Half-Life 2

The second anniversary update is so authentic and true-to-original that it even retains the scripting bugs in Nova Prospekt and lowered weapon bug in Anticitizen One. After all these years? Always <3

I'm impressed, Valve. I love you.

Half-Life 2 is a continuation of the original Half-Life which gives it a place in the classic shooter era. The game is surprisingly good on modern machines with its design and updated source engine. The action is well animated.

The game has a wide selection of weapons from a wrench to pistols and assault guns. Hazards like assault helicopters cannot be shot down so the player needs to find cover.

This game works on a very basic machine. The game only needs DX 8.1 which is very simple compared to modern integrated graphics. My Lenovo T14 can play this easily with its UHD 630 graphics.

Some of the greatest art in this world are the pieces that almost didn't happen. Half Life 2 is the ultimate testament to risking it all on a vision - the stress and anxiety, the blood sweat and tears, the lack of security and the dwindling of funds. Putting pride and livelihoods on the line to deliver nothing less than what was intended and what was believed in. Fighting for an experience worth having; for a legacy worth establishing. In a modern world where development teams can't even deliver their proper vision without it being filtered mercilessly through the strainers of shareholder boards, focus groups, and consultant firms, Half Life 2 still stands as tall as the Citadel does looming over the inhabitants of City 17. Yet it stands as a golden monument of passion and culture in contrast to the lifeless and mechanical structure the Combine and their ilk inhabit. Our benefactors would have us amalgamated into a gray blob of resources just to be sucked dry until our purposes as useful idiots are fulfilled, delivering us nothing but works stripped of their identities and filled with condescension and disgust toward their audience.

This is not a movie game. It is a GAME first and foremost but with cinematic sequences that serve nothing more than to truly reward the players for their investment in the characters and world around them. It's an experience filled with real diversity that can't be purchased with promises of guaranteed funding. It has companions with real agency and humanity to them. Half Life 2 is brimming with life and the perspectives of dozens of people who were well read and passionate about their own hobbies and cultures while still putting their all into this one collaborative project - to properly follow up one of the most influential narrative FPS experiences of all time. And even though the odds were stacked against them from start to finish, they still did it. They created one of the most immersive and captivating game experiences there is while making sure to never neglect the moment-to-moment gameplay experience for the players. This is a game where you can tell that everyone who worked on it wanted players to be excited and motivated to keep pushing forward from moment to moment. To explore and to take in the nuance of the crafted levels and baked environments. This is nothing but a celebration of cultural enrichment, but most importantly, truly having fun while playing a video game. I mean, come on, who doesn't love a good physics puzzle?

Happy 20th birthday, Half Life 2. The ashes have never smelled sweeter.

Half-Life 2... one of the greatest games of all time is now free. A game that came out 20 years ago and hasn't aged terribly. Better than any modern shooters.

I still remember seeing the demos and screenshots of this game back in the day and thinking, "There's no way this game is real". Twenty years later, this timeless masterpiece continues to amaze me. It's not just one of the greatest games of all time—it’s one of the greatest entertainment experiences ever created.

If you’ve never played it, do yourself a favor: sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in its brilliance.

A Truly Legendary Game!

Half-Life. I'd be less of a person if I hadn't grown up with this series.

It awakened my interest in tech and software, made me develop better critical thinking skills (from troubleshooting mods and hardware issues, life was hard back in 1998-2004!), and helped me meet some great friends through the endless supply of mods.

The first one melted my brain with the long intro cinematic and "seamless" loading. The second one with the physics engine and sense of life that permeated every map. Oh and they also scared the everliving crap out of me, something they just had to best with Jeff in Alyx.

"hey gamers remember how scary half life used to be as a kid? hold my gosh darn jolt cola and put this VR headset on" - Valve

Bless you Valve (and every modder!) for being the bedrock of my PC gaming life. :-)

Possibly the best bang for buck game ever, and the engine still holds up!

In 2024, Valve gave us what we never expected: Half-Life 2 as an ultra-modern multi-tool for gaming nostalgia and accidental comedy. The update merges the base game with Episodes 1 and 2, letting you seamlessly sprint through all the Combine chaos without pesky menu hopping. It even adds a shiny new developer commentary feature, which is basically a podcast but with more headcrabs.

