Get Started...
Android
iOS
Mac
Switch
Switch 2
PC
PS4
PS5
Xbox One
Xbox X|S
Please enter a valid email address
Please choose a platform
:
How does your child play this? Alone, with friends, with family? How did they discover it and what kept them coming back for more?
:
:
To verify your input please enter your email to create an account.
Email:
Play Overview
Half-Life (1998) is an adventure shooting game about a lab worker escaping an alien-infested bunker, but all is not what it seems. Play involves traversing the facility while shooting enemies and using the interactive environment to find a way forward. It stands out for telling an intriguing story through its world and what you do in it, rather than traditional cutscenes or narration.
You play Dr. Gordon Freeman after a science experiment goes wrong, causing an interdimensional rift at the Black Mesa facility. You fight through hordes of alien creatures and heavily armed soldiers sent to cover up the incident. You'll also encounter allies and uncover a deeper conspiracy about what went on with the doom experiments.
Progression is determined by how quickly you clear out the enemies and traverse areas. Each one presents different challenges from timed jumps over an acid tank to dodging fire from incoming soldiers. Alongside the hostile environment, enemies get increasingly difficult. You do, however, gain several new weapons from a crossbow to a hornet gun that fires alien projectiles.
The result is a game that continues to let you uncover the story through the gameplay, with no cutscenes this offers an immersive experience. Escaping from one close call to another to save everyone is both trying and satisfying.
Our examiner, Jo Robertson, first checked Half-Life 8 months ago. It was re-examined by Ollie Robertson and updated 4 weeks ago.
You play Dr. Gordon Freeman after a science experiment goes wrong, causing an interdimensional rift at the Black Mesa facility. You fight through hordes of alien creatures and heavily armed soldiers sent to cover up the incident. You'll also encounter allies and uncover a deeper conspiracy about what went on with the doom experiments.
Progression is determined by how quickly you clear out the enemies and traverse areas. Each one presents different challenges from timed jumps over an acid tank to dodging fire from incoming soldiers. Alongside the hostile environment, enemies get increasingly difficult. You do, however, gain several new weapons from a crossbow to a hornet gun that fires alien projectiles.
The result is a game that continues to let you uncover the story through the gameplay, with no cutscenes this offers an immersive experience. Escaping from one close call to another to save everyone is both trying and satisfying.
Our examiner, Jo Robertson, first checked Half-Life 8 months ago. It was re-examined by Ollie Robertson and updated 4 weeks ago.
Kids not old enough for this yet? There are lots of games similar to Half-Life. Here are some similar younger-rated games:
Play Style
This is an Adventure, Narrative and Shooting game with Action, Brain Game and Traversal elements. You can play this by yourself or as a 32-player online game. There are multiplayer modes like Deathmatch, where players compete in fast-paced battles using the game's iconic maps.
You can play this game in the following styles:
Benefits
Age Ratings
Content Rating
Users Interact: The game enables players to interact and communicate with each other, so may expose players to language usually associated with older rated games.
Enemies and allies are clearly in pain when shot, with splashes of blood. Their bodies remain on the ground when dead and can be further mutilated.
Skill Level
12+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it's important for parents and guardians to consider the maturity required to process the game content. You need to be able to shoot quickly and accurately to enjoy this game. Having the resilience to try again when you die is also important. If you die, you can immediately try again from the last checkpoint.
Costs
Half-Life usually costs £7.19.
Half-Life
There are no additional in-game purchases, loot boxes, adverts or subscription costs.
Game Details
Release Date: 08/11/1998
Price: 80% Off
Out Now: Mac and PC
Skill Rating: 12+ year-olds
Players: 1 (32 online)
Genres: Adventure, Narrative, Shooting (Action, Brain Game and Traversal)
Accessibility: 0 features documented (Tweet Developer )
Components: 3D First-Person
Developer: Valve Software (@ValveSoftware)
 |
Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships. |
© 2025 Family Gaming Database