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this post was submitted on 08 Jul 2023
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I've started Black Mesa but haven't finished it yet. What I've played has been fucking impressive.
Valve is sort of the best at what I'm asking about---all of their games have the greatest touches that make the settings feel like existing locations you've walked into. It's what makes me wish they published more.
The insane detail that goes into aging Aperture throughout the second half of Portal 2, the way it starts in the 40s or 50s at the very bottom and has a distinct "era" for each level as you get closer to the surface, including Cave's progressing illness . . . it's such good storytelling, and it's literally just window dressing for the already-great main plot.
The crazy thing is that Black Mesa isn't made by Valve, but was essentially a fan recreation of the original Half Life. That it fits with Valve's style is just so amazing to me.
Valve style is gameplay first and foremost. While the environment tries to feel rooted with reality it fell short on several aspects. For example, ever notice how you never encounter a single washroom besides the one at Sector C? The physics puzzle too, it's fun and shows off the physics engine but it's impractical irl. And dear lord, the car battery puzzles...
Btw check out the new HL2 mod Swelter. Takes environmental design up to 11. Personally the best atmosphere of any HL source mod I've ever seen.
I honestly don't notice that kind of thing. I usually play games once, and I'm not that into exploration on that first playthrough.
What strikes me about Valve games is that details are way better than I expect. Maybe not realism as you mentioned, but the narrative feels really compelling even with a silent protagonist and no cutscenes. A lot of first person shooters and puzzle games have weaker narratives despite including cutscenes and whatnot.