Remastered Half Life 2

So I posted on a thread about remasters and I said HL2 needs one and that got me thinking, how exactly do I and others think Valve should approach this. First off, Valve own everything to do with the game, all the programming, marketing etc etc etc. They have the power to really go full throttle with it and if its done right, I'd buy it, even though I never buy remasters. Why?

Well because they could do the seemingly impossible and actually improve the original experience. First off, combine all the levels from the core games with the levels from the episodes. You get a more cohesive experience that way without the need for separate downloads and releases.

Then we look at the graphics, which still stand the test of time till this day BUT textures could easily be cleared up, animations improved and particle effects made better.

Yet all that pales in comparison to the subtle changes that can and should be made to the gameplay and levels to bring it up to date with a lot of modern shooters. When HL2 first debuted, its levels were a God send to single player FPS games but since then, they do come across as slightly dated, so why not include some alternate routes and a few more attack options? That leads me to talk about improving player movement and traversal, a key to the best modern shooters.

Of course, we don't want to completely change the feel of the game, just slight improvements here and there.

That would be a package that could be the best remaster of all time. What would you guys like to see?

Halflife 2's visuals have been updated a couple of times I believe. Stuff like the updated models for Episode 2 have been important as well as the engine updated.

Recently finish Halflife 2: Update, which fixes bugs and changes lighting, doesn't touch textures beyond effects, was a great experience.

Tried Cinematic Mod a few times, even though the default models can be used the texture replacement of the environments still ruined the art direction. It's sort of a mess.

Halflife 2's environmental textures aren't such as big deal imo, it isn't realistic game, it's more like a cartoon as with most of Valves games.

If we look at the Xbox port, which is ancient and downgraded in every respect, still looks surprisingly ok, even if the framerate is decimated.

@soul_starter:

Knowing Valve, it would be a fucking miracle if we can get the remaster at all! Just settle for a graphical update and call it a win because you know that's the only thing they'd touch. TBH, I'd settle for that too. In fact, that's why I like remasters like Halo Anniversary over reimagined games like Tomb Raider Anniversary. You're supposed to love the game for what it is, not for what it could be.

@uninspiredcup: I dont want some mods, I want the real thing dammit!

@killered3: I saw a video on how the Valve development structure works and basically their developers pitch up tent at any project tha tseems viable to them and that they like. For something like HL3 to exist, they would need the majority, if not their entire team working on it considering i twould be such a big deal and I dont think anyone wants to do that.

A remaster should be more feasible for their structure...surely?

@soul_starter:

If you like playing the same game with better graphics, sure. That's really all we need in a remaster, anyway.

@killered3: Well I mentioned other aspects to make the remaster a buy for someone like me who doesnt buy normal remasters. They could easily expand some of the new level design and add in added speed and movement.

but knowing Valve, Half Life is done in all its forms :(

Valve won't remaster Half Life 2.

I think they are quite happy with Steam and getting cash from that.

HL2 doesn't need a remaster

1. It's perfect as it is

2. It has aged well

3. The Source engine, while dated, still looks damn good.

I mean let's compare Half-Life 2 with some other games that came out in 2004, and let's think about which one of those games actually warrants a remaster, hmmm?

Yeah, I tend to agree.

bit torn here - i enjoyed black mesa a lot but still, i don't really want to see hl2 remastered. i definitely wouldn't want it altered in any way (other than subtle visual improvements) i'd want it warts and all like the original. it'd lose that sentimental, nostalgic attachment i have to it othewise

Fair point about the sentiment. HL2 came about in my mid teens and marks a high point in gaming for me. But if there was ever a remaster that I would buy, it would be HL2 but it has to be more than just superficial upgrades.

i want half life and half life 2 remasterd best FPS games of all time

Well you could say Black Mesa is a remastered of HL1.

NONONO....work on Half Life 3.

i like the idea about stitching all three hl2 games together but if it changed too much it might lose the magic! if you had to twist my arm i'd say i suppose i wouldn't mind too much if the vehicle sections had a bit of polish, particularly the go kart. and the bit were you join up with the rebels and they're constantly getting in your way and under your feet. "don't forget to reload doctor freeman!" i don't think i've ever wanted to kill a friendly ai as much.

but other than that and some love to the visuals i say leave it be. all this has just made me realise i think the last time i played the games was about 7 years ago. i think it's time i dusted off my copy on steam and went back to ravenholm

@speedytimsi: lol dont get me wrong, if Valve announced that they were making HL3 I'd say fuk it to the remaster