The changes are wild: restored cut content, upgraded visuals, and better controller aim assist, because nothing says “immersion” like pixel-perfect headshots while Gordon stares stoically into the middle distance. Oh, and the bugs are (mostly) gone, so those unintentional moments of NPCs breakdancing through walls? Rarer now, but still iconic when they happen.

Steam Workshop integration means you can now fight off the Combine with user-made mods — why play as Gordon when you could be Garfield with a crowbar? It’s all hilariously delightful until you realize Valve is STILL trolling us by not even whispering about Half-Life 3 ( hi, HLX). The best part? It's free until November 18, a perfect price for reliving the greatest "physics puzzle simulator" ever made!!

About 20 years ago when my parents separated I would stay at my father's apartment every so often where he would always have the latest newspaper. I used to always grab it and go to the end where there was a section for video game reviews. The games were rated out of 5 stars and the available platforms to play those games were shown next to the ratings at the top. The platforms for each game would be either PS, xbox or gamecube and I would wish that I had one of those to play these games that were rated 3 or 4 stars out of 5, the PC platform was rarely shown. By this time our N64 was gone but there were still computers at both my parents' places.

One day in that section of the newspaper I came across a review for the game Half-Life 2. The only platform shown at the top was "PC" and it was the first full 5-star rating I saw. The review was full of praise of the game, one of the things I remember it saying was that the characters look and behave very realistically.

I asked my father to buy it for me for Christmas that year and he agreed. Steam says I created my account on December 24, 2004, so it must have been a bit before that time that we went to EB Games and saw the price, from memory it was $60 (Australia). My dad asked me if we should just buy it there or should we try and find it cheaper somewhere else. I said we should see if it's cheaper somewhere else. We then went to BIG W in the same shopping centre and they did have it for cheaper, I think the difference was $10.

The staff member went away and came back with the game asking my dad if that's correct, he said he doesn't know and he should ask his son (me), the staff member showed me the game and I said yes that's correct. Twenty years later I still have it and I've uploaded photos of it here on Steam.

I'm trying to dig into the deep valleys of my memory right now, but I do remember putting the disk in, and it asking me to create an online account. That frightened me a little and put me off installing the game for some time, I don't know how long. I must have ended up doing it on December 24th and now I wish I would have just done it right when we brought the game home so I can get the 'Years of Service' badge on Steam sooner!

Anyway, it was the first mouse+keyboard shooting game I ever played, using the WASD keys to move and aiming with the ball mouse was strange for me at the time but I persevered because the game looked absolutely amazing and the world was so interesting. When there was a loading screen I would just sit patiently waiting even though it took about 10 minutes. I remember one of my dads friends came over with his daughters who were much older than me. I don't remember how exactly but they found out I was obsessed with this game called Half-Life 2 and one of the daughters asked if she could watch me play. She sat next to me watching, I remember her getting spooked by the antlions and me reassuring her it's OK because I have the bait that makes them friendly, and when I held the mouse button to continuously swing the crowbar at the face of the female scientist, we exploded in laughter when that NPC slowly but surely drifted her eyes to us XD

I also remember a puzzle in the game, where you have to swim to one side to drain the water so you can swim to the other side to reach the top? Something like that, but I remember when playing the game for the first time, there was a section I didn't know how to pass so I got pretty much all the barrels from the top, dropped them to the bottom section, and stacked them like a pyramid to jump to the other hole at the top. It took me hours because the barrels kept falling, but when I finally reached the other side, I was stuck and realised I was supposed to do something with the water. I'm sure people who have played it recently know what I'm talking about?

I also told many friends at school about the game, when I was talking about the ending I said "you die but you don't die" and they bursted out laughing at me, one of them kept saying that to me after that. One friend did end up playing it as well and he agreed with me that it was good. When we were talking about the game I mentioned that it doesn't matter how many times the enemy hits you at the beginning, you won't die, and he said yes because you don't even have a health bar.

