Black Mesa Reviews

Black Mesa is ranked in the 93rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
GameGrin
Joshua (Shnook)
Top Critic
7 / 10.0
Feb 7, 2021

Black Mesa remains true to the original Half-Life with updated graphics, improved sounds and redesigned levels. However, the graphics still look old for a "modern" game and loading screens are still a pain as it freezes the game for a few seconds.

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10 / 10.0
Jul 28, 2020

Black Mesa is one of the highest quality shooters made to this day, and with its fantastic combat along with exciting boss fights, provides a unique experience. Furthermore, the Platforming is excellent without overstaying its welcome, and has made the game twice as fun. Major graphical increase over the original title has also made it possible to enjoy this historical game in 2020. Because of all these reasons, I recommend this title to all fans of Half-life, and for those who have not experienced it at all, I highly recommend it. Don’t miss one of the best remakes in history

Review in Persian | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Mar 21, 2020

This Half Life remake not only gives a more modern and pleasant look to a timeless masterpiece, but makes it even more magnificent without ruining its magic. If you don't know who Gordon Freeman is or if you want to relive once again one of the most incredible single player experiences in the history of video games, you simply cannot miss it.

Review in Italian | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Mar 18, 2020

From our point of view, we do not believe that Black Mesa can be an integral substitute of the original Half-Life (still very enjoyable), as much as an adventure that is flanked with respect and dignity. And walking tall with a legend can be considered a success in itself.

Review in Italian | Read full review

8 / 10
Mar 17, 2020

It started as an homage, and it became the best version of the game. Black Mesa is fantastic remake of Half-Life, that never betrays the source material and gives it what is needed to be appreciated by a modern player on a modern PC - even if Source Engine is definitely very old. Just keep in mind it's a well refined but not triple A game, and you'll be just fine with it.

Review in French | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Mar 14, 2020

Black Mesa is a great remake of the original Half-Life. The game is really fun to play, and Crowbar Collective not only manages to preserve the atmosphere of the Valve's creation, but make the overall experience even better.

Review in Russian | Read full review

Dan Stapleton
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Mar 13, 2020

Black Mesa is the best way to play the classic original 1998 Half-Life today, but it's a remake that already feels old enough that it would benefit from a remake itself.

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9 / 10.0
Mar 12, 2020

It's been a long, long wait but Black Mesa is here. If you've never experienced Valve's original masterpiece, want to wax nostalgic about real story-telling in an FPS, or just want an excellent game to play, Black Mesa is where it's at.

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Unscored
Mar 11, 2020

As it is, it’s the best way to play Valve’s original design if you haven’t done so before, and it’s a brilliant way to retread those old ventilation shafts, if you have.

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Metro GameCentral
Top Critic
8 / 10
Mar 10, 2020

One of the best remakes ever, not because of its loving recreation of the original Half-Life but because it dares to change and improve it.

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Mar 9, 2020

Black Mesa may show its age in some areas, but that doesn't detract from what is an otherwise stunning achievement. It's not only Half Life at its best - it's one of the finest shooters available today.

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9 / 10.0
Mar 9, 2020

The Crowbar Collective knew exactly what needed to be done to improve on the original. Not only is this a great game for fans of the original, but this is a perfect new entry point into the franchise.

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PC Invasion
Top Critic
8 / 10
Mar 5, 2020

Black Mesa is dated in several ways and the new Xen levels have some issues, but this is an excellent experience that old fans of Half-Life and people who may have never played it before should absolutely check out.

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Eurogamer
Top Critic
Essential
Mar 5, 2020

Finally complete after fourteen years, Crowbar Collective's remake is more than faithful to Valve's masterpiece.

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Andy Kelly
Top Critic
84 / 100
Mar 5, 2020

A quality remake that broadens the scope of the original and massively improves its final chapters.

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