Half-Life: Source

Graphics aside, this game is just super medicore as hell. Textures not updated, Weapon textures kinda looking ugly, NPCs going thru walls and all that. You're better off playing the original instead.

I feel like this game doesn't get the recognition and support it deserves.

Things I like about it:
#1 because this is Source, we had things like Freeman's Mind, or HL:VRAI
we wouldn't have that without this game

#2 this game has graphics that I enjoy

#3 it has an actual physics engine, allowing for more interactivity

#4 technically, this is a hl2 mod, which gives it a smaller file size

#5 cool ragdoll physics and better blood & water effects

#6 you can play it in gmod and get half-life addons for it

#7 Half-Life: Source Fixed

Things I dislike about this game:

#1 even though theres a physics engine, you can't pick up anything (props to Black Mesa)

#2 This game barely even uses the physics engine Source came with

#3 It's not free

#4 The moment in Residue Processing where the skybox glitches into the map

#5 AI is buggy, like really buggy

Even though theres a lot more things about this game, it still deserves some praise.

I feel like it's overhated.

you only really will use this for GMOD just for the assets, mainly because no one has fucking uploaded better ragdolls on the workshop, as you already know you shouldn't play it blah blah blah, go play hl1 or black mesa

This may be controversial but I'd still recommend this after playing all the other games and expansions like a million times over if you're bored. I didn't encounter any major bugs and managed to finish it.

very bad experience! i cant get any controllers to work and even when i try to use community layouts they are blank and dont even load or register! if anyone knows why my controller layouts wont work for this game that would be amazing!

play if you like bugs.
they're funny

I enjoy the funny ragdolls even though this game isnt as good as the original. Also its still half life.

this remake nice, but its so bugged, better buy a black mesa, its really beatiful remake. but hl source did added "chosing lvls in start" like in hl 2

this game is the best story game ever tbh, its SOOOO GOOOOD

In a post 25th Anniversary update and Black Mesa world this version of the game just feels kinda useless? its buggy, uses fanmade HD assets that you can just find on gamebanana, and for some reason it cost the same as standard HL1 and Black Mesa on sale?

best thing this thing has going for it is ragdolls and the Gmod assets

Good remake, actually has ammo CVARs, better commands, is in source, but fixes nearly (if not) nothing from the original. This adds ZERO captions, which is a bummer, and even still has some from hl2 left inside the files. Also good for GMod. Has EVERY half life 2 map in the files (but not episodes)
5/10

I got this through the Valve complete pack a long time ago. Gotta say, its pretty ass. I can only really see it being used if you want to experiment with bringing your Goldsrc mods to Source but even then, thats a stretch. I mean it is funny sometimes to see how messed up this game is, but most of the time its just frustrating. Yes I am aware of mods that attempt to fix the game but even then, I really don't think Half-Life: Source is genuinely worth your money or your time. However I will go to say, it does have GMod support which could be really fun! HLVRAI was made using the GMod support version which is pretty damn funny. But unless you really have plans to use this in GMod, I really don't recommend it.

There's a lot to unpack here. Get the GoldSrc version and play that instead.

This game used to be a great source remaster but has been breaking down due to neglect by valve, if you want a good half life remaster in source I recommend playing black mesa, it is more expensive than this but has much more care and just feels like more than a ctrl+c ctrl+v.

this game is so bad i wann cicumzize my self with a butter knife

This game is unfortunately inferior to the original game. It has many visual glitches, and if I remember correctly even has some gameplay jank. If you want to experience Half Life, just get the original game, and only get this game if you find it in a bundle or if you want the Half Life content in Gmod.

🎯 Rating: 7.8/10

📜 Overview
Half-Life: Source is a remastered version of the critically acclaimed first-person shooter Half-Life developed by Valve. Released in 2004, it was built on the Source engine, the same technology behind Half-Life 2. This version retains the core gameplay of the original but updates the graphics and physics, offering improved visuals, more realistic lighting, and better overall performance. Although Half-Life: Source does not introduce major changes to the game's content, it serves as a modernized version for newer systems, giving both old fans and newcomers an updated experience of the classic.