I remember when finishing the game for the first time, I was reading the credits and trying to memorise the names of the people. Of course I didn't remember a single one but in my child brain I was thinking that if I ever came across any of those people I would thank them for making the game. I did the same for Half Life Alyx after finishing that on my Valve Index but there's still 15 years to go before I review that one.

Thank you for making the game and being a big positive part of my life.

Half-Life 2 is the video game equivalent of a grilled cheese sandwich that somehow turns into a gourmet meal halfway through. It starts with a guy in a suit waking you up on a train, and before you know it, you're smashing robots with a crowbar, surfing on explosive barrels, and engaging in a long-distance relationship with a creepy guy called 'The G-Man.'

The physics engine deserves its own Oscar. I spent 20 minutes stacking boxes and launching watermelons at walls before I even remembered I was supposed to save humanity. Then there's the gravity gun—a tool that makes 'picking up trash' feel like wielding Thor’s hammer. Want to fling sawblades at zombies? Go right ahead. Need a weaponized radiator? No problem.

And let's talk about the NPCs. Alyx Vance is the MVP—smart, funny, and capable of making me feel like the awkward nerd I truly am. Meanwhile, Dog, the robot, made me wish I could adopt a metal Labrador.

The Combine soldiers are terrifying, but not as terrifying as Ravenholm. I thought I was playing a sci-fi shooter, but then the game said, 'Here, have some horror,' and locked me in a town where headcrabs are everywhere. I still hear Father Grigori laughing in my nightmares.

Graphics? For 2004, they were revolutionary, and honestly, they hold up today because everything feels alive. Story? Mysterious and brilliant—like a puzzle box where you only get half the pieces and the rest are hidden in future games Valve refuses to make.

Verdict: A must-play. If you haven’t played it yet, you’re either too young or somehow missed one of gaming’s greatest masterpieces. Just remember: when life gives you lemons, use the gravity gun to throw them at Combine soldiers.

P.S. Still waiting for Half-Life 3. Gabe, we’re all counting on you.

This game is almost a full year younger than me, and it kinda always hovered above my head as one of those games I would eventually be able to play someday. That day did finally come when I gave myself administrative rights on my windows 7 middle school laptop (they never found out somehow,) and played it on Steam with an account I no longer have. Played it again a little bit today for the anniversary while thinking about how this game has at least been involved in some part of almost my entire life up to this point, whether it be me watching youtube let's plays and videos on grandma's XP dell when i was probably 7 years old or something, or finally getting to play it at age 11. Kinda funny. Happy anniversary HL2.

A timeless classic now over two decades old.
Now comes with both episodes 1 and 2 and lost cost, which also works with Garry's Mod,
and workshop support.

Happy 20th Anniversary

Wow, I can't believe I never reviewed this... the game that got it all started (it terms of me learning about Steam and all that).

Excellent game. Virtually flawless. I can't think of a game that was better, although I have some personal preferences that I enjoyed just as much or more. But in terms of objective quality, this may be one of the best games ever.

The best single-player puzzle FPS ever created.
Happy 20th Anniversary!

Yet 20 years later, the GOAT FPS is still relevant and receiving quality updates from the developers.
11/10 a MUST HAVE for any Steam library.

"Half-Life 2" is an absolute masterpiece and a must-play for any fan of first-person shooters. Released by Valve in 2004, this game has stood the test of time with its innovative gameplay, immersive storytelling, and cutting-edge physics engine that was way ahead of its time. Here’s why "Half-Life 2" deserves every bit of its acclaim:

Story & Atmosphere
The story picks up from the cliffhanger ending of the first Half-Life, placing you in the shoes of the silent protagonist, Gordon Freeman. Thrown into a dystopian future where Earth is ruled by an oppressive alien regime known as the Combine, the game expertly combines action with a deep narrative. The world feels bleak, but every location you explore is full of detail, from the ominous City 17 to the eerie Ravenholm. Every NPC interaction and environmental cue enriches the game's immersive atmosphere.

Gameplay & Mechanics
Valve redefined the FPS genre with the innovative use of the Gravity Gun, which allows you to manipulate objects in the environment for both combat and puzzle-solving. The gunplay is tight and satisfying, the AI challenging, and each combat encounter feels intense and strategic. The game strikes a perfect balance between exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, keeping you engaged without feeling repetitive.

