Readers' Recommendations

Releases that readers have recommended others play.

Reissues

for Half-Life

This long-awaited mod has now been released. There are two versions; a Steam and a WON version. I am currently uploading both to my servers. I will add them as they finish. Get downloading and reviewing.

1
5
5

Total Downloads: 5,07424th May 2008
68 Comments and 11 recommendations with no significant bias

Escape by DMC Interactive

for Half-Life

Single Player First Person Shooter Maps and Mods for Half-Life 1, 2 and Episodes 1, 2 and 3

After the Black Mesa incident, you must go find Dr. Jim West so he can put an end to the disaster, and prevent the Aliens from taking over the world.

All while trying to save your own skin from the military and creatures warping in from Xen.

Sounds easy? Think again, it’s gonna be a rough day.

3
3
4
1

Total Downloads: 1,9901st January 1998
26 Comments and 11 recommendations with no significant bias

Hazardous Materials: Episode 1

for Half-Life

Single Player First Person Shooter Maps and Mods for Half-Life 1, 2 and Episodes 1, 2 and 3

Gordon returns to Black Mesa and, just as you expected, something goes wrong.

All hell breaks lose and it’s up to you to fix it.

Fortunately, fellow scientists manage to find a way to send instruction text to your HEV faceplate.

1
1
2
3
10

Total Downloads: 4,10312th December 2011
28 Comments and 17 recommendations, most say "Play It Now!"

Rebel Story

for Half-Life 2: Episode Two

Single Player First Person Shooter Maps and Mods for Half-Life 1, 2 and Episodes 1, 2 and 3

Starting in one of the Combine pods, you suddenly find yourself dropped and free. Don’t hang around too long though otherwise you’ll get caught again.

You best bet is to keep running and kill everything in your path. There’s talk of a working Jalopy on the other side of the train station.

3
8
6

Total Downloads: 3,99012th February 2011
28 Comments and 17 recommendations with no significant bias

Daylight

for Half-Life 2: Episode Two

Single Player First Person Shooter Maps and Mods for Half-Life 1, 2 and Episodes 1, 2 and 3

Starting in an alley with just the gravity gun, you must use the environment to keep moving forward.

Life continues to put obstacles in your way, but with thought and perseverance they can be overcome.

Alyx and Dog await you in the Daylight.

2
3
7
10
1

Total Downloads: 3,81017th December 2011
45 Comments and 23 recommendations with no significant bias

E-Lab-orate

for Half-Life

This old lab complex was already tricky to navigate. Now, with the facility on lock down and rapidly descending into chaos, the most direct routes are blocked and you will have to find alternate ways to reach the surface.

E-Lab-orate was created for TWHL’s 20th Anniversary Competition.

1
8
3

Total Downloads: 1,90318th March 2019
16 Comments and 12 recommendations, most say "Play It Later"

Swiss_Cheese Halloween 2002

for Half-Life

The Story begins in your neighbourhood on Halloween night. You find a very old book which manages to start you off on a scary and dangerous journey through a strange land where monsters roam and thrive!

Can you survive Swiss Cheese’s Halloween Mod?

Note: This version includes the patch from Swiss_Cheese as well as the Steam improvements from malortie released in 2017.

2
1
3

Total Downloads: 1,56224th October 2021
9 Comments and 6 recommendations, 3 say "Play It Now!"

CromulentVille 2 – Map Labs Test Tube #7

for Half-Life 2: Episode Two

Another Ville! The Map Labs crew put together another Test Tube (short, several day challenge), and this time it’s a Ville sequel! That’s right, here’s the second CromulentVille, the wacky, weird, sometimes fun challenge!

The original CromulentVille was actually only a 50-hour challenge, and it was the challenge with the most ever number of entries. This sequel was a few days longer, and there are 14 entries and 2 bonus maps this time. Enjoy!

As always, if you’re interested in learning more about Map Labs and maybe even participate in their upcoming challenges, visit the Map Labs Discord.

1
1
4

Total Downloads: 5,0701st March 2020
20 Comments and 6 recommendations, most say "Play It Now!"

Shadow of Breen

for Half-Life 2: Episode Two

Single Player First Person Shooter Maps and Mods for Half-Life 1, 2 and Episodes 1, 2 and 3

Authro’s Notes: “Shadow of Breen takes place after the events of Half Life 2: Episode 1.

A small group of rebel commandos sets out to destroy Dr. Breen’s broadcasting and propaganda facility.

The level takes place in a narrow canyon located somewhere in an eastern European forest. Play style focuses on action-based decision making with emphasis on environmental cues.

Elements of a scene such as lighting, geometry, sound, and detail draw attention and spark a player’s curiosity (even subconsciously). A central theme in this level is the player’s use of the crossbow (a typically underutilized weapon) to trigger environmental events…”

1
3
2

Total Downloads: 2,00411th July 2014
21 Comments and 6 recommendations, 3 say "Play It Later"

Dooleus Antlion Survival

for Half-Life 2

Single Player First Person Shooter Maps and Mods for Half-Life 1, 2 and Episodes 1, 2 and 3

You’ve got plenty of ammo, health, suit power and weapons.
That’s the good news.
The bad news is that there are plenty of antlions, Combine soldiers and dropships.
How many enemies can you kill and how long can you stay alive?

1
2
3

Total Downloads: 2,17925th July 2010
13 Comments and 6 recommendations, 3 say "Play It Now!"