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Half-Life 2

Half-Life 2

Reawakened from stasis in the occupied metropolis of City 17, Gordon Freeman is joined by Alyx Vance as he leads a desperate human resistance. Experience the landmark first-person shooter packed with immersive world-building, boundary-pushing physics, and exhilarating combat.

98%
Overwhelmingly Positive
DeveloperValve
PublisherValve
Release DateNov 16, 2004
$9.99
Peak Players64.1K
Metacritic96
Controllerfull
PlatformsWindows · Linux
Action
AI Review Summary

Half-Life 2 is a landmark first-person shooter celebrated for its revolutionary physics-based gameplay, immersive storytelling, and enduring atmosphere. While some modern players find the vehicle segments and early-game pacing dated, it remains a foundational title that many consider one of the greatest games of all time.

Pros

  • Revolutionary physics-based gameplay and the iconic Gravity Gun provide a unique combat experience.95%
  • Immersive storytelling and memorable characters that set a high standard for the FPS genre.90%
  • The Source engine and graphics hold up remarkably well even decades after release.85%
  • Exceptional atmosphere and world-building that seamlessly continues the legacy of the first game.80%
  • Excellent value for money, offering a substantial campaign that often exceeds 15 hours.75%

Cons

  • Pacing issues in the first half, particularly regarding long and sometimes tedious vehicle sequences.60%
  • Physics-based puzzles can feel repetitive or simple by modern standards.50%
  • Certain segments, such as the beach levels with sand-dwelling enemies, are described as annoying.40%
  • Control issues like slow turning speeds can occasionally hinder the gameplay experience for some users.30%

Notable Mentions

  • Strongly linked to the popularity of Garry's Mod and the wider Valve ecosystem.
  • Frequently available at an extremely low price point during Steam sales.
  • Maintains a high level of playability on modern hardware including the Steam Deck.
Confidence: 55%
Based on the 200 most relevant reviewsGenerated on Jul 10, 2026
Game Vitals

Live snapshot

Player Activity

Current peak
2.1K
Peak · last 90 days
2.9K
All-time peak
64.1K

Price

Current price
$9.99
Lowest tracked
$1.99since Nov 23, 2025

Review Sentiment

Launch week
—
Last 30 days
97%
All-time positive
98%
Review Statistics
Total Reviews278.7K
Positive: 272.0K (98%)Negative: 6.7K (2%)

3%

Reviews from Steam Deck

0%

Dev Response Rate

32h

Avg Playtime at Review

80%

Credible Reviews