First released in 1998, Valve Software’s “Half-Life” @@http://www.valvesoftware.com/games/@@represents something of a watershed moment in video game history. Praised for tight design, storytelling that didn’t condescend to its audience and a rich atmosphere, it won Game of the Year@@true@@ from more than 50 publications and still holds as one of the best games ever.
Fans couldn’t leave that alone, either. Shortly after “Half-Life 2” was released in 2004@@yes@@, a group of hobbyist game makers started work on a remake of the original “Half-Life” called “Black Mesa.” After many stops, starts and long bouts of silence, it’s finally been released and I’m pleased to say it’s a faithful rendition of the classic game.
What was great about “Half-Life” remains in place, and this time with sharper graphics. The near-perfect pacing never leaves you with a boring moment and the firefights remain as intense as the quiet moments. Of course, this also means that the original game’s somewhat awkward jumping puzzles remain, and there are a few additions to the game that seem superfluous at best. Regardless, “Half-Life” is a classic and, even with this update, it still holds up.
Grade: B+
(“Black Mesa” is available for the PC and can be acquired for free from the game’s website.)