I’m hoping it’s going to be possible to port the Half-Life 1 maps perfectly into Black Mesa. I played it long after the Orange Box came out but I really love the simplicity of the game compared to modern titles. I’m not good enough to do it myself yet, but by the time this game is complete I’ll be trying to turn Black Mesa into some sort of Super-HD pack for Half-Life 1. Sadly I don’t think it’s going to be possible to change the enemy AI or physics, but it will probably manifest well regardless if I get to that point.
I actually played BM first (when it was still a mod) and then HL2 and its episodes. Have to say, it is an awesome introduction to the series. Even though hl2 is a step back in graphics BM (minus the missing xen part) actually nicely ties in with hl2.
I have of course watched lots of videos about hl1 but never actually played it and I dont think it is necessary to get an awesome hl experience.
The order I would recommend playing the HL-Series:
Black Mesa -> watching gameplay videos or explanations about the xen chapters -> HL2: Update (hl2 but with more polished visuals) -> HL2: Episode One -> HL2: Episode Two -> Cry because HL3 is never coming
If you haven’t already, I would also recommend playing the Portal Series. Though not necessary, I would suggest Playing Portal 1 first, then Portal 2 and if you like it you can continue with community mods Portal Stories: Mel or Aperture Tag.
This is my recommendation of how you should play the Half Life universe games:
- Black Mesa
- Half Life 2:Update
- HL2: Episode 1
- HL2: Episode 2
^These 2, definately if you’re not someone who is that fond of old graphics black mesa would be a good start, if not however, and you have the cash, you could go HL1 then black mesa, and don’t worry, unlike black mesa, HL can actually be completed much faster.
Also I don’t think going from black mesa to Half life 2 is such a downgrade, specially if going for the updated version, there’s also some weapon, particles and even texture improvements that you can get from gamebanana for HL2 and it’s episodes to make it look even better, one of my personal favourites being the blue AR2.
^All that is true, i just listed what i think most people would play because it’s straight up easy to install.
You know, those who wouldn’t play a game if it requires a few files to download.
You’re going to be waiting for awhile