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[JaseC]

What happens to Black Mesa is canon in Opposing Force. Valve wanted to tie up that loose end for good. Race X and everything else is Gearbox's non-canon.

Do you have a source? Everything I've come across over the years has mentioned Gearbox's games not being part of the Half-Life canon, although it's not like I've researched the matter to any degree.

I also remember a GAFer saying that Gearbox and Valve had a bit of a falling out because the latter refused to acknowledge the former's games as canon, but "grain of salt" and all that.

Edit: Some Google'ing revealed that you're correct. Themoreyouknow.jpg

 

[Ledsen]

Who said they're "improving" her? The mods made her to be their idea of what is sexier to them.

How the hell is that sexist? I like and prefer hot voluptuous women more than slim figured petite women.

Oh shit, I'm sexist now =(

So in your mind, treating a character as a sex object (which is what you're admitting to here) isn't sexist. Got it.

 

[eso76]

the game could probably use some global illumination and it's good to go.
Some of the environments in HL2 are still among the best in a fps imho; City 17 is so realistic, believable and full of atmosphere.

 

[MrBelmontvedere]

So in your mind, treating a character as a sex object (which is what you're admitting to here) isn't sexist. Got it.

Alyx nude is the only thing redeeming in these mods. whether that's "wrong" or "sexist" is irrelevant; lighten up.

 

[justin.au]

A want a good nude mod. Not just nude Alyx, I want nude G-Man, nude Barney, nude Dr. Kleiner, nude Combine, the whole shebang. Someone get on this.

Source physics isn't good enough to model their wangs.

I think Cinematic Mod has its charm, but it's hard to say that it improves upon vanilla. For instance, in the comparison shown above, I actually prefer the lighting, barrels and some textures of Cinematic Mod, but vanilla's textures are – on the whole – "better". Some of you guys are so harsh on the modders though, jeez.

 

[Stallion Free]

Some of you guys are so harsh on the modders though, jeez.

I love mods. I do not consider this a mod nor the creator a modder.

 

[Heavy's Sandvich]

Another embarrassing thread brought to you by NeoGAF.

Would love to know the percentage of people who have signed up with university email addresses.

And of those, who are doing courses like film watching and finger painting.

Half-Life 2 is stunning.

 

[JoeBoy101]

Is that Fellout? Isn't that just more realistic lighting? I used that mod for Fallout 3 and it was great but I ended up not ever going out at night in that game because it actually became pitch black.

Not entirely 100%, but pretty sure that's Fellout with a new skybox and NMC's total texture replacer. It's not the same degree of improvement over the original textures as Qarl's is for oblivion, but its the same scope, that's for sure. I use it.

Also, if you plan to replace Fallout 3, check out RTS (Real-Time Settler). Easily one of the more ambitious mods I've played (building you're own settlement).

ON TOPIC: I like texture replacers. Use them in many games, but HL2 certainly does not require or need them. As far as I'm concerned, Salacious Crumb put the stake in the heart as to why they aren't needed.

I mean what is this bullshit??

The whole setup of that section of the game (EP1?) is Striders have levelled the city. Apparently, this modder thought they should suck at their job as most of it is still standing.

 

[Foliorum Viridum]

So I downloaded this. I hope GAF is ready to eat crow:

Lots of images

That only proves the point that this mod ruins the beautiful world that Valve created. Sure, the textures mostly look like shit now, but everything blends together to give the player a great sense of being in a real place. In just those shots alone it looks like half of the enviroment has been ripped out of other places and pasted on - which is pretty much the case. A good mod should enhance the experience, something this one definitely doesn't do. It would only take you out of the experience.

I'm currently on a replay of HL2, so I'm on a bit of a high about it again at the moment, haha. I'm all for mods that look great (Black Mesa Source, for example, looks infinitely more appealing/atmospheric from the media we've seen thus far than the original) but "better textures" for the sake of it doesn't do it in a game like HL2.

 

[heyf00L]

I wonder how Gordon Freeman pooped.

If you're wondering how he eats and breathes and other science facts,
Then repeat to yourself, "It's just a game; I should really just relax."

 

[Kelthink]

Alyx nude is the only thing redeeming in these mods.

Ha ha, this is gold.