Physics & Graphics
For a game from 2004, the physics engine in "Half-Life 2" is remarkably advanced. It was one of the first games to make physics-based gameplay an integral part of the experience, whether you’re stacking objects to reach a ledge or using the Gravity Gun to throw barrels at enemies. The Source Engine also gave the game incredible graphical fidelity for its time, with lighting, facial animations, and textures that still hold up surprisingly well.

Replayability
"Half-Life 2" is a game that invites multiple playthroughs. There’s a lot of freedom in how you tackle each scenario, and the pacing makes it easy to jump back in without feeling lost. Plus, the modding community has produced countless mods, adding fresh content and even entirely new games using the Source Engine.

Conclusion
If you haven’t played "Half-Life 2," you’re missing out on one of the greatest games ever made. Its influence on the gaming industry is monumental, and even after nearly two decades, it remains as enjoyable and captivating as ever.

the game quality, graphics doesn't matter when it comes to the reawaken memories...

One of the best games of all time. Requires thought, expanding upon HL1 had to offer and it's expansions.. Absolutely amazing game. The intro of the game was much more action packed than the first, and it's only continuing to ramp up as I play along. I am so grateful for the 25th anniversary of Half Life, because without the attention that it received, I would have never went and bought them all on sale. Best purchase I have made with a series in a while. Here's hoping the reason they did the 25th anniversary is that Steam plans to release Half Life 3 soon. I'd be all over it. Cannot recommend this game enough. Blew my mind that Counter Strike is a literal mod of Half Life as well. 🤯

I have not played very much of this game, and I can already see why it's so highly regarded; why it's placed on a pedestal of gold and ascended beyond divinity in the eyes of many, who do not just play it, but deeply understand the intricacies of its sheer perfection. Upon starting this game for the first time and feeling myself basking in the glow of my monitor showing the iconic valve logo, with the sound effect that hit my brain in a way I didn't know was possible, I realized what I was in for. The legendary G-Man wasn't just speaking to Gordon Freeman when he said "wake up and smell the ashes," he was speaking truth into my very soul. He was informing me that every moment of my life before this one, when I thought I could possibly understand just how amazing the format of video games was, I had been mistaken. Now that my essence has been felt by true knowledge that in turn allowed me to enter the vast expanse of wonder in this universe, I have come to know the simple truth: this is simply the best use of the format of video games ever. I do not exaggerate when I say that every single person who doesn't experience this purest of storytelling and interactive artistic masterpiece is committing a heinous act against themselves. To never play Half-Life 2 is essentially equivalent to slathering your own body in the filth and plague of centuries past and to then ask to be allowed a seat at the table of normal human conversation is simply ridiculous. Your every keystroke in this game feels as though an unrestricted surge of otherworldly magic is coursing through your flesh and soul at once and connecting your being to that of Gabe Newell himself. Every mouse click and gunshot in this game is the equivalent to one hundred thousand of the most hedonistic, orgasmic pleasures known to any creature within one hundred decillion cubic light years. The cosmic high of immensely intoxicating positive energy gifted to us by a single screenshot of this game is enough to prevent the heat death of every universe. Valve, i know it sounds like a lot to live up to, your past has been so perfect you can never top it, but if you make a Half-Life 3 that's anywhere close to decent, it will be perfect too just by association. You know what must be done. Thank you.

From the moment you start the game, you're greeted with a gritty and dystopian world to explore. The game's setting is a bleak future where Earth has been invaded and occupied by an alien force known as the Combine. You play as Gordon Freeman, a theoretical physicist who's been tasked with leading the resistance against the Combine.

The gameplay is a blend of action and puzzle-solving, with a variety of weapons and tools at your disposal. You'll need to use your wits and your reflexes to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies.

But Half-Life 2 isn't just about shooting and puzzle-solving. The game's narrative is a highlight, with a deep and engaging story that explores themes of resistance, oppression, and the human spirit. The game's characters are well-written and well-acted, with standout performances from Valve's own voice actors.

