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. DemonicAngel
    Feb 9, 2004
    7
    Just for the fact that it showed the FPS genre was capable of much more than Quake and the like were able to deliver, I award Half-Life a 7. Now let's get down to business. The game is unfortunately very uneven, and whilst the first half is excellent, I soon found myself losing interest around the middle section of the game. The pacing really starts to suffer around this point,with Just for the fact that it showed the FPS genre was capable of much more than Quake and the like were able to deliver, I award Half-Life a 7. Now let's get down to business. The game is unfortunately very uneven, and whilst the first half is excellent, I soon found myself losing interest around the middle section of the game. The pacing really starts to suffer around this point,with too many sections where it's very unclear what you're supposed to be doing. The story, for a game that recieved so much praise for its "deep" storyline, is not developed nearly enough - we're left with just "experiment goes wrong, aliens appear, government soldiers arrive to cover it up, and you have to do something about it all", and that's more or less it. Now System Shock 2, that was a game with a fully-developed backstory that you could really sink your teeth into. With Half-Life, the story was mostly irrelevant and in itself provided little incentive to continue. In addition, the final couple of stages are nothing less than ridiculous. So overall, a game that heralded a (brief) new era for the FPS genre, but didn't quite live up to its own hype. … Expand
  2. AnonymousMC
    Jul 1, 2005
    10
    This game is one of the greatest frist person shooter ever!!! So what if the grafics were bad, for it's time the AI is extremly good. Also the game play really get you invloved in the story, and leave you asking questions even after the game is over. It desidened so perfectly, and i can't wait for the sequle, i with i could give this game a 15.
  3. JoeMamma
    May 29, 2006
    10
    This game has the most versatility shown out of all other games on the market.
  4. Nivo
    Jun 19, 2006
    10
    This game is excellent, but Source version is not good as I thought.
  5. RomanD.
    Jul 23, 2006
    10
    Game is the greatest, and the allowance of mods....I'm glad I existed for this game.
  6. MichaelC.
    Aug 8, 2006
    10
    So far, the only game that is good enough to a two other than Counter-Strike and it's debut, Half-Life 2. Valve has done enough to this game, and also Half-Life 2, it's precursor.
  7. SørenW.
    Sep 6, 2006
    9
    This is simply an epic game. even now, years after its release, it keeps facinating me. this is a must have for all who like FPS games.
  8. FedorH.
    Sep 9, 2006
    10
    The best game ever made!
  9. TiberiuC.
    Nov 22, 2007
    10
    Best. Game. Ever. Half Life has changed me in a way that is visible after all these years. A rare gem.
  10. DannyV.
    Jan 4, 2007
    10
    A fantastic shooter that deserves no less than a score of 10.
  11. AnonymousMC
    Feb 2, 2007
    10
    its a really hot game! the best FPS ... its a legend man! and who ever posted 1 ... i think he didnt know what r the FPS reevolutions ... this game its a re-evolution of the FPS its all! it got all! mods, good graphics(for the year), music, history, the second shoot, and the fisics... damn... its just too good
  12. AntonA.
    Feb 5, 2007
    10
    I love this game!
  13. CarlC.
    Mar 1, 2007
    10
    The best game to date. Great bargain too. Each mod of this game is a game itself.
  14. JosephS.
    Mar 21, 2007
    10
    It's one of the best games of the world. No other game is playing by so many users! Good luck in the future.
  15. GisleA.
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    Really good game, in 1998 this game was the best ever. Its great for modding, and it includes much fun, a month of playing (first attempt) the last boss is so hard.
  16. Daniel
    May 20, 2007
    10
    Still, the best (ego)shooter ever.
  17. TK
    Jan 1, 2008
    10
    There are two games in the world whose status and influence have endured over the years without fading one bit...I actually think they've just gotten bigger over time! These two games are of course Doom and Half-Life, and nothing can ever make such an immense impact on the gaming world as they did back in the day. An undisputed masterpiece.