 

[godels rotating universe]

Alyx nude is the only thing redeeming in these mods. whether that's "wrong" or "sexist" is irrelevant; lighten up.

Haha yes because people who take umbrage with this kind of thing are all dour-faced killjoys.

Not treating women as sex objects? Political correctness GONE MAD!

 

[WretchedTruman]

The whole setup of that section of the game (EP1?) is Striders have levelled the city. Apparently, this modder thought they should suck at their job as most of it is still standing.

I sincerely doubt that's why Valve kept things so barren. Not that Episode 1 doesn't look great, but that's like believing Titus Software when they say that Superman's draw distance is because of Kryptonite fog.

 

[godels rotating universe]

I sincerely doubt that's why Valve kept things so barren. Not that Episode 1 doesn't look great, but that's like believing Titus Software when they say that Superman's draw distance is because of Kryptonite fog.

So Valve couldn't do it, but modders could? What?

 

[Danne-Danger]

I sincerely doubt that's why Valve kept things so barren. Not that Episode 1 doesn't look great, but that's like believing Titus Software when they say that Superman's draw distance is because of Kryptonite fog.

I'm pretty sure that Valve would've been capable of putting a few tall buildings there if they wanted to, I mean it's not like they're Titus Software or anything.

 

[Clott]

Now I really wanna finish Half-Life 2.

Also, best mod ever: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwxN8sCIOOE

Hahahahha omg, you put me in such a bad situation.

My friend just Skyped me to tell me his grandfather died and that's when I started to watch the video, when I heard the the sound for the machine gun fire I burst out laughing...this is so bad.

 

[WretchedTruman]

I'm pretty sure that Valve would've been capable of putting a few tall buildings there if they wanted to, I mean it's not like they're Titus Software or anything.

well, sure. But Gabe never would've said, "oh, yeah, Striders riverdanced all over that shit, wouldn't make sense to have buildings.", was the point I was trying to make.

I'll be the first to say that, while vanilla is the right answer 99.9% of the time, I'd happily choose the modded screenshot over the original for said comparison.

 

[Stallion Free]

well, sure. But Gabe never would've said, "oh, yeah, Striders riverdanced all over that shit, wouldn't make sense to have buildings.", was the point I was trying to make.

I'll be the first to say that, while vanilla is the right answer 99.9% of the time, I'd happily choose the modded screenshot over the original for said comparison.

The ridiculous orange bloom killed anything the modded version had going for it.

 

[BlazeHedgehog]

The ridiculous orange bloom killed anything the modded version had going for it.

Not just orange, no. Orange with a little bit of blue in the corner for contrast. Because, you know, those are the only two "cinematic" colors.

 

[jim-jam bongs]

well, sure. But Gabe never would've said, "oh, yeah, Striders riverdanced all over that shit, wouldn't make sense to have buildings.", was the point I was trying to make.

I'll be the first to say that, while vanilla is the right answer 99.9% of the time, I'd happily choose the modded screenshot over the original for said comparison.

No, the art team probably just spent months refining the scene composition and lighting to achieve the mood they were asked to create.

 

[ColonialRaptor]

Alyx nude is the only thing redeeming in these mods. whether that's "wrong" or "sexist" is irrelevant; lighten up.

Wait... one of the mods makes her NAKED??

Oh wow... I'm going to re-installed HL2

 

[Nilaul]

So how awsome will the game look like with mods on? And which version of the game do I need for the mods?

 

[hbkajshdvfbkjhvgkahsgdfka]

So how awsome will the game look like with mods on? And which version of the game do I need for the mods?

If someone were to make a texture/asset mod that was consistent with Half-Life 2's art style I imagine it would look awesome. We have yet to see that though.

 

[Betta Lines]

Woahhh what's with the megabump?

 

[Refreshment.01]

So how awsome will the game look like with mods on? And which version of the game do I need for the mods?

Fake Factory Cinematic mod is fantastic. Plus it has iron sights support which is amazing for a no HUD walkthroug.

 

[Nilaul]

Fake Factory Cinematic mod is fantastic. Plus it has iron sights support which is amazing for a no HUD walkthroug.

It works with any version? Or do I have to get a specific version of the game?

 

[Relaxed Muscle]

Fake Factory Cinematic mod is fantastic. Plus it has iron sights support which is amazing for a no HUD walkthroug.

