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Half-Life 2

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94%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
grinding, stability
97% User Score Based on 139,598 reviews
Critic Score 78%Based on 5 reviews

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Half-Life 2 Game Cover

About

Half-Life 2 is a single player shooter game with horror and science fiction themes. It was developed by Valve and was released on November 16, 2004. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

In Half-Life 2, players assume the role of Gordon Freeman, a physicist fighting against an alien invasion. The game features a mix of first-person shooting and puzzle-solving, with innovative physics-based gameplay. The story takes place in a dystopian future, where the player must join the resistance and fight to overthrow the alien occupation. The game is known for its immersive narrative and detailed environments, which create a compelling gaming experience.

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Half-Life 2 screenshot
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97%
Audience ScoreBased on 139,598 reviews
story11.3k positive mentions
grinding276 negative mentions
  • story
    20,541 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Half-Life 2 is widely praised for its compelling and immersive story, which unfolds through environmental storytelling and character interactions rather than traditional cutscenes. Players appreciate the depth of its narrative, the memorable characters, and the seamless integration of gameplay and plot, making it a standout title in the first-person shooter genre. Despite some criticisms regarding pacing and the lack of a definitive conclusion, the game's storytelling remains influential and engaging, solidifying its status as a classic in gaming history.

    • “The story is compelling enough, and the characters are both well done and memorable, with the game offering nice cool cinematic storytelling.”
    • “The story is a masterclass in storytelling, weaving together action, suspense, and mystery.”
    • “Half-Life 2 is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time, continuing to captivate gamers with its groundbreaking design, compelling story, and innovative gameplay.”
    • “The story is bleh; for most of the game, you're just running around with a vague idea of the direction you were told to go without any tangible idea of what you're trying to accomplish once you get there.”
    • “Very boring story, no cutscenes so you can clearly tell zero budget went into this game going in.”
    • “The story is a bit basic and the dialogue could be better but this is a game that prides itself on its gameplay first and foremost so it doesn't really matter in the long run.”
  • gameplay
    9,666 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Half-Life 2 is widely praised for its innovative mechanics, particularly the use of the gravity gun, which allows players to manipulate the environment creatively. The game seamlessly blends action, exploration, and puzzle-solving, keeping the experience fresh and engaging throughout its runtime. Despite some criticisms regarding dated mechanics and occasional pacing issues, the overall gameplay remains enjoyable and influential, solidifying its status as a classic in the first-person shooter genre.

    • “The gameplay is extremely fun.”
    • “To make things even more great in terms of gameplay, the game offers you the gravity gun, which is one of the most fun guns ever invented in gaming, where you use gravity to capture anything from the environment and use them as weapons/shields or manipulate them to create a solution for the physics-based puzzle.”
    • “The seamless integration of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.”
    • “The gameplay loop is repetitive; yeah, I know it's an FPS game, but you can make an interesting FPS, and Half-Life 2 is just not the right game.”
    • “The gameplay is unrefined, and the story is just okay, and the tech that is supposed to be impressive is outdated today.”
    • “The dated mechanics and controls simply do not hold up well in today's gaming landscape.”
  • graphics
    7,864 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of Half-Life 2, released in 2004, are widely praised for their impressive quality at the time, showcasing the capabilities of the Source engine. Many players note that while the graphics may show their age compared to modern titles, they still hold up remarkably well, with detailed environments and character animations that enhance immersion. Overall, the game's art direction and aesthetic continue to be appreciated, making it a timeless classic despite some dated elements.