  18. Weyland
    Jan 6, 2008
    10
    I loved this game. And I have comments for those who rated horribly. Erick: I have something to say specifically to you. You said "same type of monsters all the way to the last level," What last level? It's one frigging level all the way through. Of course there's going to be all the same monsters! Mister shgiot ktiv: You said "Bad grafiks, bad criters, bad saund, bad stori, bad I loved this game. And I have comments for those who rated horribly. Erick: I have something to say specifically to you. You said "same type of monsters all the way to the last level," What last level? It's one frigging level all the way through. Of course there's going to be all the same monsters! Mister shgiot ktiv: You said "Bad grafiks, bad criters, bad saund, bad stori, bad controll, all the gaim is bad." What the hell are you even saying? Apparently you're such an idiot you don't know how to spell "game," so why should we care what you say? Rami W.: You said "is that how much you guys love this game all you do is kill people for money to complete objectives." How the hell is that a review for this game? Did you think you were playing Assasin's Creed? Because last time I checked, no money system in Half Life one or two.… Expand
  19. FedorH.
    Oct 7, 2008
    10
    The best game ever made!
  20. LukeI.
    Apr 1, 2008
    10
    Wow. This game was one of the many few that games I've played that still manages to beat modern-day video games. Excellent, easy to understand, basic storyline (aliens attack after a portal opens from thier alien world), great graphics (well, they were in 1997), great gameplay (I loved the gore), great physics, and I loved how you could go into thirdperson (though traditionally, this Wow. This game was one of the many few that games I've played that still manages to beat modern-day video games. Excellent, easy to understand, basic storyline (aliens attack after a portal opens from thier alien world), great graphics (well, they were in 1997), great gameplay (I loved the gore), great physics, and I loved how you could go into thirdperson (though traditionally, this game should be played in first-person view). Overall, this game was the best of the 1990's.… Expand
  21. AnonymousMC
    Apr 1, 2008
    10
    Also to people that had trouble PLAYING the game, get over it! I understand how annoying Half-Life can be, but you don't have to give it 0 just because you couldn't jump over electrified water and press a switch! This game was most likely designed to be hard because Gabe Newell and everyone else at Valve thought that people might be just smart enough to jump over a hole! This isAlso to people that had trouble PLAYING the game, get over it! I understand how annoying Half-Life can be, but you don't have to give it 0 just because you couldn't jump over electrified water and press a switch! This game was most likely designed to be hard because Gabe Newell and everyone else at Valve thought that people might be just smart enough to jump over a hole! This is why critics can be annoying; because sometimes they only look for the bad things! 'This game had lot's of bugs, and was found difficult by 56 percent of its players.'
    What about: 'This game was exciting from start to end; from escaping the Black Mesa complex to exploring alien worlds, this first-person shooter will be a hit!'. OK, some people might not agree, and might say something like 'It was repetitive'. OK, even I agree that it was repetitive. But I don't agree with people saying 'this game sux its to hard scientists are funny why can you kill them'. This is the best game of 1998 (other than MGS)    … Expand
  22. DefjacO
    Apr 3, 2008
    10
    What valve has managed to do is position logical puzzles in a logical environment, using only what should logically be in it, and adding nothing outrageous to aid their puzzles.
  23. RobertoA.
    May 2, 2008
    10
    Perfect Game, Perfect Story.
  24. RobertS.
    May 7, 2008
    10
    A good game, maybe the best in gaming history, I still play this today. And i bet many more does also.
  25. VladimirP.
    Jul 9, 2008
    10
    After so many years, easily still the best first person shooter ever.
  26. PaulO.
    Jul 23, 2004
    10
    Quite simply, a classic. The graphics weren't as good as some of the other Quake 2 based shooters, but this was more than made up for by a totally immersive storyline, smart level design, and controls that felt just right. Not to mention, when you get done with the main story, there are some excellent mods available, some of which are practically entirely new games.
  27. ScottP.
    Aug 3, 2004
    10
    Truly one of the greatest games of all time on the PC. Have re-played it recently and found that it still retains much of the great addictive quality it originally had. Becoming dated now, and yes, its true, the jumps and doors did get slightly repetitive, but the game still kept me at the seat of my pants at all times just bursting to make the next jump.
  28. JackS.
    Apr 9, 2005
    10
    Will always be my favorite all time game. ever. cant stop playing it.
  29. BenB.
    Oct 15, 2006
    10
    One of the greatest FPSs to date. This is a great one because it has awesome gameplay, low cost, a still rife online community, and ability to play on most computers. If you haven't already checked this out, you are doing yourself a disservice.