🌟 Pros
✅ Enhanced Graphics – Thanks to the Source engine, the game features improved textures, lighting effects, and character models, making the visuals much more appealing than the original.
✅ Improved Physics – The Source engine's physics system brings more realistic interactions to the world, such as the manipulation of objects and interactions with the environment.
✅ Nostalgic Appeal – Half-Life: Source preserves the core experience of the original game, making it perfect for players who want to relive the classic Half-Life story with modernized features.
✅ Performance Improvements – The game runs more efficiently on modern hardware, providing smoother performance compared to the original version.

⚠️ Cons
❌ Minor Changes – While the visuals and physics are updated, the game itself remains very similar to the original Half-Life, with no new content or significant gameplay changes.
❌ Aged Gameplay – Although revolutionary at the time, the gameplay mechanics can feel dated compared to modern FPS games, especially with the rise of more complex shooters.
❌ AI Limitations – The AI can feel basic, and enemies often follow predictable patterns, which may lack the sophistication found in more recent titles.
❌ Limited Multiplayer – Half-Life: Source has limited multiplayer options compared to more modern shooters, which might affect long-term replayability.

💬 Player Sentiment
Positive Reviews: Players who appreciate Half-Life’s legacy and enjoy experiencing the game with modern enhancements praise the improved visuals and smoother gameplay. It’s considered a great way to revisit the classic game with updated performance.

Negative Reviews: Criticisms are often directed at the lack of substantial changes to the core gameplay, and some players feel the Source version doesn't significantly improve upon the original enough to justify the re-release.

🎯 Target Audience

Fans of the Half-Life series looking to experience the game with modernized graphics and smoother performance.
Newcomers to Half-Life who want to experience the game with better visuals.
Gamers who enjoy nostalgic first-person shooters and are looking for a simpler, story-driven experience.
🏆 Rating Breakdown
🎮 Gameplay: 7.5/10
🎨 Graphics & Art Style: 8/10
🔄 Replayability: 7/10
⚙️ Mechanics & Balance: 7.5/10
👥 Community & Support: 7/10
Overall Experience: 7.8/10

🎯 Final Verdict
Half-Life: Source provides a polished version of the classic Half-Life experience, enhancing the game’s visuals and physics while staying faithful to the original. It’s a great way for longtime fans to revisit the game or for newcomers to experience it with modernized features. However, the lack of major gameplay changes and limited multiplayer options may deter those seeking a fresh take on the classic.

For what it was back in the day, it's very good. The story can be compelling at a few points and the possibilities for the engine (my fav part was the bombing airstrike screen with the dead soldier guy next to it) are fun, but modern shooters can run laps around this game. Fun for the gameplay although if you're not that experienced of a g a m e r you might be saving often bc this game can be unforgiving

I don't even have to play it to know it's ass. I have literally played the leaked beta more than this and I don't even know how long I have played it for.

While nowadays only existing as an odd blemish on Valve's record and useful for HL1 based content being made for Source, Half-Life: Source was an attempt to see how well GoldSource maps, assets, and AI ported to Source. The result was a very mixed package; this game paved the way for a vast expansion of HL1 related content for Garry's Mod and Half-Life 2 but it grew incredibly buggy through many Source Engine updates and the infamous Steampipe update, and it was underwhelming given it was touted as a remaster of sorts. Nowadays not even Valve wants us to play it, having unlisted it from Steam, so the only way to purchase is by grabbing the HL:S DM bundle with the base game.

On the flipside, when HL:S was delisted was also when Valve pulled out their wonderful Half-Life 25th Anniversary update which fixed many issues and brought the Steam version closer to the original disk release of 1998. Valve has effectively abandoned Half-Life: Source, and for good reason.

"We now consider this anniversary version of Half-Life to be the definitive version, and the one we'll continue to support going forward." - Valve in their address of reducing visibility of Half-Life: Source to focus on the original Half-Life, on their 25th Anniversary Update website.

Half Life but with some added physics & enemy ragdolls, which was really cool.
But it is buggier than the original and I liked the looks of the original better.

I'd recommend just playing the normal Half Life.

