Black Mesa 2012 vs. Black Mesa 2015 Image Comparisons

Black Mesa Archive The Cafeteria
#1

Hey everyone! I wanted to see directly the difference between the 2012 version of Black Mesa and the 2015 version, so I took some comparison pics. I tried to get them as close as possible using the setpos commands, but in some cases the coordinates appear to be slightly different.

Here are what I have so far, I’ll continue to add them as I do more.

Here you can see that the 2015 version has a darker tone and nicer lighting.
Original Images:
2012 - https://imgur.com/dgSbC3K
2015 - https://imgur.com/XmSeGdk


In this comparison you can see the addition of vegetation that helps break up the scene and some better lighting on some of the rock formations. Props to Dale for this!
Original Images:
2012 - https://imgur.com/eMwt8yp
2015 - https://imgur.com/gMdSXaJ


In this scene you can see some major changes took place. There’s better lighting overall, the props have been replaced with much higher detail models, the catwalk was giving some stairs. Overall this scene is much nicer looking than its 2012 counterpart.
Original Images:
2012 - https://imgur.com/WvTpKax
2015 - https://imgur.com/Iktpm6x


Again in this scene, a lot of props received some touch ups, the most obvious change is the ventilation units on the ceiling. And again you can see much better lighting here, especially in the corners.
Original Images:
2012 - https://imgur.com/avFIL6A
2015 - https://imgur.com/RPUnQUq


Here you can see every prop has been given a major detail upgrade, and some lighting changes such as the addition of an accent light along the back wall.
Original Images:
2012 - https://imgur.com/n7WZa4N
2015 - https://imgur.com/glrjB0B


Here you can see the cabinets were replaced with models, giving them handles. The fume hood was also replaced with a model, and we see more lighting changes here as well.
Original Images:
2012 - https://imgur.com/ONlPgRL
2015 - https://imgur.com/jHyqh7h

I’ll be adding more of these to this thread as I get around to them!

#2

These are super cool, keep them up! I’ve loved seeing these!

The subtle thing which we think people don’t always notice is the much nicer lighting in the current version, thanks to some modifications to VRAD and the addition of Ambient Occlusion. The comparisons show that off quite nicely.

Great stuff!

#3

Are there any specific changes to the light code you guys added? Or is it just Valve’s changes in the new source branch?

#4

We did a whole bunch of stuff, though I’m not sure exactly what. AO was the biggest one, and I think that was written by us, or adapted from Valve. Either way, it’s quite a big improvement visually.

That and we’re hopefully soon going to have some more new, super cool graphical features which will take outdoor areas to the next level. Hopefully!

#5

Personally, I’m just glad I can get some good AO in source. manually enabling SSAO looked godawful (the AO rendered in broad daylight and through smoke), and VRAD tended to make corners way too bright.

#6

Just wanted to say thank you for making this remake of one of my most favourite games in video-game history. I’ve played half life back in '98, and i’m still fascinated by that whole black mesa research facility and the atmosphere. And i’ve played black mesa when it came out.

Thanks for even still improving it; especially the 3rd ‘‘inbound’’ chapter screenshot shows vast improvement… the railings for example are extremely well and smoothly done now… would love to see more screenshot-comparisons

#7

Thanks Text! The new lighting looks great for sure, a major improvement over the original.
Here are a few more. I think I have the positions down now, so the comparisons are easier to make.


In this scene you can see all of the science consoles have been revamped, they’re now more detailed. You can also see that the lights in the ceiling were lowered very slightly for the 2015 version.
Original Images:
2012 - https://imgur.com/xnFZjGq
2015 - https://imgur.com/dEsKR76


Here you can see a major upgrade to the lighting and to the props. Again, major props (heheh) to Dale!
Original Images:
2012 - https://imgur.com/ShqbQ4u
2015 - https://imgur.com/hLhH0K2


There aren’t a lot of changes to the test chamber. (literally none that I could tell before the RC) Here you can see there are more smoke particles, and the fire in the back actually has light emitting from it.
Original Images:
2012 - https://imgur.com/HVJtPtN
2015 - https://imgur.com/HbhtV0z

#8

Wow it looks much better than it did back in 2012 great work Black Mesa team I knew you could do it!

#9

Keep it up Deathmonkey7! These are great.

#10

My poor cpu, AO baking takes ages ;__;

#11

Here are some weapon comparisons. I left out several that didn’t have any obvious changes to them.


The crowbar in Black Mesa 2015 is thinner than the 2012 version, Gordon’s hands are further down.


The Glock in 2015 has a wider sight in the back, a different skin, and is positioned a little closer to the center of the screen.


The MP5 has added side rails, some extra details near the stock, and a shorter barrel.


The rocket launcher got a total overhaul, with the scope now on the side (where it makes sense), much better details such as buttons, and a better looking screen.


The Tau gun also got a major overhaul, with almost nothing resembling the original. The C batteries were replaced with double A’s, the coil is no longer exposed near the front. The tubes in the front now have jigglebones, overall an awesome upgrade.

#12

This is totally awesome, like. When you pick up weapons for the first time and Gordon check the weapons out.

#13

Just to point out - every single weapon model you posted here was completely remodelled from scratch. They weren’t just small changes.

#14

Glad to know, who are the guy that animated these weapons animation?

It look great

#15

There is a site you can use, you can upload them there, and when people hover their mouse over the image it will change to the alternate you uploaded. Looks a lot better then a compressed gif.

https://screenshotcomparison.com/

#16

Oh man, that’s perfect! I was looking for a site like that thanks! And with that, here are some more :slight_smile:

https://screenshotcomparison.com/comparison/126244/picture:0

Click the tabs at the top to switch to different comparison shots.

These go through Office Complex and WGH

Comparison 1 shows off some newly detailed doors, and much better pipe textures.

Comparison 2 shows off a different direction in lighting that makes the scene a bit moodier, plus a newly modeled entry door to the freezer in OC.

Comparison 3 shows off another change in lighting, losing the eerie green color, plus another newly modeled freezer door.

Comparison 4 shows off the new security terminals.

#17

Wow, the TAU cannon looks so different.

“Different” is all I can say at the moment, because I’m constantly flipping between loving and hating it. It’s definitely amazingly cool and well made, but on the other hand I’m going to miss the old one.

Either way good work to everyone who worked on these. The updates and tweaks are incredible, and is something I’ve always found highly interesting. Some things are so subtle, I hadn’t noticed them myself.

#18

Nate, Andy and Adam.

#19

And Rob (model) and Bard (skin)! They all did an absolutely incredible job on the Tau!

#20

The third one actually has a headcrab clipping issue that wasn’t present in 2012. But aside from that, I didn’t even notice these small changes on my playthrough, well done BM team!

Founded in 2004, Leakfree.org became one of the first online communities dedicated to Valve’s Source engine development. It is more famously known for the formation of Black Mesa: Source under the 'Leakfree Modification Team' handle in September 2004.