  30. AlanM.
    Oct 4, 2006
    10
    This is one of my all time favorite FPS's.
  31. Mike
    Mar 27, 2006
    10
    Pc god of games.
  32. SimonD.
    Apr 15, 2006
    10
    Absolutely fantasic game, that deserves every award it's has ever received. For the people that say they get stuck, I agree, it can be quite a challenging game, but like so many people have said, games like this take time to complete, you can't go through just shooting and running! It takes some lateral thinking! Graphically, it was on par for games of its time, although HL2 far Absolutely fantasic game, that deserves every award it's has ever received. For the people that say they get stuck, I agree, it can be quite a challenging game, but like so many people have said, games like this take time to complete, you can't go through just shooting and running! It takes some lateral thinking! Graphically, it was on par for games of its time, although HL2 far surpasses anything HL could ever have given us. Great stuff Valve, I will continue to play games that you create like this for ever! It truly makes game playing enjoyable.… Expand
  33. BrunoF.
    May 22, 2006
    10
    The best game I've ever played, including it's sequence, Half-Life 2.
  34. KaiS.
    May 27, 2006
    10
    It is the best game I've ever played.
  35. DanielB.
    May 27, 2006
    10
    This is the best game ever, its sooo realistic and the mod that have been made are great! well done , such a sucsess.
  36. ChrisR.
    May 6, 2006
    10
    all i can sat is fantasic game loved every minute of it. this was the first fps game i played on the pc few yrs back 10/10 top marks thanks for a great game
  37. JonB.
    Jun 18, 2006
    10
    Half-Life was THE game that really piqued my interest in game design and has since lead me to a career in the game industry.
  38. DerrickM.
    Jun 5, 2006
    10
    Amazing, amazing game. Definitely one of the best of all time.
  39. EliasO.
    Jul 14, 2006
    10
    I played this game over and over and over again when I was a child, and yeah, it was great fun! Those that give it a bad rating are just n00bs that can't finnish it and get stuck.
  40. TerenceC.
    Jul 22, 2006
    10
    Best FPS game ever, HL2 was a bit of a disappointment compared to this, I've played many FPS games and apart from Quake 4 none of them were as good as this, great story and gameplay, perfect!!
  41. TimS.
    Jul 30, 2006
    10
    The classic FPS! I have loved this game since it first came out and since then, about every month or so, I create a new game and beat it all over again! One of the best!
  42. CarstenS.
    Aug 14, 2006
    10
    Not THE BEST, but on of the best games. Ever. Still today. But Opposinf Force was the best Half-Life - if we ignore things like physics or graphics, just gameplay.
  43. MichaelP.
    Aug 31, 2006
    10
    Keep up the good work, This game rocks!
  44. DavidG.
    Sep 13, 2006
    10
    The best game ever made, got this game shortly after getting my first PC in 1999 and started religiously playing TFC that summer. From there I went on to Counter-Strike which consumed me for 5 years! This is where it all started.
  45. AntonA.
    Sep 27, 2006
    10
    I love this game!
  46. CerdaM.
    Sep 30, 2006
    10
    This is a game that held me for 6 years! Holy awesome!
  47. AntonA.
    Nov 30, 2007
    10
    I love this game!
  48. GeorgeJ.
    Oct 18, 2007
    10
    The most cinimatic game i`ve ever played and easily my favorite FPS of all time.
  49. KoH.
    Feb 26, 2007
    10
    Redefined the FPS genre and the gaming industry in every single way possible.
  50. SebiW.
    Apr 15, 2007
    10
    It's a nice game! It was my first shootergamer.
  51. Pierre-MarieC.
    May 15, 2007
    10
    Perfect !! A legend is born !
  52. DerekG.
    May 16, 2007
    10
    The first installment of one of the best game series ever made. Although the graphics may be a bit dated by today's standards, the gameplay is still completely worthwhile; don't miss it!
  53. V-Man
    Jun 26, 2007
    10
    The best game of it's time and still one of the best games out there, if a little low on graphics. All the gameplay is balanced and there's plenty of gameplay there. Overall a perfect game.
  54. AndyE.
    Jul 1, 2007
    10
    This game will go down in history as one of the best first person shoots to ever have graced us with its presence back when everyone had the old CTR Moniters.
