Half-Life High Definition Pack

The Half-Life High Definition Pack (also commonly abbreviated to several other forms, including the Hi-Def Pack, or simply HD Pack) is a content pack consisting of new and upgraded material, but mostly models, for games in the Half-Life series. It was created by Gearbox Software and originally included with the PC release of Half-Life: Blue Shift. It includes content for the original Half-Life, Opposing Force, and Blue Shift, as well as content for Team Fortress Classic created by Valve Software.

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History


The High Definition Pack spawned from the canceled Sega Dreamcast version of Half-Life, in which Blue Shift was included as a bonus addition to the game. The Dreamcast port boasted improved graphical content, and these models were eventually carried over to the PC after the game's cancellation. However, they were evidently not directly converted as the models that appeared in the Dreamcast port appear to be earlier versions of what would finally comprise the High Definition Pack. The leaked version of the DC game included models that possessed some very noticeable differences from the finished high definition models, and even had some improved models not made part of the High Definition Pack at all. Earlier preview shots of the Dreamcast version shows yet even older incarnations of some of the high definition models.

PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 remake of Half-Life saw even further improved models to the game, also created by Gearbox. This included full facial animation and individually-animated fingers. As such, they're considered a continuation of the High Definition Pack. The PlayStation 2 port took advantage of a "Level of Detail" system, allowing these very detailed models up close without sacrificing performance. They were never officially released for the PC version of the game. However, modders have since converted the models and improved them even more, thus making them popular replacements in the community for those looking to graphically enhance their games. Because the PS2 models are seen as the highest-quality versions available, greater than the original High Definition Pack, they are often referred to as "super definition" among some parts of the community, while the original Half-Life models are called "low definition".

Steam release
On August 25, 2005, the High Definition Pack was made available for free through Steam by Valve. However, Valve was criticized for not using the fixed version of the models, which were already available in Gearbox's patch for Blue Shift. These patched models re-included animations missing from the high definition models that, although did not appear in any of the official games, were commonly used in custom levels and modifications. Without these patched models, many modifications will act erratically, as the missing animations can interrupt scripted sequences, possibly preventing the player from continuing or even crashing the game. Many also complained at how the High Definition Pack was implemented in the program. When enabled, Steam automatically disables the use of any other custom content. Players wanting to use both the High Definition Pack and their own models were prevented from doing so unless they manually extracted the high definition models from the GCF file. Over a year later, on August 30, 2006, a staff member of Planet Half-Life released a fixed version of the patched High Definition Pack for use in Steam.