    • “The aesthetics are breathtaking, blending dystopian environments with stunningly immersive graphics that still hold up today.”
    • “Graphically, the game was a marvel at its release and still holds up remarkably well, thanks to its distinctive art style and the technical prowess of the source engine.”
    • “The graphics still hold up to this day thanks to the amazing art direction that makes every polygon count.”
    • “Graphics are kinda ugly, yeah they were fantastic on time of release but they just feel flat and grey.”
    • “The graphics are horrible, the gameplay is confusing and un-stimulating, and the weapon designs and sounds are horrible, the designs are just the worst, and the setting is just not pleasing at the slightest.”
    • “The first issue that struck me was the lackluster graphics, which, in today's gaming landscape, feel outdated and fail to impress.”
  • music
    1,880 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "Half-Life 2" is widely praised for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, with many reviewers highlighting the exceptional soundtrack composed by Kelly Bailey. The music effectively enhances the game's emotional moments and action sequences, although some players noted that it is sparse and may not play often enough to have a significant impact. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the game's standout features, contributing to its status as a classic in gaming history.

    • “The atmospheric design, coupled with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, enhances the overall experience, making every moment in City 17 unforgettable.”
    • “The soundtrack, composed by Kelly Bailey, complements the gameplay perfectly, seamlessly transitioning between tense and atmospheric tracks that heighten the emotional impact of key moments.”
    • “From the hauntingly atmospheric ambient tracks to the adrenaline-pumping combat themes, the music elevates the entire experience and lingers in your mind long after you've put down the controller.”
    • “The level designs are obtuse and areas drag on far too long, hampered further by the fact that 90% of the game has no music.”
    • “My only real problems are that there isn't that much music and the game felt a little too long, but other than that it is really good 7/10.”
    • “The game's soundtrack, as good as it is, is poorly timed and oftentimes doesn't fit the mood.”
  • atmosphere
    1,640 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of Half-Life 2 is widely praised for its immersive and meticulously crafted design, effectively blending dystopian elements with a haunting soundscape that enhances the overall experience. Players are drawn into the richly detailed environments of City 17 and other locations, where the combination of visual storytelling, atmospheric music, and sound effects creates a sense of tension and wonder. Despite some critiques regarding pacing and certain gameplay elements, the game's atmosphere remains a standout feature that continues to captivate players even years after its release.

    • “Every detail, from the decaying urban landscapes to the eerie, atmospheric sound design, draws you deeper into its world.”
    • “The atmospheric design, coupled with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, enhances the overall experience, making every moment in City 17 unforgettable.”
    • “The game's atmosphere, physics, and level design are masterfully crafted, creating an immersive experience that has influenced countless independent developers.”
    • “Half-life 2's atmosphere is a joke compared with the dense and isolated atmosphere of HL1: HL2 continues to throw annoying companions at you who force you to stop just so they can shove some exposition down your throat and body block your path away from enemy fire.”
    • “The dark and oppressive atmosphere that characterized Black Mesa has been replaced with a bland and generic dystopian cityscape.”
    • “The atmosphere, level design, and immersion in the world is totally lacking.”
  • humor
    918 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its cleverness and absurdity, with many players highlighting the comedic elements of the physics engine, memorable character interactions, and the iconic "crowbar" antics. While some found certain cutscenes and dialogue unfunny, the overall consensus is that the game successfully balances humor with its serious themes, making it entertaining for players of all ages. The combination of slapstick moments, witty writing, and engaging gameplay contributes to a uniquely humorous experience that resonates with fans.

    • “I have so many funny moments I had in this game, I really recommend playing this masterpiece.”
    • “The physics are hilarious and fun to mess around with.”
    • “The story, humor, and gameplay is all that I wanted, as someone who had 2,600 hours in Garry's Mod, it was easy to get the hang of the controls and mechanics.”
    • “Gabe, if you're reading this - it's not funny anymore.”
    • “- Long, unskippable cutscenes with unfunny humor where ugly characters awkwardly talk to you, a mute.”
    • “To be honest, frankly a little unfunny.”
  • grinding
    596 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews for "grinding" in Half-Life 2 reveal a mixed sentiment, with many players finding certain sections of the game tedious and repetitive, particularly during combat and puzzle-solving segments. While some appreciate the innovative gameplay and engaging story, others criticize the pacing and the feeling of being forced to grind through lengthy levels and challenges. Overall, the game is seen as having both enjoyable and frustrating moments, with a significant number of players noting the need for patience to get through the more tedious aspects.