  55. JeremiahJ.
    Jul 6, 2007
    10
    Very scary! Great game, i recommend this game to anyone who isn't too jumpy!
  56. AndyS.
    Aug 11, 2007
    10
    This is the best game i have ever played, the adventurous storyline will keep you hooked. Though the graphics are not top notch, the game is what really gets you going.
  57. ColeM.
    Aug 26, 2007
    10
    Best first person action game ever made! Puzzles and tricky situations along with heavy batttles with aliens, marines, and even both at the same time! Any gamer must play this legendary Valve title!
  58. YiuC.H.
    Aug 9, 2007
    10
    Although made almost 10 years ago, but the replay value remains like its made yesterday.
  59. RustyC.
    Jan 20, 2008
    9
    Very very fun! Fair storytelling ability, and great graphics even now! I like it better than HL-2 because it can lock the gore and has less swearing.
  60. SpencerC.
    Feb 26, 2008
    10
    The first time I saw a headcrab, I nearly crapped my pants. Even though this was a good 7 years after the game was released, I was still scared to be alone. Just screenshots of the game scared the crap out of me when I was in fifth grade. All the intuitive enemies; barnacles, headcrabs, bullsquids, marines, black ops, vorginauts, headcrab zombies, tentacles, and those giant blue things The first time I saw a headcrab, I nearly crapped my pants. Even though this was a good 7 years after the game was released, I was still scared to be alone. Just screenshots of the game scared the crap out of me when I was in fifth grade. All the intuitive enemies; barnacles, headcrabs, bullsquids, marines, black ops, vorginauts, headcrab zombies, tentacles, and those giant blue things that were really hard to kill, they all haunted me for another 3 years to come. The playstyle, everything about this game sent shivers down my spine. You'd have to be a monster to not like this game.… Expand
  61. Kent
    Apr 25, 2008
    10
    10 seriously is not a high enough rating for this game, there should be a "Half-Life" rating, exclusive to this game. This is and possibly always will be my favourite game. The game play is absolutely amazing. The attention to detail on every level is superb (the casserole in the microwave). It had that something special that made it such a special game, maybe it was the awesome scripted 10 seriously is not a high enough rating for this game, there should be a "Half-Life" rating, exclusive to this game. This is and possibly always will be my favourite game. The game play is absolutely amazing. The attention to detail on every level is superb (the casserole in the microwave). It had that something special that made it such a special game, maybe it was the awesome scripted sequences, the excellent graphics (for its time) and sets, or the good storyline. If you are an FPS fan, you have to complete this game. Just a hint, if you get this game these days try and find what is known as the High Definition pack, it gives the game a great overhaul and the graphics increase is excellent. It basically adds new textures to most of the characters and makes the weapons look far more realistic. It really does add to the playability.… Expand
  62. BrandonM
    May 19, 2008
    10
    Easily one the best games I played for its time. The game itself and all of the mods based off its engine literally had me playing the game for 4-5 years until HL2 came out.
  63. G-man
    Jul 25, 2008
    10
    This is a very good FPS. There's ten years ago when they made this. This game have best storyline in the world. Graphics are not the best but this is old game. I really like it! But Gman is really mysterious, I wanna know more about him.
  64. TimC.
    Aug 13, 2008
    10
    Without a doubt one of the most ground breaking fps's of all time, brilliant and innovative gameplay from start to finish. I brought this game when it came out, played it to death and i have recently brought it on steam and i am replaying it to death.
  65. LukeK.
    Aug 30, 2008
    10
    Awesome game, I still like it and I don't think I can compare any game with this, In my opinion this is better than Halo 1.
  66. KevM.
    Nov 14, 2006
    10
    This game is a classic that will go down in history with games like doom and quake. Truely a first person shooter pioneer in pc games.
  67. FedorH.
    Dec 19, 2006
    10
    The best game ever made!
  68. AntonA.
    May 17, 2006
    10
    I love this game!
  69. ElijahW.
    May 24, 2006
    10
    Still kicks butt, even after playing farcry and HL 2 before it. lol. awesomeness to the creators.
  70. AnthonyP.
    May 25, 2006
    9
    Best first person shooter of its time. Very addictive!