And for those who enjoy a more challenging experience, the game's difficulty curve is steep, with tough enemies and challenging puzzles that will test your skills as a gamer.

The game's physics engine is also a highlight, with realistic physics and environmental interactions that make every encounter feel unique. You can use the game's physics to your advantage, such as using explosives to blow open doors or using gravity guns to manipulate objects.

So if you're a fan of first-person shooters and want a sci-fi adventure that combines action, puzzle-solving, and a deep narrative, then Half-Life 2 is the game for you. With its gritty and dystopian world, challenging gameplay, and engaging story, this game is a must-play for any fan of the genre. Just be prepared for a thrilling and sometimes intense journey into a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction.

The best game I ever played PEAK gameplay and atmosphere

I love this game a lot I bought it with the orange box on the steam deck but unfortunately when I got to the chapter follow freedom on the strider it suddenly crashed the game so I’m gonna try and beat them still but pls give me some advice for the steam deck on half life still a great game thought 👍

I played the first one way back in the day and only playing this one for the first time at the end of 2024. Man does it hold up. I haven't had this much fun with too many games on the PS4/PS5 era. This game was released 20 years ago and is better than 90% of the games out since then.

This game is nearly 20 years old. Despite its age, this is one of those games that has set a high standard on how modern games should be made. From story telling, game play, and interaction with the environment, most modern games have struggled or gave up on tying together these fundamental elements and have instead focused on either graphics, 'politics', or both. The graphics from Half Life 2 may not be visually up to par to today's standards, but they nailed the fundamentals so well that a modern player can look past these old graphics and still enjoy this masterpiece 20 years later.
I typically don't play or recommend mature games, but this one deserves an exception.

God blessed Valve when they made this masterpiece. I love the setting, the gameplay, the characters, EVERYTHING. I wish I could live in post-apocalyptic Eastern Europe.

Игра отличная, с крутой на то время физикой ( сейчас тоже крутяк)
Но я не понимаю...
Как какой-то тип с монтировкой вырезал весь альянс с которым не справился весь мир?

This game is fun. It looks excellent to me in 2024(Im especially impressed with the water playing it back) and I really enjoy the slightly ominous story that kind of lurks in the background. I never really understood it back in the day. But playing it again as an adult theres so much to find. A little patience can go a long way in this game.

A lovely classic. Came to this nearly 20 years after release and it still plays very well. Much better mechanics and gameplay than the original half life from a modern perspective.

Absolutely amazing game, highly recommend! Has great story but not boring and is a great sequel!

Nothing beats preforming an accelerated backhop across Highway 17, and watching the combine soldiers stare in awe as Gordon's throbbing hard crowbar breaks their weird synthetic hips

freemanizer's review

Still great today - suspenseful, action packed and a post-apocalyptic vibe.

Again, all valve games are the best games... play this game! trust me you wont regret it, but play half life or Black Mesa first. so you can get more comfortable in Gordon's place, I mean, HEV Suit. you will understand Half Life 2 more if you go back and play the prequel.

Definetily the best and most phenomenal game for the 2004 year. The story, soundtrack and atmosphere is awesome and combat is still feeling good and satisfying.

"Half-Life 2 is like a long—awaited meeting with a friend who always brings with him a lot of problems and a few mutants. You start the game with the fact that you are literally thrown into a world where every second person has their own version of 'Stalker' and they all want to kill you. What for? I don't know, but it seems to be their hobby!
Graphics? She's so good that I started to suspect that my old video games were just jealous. Every time I see physics in a game, it feels like I'm looking at magic: 'Oh, look, I can throw a crate at a zombie's head! This is scientific progress!'
What about Gordon Freeman? This guy is a real hero! He is silent as if he has a secret contract with lipstick manufacturers: 'Don't say a word, just look mysterious!' I would also be silent if I was constantly surrounded by aliens and soldiers who clearly do not read the labels 'Do not touch!'.
And, of course, who can forget about the famous airship? It's like if you decide to have a picnic on the roof, but instead of food you only have bombs and a couple of zombies. 'Hey guys, who has spare buns?'
In general, 'Half-Life 2' is a game that makes you laugh and cry at the same time. If you want to spend time with your best friends (possibly dead), experience the forces of physics and realize that life can be even stranger than your morning hair, then this game is for you!

