It’s been a little while since we last released an article, but worry not! This whole time we’ve been hard at work on preparing the mod for the Day One release.
Initially, we were planning to release HL:E Day One before the end of 2022, But due to some things out of our control, as well as finalisation of our assets taking a bit, we unfortunately couldn't release this on time.
Though, our team hasn't been wasting time prior to this article, so here are some of the things we've prepared:
We’ve successfully ported HL:E to a newer version of Solokiller’s SDK, providing better stability and modernity. The mod’s code has been optimised and sanity-checked, enriched with some QOL features:
We’ve also done some tweaks to some monsters’ behaviour and presentation which we don’t want to spoil (though, we showed some of them on our Discord server a while ago)... and we had to cut custom gibs that were unique for each monster (:salute:), for they took up way too much precache, limiting us in many ways.
HL:E is kind of known for the NPC variety, but the quality used to vary from model to model. We’ve updated our models to be consistent all around, optimised the amount of sub-models for certain NPCs (yes, perhaps some models having 20+ heads was a bit much) and enriched them with some extra detail while keeping meticulously faithful to the LD style.
Our work is however not done yet! But we can show you some goodies:
Bullsquids have up to 4 possible variants now, inspired by it’s different look during the many periods of HL’s development cycle and releases.
Bullsquids are not the only enemies who have received an additional variant, the classic Panthereye has now also received a variant inspired by it’s old, blue-ish alpha look.
I can see you looking at it’s shiny red eye, contemplating in amazement “Glowing things? In Goldsource? How?!”
The answer is simple: fulbright flags for models.
Without getting into technical details, models can now possess textures that will glow all the time i.e ignore current light conditions. The way it works is just like Sven Coop or Xash. This system will replace the _light models system currently seen in the public SDK.
Here are some more examples:
We’ll be posting some more media on the images tab, so check those out whenever they’re up!
At the time of writing this article, we’re exactly one certain Anomalous Materials room worth of mapping away from Day One maps to be complete. All the already completed chapters are currently undergoing optimisation, thorough revision and polishing. We even have some promising idea lists prepared for the next bunch of chapters ;)
In our previous article we went into some detail on our techniques and principles when it comes to mapping, so for now the best way to update on mapping would be to show you some pictures:
Anomalous Materials, on the way to the test chamber
Unforeseen Consequences, beneath Sector B
We’re working on making the mod be more slim and smooth and less clumsy or creeped, as it occasionally is in the current public SDK version. Overall, the mod has acquired a much better and fleshed out shape over this year in comparison to it’s early 2021 state, everything is being revised and made sure to be consistent in quality. A lot has been achieved this year, but there’s still a plenty of room for work and creativity. We hope that the demo being postponed doesn’t disappoint you too much.
It is a wonderful time of the year and we’d love to give you a more substantial present, but it’s still baking.
On this note, we’d like to end our end of the year update. The mod’s future is bright and certain, and we hope yours as well, merry Christmas, happy New Year and happy holidays!
Today we will share some insight on the thought process behind Half-Life: Extended as well as tell what do we actually do with the game.
SDK on the horizon. Extended maps, NPC appearance changes and many more features!
Showing off the unbelievable amount of progress we made.
some new stuff is shown off, such as weapons, enemies, and some more map teasers!
Half-Life: Extended Development Kit, feel free to use it or any part of it for whatever you want, don't forget to credit us!
A v1.1.3a update for those who had already downloaded an earlier version of the SDK
The HD Models that I have left over. Putting it here for you!
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For anyone reading, no the mod is not dead.
We don't stick to deadlines because many of us are busy with our private lives and we work on the project whenever we're able to, but rest assured progress is being made.
We were working on an article not too long ago but we decided to postpone in the vein of releasing something more meaningful.
Extended is alive!
so you guys are still playtesting or working on more chapters? if you cant say yet then thats ok
Yeah, have at 'em!
This mod looks so cool I hope it comes out soon I've been looking forward to it
When releasing this mod?
And this Compatible with xash3d fwgs?
they are playtesting the maps, and development is stopped for now cause of personal reasons
the discord invite expired guys
dude you are banned from the server, they told me you were banned for posting nazi symbols
What? I never posted Nazi symbols and I have no memory of it.