  71. MegatronS.
    Jun 16, 2006
    10
    Excellent game. I have been playing it for over 5 years now and I still love it.
  72. AlexeiL.
    Nov 9, 2007
    10
    Easily one of the best games I've ever played, it truly recreated the FPS genre.
  73. ThadM.
    Dec 19, 2007
    10
    I was bored and on my steam and i wanted to read some of the reviews of my games i was so amazed to see that some people actually gave half life less than a 10 half life changed gaming it was more than just like ever other stupid game that made you shoot and then shoot and then shoot some more.The Ai was amazing for the time and the storyline was by far the best in any fps at the time if I was bored and on my steam and i wanted to read some of the reviews of my games i was so amazed to see that some people actually gave half life less than a 10 half life changed gaming it was more than just like ever other stupid game that made you shoot and then shoot and then shoot some more.The Ai was amazing for the time and the storyline was by far the best in any fps at the time if you can somehow rate this game badly you are not a gamer and do not respect the field you need to just go play with your myspace and never game agian.… Expand
  74. JoshC.
    Feb 14, 2007
    10
    Best game out there definitely the best game ever fun action!
  75. SteveM.
    Mar 24, 2007
    10
    This was my FIRST FPS and is what got me started in online gaming. I still believe this is the BEST FPS ever made.
  76. BenjaminC.
    Apr 14, 2007
    10
    Classic. Like Super Mario and Metroid, this game continues to satisfy the FPS gamer. Yes it has aged (quite well) but I still find myself running through the single player often. The mods are amazing as well.
  77. GeneG.
    May 26, 2007
    10
    A true testament not just to FPS but to PC Gaming. Set the bar for all FPS's to follow.
  78. AaronK.
    Jul 21, 2007
    10
    Amazing game! Excellent story, Not as scary as hl2 but excllent!
  79. WayneW.
    Jul 28, 2007
    9
    Even though newer games have better graphics, this game beats them overall. Played it multiple times.
  80. AmishP.
    Jan 16, 2008
    10
    Half-Life is probably the best game to ever have been produced. Sure graphics nowadays are much better but the impact the game had on all the gamers at that time, in 1998 changed their world. Let's put it this way, Half-life was so ahead of it's time in terms of graphics and storyline that it definitely leaves an imprint in you - an imprint of amazement and surrealism. Today Half-Life is probably the best game to ever have been produced. Sure graphics nowadays are much better but the impact the game had on all the gamers at that time, in 1998 changed their world. Let's put it this way, Half-life was so ahead of it's time in terms of graphics and storyline that it definitely leaves an imprint in you - an imprint of amazement and surrealism. Today games come out with really good graphics - Half Life 2, Halo 3...but you're sort of expecting that, since we've done leaps in graphics technology. But picture this - let's say that by magic you manage to get your hands onto a game that actually belongs to the future - 5 years from now and you're playing it! Well that's exactly how it felt and that's why half-life deserves a 10!… Expand
  81. TsayJason
    Apr 23, 2008
    10
    It has great action, story and mysterious nice game. I am very expect it revised edition black mesa:source.
  82. PS3Sucks
    Jun 28, 2008
    10
    This game is the ability to tell a great story with no cutscenes, shooting many different aliens with every weapon you can imagine, and great graphics for the time with music to boot.
  83. TimmyB.
    Dec 26, 2006
    10
    This is the best game ever. No other game can ever beat this game. If you don't already have it buy it of buy Half-Life 2 and get the digitaly remastered version of it. Graphically speaking this game is a 5/10 but with everything else it is a 10/10.
  84. G_Mackzy
    Mar 30, 2012
    9
    This game is still a masterpiece and makes me proud to be a gamer. Despite being a handsome game for the late 90's Half-Life now looks very dated. However teh brilliant gameplay is still there. You can't call yourself a hardcore gamer unless you've played Half-Life.
  85. Acid
    Aug 23, 2010
    10
    Half-Life is simply magnificent. It has a easy to very hard difficulty for each of it's levels. I do have to say though, they need to give you less ammo. Enemies can be easy and hard. It is a great game for it's time and even for today. I have to recommend it to everybody.