    • “Just completed the basic story of the game while not grinding the achievements, but it's one of the best games I've ever played. Highly recommend.”
    • “Wasn't tedious or uninteresting at any point; on the contrary, it was engaging and a joy to play from start to finish.”
    • “Grinding isn't necessary to progress.”
    • “Half-Life 2 suffers from several issues that make the game a tedious sludge to trudge through as you make your way through a map that isn't nearly as interesting as Half-Life 1's.”
    • “The physics-based puzzles, which were groundbreaking at the time, often felt like tedious chores rather than enjoyable challenges.”
    • “Its slow pacing, underwhelming combat, tedious puzzles, and lack of engaging narrative elements made for a boring experience.”
  • stability
    556 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, "Half-Life 2" is described as a game with a mix of stability experiences. While many players report minor bugs and glitches, particularly related to vehicle controls and some gameplay mechanics, these issues generally do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment. The game runs well on modern hardware, and some players even find the glitches to be amusing or advantageous, contributing to a fun experience despite the occasional instability.

    • “Even though it's such an old game, it has no glitches or bugs if you play it on new systems.”
    • “Excelent AI, awesome gameplay, innovative physics, captivating story, long campaign, nice immersion, beautiful graphics (the game hasn't aged after all these years) and flawless optimization (runs great even on lower end machines).”
    • “With this game, it doesn't matter if you play it on the next gen gaming computer going all the way down to the first generation Xbox, the game always runs great.”
    • “Garbage, I had such high hopes, buggy mess, boring story, plain world, ugly characters.”
    • “The new characters and the attempted explanations for who they are and why they are here is very weak in my opinion and the game was clearly not even ready to be released with how buggy and unfinished the whole game is.”
    • “The airboat and buggy section of the game are dismal; they were enough to turn away a friend of mine from ever even attempting to finish this game.”
  • replayability
    532 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The replayability of the game is generally regarded as high, with many players praising its engaging story, varied gameplay, and extensive mod support that significantly enhance replay value. While some reviews note a decrease in replayability compared to the original game due to linearity and unskippable cutscenes, the overall sentiment is that the game remains enjoyable and offers numerous opportunities for exploration and achievement hunting. Many players find it infinitely replayable, especially with the addition of user-generated content and mods.

    • “This is a masterpiece; it is very fun, replayable, and I just can't get bored of all the lore this entire franchise has to offer.”
    • “The availability of user-generated content extends the game's replayability, offering a wealth of additional challenges and narratives for players to explore.”
    • “Half-Life 2 is easily one of the strongest titles I've had the pleasure of experiencing in my life; it is a fully replayable masterpiece that keeps you guessing and leaves one hell of an impression.”
    • “Love the franchise, even though replayability is non-existent.”
    • “You won’t find much replayability in the story besides trying to achieve all of the achievements.”
    • “Another serious issue I have with this game is the terrible lack of replay value.”
  • emotional
    366 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its compelling narrative and well-developed characters, such as Alyx Vance and the enigmatic G-Man, which create deep emotional connections and memorable moments for players. Many reviews express that the game evokes a wide range of feelings, from joy and nostalgia to sadness and loneliness, often leading players to tears, particularly during key story moments and character interactions. The haunting soundtrack further enhances the emotional experience, making it a standout feature that resonates with players long after they finish the game.

    • “Their interactions add depth and emotional weight to the journey, creating a narrative that’s both compelling and thought-provoking.”
    • “This game got me more emotional than any other game I have ever played. These games have had my heartstrings being pulled more times than I can count.”
    • “The characters are incredibly well-crafted, each with their own unique personality and motivations, contributing to an emotional and immersive experience that keeps players hooked from start to finish.”
    • “Very boring story, no cutscenes so you can clearly tell zero budget went into this game going in.”
    • “Halfway through the game it just feels like a huge tutorial, not a shooter at all with a more than boring story.”
    • “It's slow to start off, boring weapons, boring story, boring characters and to top it off the main character is mentally challenged, deaf and only talks by humming, what a load of nonsense!”
  • optimization
    268 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of Half-Life 2 is widely praised, with many users noting that it runs smoothly on a variety of systems, including low-end PCs and even older machines. Reviewers consistently highlight its excellent performance, minimal bugs, and ability to maintain high frame rates, making it accessible to a broad audience. Despite its age, the game's optimization is considered one of its standout features, allowing it to remain relevant and enjoyable even today.

