I had to get in on this, IMO HL2 is better simply because i loved the physics engine and the story line + you get gravity gun which you gotta admit kicked major ass. Halo 2 i liked BUT i didnt find it as interesting and as fun to play as Half life 2. Also its not just graphics that make a game .
Regarding Mutasem Semakieh's argument that older games sucked, i like playing the older classics now and again, I only wish i had managed to get Unreal tournament 2004 while i could (damm ps2 games lol) i love playing games like doom2 because they always make me laugh and are good fun to play.