half-life was a very popular video game, and half-life 2 was also very popular. many reviewers believe half-life 2 is better than half-life and one of the best games ever made. it took six years to create half-life 2 (from 1998 to 2004). it was supposed to be released in 2003, but it was not ready. many fans were very angry and said valve lied to them. however, it did release the next year (2004). it had much better graphics than half-life. it also had more complicated non-player characters and more of a story.