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Rating: 7/10
Half-Life: Source, released in 2004 by Valve, is an enhanced version of the original 1998 masterpiece, running on the Source engine. While it aimed to improve the visuals, physics, and water effects, it failed to live up to expectations, making it a divisive version among fans.
Despite still delivering the legendary Half-Life experience, this remaster feels more like a rushed port than a true upgrade.
What Works Well?
🧪 Same Brilliant Gameplay as Half-Life
At its core, Half-Life: Source is still Half-Life—one of the most influential FPS games ever made. The engaging story, immersive atmosphere, and smart enemy AI remain intact, making this version playable and enjoyable.
🌊 Improved Water Effects and Physics
The transition to the Source engine brings better physics (thanks to Havok) and improved water reflections, which make certain areas look more modern compared to the 1998 original.
🖥️ Smoother Performance and Native Support
Half-Life: Source runs natively on modern systems, avoiding the compatibility issues that can arise with the original GoldSrc version. Higher resolutions and widescreen support are also a plus.
The Problems with Half-Life: Source
❌ Barely Any Real Graphical Upgrade
Despite running on Source, most textures, models, and lighting effects remain unchanged from 1998. This makes it feel less like a true remaster and more like a basic port with minimal effort.
❌ Buggy AI and Broken Scripted Sequences
Some of Half-Life’s iconic scripted moments don’t work properly in Half-Life: Source, breaking immersion. Enemies and NPCs sometimes behave worse than in the original, which is unacceptable for an "improved" version.
❌ No High-Definition (HD) Model Pack
Unlike Half-Life’s official 1999 update, which introduced better character and weapon models, Half-Life: Source lacks these HD assets—making it feel graphically inferior to an older update of the game.
❌ Black Mesa Exists
If you want to experience Half-Life with Source engine upgrades, Black Mesa (a fan-made, Valve-approved remake) is a far superior alternative with fully reworked graphics, animations, and improved gameplay mechanics.
Conclusion
Half-Life: Source is not a bad way to play Half-Life, but it's also not the best. If you want the original experience, the GoldSrc version is more authentic. If you want a true Source engine remake, Black Mesa is the better choice.
🔹 Rating: 7/10 – Still a great game, but an underwhelming remaster.