Review · Action · Linux · macOS · PC
Half-Life
Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026
Linux · macOS · PC · Dreamcast · PlayStation 2
Valve Software · 1998
Ludograph rating
B
Good
65 /100
Half-Life is an action shooter that builds hand-eye coordination and problem-solving, but features significant violence and mature themes.
Growth (BDS)
48
Risk (RIS)
0
Daily limit
–
Age guidance
17+
Developmental benefits
| B1 | Cognitive | 0.62 | |
| B2 | Social-emotional | 0.10 | |
| B3 | Motor | 0.70 | |
Half-Life offers a compelling narrative experience through seamless in-game storytelling, challenging players with problem-solving, strategic combat, and critical thinking as they navigate a dangerous alien invasion. Its innovative design provides strong cognitive and motor skill development.
Design risks
| R1 | Compulsion-loop pressure | 0.00 | |
| R2 | Monetization | 0.00 | |
| R3 | Social risk | 0.00 | |
The game's M-rating is primarily due to its significant violence and elements of fear/horror, which may be intense for some players. However, it lacks manipulative compulsion-loop mechanics, monetization pressures, or social risks common in modern games.
Content (not in risk score)
| R4.1 | Violence Level | 1.00 | |
| R4.2 | Sexual Content | 0.00 | |
| R4.3 | Language | 0.33 | |
| R4.4 | Substance References | 0.00 | |
| R4.5 | Fear / Horror | 0.67 | |
Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.
Regulatory design checks · DSA — Assessed: meets criteria·GDPR-K — Assessed: meets criteria·ODDS — Assessed: meets criteria
- DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
- GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. No privacy or child-targeting concerns found.
- ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.
These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.