  86. Tubie
    Oct 23, 2010
    10
    This game is amazing still to this day on any platform you play it. I originally got it on the PS2 and I was blown away by it. It is even better on the PC! No other FPS game after Goldeneye had the same effect this game had on me. If you have never played this, you must give it a shot some time if you can. There are mods and tools to make the game look pretty again.
  87. temps
    Nov 17, 2011
    10
    Classic FPS. I didn't get into it as much at first until I played Half-Life 2, but after I came back to it, even after all these years, I found that the world was just unforgettably good. The atmosphere is incredible, and the combat system is fun. Certain parts of the game were definitely frustrating, but shouldn't stop you from enjoying the game if you have the drive to finish it. If youClassic FPS. I didn't get into it as much at first until I played Half-Life 2, but after I came back to it, even after all these years, I found that the world was just unforgettably good. The atmosphere is incredible, and the combat system is fun. Certain parts of the game were definitely frustrating, but shouldn't stop you from enjoying the game if you have the drive to finish it. If you like science-fiction and FPS games, this is definitely worth considering. The sequel is even better as well.

    The graphics are obviously bad, considering the games age, but if you can look past that, this game is no doubt a gem. If you can't get over how bad the graphics are, you might try Half-Life 2 first instead. If you're a sci-fi FPS fan who likes thought-provoking video games, I wouldn't be surprised to hear after playing HL2 you'll want to come back and give this one another shot =). Give it a try. It's a classic for a lot of reasons. Plus, the soundtrack is superb.    … Expand
  88. Roeyl
    Dec 26, 2010
    10
    This is so much more than a game, because you end up forgetting it's a game. It's old and it's the best.
  89. Niklaus3
    Dec 31, 2010
    10
    The creation of a series of games that surpass any game out there. It's just an amazing game that has different twists to it(ex) when they teleport to space and to Xen. It is truly a masterpiece that created a new aspect on video games. Best FPS ever.
  90. tupac
    Jan 25, 2011
    10
    Half Life is an amazing game. Valve didn't lie when they say that combines great storytelling with intense action. They put you in the skin of a mute main character, and the story is a masterpiece, which triggers a series of game with twists and confusion . And what a powerful engine, 12 years ago i was totally amazed, adn i'm still today, thinking it. It's the game that you must play inHalf Life is an amazing game. Valve didn't lie when they say that combines great storytelling with intense action. They put you in the skin of a mute main character, and the story is a masterpiece, which triggers a series of game with twists and confusion . And what a powerful engine, 12 years ago i was totally amazed, adn i'm still today, thinking it. It's the game that you must play in this generation.… Expand
  91. FuzzyLombax
    Feb 18, 2011
    10
    I absolutely LOVE this game. This is the first fictional universe I wanted to understand. It truly revolutionized the way a story can be told in the gaming medium. What set it apart was its immersion. There are no cutscenes that take control away from the player; the player IS Freeman. You are in this world and you are fighting for your life. This game is the ideal melding of actionI absolutely LOVE this game. This is the first fictional universe I wanted to understand. It truly revolutionized the way a story can be told in the gaming medium. What set it apart was its immersion. There are no cutscenes that take control away from the player; the player IS Freeman. You are in this world and you are fighting for your life. This game is the ideal melding of action gameplay and story given the technology of the time. It was brilliant, and, to me, established gaming as just as valid an artistic medium as novels and film.… Expand
  92. spinspock
    Mar 9, 2011
    10
    An absolute masterpiece that still holds up today. I try to play through HL every few years and every time I do it's almost like a brand new experience.
