Initially developed and released by Gearbox Software in 2001, second Half-Life add-on, Half-Life: Blue Shift is a return to the Black Mesa Research Facility and another look at the Incident's consequences from the eyes of Gordon Freeman's best friend - Barney Calhoun.
In 2012, Crowbar Collective has delighted Half-Life fans with release of the magnificent Half-Life remake, but there are still no released remakes for add-ons. This is when we are coming in - HECU Collective are developing the Black Mesa: Blue Shift - a free remake with use of Black Mesa resources and style. We will try to stay as close to the original Blue Shift and Black Mesa as possible. Our mod will be releasing partially, chapter by chapter, so those who are not patient for the full release will finally have something to play!
This anniversary marked a significant milestone in our journey. We've faced significant challenges and differences along the way. However, through our perseverance and teamwork, we've overcome all the obstacles. On this special day, we are thrilled to present you a lot of exciting news! We worked tirelessly to bring the most captivating and engaging Blue Shift chapter to life.
Our team is passionately working on Focal Point with tremendous enthusiasm. From gameplay to storyline, every aspect of the project is under scrutiny and careful analysis. We're refining details, implementing fresh ideas, and utilizing cutting-edge technologies to create the most captivating experience for you.
Currently, we can say that chapter 5 is about 60% done. It's a significant milestone, but there's still a lot work ahead. We meticulously review community feedback, make adjustments and enhancements to ensure the unique and interesting Xen experience for everyone.
All of us embarked on this project without prior experience in making anything that could even remotely match the serene beauty of Black Mesa's Xen. As we delved into the creation of our initial levels, we found ourselves navigating uncharted territories, immersing ourselves in a world of learning and exploration. The early stages of creating those levels were akin to stepping into a realm of unexplored creativity. We were venturing into unknown landscapes where every stroke of design, and every concept we conjured became a lesson itself. As for the release...
However, enough words – it's time for us to delve into the most intriguing parts of our article - soundtrack, screenshots, textures, models, in other words - visual stuff!
Let's start with some materials showcase. Maps can't look good without good texture work. These are some of the enviroment surfaces for later parts of Focal Point - dirt, rock, moss.
We won't be showing only the beautiful part of xen - some gross infestation will be used in both Focal Point and Power Struggle:
Listen to another great ambient soundtrack from Daver while you go through the rest of the article:
The work our mappers have done so far for chapter 5 is incredible. It may be huge and beautiful, but it's not gonna be a cakewalk for you - make sure you're ready for this! Here's plenty of screenshots for you!
Woah, it's so vast, but the air there is so thick it's kinda hard to breath... Let's go outside for some fresh xenian air...
If you were still wondering why it takes us so long to make this chapter, take a look at single map scale:
Of course we're also making a ton of custom models! You're gonna see these plants on your way to the focal device:
You're going to find some "ancient" human tech from their first expeditions to the borderworld!
Do you remember that one part right before the Lambda Complex in Black Mesa where Xenians deployed a giant alien turret? We neither, because it was cut in the remake. But we're gonna be restoring some of this cut stuff - you all deserve experiencing it in Source!
In addition to the restored cut content, we will add at least 5 brand new creatures for Focal Point! We won't spoil everything to you right away, but we'll tease some of them in this article.
Meet the Shellsquid! More dangerous, very strong and scary monster that can hit you from very long distances with powerful projectiles:
Looks like there's something deep in the water...
At the same time, part of our team that doesn't have to work on Focal Point is going through previous chapters and making some enhancements here and there. As example - new get-up animation and improved lighting for Rosenberg's container scene:
As always, we have some stuff for our Patreon supporters too! This time it'll be concept art of another xen plant, W.I.P. model based on it, new living xen inhabitant model and another cool updated animation. Go take a look at everything on our Patreon!
Thank you for your boundless support and belief in us. We're grateful for every moment we can share with you and promise even more thrilling news in the future! Have fun on this holiday season!
You can join and chat with us on Discord, VK and support us on Patreon where we post some exclusive content!
Xen there! Check out our progress on the borderworld for the 5th chapter of our mod!
The time has come for the Chapter 4 to release! Hop on the train and save the Black Mesa personnel!
It's been a while since last article! See what's new on our Captive Freight chapter progress!
It's the 1st Anniversary since our first Black Mesa: Blue Shift announcement!
Chapter 4 of the remake, Captive Freight, is now released!
Due to some limitations, we had to release those icons for in-game hints as a separate mod.
Vanilla-style logo. UPDATE FROM 2-DEC-21: FIXED LOGO POSITION. OPEN FULL DESCRIPTION FOR THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS!
The THIRD chapter of the remake, Duty Calls, is now released! OPEN FULL DESCRIPTION FOR THE NEW INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS!
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Enjoyed the mod very much, looking forward to the next chapter.
До выхода Focal Point осталось совсем не много
Vocês pretendem terminar o remake, está faltando a parte de Xen e a última parte que aparece os soldados e gostaria de ver todo mundo sendo salvo. Mas eu vi a gameplay e ficou muito bonito e não gostei que foi como mod e sim queria que tivesse sido um jogo à parte como no original , eu não estou sabendo instalar o jogo e tem uma parte que fiquei na dúvida . Como falei se fosse à parte eu compraria pra jogar e vocês também poderiam fazer um remake do Opposing Force.
Your work is amazing! Is there really no u guys can partner up with the Black Mesa folks and make this an official dlc of the game?
Excuse me dear sir, did you mean expansion pack? ;-)
Ну что фанаты? Ждёте лето этого года? Или уже перестали ждать? Походу с такими скоростями игра выйдет как Xen для Black Mesa....
(buried)
**** YOU. This excuse of a half life fangame is so ******* broken. THERE ARE THESE NEON STUFF THAT SAYS "ERROR SUCCESS" AND WHEN I TRIED GETTING OFF THE ******* TRAM ITS ******* BROKEN, GO KILL YOURSELF WHOEVER MADE THIS MOD. **** YOU IM WAITING UNTIL OPERATION: BLACK MESA COMES OUT.
Damn, who farted in your inhaler?
What kind of response is that? If this is your reaction to a high-profile mod failing to work due to install complications then you have so much to learn.
stfu
"im havingg issues with mod, so kil yourselff!!!!"
- DooMslayer232