Half-Life 2 was released by Valve back in 2004, and for the eleven years since its release it has reigned as one of the most celebrated video games of all time. Half-Life 2’s continuing adventure of silent protagonist Gordon Freeman and his battle against inter-dimensional enemies has won 39 Game Of The Year Awards and has been considered one of best First-Person Shooters of all time. Due to the franchise’s success there is not a year that goes by without several rumors of a third installment, but sadly none of these have been true so far. Don’t worry, though, because though Half-Life 3 may not be a thing just yet, there is still something to be excited for.

The technology in video games since Half-Life 2 originally released has advanced in leaps and bounds, and despite how beloved the game is, the graphics have not aged as well as some may have wished. Ars Technica has reported on a Romanian modder named Filip Victor, who has spent the past four years creating a Source-engine powered update of Half-Life 2 to make it look like a modern release. It does not, however make any changes to the core game play or experience.

Victor also offers a brochure on the update in which he explains his plans:

“The goal of Half-Life 2: Update is to fix up, polish, and visually enhance Half-Life 2, without ever changing the 2004 original’s core gameplay, or time-tested style. I wanted to ensure that the update was something that would be enduring, and worth the time it takes to play it. I hope that both newcomers and veterans of the Half-Life series will enjoy seeing the work that went into its creation.”

 

Check out this comparison trailer to see the update for yourself, which Victor will be releasing on Steam tomorrow (March, 27th 2015) for free so that fans can get back into an even more breathtaking City 17.

Excited to get back into the world of Half-Life? Let us know in the comment section below.

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HT: Ars Technica