  93. homestar4000
    Mar 14, 2011
    10
    One of the finest and best games out there. It's even better than it's sequel, despite the fact that the graphics and engine is updated in Half-Life 2, what I like about the game is the atmosphere, the gameplay, the storyline (even though I didn't finish the game yet), the style, and the characters. What I don't get about the characters though is there are thousands of Barneys, butOne of the finest and best games out there. It's even better than it's sequel, despite the fact that the graphics and engine is updated in Half-Life 2, what I like about the game is the atmosphere, the gameplay, the storyline (even though I didn't finish the game yet), the style, and the characters. What I don't get about the characters though is there are thousands of Barneys, but whatever. People said this game changed the face of FPSes, it did pretty well on that goal.… Expand
  94. bubbadukes
    Mar 28, 2011
    10
    I'll start by saying I played hl2 +ep1+2 before playing this game. I just bought the original recently and found that it's still better than most shooters to this day. The atmosphere, level creativity, and pace are glorious. glorious. I'm partial to games with a great story/atmosphere and the hl games are unrivaled. story isn't my favorite, hardly any dialogue, but the mystery surroundingI'll start by saying I played hl2 +ep1+2 before playing this game. I just bought the original recently and found that it's still better than most shooters to this day. The atmosphere, level creativity, and pace are glorious. glorious. I'm partial to games with a great story/atmosphere and the hl games are unrivaled. story isn't my favorite, hardly any dialogue, but the mystery surrounding the events occurring around freeman largely contribute to hl's interesting atmosphere. it's not that the plot is poor, it can just be contained on a single page. i really hope valve releases half-life 3 within the next 50 years.… Expand
  95. PevMaster
    May 10, 2011
    10
    FANTASTIC GAME. This is a landmark first-person shooter that combines effective story-telling, intense and exciting combat, lush environments and meaty weapons. This is one of the finest games ever created, with a cracking single-player campaign and breathless multiplayer, Half-Life has aged incredibly well and remains a joy to play more than ten years after its release. Half-Life castsFANTASTIC GAME. This is a landmark first-person shooter that combines effective story-telling, intense and exciting combat, lush environments and meaty weapons. This is one of the finest games ever created, with a cracking single-player campaign and breathless multiplayer, Half-Life has aged incredibly well and remains a joy to play more than ten years after its release. Half-Life casts you as Gordon Freeman, a scientist working at Black Mesa Research Facility. When an experiment goes wrong, creating a gateway to another planet, bringing in alien creatures, you have to fight your way through a horde of monsters and soldiers to the surface and eventually to the exotic planet Xen. From the moment you pick up that crowbar all the way to the final boss battle with the hypnotic Nihilanth, this is a stunning shooter that is constantly throwing surprises in your face.… Expand
  96. crackuh
    Nov 6, 2013
    10
    Not only one of the greatest shooters of all time one of the greatest games, period. Revolutionized a genre previously known for pure run n' gun and 'shooting gallery' style game play with its storytelling, puzzles, and AI. Spawned countless successful mods(e.g. Counter-Strike) and influenced other games for years after its release.
  97. Kdall
    Jun 16, 2011
    10
    This was simply a genre defining game, and an example for many game developers to follow on, amazing single player, amazing mod support, great shock/horror moments, introduction of interactive AI, etc.
  98. CRL
    Jul 24, 2011
    10
    Even more than a decade after it's creation, Half-Life is still a great game. If you can get past the ancient graphics you will enjoy this game just as much (and probably more) than any other. The story is awesome. The enemies are great, (and at some parts downright creepy). The weapons are expansive for it's time, and And Gordon Freeman was voted the greatest video game hero of allEven more than a decade after it's creation, Half-Life is still a great game. If you can get past the ancient graphics you will enjoy this game just as much (and probably more) than any other. The story is awesome. The enemies are great, (and at some parts downright creepy). The weapons are expansive for it's time, and And Gordon Freeman was voted the greatest video game hero of all time. What more do you need?… Expand
  99. NoVertigo
    Aug 23, 2011
    9
    An excellent and classic game that belongs in the hands of all fps players and adventure lovers. Unfortunately you can not go by the negative reviews on here, because it seems that most of these people started playing games when Modern Warfare 2 came out. Coming from some one who played games since the 90's, you should not even ponder playing this game, its a classic and it will forever beAn excellent and classic game that belongs in the hands of all fps players and adventure lovers. Unfortunately you can not go by the negative reviews on here, because it seems that most of these people started playing games when Modern Warfare 2 came out. Coming from some one who played games since the 90's, you should not even ponder playing this game, its a classic and it will forever be one of your favorites… Expand
  100. blackhatch
    Aug 16, 2011
    10
    the low critics from 2005 to 2011 are becouse you didnt play the game when this came out, and you are a noob. this game is still an EXCELLENT GAME, this game has everything...you will have fun always, and, for playing hl2, you must play this masterpiece!!
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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

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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.
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  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.
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  3. PC Gamer
    97
    This is The Big One, and it's even better than we could've hoped. [Jan 1999, p.166]
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