I voted yes, but it depends. For Half Life 2, the music is very unique, so I think it'd good that they didn't loop it. Also, whenever music came on, it felt a lot more epic than it would have if music was there all the time.
If a game will loop music for the whole time you're playing, then the music shouldn't be too unique and noticeable, otherwise it'll get annoying.
I like it when games have looping, kind of slow music for just exploring, and shooting random enemies. But, when a special combat scene comes, action music comes on, which would be of course more unique than the ambient music, and keeps looping until you're done.
I also like it when there's one song with different versions (or just songs that can start up and stop without it sounding awkward). One for just walking around, one for combat, and maybe one for caution, when enemies are searching for you.
If a game will loop music for the whole time you're playing, then the music shouldn't be too unique and noticeable, otherwise it'll get annoying.
I like it when games have looping, kind of slow music for just exploring, and shooting random enemies. But, when a special combat scene comes, action music comes on, which would be of course more unique than the ambient music, and keeps looping until you're done.
I also like it when there's one song with different versions (or just songs that can start up and stop without it sounding awkward). One for just walking around, one for combat, and maybe one for caution, when enemies are searching for you.