This game is simply just a waste of time and money, considering half-life 1, the original, is available for cheaper. Don't buy this.

Great game. I personally didn't find any bugs. The graphics are pretty much the same as in OG Half-Life, except water - the water is a lot more realistic. If you love Half-Life, this is a great way to replay it.

some areas are buggy as hell, most of it is playable normally up until residue processing (edit: its fine past residue processing idk why people complain)

Really, this game isn't as bad as people think. The "freshly mopped sopping wet floors, and newly polished weapons," is the entire point the game was made! And hey, the flashlight is an actual flashlight now. Not just some weird spotlight which ruins moving in dark vents. While the shiny crowbar does indeed look terrible, everything else looks amazing! But I'll warn you that the first time I picked up the crowbar, the view-model didn't show up. When I gave myself all the weapons with cheats to try and fix the issue, shooting the tau cannon ended up crashing my game. MULTIPLE TIMES. But if you don't agree with my opinion there's a valid point I have to make about this game; it's still Half-Life. While it's buggy, and has a love or hate relationship with most people. I still love it, because at the end of the day, it's still Half-Life. One of the best games of all time.

just play black mesa.
it's more stable, it has workshop support, and it's better overall.

Blah blah, the game is a bad port, blah blah, play the original version.
All jokes aside, Half-Life: Source is not as bad as people make it out to be. As long as you install the fan fix, it's not that bad. Plus, you get funny ragdolls.
Also, it's the only way to play Half-Life 1 on Garry's Mod.
Just, please... play the original version first.

This game suck ass this one big cash grab don't touch it!
better play the orignal half life than this sh!t

play if: A- You are gonna install hls fixed or B- you enjoy laughing at the most cursed broken shit you've ever seen

This is genuinely one of the worst games I have never played. There is so many issues with bugs, glitches and ect. I have kept trying to play this game despite it but it has gotten to a point I have to call it quits this game is udder garbage I'm shocked it was even created even some of the bosses don't do damage in this trash landfill of a game. I even got trapped in one section where the elevator doesn't spawn and I couldn't do anything but restart the whole game from scratch and even that didn't help I had to look up videos just so I could use codes to fix issues that shouldn't be in the game in the first place. This game is no worth the purchase in the slightest.

I only like this game because it is easy to mess around in (and the bugs are kinda funny lmao)

Rating: 7/10

Half-Life: Source, released in 2004 by Valve, is an enhanced version of the original 1998 masterpiece, running on the Source engine. While it aimed to improve the visuals, physics, and water effects, it failed to live up to expectations, making it a divisive version among fans.

Despite still delivering the legendary Half-Life experience, this remaster feels more like a rushed port than a true upgrade.

What Works Well?
🧪 Same Brilliant Gameplay as Half-Life
At its core, Half-Life: Source is still Half-Life—one of the most influential FPS games ever made. The engaging story, immersive atmosphere, and smart enemy AI remain intact, making this version playable and enjoyable.

🌊 Improved Water Effects and Physics
The transition to the Source engine brings better physics (thanks to Havok) and improved water reflections, which make certain areas look more modern compared to the 1998 original.

🖥️ Smoother Performance and Native Support
Half-Life: Source runs natively on modern systems, avoiding the compatibility issues that can arise with the original GoldSrc version. Higher resolutions and widescreen support are also a plus.

The Problems with Half-Life: Source
❌ Barely Any Real Graphical Upgrade
Despite running on Source, most textures, models, and lighting effects remain unchanged from 1998. This makes it feel less like a true remaster and more like a basic port with minimal effort.

❌ Buggy AI and Broken Scripted Sequences
Some of Half-Life’s iconic scripted moments don’t work properly in Half-Life: Source, breaking immersion. Enemies and NPCs sometimes behave worse than in the original, which is unacceptable for an "improved" version.

❌ No High-Definition (HD) Model Pack
Unlike Half-Life’s official 1999 update, which introduced better character and weapon models, Half-Life: Source lacks these HD assets—making it feel graphically inferior to an older update of the game.

