Half-Life 2 Review: Score, Pros and Cons (2004)

Half-Life 2, released in 2004, continued Gordon Freeman's story in a totalitarian city. Its physics-based puzzles, vehicle sections and seamless storytelling made it one of the most influential single-player shooters.

What works

The gravity gun and physics objects create inventive combat and puzzles.
The story unfolds without breaking the flow of play.
Level design balances open spaces, vehicles and tight corridors.

What does not

Some later sections are linear, and the ending leaves many questions.

Category	Score
Gameplay and shooting	9.5/10
Visuals and sound	9/10
Content and modes	9/10
Multiplayer and community	6/10
Value for money	9/10

Our scores are editorial ratings out of 10, based on each game's design and reported features. They are not a record of hands-on play sessions on this site.

Who should play it

Anyone who enjoys story-driven shooters and clever physics gameplay.

Verdict

A benchmark for single-player shooters with lasting influence. Our score: 9.5 out of 10.

Tips for the physics puzzles

Look around each area before you act, because many puzzles use objects you can pick up with the gravity gun. Use barrels and crates to block enemies or create platforms, and experiment when a route looks blocked. The game rewards curiosity, and some of the best moments come from trying an unusual solution.

Story and world

City 17 feels lived in because of small details in its streets, posters and conversations. Pay attention to the characters you meet, since the story builds gradually and the environment often tells you more than the dialogue does.