I really like the setting and progression of HL1 but I feel like it didn't really get perfected until Black Mesa. Solid foundation for its sequel though.
Outstanding quality of life upgrades over the old games, QUALITY voice acting, fantastic selection of bosses, and a new look for PS1. A true shame the series died for so long and eventually forgot the strides made by this game.
One of the best of the best CV games, the perfect swansong before the series transitioned into the Metroidvania genre full time. Sick OST, hard as hell, PLOT, and Richter make this a game worth playing.