❌ Black Mesa Exists
If you want to experience Half-Life with Source engine upgrades, Black Mesa (a fan-made, Valve-approved remake) is a far superior alternative with fully reworked graphics, animations, and improved gameplay mechanics.

Conclusion
Half-Life: Source is not a bad way to play Half-Life, but it's also not the best. If you want the original experience, the GoldSrc version is more authentic. If you want a true Source engine remake, Black Mesa is the better choice.

🔹 Rating: 7/10 – Still a great game, but an underwhelming remaster.

i don't understand why people hate this game so much like yes i get it the bugs suck but you can just fix them with some mods its not that big of a problem it only takes like what 10 minutes to set it up (depending on your WiFi speed)
it is a good game excluding the bugs

the time old classic game of years past. is now bad! enjoy as the game rusts and crusts around you. Witness the strange and bizaree effects of virtual insanity as the game bends and breaks. Look! weird water. Oh jeez. That's the least of his problems. Oh well! theres other games.

An unkept port of a beloved classic disowned by it's developer, but if you're reading this, you probably already knew that. It has some cool stuff like pretty water and ragdolls, but the bugs that have slowly been introduced due to updates to the Source engine, without any proper upkeep on this port, vastly outweigh what cool things it has to offer. Play the original.

All my hours on the game is because I'm stuck loading in, to the MENU. Can't even play the game haha

Beat the game, and I would absolutely recommend it! It's a good, hard game. Valve did an amazing job.
The movement is very sensitive, that's my only real problem with it.

Immersive single player. Awesome story. Solid gameplay. Classic.

Really just a buggy version of good 'ol HL. Cool thing to play around with, has all the perks coming from source engine. Don't really expect much from this. I'd recommend You buying this when on sale. Can't really say it's as bad as people say.

game may suck, but its fun to mess around with all the glitches and jankiness

this was my first experience with a half-life game and i had a great time playing through it i don't understand why people hate it so much. it does have plenty of bugs and glitches though

When it comes to broken messes, this game is great. Fun to laugh at, I say. But for what is meant to be a ""remaster"" of Half Life 1, a groundbreaking FPS, this is unacceptable. If you want a paid joke? Great. If you want a good game? Please, for the love of god, look ANYWHERE ELSE.

honestly it's hilarious how bad the game can become. great gmod dlc tho

This release of Half-Life 1 is absolutely terrible, I'd rather play Sonic 2006 instead of this crap.
Terrible Collision, Terrible sound usage, glitches, bugs, floating npcs

This is the worst Half-Life I've ever played, and I only played 3 of them

Well, I finally got around to playing this game after hearing about it for years and years. It was extremely good. Fun weapons, traversal, slight puzzle solving, lotta fun guns, well spaced ammo and health pickups. I'm sure everything has already been said about it, since it's been out for 25 years, but goddamn, Valve knows how to make a good game. Very excited to get into Half Life 2 and eventually Alyx.

It's not really an upgrade from the original game, especially considering that it has a ton of bugs and weird stuff floatig around.
It was nice replaying Half-Life but if you want to play a real remake I'd recomend Black Mesa.

This game is a staple of steam, valve, and gaming itself. It created other great games like counter strike, portal, left 4 dead, team fortress, and so much more. This version is a LOT better than the horrid "goldsrc remake"

It's not recommended per se, but if you're patient, you can download a mod that fixes all the bugs in this port:

https://www.moddb.com/mods/half-life-source-fixed

Anyway, the port has no point in existing, so it's only recommended if you're not familiar with the GoldSource experience, but if you're not familiar with it, it's best not to try it.

I've been playing this game series for 23 years, since the first game here came out on PS2 in 2001. I was a boy when it came out in 1998, but didn't actually get around to it until 2001 when I was older. I highly recommend this series for the survival horror enthusiast. It is a fantastic FPS game. The story behind it too is very deep. Nostalgia.

What once was an inferior port with a couple improvements that did not outweigh the introduced issues, Half-Life Source is now an outdated inferior port after the 2023 Anniversary Update added to the original Half-Life what improvements HL1 Source gave along with delisting it. If you somehow made it to the HL1 Source store page, you could instead buy the original game for the same price and get a better and faithful experience.