Going to start playing Half-Life: Should I buy the first game?

[Lilani]

So I've decided to finally get started playing the Half-Life series, as the final step in the ritual of selling my soul to Valve. However I don't have much money to play around with right now (had even less money during the summer sale), so I'd like to get the most bang for my buck. I can get HL2, HL2: E1, and HL2: E2 in the Orange Box for $19.99. However, I really hate starting a series in the middle, and if I get the original Half-Life that will be another $9.99.

I'd really not like to spend $30 on games right now, but I'd really rather not invest money and not get the whole experience. So, Escapists: If I just get the Orange box and start right in with those, will I be missing anything significant? Or is the original really that integral to the story and experience? Thank you~

 

[AlternatePFG]

Personally in my opinion, the first Half Life is way more fun to play than 2, but if you want to see what people are raving about, play 2. There isn't much to the story of the first one. Personally, I think the actual story of 2 is overrated and talked up be it's fans, but the way Valve tells other stories through the environment is very good.

 

[oplinger]

The original isn't super important to 2. In fact most of the important facts at play in 2 are either obvious, or happened after 1 finished.

1 just caused 2 indirectly.

SO i'd say go with 2, it's much more fun.

 

[purf]

Uh. Oh. What?! How could I miss EP1??? WHAT THE HELL??

OT: never played the original. And never felt like missing anything. I'm mildly curious about it, but here's a question: is there a remake? I'd like to play for more reasons than trying to ctach up on nostalgia and since it's 13 years old...

 

[Chicago Ted]

I'm a massive fan of Half Life... 2.

I didn't play the first, jumped in on the second, and after going back and playing the first, I didn't feel like I missed that much. While it's got some fun bits and works pretty well, and I love Freeman's Mind, it hasn't aged that well with me.

So, personally, I don't think it really matters that much. I'd suggest you go with Orange Box right now if you want, and then, if you're still interested in HL, wait a few months until the Christmas sale and pick it up for dirt cheap.

 

[DrSpoy]

Well, Half Life doesn't really have much in the story department (except for maybe near the end with its rather large undertones) and unless you want it for game play (which in my opinion is also a lot better, since it feels more open at times, unlike like HL2) Although, HL2 also has the gravity gun, which is really fun. Especially at a later point. So I guess it depends on if you really want a lot of gameplay, basically.

 

[Varitel]

There is no reason to play Half-Life 1 before Half-Life 2. Half-Life 2 more or less stands on its own. That is not to say however, that you shouldn't play Half-Life 1, as it is a phenomenal game that, assuming you have the money to buy it on Steam, you should definitely pick up.

 

[ecoho]

So I've decided to finally get started playing the Half-Life series, as the final step in the ritual of selling my soul to Valve. However I don't have much money to play around with right now (had even less money during the summer sale), so I'd like to get the most bang for my buck. I can get HL2, HL2: E1, and HL2: E2 in the Orange Box for $19.99. However, I really hate starting a series in the middle, and if I get the original Half-Life that will be another $9.99.

I'd really not like to spend $30 on games right now, but I'd really rather not invest money and not get the whole experience. So, Escapists: If I just get the Orange box and start right in with those, will I be missing anything significant? Or is the original really that integral to the story and experience? Thank you~

i didnt like the first game its kinda dated now just read the wiki and then play the orange box and youll be fine

 

[Souplex]

Buy the original, then ignore the sequel. You'll thank yourself.

 

[Soviet Heavy]

Half Life 2 is very standalone. Even if you've played the first one and it's expansions, they are only briefly touched on in the second game series.

Here's the basic rundown of each game.

Wake up, start work.
Fight aliens who want to conquer or have already conquered earth.
Watch numerous useless NPCs get killed due to bad AI.
Get mind screwed by a Man in a blue suit.

Still, can't go wrong with either of them.

 

[Dr.A]

As much as I absolutely loved the first Half-Life, I don't think not playing it will reduce your enjoyment of the second. Just brush up on the events of the first one so you're not going into the game completely blind, and you'll be good to go.

I agree with the masses, buy the Orange Box.

There isn't anything in the original Half-Life that Half-Life 2 didn't do better.

 

[the spud]

Boy, don't you wish you had cash to shell out about a month ago.

OT: I played HL2 before HL and I was able to get into it just fine. HL is still worth the cost of emmission, though.

 

[Matthew Kjonaas]

Play HL2 without the original and it did not stop me from understanding what was going that much.

 

[The_ModeRazor]

Just watch Freeman's Mind. That's probably better then das game

 

[DeeWiz]

Just watch this video series (there are 10 videos i believe), its both awesome and sums up the adventure pretty well.

 

[dark-mortality]

If you want bits and pieces of some of the more detailed workings of Black mesa, buy the first one. none of the games really say much about the backstory at all, but you can get a bit more info if you play the first game first.

 

[Silva]

I'd say get the first game if Half Life 2's story really pulls you in.

It did for me, and I enjoyed HL1 the more for having already understood a different part of the timeline and being introduced in a more modern way to the lore. If anything, considering HL1 an older "prequel" would probably help you get into the series.

Besides, it will add to the replay value of number two if you go back there understanding Black Mesa after you decide to get the older game. A couple of references don't make too much sense otherwise, especially during the Half Life 2 Episodes.

If you lack patience for older game mechanics though, go read the lore on the wikis on the subject instead, that can be almost as intriguing since people have pieced it all together more fully.