If we're just talking higher textures, more polygons, higher shader count, etc, then no. If it's stuff like HL1's in-engine event scripting, HL2's gravity gun that allows players to interact with physics in an unprecedented way, or facial animations that bring characters to a new level of believability, I would stick with my point. If it weren't for games like Half-Life 1 & 2, gaming we would likely be behind the current creative and technical curve.

Anyway. Like I said - it's fine if he didn't like HL2. We just have to remember that certain titles were game-changers for the industry... and we lose that effect when playing them 6 years later.