Going to try playing HL1 again

Half-Life Series
#1

I tried playing Half-Life Source and didn’t much care for it. I’m heavily considering playing through Half-Life 1 (I haven’t finished Black Mesa yet, either). From what I can gather, the HD pack is standard, but should I download any graphical mods that enhance HL1’s look further, such as Super Definition, Half-Life Overhaul, or DiamondD? All mods I mentioned can be found here: https://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1445333

EDIT: Forget Overhaul and DiamondD, I don’t like how they look. But would anyone recommend Super Definition?

#2

You can check these pages to cherry-pick models to your liking, and use the standard HD pack to fill in any gaps.

Or, if you’d prefer to original aesthetics, the HD pack is toggleable with the current version of HL - you can turn it off in the video tab of the options menu. They’re by no means an eyesore in my opinion, just not as shiny as modern games.

#3

The super definition pack as far as I can tell is all official models taken directly from the Playstation 2 version of Half-Life, it’s basically a very much enhanced version of the original HD pack. I prefer the Super Definition pack to the HD pack because I think it looks much nicer.

#4

Yep, I had already decided on SD, nvm guys, but thanks.

#5

I personally prefer to play with no graphical mods… I like all the original models better. I can’t tell if that’s just nostalgia talking or not. But I think you should go with the authentic HL experience…

#6

I do actually like the original models. I just don’t like the old crowbar. I’m either going with completely stock or Super Def.

#7

The one thing I hate about the “high definition” pack, is that the submachine gun is a rifle. Like an m4 or something… I don’t like that. makes less sense and it just looks awkward.

#8

I prefer the original models, to be honest. I just wish the crowbar wasn’t so jagged.

#9

Honestly, the HD one looked just as bad if not worse. Waaaay too thick.

#10

I always found the HD models for the NPC’s (primarily the scientists and guards) to be rather cartoonish. The HD pack looks ok otherwise to me.

#11

Yeah, I’m pretty much set on going stock. I don’t really like the HD models. I just wish the stock crowbar was a bit smoother, but otherwise everything still looks really good.

#12

The HD models were kinda ugly, I agree. Most games from that era have visually similar, similarly ugly models.

#13

TFC gave me a strong preference for the LD HEV arms. They make the suit feel rubbery, in a good way, like how stormtroopers evoke a sense of plastic.

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.