P.S. Don't forget: if you see a giant ant, run. Just run!"




"Half-Life 2 — это как долгожданная встреча с другом, который всегда приносит с собой кучу проблем и немного мутантов. Вы начинаете игру с тем, что вас буквально выбрасывают в мир, где у каждого второго есть собственная версия 'Сталкера' и все они хотят вас убить. Зачем? Не знаю, но, похоже, это их хобби!

Графика? Она такая хорошая, что я начал подозревать, что мои старые видеоигры просто завидуют. Каждый раз, когда я вижу физику в игре, мне кажется, что я смотрю на магию: 'О, смотрите, я могу бросить ящик в голову зомби! Это же научный прогресс!'

А как насчет Гордона Фримена? Этот парень — настоящий герой! Он молчит так, будто у него есть секретный контракт с производителями губной помады: 'Не говори ни слова, просто смотри загадочно!' Я бы тоже молчал, если бы меня постоянно окружали инопланетяне и солдаты, которые явно не читают этикетки 'Не трогать!'.

И, конечно же, кто может забыть о знаменитом воздушном корабле? Это как если бы вы решили устроить пикник на крыше, но вместо еды у вас только бомбы и пару зомби. 'Эй, ребята, у кого есть запасные булочки?'

В общем, 'Half-Life 2' — это игра, которая заставляет вас смеяться и плакать одновременно. Если вы хотите провести время с лучшими друзьями (возможно, мертвыми), испытать силы физики и понять, что жизнь может быть еще более странной, чем ваши утренние волосы, то эта игра для вас!

P.S. Не забывайте: если увидите гигантский муравьев — бегите. Просто бегите!"

Half-Life 2, выпущенная в 2004 году, остается одной из самых значимых и влиятельных игр современности. Эта игра опередила свое время на десятилетия и до сих пор остается эталоном в жанре шутеров.
Графика и физика:
Графика в Half-Life 2 поражает воображение даже сегодня. Игра выглядит настолько современно, что многие современные игры могут позавидовать ее детализации и качеству изображения. Физика в игре также на высоте: можно поднимать и манипулировать мелкими предметами, такими как доски и бочки, что добавляет реализма и глубины игровому процессу.
Сюжет и атмосфера:
Сюжет в Half-Life 2 подается через короткие реплики NPC и окружение. Атмосфера антиутопии, созданная сценаристами, настолько наглядна, что ты легко дорисовываешь картину в своей голове. Фразы NPC всегда короткие и точные, что позволяет игроку всегда быть в курсе событий, не теряя динамики шутера.
Искусственный интеллект и сложность:
Враги в Half-Life 2 видят тебя на том же расстоянии, что и ты их. Они прячутся, перезаряжаются и окружают, что делает бои более реалистичными и сложными. Сложность сбалансирована таким образом, что большинство трудных участков прохождения ты будешь завершать с небольшим количеством ХП и патронов, что добавляет элемент вызова и интереса.
Загадки и головоломки:
Загадки в игре основаны на физике и легки, но их задача не проверить твой интеллект, а разнообразить геймплей. Они позволяют перевести дух и почувствовать, что перед тобой боевик-путешествие, а не тупой тир.
Заключение:
Half-Life 2 остается одной из лучших игр современности благодаря своей потрясающей графике, захватывающему сюжету, сбалансированной сложности и атмосферности. Игра предлагает уникальный опыт, который до сих пор не может повторить ни одна другая игра. Если ты любишь шутеры и хочешь окунуться в мир научной фантастики, Half-Life 2 – это твой выбор

Simply the best game I had ever played.
No game has conclsivly impressed me as much as this game did.
I played it back when it game out and I still do sometimes, because its a masterpiece!

Not just the game-craft and storytelling but the coding is so clean that it played as smooth as velvet pancakes, even on my old potato.


I am still waiting to get a big budget blockbuster movie trilogy of this amazing scify story. Maybe one day..

20 years later and still very influential, detailed, and impressive for it's time. Even though the gameplay is a bit dated, it fits so well once you get into the game's flow more.

