It isn’t perfect but it is a damn fine game even almost seventeen years after it’s initial release at the time of writing this. It actually fixed many of the issues I had with the original as well as get even better in other areas. It actually fixed many of the issues I had with the original as well as get even better Half-Life 2 managed to do things that few sequels do. Half-Life 2 managed to do things that few sequels do. And a lot of people - people he cares about - are counting on him. Freeman is thrust into the unenviable role of rescuing the world from the wrong he unleashed back at Black Mesa. The player again picks up the crowbar of research scientist Gordon Freeman, who finds himself on an alien-infested Earth being picked to the bone, its resources depleted, its populace dwindling. Summary: By taking the suspense, challenge and visceral charge of the original, and adding startling new realism and responsiveness, Half-Life 2 opens the door to a world where the player's presence affects everything around him, from the physical environment By taking the suspense, challenge and visceral charge of the original, and adding startling new realism and responsiveness, Half-Life 2 opens the door to a world where the player's presence affects everything around him, from the physical environment to the behaviors - even the emotions - of both friends and enemies.