … Expand
  18. Liquid_Cold
    Aug 1, 2023
    10
    Легендарная игра, подарившая миру Гордона Фримэна, собрала всё лучшее из своих предшественниц и добавила главное - лихой и закрученный сюжет в жанр FPS!
  19. AliYavuz
    Jul 25, 2023
    10
    .........................................................This is a real revolution..........................................................
  20. teenageSpirit
    Jul 21, 2023
    8
    VERY IMPRESSIVE

    For the 98th it was definitely very good. Graphics, gameplay, storytelling. A story that still captivates to this day. Since I am a small fan of "X-Files", the game impressed me with this mystery. The only thing I didn't like and what made it a little boring to play was because you often don't understand where to go, what to do and stuff like that. In my opinion, it was    VERY IMPRESSIVE

    For the 98th it was definitely very good. Graphics, gameplay, storytelling. A story that still captivates to this day. Since I am a small fan of "X-Files", the game impressed me with this mystery. The only thing I didn't like and what made it a little boring to play was because you often don't understand where to go, what to do and stuff like that. In my opinion, it was possible to leave at least a couple of inscriptions somewhere in the corner of the screen what to do next. I understand that before all the games were like that, so this is my personal pen.
    For the atmosphere and for the sake of curiosity, you can play even now, even though it will be 10 years later, it will always be relevant.    … Expand
  21. 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.
  22. FrankCreeper
    Jul 11, 2023
    9
    A game that 25 years later still manages to be magnificent... and it's amazing how it's structured better than other games of its kind that are even recent....Truly magnificent for his years good job Valve!
  23. ITHIRSIZI
    Jul 6, 2023
    10
    It is a game that is the father of FPS games that revolutionized the year and helped shape the gaming community. It is a game that people who are interested in FPS should definitely play!
  24. 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.
  25. armadonpower
    Jun 9, 2023
    10
    Half-Life is a masterpiece of storytelling, gameplay, and atmosphere that still holds up after 20 years. A must-play for any gamer.
  26. The_D4RknesS
    May 24, 2023
    8
    This game is already great so you just put the BRUTAL HALF LIFE mod then it's perfect! and much more realistic
  27. sansbattle1111
    May 23, 2023
    9
    When it comes to influential and revolutionary games, Half-Life is a name that resonates with gamers and industry professionals alike. Released in 1998, this first-person shooter from Valve set new standards for storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and immersive world-building. Even after all these years, Half-Life remains a landmark title that has stood the test of time.

    One of the    When it comes to influential and revolutionary games, Half-Life is a name that resonates with gamers and industry professionals alike. Released in 1998, this first-person shooter from Valve set new standards for storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and immersive world-building. Even after all these years, Half-Life remains a landmark title that has stood the test of time.

    One of the standout features of Half-Life is its captivating narrative. The game introduces players to the silent protagonist, Gordon Freeman, as he finds himself in the midst of a catastrophic event at the Black Mesa Research Facility. The seamless integration of scripted events and immersive storytelling techniques pulls players into a world of mystery and danger. The lack of cutscenes and the use of real-time storytelling create a sense of immersion rarely seen in games of that era.

    The level design in Half-Life is exemplary. From the dark and claustrophobic corridors of Black Mesa to the sprawling outdoor areas, each location is meticulously crafted and serves a purpose within the narrative. The attention to detail is astounding, with interactive elements, hidden areas, and environmental storytelling that add depth and realism to the world. The interconnectedness of the levels further enhances the sense of exploration and discovery, rewarding players who take the time to explore every nook and cranny.

    The gameplay mechanics in Half-Life are solid and engaging. The weapons feel satisfying to use, and the AI of both friend and foe is commendable, providing challenging encounters throughout the game. The introduction of the gravity gun, later popularized in Half-Life 2, added a unique twist to the gameplay, allowing players to interact with objects in the environment and solve puzzles in innovative ways. The well-balanced difficulty curve keeps players engaged without feeling overwhelmed.

    The atmospheric sound design in Half-Life deserves special mention. From the haunting ambient sounds that set the tone to the visceral gunfights and explosive sequences, the audio immerses players in the world of Black Mesa. The voice acting is exceptional, with talented performances that bring the characters to life and add emotional depth to the narrative.

    While Half-Life excels in many areas, it does have some minor shortcomings. The graphics, while impressive for its time, may appear dated to modern audiences. The character models and textures lack the level of detail seen in contemporary games. However, the strength of the game lies in its gameplay and storytelling, which still hold up remarkably well.

    Half-Life's impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. It paved the way for narrative-driven first-person shooters and showcased the potential for immersive storytelling in video games. The influence of Half-Life can be seen in countless titles that followed, and it remains a benchmark for game design innovation.

    Overall, Half-Life is a groundbreaking classic that deserves recognition and praise. Its gripping narrative, immersive world, solid gameplay mechanics, and iconic moments make it a must-play for any fan of the genre. While its graphics may show their age, the game's strengths far outweigh any visual shortcomings. Half-Life is a testament to Valve's visionary approach to game design and a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate players to this day.    … Expand
  28. xalugg2
    May 5, 2023
    10
    Esse jogo tem uma historia muito boa e a jogabilidade tambem e muito boa, eu vou perdoar a parte dos graficos por que o jogo era de 1998 então ne mas tirando isso e um dos melhores jogos do mundo
  29. Nick7000
    May 1, 2023
    7
    Заценил только сейчас. Наверное, для свое времени это было нечто, сейчас, безусловно скучновато.
  30. BoloDeChocolate
    May 1, 2023
    10
    Jogo marcou muito minha infância e foi um dos melhores jogo que já joguei trazendo uma pegada de ficção com ação
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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 »