Great game. I enjoy how its half shooter half puzzle. Amazing storyline. Would recommend.

A good game even for today's standards. Falls short to HL1 thou.
Does a lot of things well but it does some others badly.
The world feels quite empty, the map is not nearly as good as HL1. Feels influenced by counter-strike.
There is some chapters that are amazing and others feel boring. Not the best balance.
The enemy variety is a bit scarce and once you get the gravity gun the crowbar is useless.
It doesn't feel like telling a story. What the heck happened.
Wants to be an action movie, a Sci-fi movie, all at the same time.
Commanding the squads is annoying, they get in the way all the time, very clunky.
There are some really good moments and situations to overcome.
All in all I recommend the experience, the price is fair, and I enjoyed playing it, again :)

An absolute classic that deserves to be played by everyone. Of course, some parts of it didn't age too well, but it was overall a fun experience and even featured a couple of nice physics-based puzzles. They had some great ideas back in the day ^^

Achievements

Buy this game if you want to experience funny stuff in the Source 1 Engine or enjoy this game. However be aware that sometimes you will have visual glitches like HDR turning off randomly which means you have to restart the game or try to fix it but i recommend this game alot if you want to beat it in 2 days like me. Don't try that though just for the sake of your health!!

Its fun! Its a Classic! And it's considerably EASY COMPARED TO THE LAST FUCKING GAME WHICH MADE ME WANT TO BLOW MY GODDAMN BRAINS OUT ALL OVER THE FUCKING WALL BEHIND ME!
yeah man if you wanna experience the era in which Valve was actually a great company, play this series!

very good game i like but sometimes it can turn into a puzzle game and you can get softlocked (blue forcefields) like i did which prevents me from finishing the game.. anyways good game if you know what youre doing

It's a true masterpiece, 100/10. It is a game that you must play at least once in your life.

I understand why people are so fanatic for This game, this series and the episodes, I just dont think they hold up too well 20 years later and thats okay.

The theming for the world is really interesting, i just dont find the moment to moment gameplay very satisfying in the way Portal or even a TF2 or CS does. The characters are fine and lines are delivered in a way that suits but never rocked my socks.
The Episodes continue to build on the moment to moment but still just couldnt do it for me.
Honestly, the best expirence ive had with the series is Alyx, and thats past the VR expirence.
As is, HL2 is a fine game long past its time an while its engine and physics mechanics, much like the in game storytelling of HL1 were monumental to the FPS genre, I just dont fin them holding up - especially when the fanbase, like all overwhelming and occasionally obnoxious fanbases (Looking at you Undertale, Life is Strange and Portal) just cant let go.

Oh HL series. What a great gift for anyone who loves shooter games. I am not a shooter fan nor a hater. This speaks to me!
(though I played the "Update" version)

It's so unreal
Didn't look out below
Watch the time go right out the window
Tryin' to hold on, did-didn't even know
I wasted it all just to watch you go

I kept everything inside and even though I tried
It all fell apart
What it meant to me will eventually
Be a memory of a time when-

I tried so hard and got so far
But in the end, it doesn't even matter
I had to fall to lose it all
But in the end, it doesn't even matter

Incredible game, that aged well and is totally worth playing after 20 years, the sound and design of this game(except for textures) are on top.

In my opinion, this is the greatest game of all time. My play hours don't reflect it because I used to play alot back in the day offline and nowdays I play the game using MMOD so my playtime isn't tracked. but it's a game that I revisit normally. Along with Black Mesa(Half-Life 1) and the two Portal games, the lore on display here is some of the most well thought out and intriguing lore one could experience across any form of media. The gunplay is absolutely sublime, graphics still look amazing, the physics are still the best in the business, and the atmosphere of this game is unchallenged. It sticks in your head for a while, whether it's your first time beating it, or your 5th time around, it always sticks with you and gets you thinking, and the lore is left just ambiguous enough for a lot of aspects of the story to be open to interpretation. Amazing characters, amazing weapons, and the holy grail of level design. Steam exists because of this game, and so many other games grew out of HL2, it is one of a kind and a must play for anyone with even a slight interest in gaming. The king of the boomer shooters.