With the beta testing finished, and the comprehensive list of bugs being eaten away, I'm starting to kind of step back and take a look at how all of this began. many gallons of alcohol later, after nearly seven months straight of dev time, in sickness and in health; sometimes working up to 16 hours daily, with real life nipping at my heels all the way, I am now on the very final stages of development. Much has happened, and much will happen yet. I started this project on a whim, but realized early on, that something much more could come of it - after not touching Hammer or the GoldSource engine since I was a kid in 2003, I decided to set out on a journey; to finally create my first mod, and in doing so, bring you an immersive, unique and fun experience. If my testers were correct, I have succeeded. There aren't many mods out there like this for HL1 nowadays, I will say that - so I thought it was high time one was created...but for now, I'll be posting some pictures which will be new to some of you, and bring back memories for those who have been following since the early days.
This is "HRAFD: All Growed Up".
The top photograph features the first iteration of the little store that started it all! It was later to become "Trask Dry Goods and Sundries". I had originally intended the Half-Rats games to be standalone indie titles developed on UE4, and had designed the shop way back in December. That didn't work out too well obviously, so I decided to go way back to my roots and pick up Hammer again...What ensued was a HUGE learning experience, as well as an entirely new story that; as much as I hate to admit it, was made up as I went along! All of the maps, the plot - everything was a far departure from what I had originally intended to do, but I'm glad I did it all the same. Someday, I hope to get the chance to develop what I had originally intended to - for what is now becoming the Half-Rats SERIES for HL1 ended up being non-canonical as far as the universe is concerned! But, I will say again, I am uncommonly glad that I made this decision and that I got to meet you fine folks along the way. Your support, your help, your patience and your sometimes rabid interest all served to chide me on...moving through each unique challenge griping, but ever undaunted. I had a goal, and I was determined to meet it, no matter the cost. I couldn't let all of you down, I would never let this mod die. I'm a Fist of the North Star fan, it would have been a great disservice to the lessons taught if I did, you know. Mrs. Rats stuck by my side the whole way and offered her much-needed love and affection, and to insist on giving me back rubs, which I steadfastly refused; stating "Until the mod is done, I cannot have it!". May all of you find a significant other like her!
I went from knowing almost nothing but the bare rudiments, to being able to turn the above into THIS:
Not too shabby for a first mod...but, I just can't contain it any longer! Do you remember that little tidbit I mentioned in the last news posting? Regarding the second installment of the Half-Rats series? Well, the second one's moved beyond the pre-production stage - and we've began getting into the thick! I have had the great privilege of working with some very talented and hard-working individuals on this one - but I'm looking to add more to the Heath Games roster! And since I'm a generous and reasonable fellow, I'll even afford you one glimpse for now:
Yeah, that was...totally two...but, I hope you won't complain!
Half-Rats: Parasomnia is coming...
Once again, I thank you all! The one thing life has taught me, was that when the chips are down, what you can always count on is your loved ones, your supporters, some whiskey, a pistol and your own grit. Sure, I made some mistakes along the way...after all, I'm only human. They call me Half-Rats...remember me.
As someone who followed you from day one, I find it very interesting to see some of the first pics again and how Half-Rats has evolved. As one of your beta testers, I admit that I had a blast testing your mod. But, as a ModDB member I must thank you that you came along and created this spectacular horror mod for us to enjoy. And you are right, we haven't seen something like this for quite a while. And I was sure that we wouldn't see again.
Good luck with the bug fixing and may the conclusion of this dev trip on the 31st of October bring you all the back rubs you need :) . After all, you must prepare yourself for Parasomnia ;) .
Amazing work as always.
Wait why did my comment get -1 karma?
I love the way you write these posts.
Also that clown model looks amazing.
i am one of the testers and i can safely say to the people that is waiting to the mod be released: it will be worth the wait
everything is looking awesome and most of the bugs are being fixed at light-speed by our admirable boss (Half-Rats)
I feel privalidged... no, honored! To see this project grow from such an early stage, to be there all the way to witness it develop into the amazing work of passion and dedication that it has become now!
For the unwavering support we have given you, you have delivered to us perhaps one of the most anticipated and exciting Half-life mods in years! (Time's End is... well, taking its time.)
And really, thank you most of all for inspiring me! I was scared to touch Hammer for years, but I've found it a enjoyable, albeit frustration experience. Thanks to you, you are a monument to what having a vision, dedication and a lot of alcohol can accomplish!
Bless you Half-rats and your incredible talent! Wishing you a lot of success on your future projects and follow-ups to the Half-rats series. I'll be damned if I don't stay for the ride with them also!
Have one on me!
Astounding work, you have done so much in 7 months! I can't say I've seen a mod announced of such magnitude and finished so quickly! If only great dead mods like Nightfall: Initiation or all those HL2 beta mods had your determination to finish their work!
Will meet the expectations? It seems it already has by the sounds of it!
Uh oh, it's the Unbeholden! I SPECIFICALLY tried to make this mod the most balanced I could with plenty of testing involved - JUST to keep you from ripping me a new one! Hahaha!