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Black Mesa
Action
Adventure
Indie
Single-player
Multi-player
PvP
Online PvP
Cross-Platform Multiplayer
Steam Achievements
Steam Trading Cards
Captions available
Steam Workshop
Partial Controller Support
Steam Cloud
Includes level editor
Includes Source SDK
Remote Play on Phone
Remote Play on Tablet
Family Sharing

Relive Half-Life.

Developers: Crowbar Collective
Publishers: Crowbar Collective
Release Date: Mar 6, 2020
Price (USD): $19.99
Current Players: 3k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Overwhelmingly Positive(95%)
The general sentiment among players is overwhelmingly positive, with enhanced graphics and faithful homage to the original being the main highlights. Players commend the developers for what they view as a labor of love that modernizes the game while remaining true to its roots. However, some frustration arises from prolonged Xen levels and technical issues on certain platforms. Overall, Black Mesa is considered a must-play for fans of Half-Life and a great entry point for new players, thanks to its dedication to maintaining the essence of the original while significantly updating and enriching the experience.

Positive Points

  • The game's graphics are significantly improved, offering a modern visual experience that enhances the immersion, especially noted in the beautifully reimagined Xen levels.
  • Black Mesa successfully updates the original Half-Life with a faithful homage, maintaining the core storyline while adding new content and quality-of-life improvements.
  • Players appreciate the attention to detail and the dedication shown by the developers, highlighting the game's enhanced world-building and cohesive storytelling.
  • The game preserves the original's atmosphere and gameplay while integrating new mechanics and features that modernize the experience for new and returning players.

    • Negative Points

  • Xen levels, while visually impressive, are criticized for being too long and dragging out the game's pacing, which can become tedious.
  • Some players report gameplay issues on Linux and Steam Deck, including crashes, lighting problems, and graphical glitches that hinder the experience.
  • Certain aspects of the game, such as puzzles and platforming elements, are perceived as cumbersome or frustrating, particularly in later sections.

    • Mixed Points

  • The AI of enemies is a point of contention: improved in some areas but still lacking in realism or creating repetitive combat scenarios.
  • Game modifications and changes to specific levels receive mixed feedback, with some players enjoying the fresh take, while others miss the original design elements.

    • Common Themes

  • Black Mesa is often praised as a labor of love that enhances and respects the core elements of the original game while making it accessible to a new audience.
  • The developers' passion and meticulous effort are frequently highlighted, with many players considering this remake the ideal way to experience Half-Life.
  • The game's music and audio design receive accolades for adding depth to the atmosphere, although some players find audio balance issues.
    • Updated 5/13/2025, 12:00:51 AM UTC
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