Half-Life 1: Worth It?

[Dramus]

So, I finally got around to playing those Half-Life games that came for free with my purchase of Portal, and (shocker) though they were really excellent. I'm really intrigued by the story, and want to go and play the first Half-Life to learn more about the world. However, it's an old game, and old games sometimes age really poorly. So, I'm asking you, the Escapist community: is Half-Life still a game worth playing today? If so, where might I go to purchase it (if at all possible I'd like to get it on my 360, since I'm more of a console gamer, but I understand if it's PC exclusive). If not, is there a good place to go for a story summary? Thanks in advance.

 

[King7s]

Half life can get frustrating if you play 2 first but its worth it the game is still excellent, its like deus ex aged well i mean

 

[Billion Backs]

I've got no idea if it's on consoles - but I'm sure a quick trip to wikipedia will tell ya.

If on PC, Steam is an obvious choice to get the original Half Life. I think it's even on sale today, along with something like 500 games. Freaking love steam and their awesome sales =p

The graphics aren't all that bad. Well, they are compared to new things, but last time I played it I remember there was a patch to upgrade graphics or something of that nature which would make the game look okay. I mean, you aren't playing Doom here - even at it's worst, it's gonna be like Counter Strike (the old one) which, while definitely lacking compared to anything modern, is not all that horrible.

Also, for story summary- wikipedia!

This rather amusing Half-life 1-based humour series on youtube are funny and will let you see the graphics of the game.

 

[Swarley]

It's fun, and I played HL2 before the original.

 

[BoxCutter]

I go back and play HL:1 for the nostalgia effect every now and again. I always enjoyed HL:1, I thought it was an amazing game when it first came out and it is still a good play. If you enjoyed HL:2 and its following episodes then the first game is worth a shot, its a bit outdated (obviously) but its not a bad game by any means.

As for the platform issue, I believe it was released on the original X-Box, so if you can find an old copy of that you should be able to play it on your 360. The easiest way to get HL:1 though would probably be through Steam on your PC.

 

[Wayneguard]

The only fps anyone should be buying is unreal tournament...

 

[OctalLord]

I've got no idea if it's on consoles - but I'm sure a quick trip to wikipedia will tell ya.

If on PC, Steam is an obvious choice to get the original Half Life. I think it's even on sale today, along with something like 500 games. Freaking love steam and their awesome sales =p

The graphics aren't all that bad. Well, they are compared to new things, but last time I played it I remember there was a patch to upgrade graphics or something of that nature which would make the game look okay. I mean, you aren't playing Doom here - even at it's worst, it's gonna be like Counter Strike (the old one) which, while definitely lacking compared to anything modern, is not all that horrible.

Also, for story summary- wikipedia!

I remember the time when Portal was free... That was a good day.

On-Topic: I got Half-Life at a goodwill(A second-hand store where most if not all of the objects are avalible there are donated by people rather than bought from companys and the like. Which also explains the news story I heard the VERY SAME DAY I bought Half-Life that someone had bought a Live-Hand gernade from the SAME store.)

I've yet to start regretting it!

 

[Dramus]

Excellent, sounds like it's worth the purchase. Thank you for your advice.

 

[Mysterious Stranger]

Yes, it is definitely worth playing. And there is a console version on the PS2, with retextured graphics if I remember right.

 

[Snarky Username]

The graphics are worse, but not bad. HL2 is the better shooter in my opinion because of the story, but Half-Life is still pretty good as an FPS and I highly suggest it.

As for the console thing, it was ported to the PS2 but the best version is on the PC.

 

[Hayate_GT]

you should definitely play HL1...not gonna lie...it's gonna look like shit at this point but the story is good and you be in the same crappy situation that you would be in a the sequels...

that is "how the hell am i gonna kill all these enemies with my crobar, 3 bullets in the handgun and 1 grenade?..." you know you had fun and then breathed the gamers breath of relief when you succeeded...

you dont really have to but it wont hurt...

 

[fenderstrat]

great game, even if its old now. play it!

 

[Nomanslander]

The first HL is a way better shooter than the second, but it lacks the story since it's nothing anyone hadn't seen in Doom, still you should definitely play it since it's one of those shooters that actually ages well....=0

 

[mrm5561]

its a good game but the 10 minute train ride is going to make you want to kill yourself, also its on the ps2 so you can find it easy in most gamestops

 

[thethingthatlurks]

It is a superb game. If you play it, I suggest you keep in mind that it was essentially the proto-FPS, considering how many things it brought to the genre (aside from being extremely popular and all...), and take note of how many things you see in that game are standard now. Just a word of warning, the Xen level at the end sucks, but up until then it is simply excellent.

The addons are also great, with Opposing Force taking the cake imho. Happy gaming

 

[pantsoffdanceoff]

Eh... no, it's length becomes obnoxious towards the end and there isn't much of a plot there to to motivate you through constant drudgery like Bioware.

 

[sneakypenguin]

Eh... no, it's length becomes obnoxious towards the end and there isn't much of a plot there to to motivate you through constant drudgery like Bioware.

What this man said. Seriously it just keeps going and its not a good thing lol. Also some of the puzzles are annoying and the graphics aren't pretty even for an old game.

 

[Firetaffer]

If you like half-life 2's gameplay, you will LOVE Half-life 1's gameplay. It was awesome fun when I played it. If you like HL2, get HL1. Some inside jokes will be understood if you play it.