Half-Life is an older game. But it's regarded as a classic to this day. With it's unique design, and needing to use your head as well as the rooty tooty point 'n shooty. The classic had a few faults, but there is a surprising number of people that still play the game!
Prepare yourselves, readers. Looks like you're in the barrel today. As for me? Well, I got to find my files. You go on ahead, yeah. No danger at all...
Graphics: 6/10
The graphics for this game are...outdated, to say the least. Granted that this game was made in 1998, I'd say it looks pretty good. It's on-par with N64 and probably PS1 games actually. It hasn't aged too well, but it's still a decent game. The aliens look creepy, the HECU Marines look threatening, and the scientists...are the same 4 people over and over again. And probably the worst looking of our bunch. But at least they have one thing going for them, the security guards are all the same person.
Although they look better than the scientists...
The backgrounds and environments look great also, but haven't aged that gracefully either. But they capture the feeling of being trapped in a huge, cold, laboratory that meets NONE of the local building codes.
The deserts outside the lab look a little bit better, but the rocks are probably the worst texture you'll find in the game. The final area, however, arguably looks the best, although the factory section is really easy to get lost in because ALL THE WALLS LOOK THE SAME! *Ragequits*
Sound: 7/10
*loads saved game*
There isn't many times when background music plays, but oh man...It's AWESOME! Even by today's standards, this game has some great music! Until you die, that is, then the music stops...
The sound effects range from "Fantastic" to "Lackluster". The aliens would be an example of some good sound effects. So would be the scientist's lines in the beginning, and a few other areas. The HECU, Barny the
Mall Cop Security Guard, and the scientist's hurt sound effects would be the bad part of the spectrum. It's a mixture of both good and bad. But it doesn't hurt the game TOO much, since you're going to be by yourself most of the time. Or...will you?!
Addictiveness: 9/10
This game is pretty addictive. It's a TON of fun! Well, in the "Power Up" and "On a Rail" chapters get pretty dull. But if anything, keep playing to get through those boring chapters as fast as you can! Hehe, anyway, the rest of the game however is very addictive. It's little things like the strategic fights, hitting the wall with your crowbar, using said crowbar to hand-to-hand dual an enemy, and blowing up the occasional scientist...
Another thing, mods. That's why this game is still widely popular. It's ridiculous mods.
Story: 7/10
The story is pretty good. Definitely different than most games. And a huge sidestep from shooters even to this day. As in, not knowing the "Why" behind it are big parts to the game's atmosphere. You're only a scientist who tried to do his job. Who knows why these aliens are attacking everyone. Or what's with those chains and bracelets on them...And who knows what's up with those HECU guys. They're here to help right?...Riiiiiiiight? WAIT THAT'S POINTED AT ME!
Of course, the sequel (barely), and later exposition help clear up what's going on. ]One of the few ultimately loose ends are about that shady looking guy with the briefcase. What does he want? Why is he following you?
Depth: 3/10
There wasn't much depth to this game. Aside from the occasional hidden room with extra health, batteries, and ammo. It's actually one of the more linear games I've played. Even by an FPS's standards. It's a lot of hallways, then a bigger room that leads into another hallway. But at least it gives you that sense of escape that the game tries to convey. This game, as fun as it is, is about as deep as a hot tub.
Difficulty: 6/10
The difficulty slowly progresses throughout the game. At least the game changes to reflect this, which I like. As more and more aliens enter our world, and the military gets more and more supplies, and you get closer to a sweet escape.
And the controls are pretty smooth. It, like lots of PC games control with; WASD, space bar to jump, and left click to fire. The right click isn't really used, except for with a few weapons (Firing the shotgun's nonexistent second barrel, zooming in on the crossbow, and charging up the radiation blaster).
The enemies are actually pretty smart. They work in teams, take cover, and sometimes retreat. It doesn't sound like much, but in most games the enemies are basically goomba with weapons, so it's a weird experience. Each enemy is a legitimate threat no matter how overpowered you feel. It's almost like, *gasp* you're just one person!
This could go in Depth also, but this relies more into combat. You see, your HEV (Hazardous Environment) Suit has a battery charge. When it has power, it will absorb most damage you take at the cost of power. You will take only a small amount of your own health with it charged. And when you run out, you'll find that these baddies hurt a LOT more than you thought. I like that you need to keep a watch on it, and how you'll need to think of a plan before taking on a group of enemies.
The game is a lot of fun. Sure it has it's problems, but it's mostly from not quite gracefully aging. It's the first in a series that has a pretty interesting story to it. And, it spawned the Portal series, you gotta at least appreciate THAT! So, get it if you're into alien blasting action with a bit of thought put into it also. It also started Valve as a successful game company, and without them, Steam, and this forum wouldn't exist. In perspective, it's almost like Super Mario Brothers for Nintendo. Only this is Valve's revolutionary beginning.
Overall: 7.8/10
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