#Gamechanger

Maybe the game will be fun now. Does it works with Episode 2?

Edit:Just saw it does.

It works with any version? Or do I have to get a specific version of the game?

Seems like the last ones requires HL2+EP1+EP2 and Steam.

 

[Nilaul]

#Gamechanger




Seems like the last ones requires HL2+EP1+EP2 and Steam.

Thanks

 

[Nicktock]

Half-Life 2 is full of so much small detail that collectively improves the art direction that any fan made texture pack is bound to lose most of that. Barney face is a super clear example.

 

[IcyRhythms]

I know these aren't really graphic mods but I really like to know if there is any nice gun retexture/sound mods

 

[nOoblet16]

Why are the fakefactory mod files archived in such a horrible manner ?

 

[Decado]

Any of the graphical overhaul mods compatible with SMOD?

 

[Refreshment.01]

It works with any version? Or do I have to get a specific version of the game?

I know it's been answered already but anyway. You need Half Life 2, Episode 1 and Episode 2 installed. And you need to run them at least once.

Download the mod (the one with highres models), either from webpage or torrent. Unpack the Zip file, which is really large once that's done turn off Steam and run the MOD executable. It will detect your Half Life install directory automatically and select the mod directory. Run and it will take a decent amount of time to unpack everything.

The iron sight button is unsigned so you need to do so, i specify this because lots of peop[le miss this little detail.

I know these aren't really graphic mods but I really like to know if there is any nice gun retexture/sound mods

Cinematic MOD includes new weapons, sounds and retextures of the models. It even has the option to play with default weapons if you like.

 

[The Janitor]

Fakefactory is nice as long as you don't:

-Install the character models
-Install any version above 9

 

[batteryLeakage]

I very rarely like the "enhancements" that modders come up with. This is no exception. But I guess it showcases one of the strengths of the PC platform: users are free to ruin the look of the game if they so choose.

 

[Orayn]

I very rarely like the "enhancements" that modders come up with. This is no exception. But I guess it showcases one of the strengths of the PC platform: users are free to ruin the look of the game if they so choose.

As someone who adores the PC platform, I mostly agree. Far too many graphic mods completely clash with the original art direction, despite being more technically impressive.

The FakeFactory screenshots in the post above yours are an example of doing a reasonably good job, but the later versions of the same mod do fall into the trap.

 

[IceDoesntHelp]

Fakefactory is nice as long as you don't:

-Install the character models
-Install any version above 9

whats wrong with the versions above 9?

 

[Refreshment.01]

whats wrong with the versions above 9?

Fake Factory do some heavy changes to the aesthetic of the levels. If you are not someone obsesive they don't ruin the game in anyway. The thing that always get attacked in this mod is the character pimper, yet this is not basis to sh!t over the mod since its entirely optional. If people like to have a Morgan Freeman like Eliah that's their problem.

Fakefactory is nice as long as you don't:

-Install the character models
-Install any version above 9

Ice, i would judge the above myself in your place. He says don't install the character models, that's not entirely right. In the original Half Life 2, there's an inmersion shattering contrast between the main character's model quality and the standard NPCs. So i would say the character pimper helps when used to enhance the trivial NPC's, the characters (main and trivial) are closer in complexity and quality this way.

MOD is incredible, i actually enjoyed doing a replay of the 3 episodes with no HUD thanks to the addition to Iron Sights. Can not believe just one manc can do so much meaningful work.

 

[Sibylus]

So is version 9 the last version without unmangled maps? I'm willing to give it a taste, picky as I am.

 

[TUROK]

So in your mind, treating a character as a sex object (which is what you're admitting to here) isn't sexist. Got it.

Finding (digital representations of) people attractive = sexism.

Fantastic.

In regard to mods, people are real sticklers for change with some games. I guess Half Life 2 is a sacred cow or something.

 

[Thorgal]

I apologize for resurrecting this thread but i have a question :

Is there a link to a download that puts everything of the cinematic mod into one big file ?

Reason i ask is that on the official site it is divided into 20 different downloads .

 

[Highlaw]

Hugh most of these screens are horrible.
Why would higher res textures matter when the mood is ruined, the changes in lighting really bother me.