    • “Performance: Half-Life 2 is well-optimized and runs smoothly on contemporary systems.”
    • “The game's performance optimization ensures smooth gameplay, even on lower-end systems, allowing a wider range of players to enjoy the experience.”
    • “It's well-optimized to even run on a potato and available on all platforms.”
    • “Source was a mediocre engine with poor performance back then, and a bad engine within 7 years of release.”
    • “Game has few performance issues recently that never happened before regarding FPS drop near fires with a lot of smoke particles or when using flashlight in dark areas.”
    • “Now, there is only one bug that can be quite a problem, and that is simply because the game is not exactly optimized for modern software, which includes a graphical error that removes a lot of lighting details.”
  • character development
    136 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in Half-Life 2 is widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance, particularly through memorable characters like Alyx Vance and Eli Vance, who enhance the narrative and humanize the struggle against the Combine. While some critiques mention a lack of significant development for the protagonist, Gordon Freeman, the overall character interactions and engaging dialogue contribute to a rich storytelling experience that remains impactful even years after its release. The game's innovative voice acting and facial animations further elevate the characters, making them relatable and integral to the immersive world.

    • “Character development: memorable characters like Alyx Vance, Eli Vance, and Dr. Kleiner add depth to the narrative, providing emotional stakes and humanizing the fight against the Combine.”
    • “The character development, coupled with engaging dialogue, contributes significantly to the narrative's depth and resonance.”
    • “Video games are not known for their stories or character development that well, but Half-Life 2 charges through those negative stereotypes and barriers to create a very immersive story with engaging characters that you become very attached to.”
    • “Where Half-Life 2 begins to show its signs of age is with the character development.”
    • “The story is pretty simple with little character development or consequence, but the world feels alive, full, and important.”
    • “To me personally, the story felt long and boring without much character development.”
  • monetization
    68 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews highlight a strong preference for games that avoid monetization strategies like microtransactions, season passes, and in-game advertisements, with many players expressing nostalgia for a time when gaming was less commercialized. Titles that maintain a straightforward purchase model or offer free content without hidden costs are praised, while those that rely on microtransactions are criticized as cash grabs. Overall, players seem to value immersive storytelling and gameplay over monetization tactics.

    • “Incredible game that is significantly better than any other FPS now due to its absence of any monetization, premium editions, or season passes.”
    • “No microtransactions, no hidden costs, only one DLC (a ten-minute tech demo that is free and doesn't impact the story all too much) - honestly, this game is a must-play for anyone that has Steam.”
    • “Good game, no microtransactions, great story, kinda hard, many riddles.”
    • “Playing through the series again, it's a reminder of what gaming used to be, and what we've lost in this era of instant gratification and microtransactions.”
    • “You should have created the game, and stop making these stupid cash grab games.”
    • “And you even dare to release a f*cking cash grab card game no one wanted or asked for?”
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78%Critics’ scoreBased on 5 critic reviews
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12h Median play time
59h Average play time
13h Main story
19h Completionist
7-24h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 238 analyzed playthroughs
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Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Half-Life 2 is a shooter game with horror and science fiction themes.

Half-Life 2 is available on Steam Deck, Windows, PC, Mac OS and others.

The main story can be completed in around 13 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 19 hours to finish. On average players spend around 59 hours playing Half-Life 2.

Half-Life 2 was released on November 16, 2004.

Half-Life 2 was developed by Valve.

Half-Life 2 has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Half-Life 2 is a single player game.

Similar games include Half-Life, Black Mesa, a Place of Much Learning, Portal, BioShock and others.