Is that a bad idea if I've never played the first one? Are there certain things I should know about to understand the second?

You can play it and grasp what's going on. However, it's a bad idea, because Half Life One, Opposing Force, and Blue Shift are fantastic game, and should be played.

I didn't play HL1 first, but after doing some research, I found that the only characters who you'd know better if you played HL1 are the G-Man and possibly Dr. Breen. Otherwise, HL2 gives you the story in a pretty good way.

THIS GAME IS SO AWESOME. I ran around hitting people with cans for a good five minutes or so without getting bored. XD

I love the atmosphere, it has this 1984-Big-Brother-Is-Watching-You feel to it.

I've never played HL1, but was able to enjoy HL2.

Need to pick back up on the game eventually... *is reminded of looming backlog*

HL1 isn't necessary, but if you're going to play it wait until it's on sale on Steam, I have seen it for like 98 cents once.

^ Yeah, that's what I was thinking. XD You guys use Steam more than me, let me know if you ever see it on sale.

I personally don't like HL1 that much anyway, HL2 and the episodes completely blow HL1 out of the water. I actually liked the expansion packs for HL1 more than the main game.

^ Same.

Though I did get a pong to run on mine.

^ I think you're wrong on that one... We all know that toasters toast toast, man.

See here.

I beat the Water Hazard chapter! That was extremely awesome, I had no idea defeating something as normal as a helicopter could be such an accomplishment.

I've been slowly making my way through the Head Crabs infested creepy town place. I'm so ready to be out of here.