Original Half-Life 2 vs. RTX: A Comparison

Digital Foundry's YouTube channel has released an extensive hour-long video that delves into a detailed comparison between the iconic Half-Life 2 from 2004 and its upcoming remastered version, Half-Life 2 RTX. This remaster, developed by Orbifold Studios—a team of seasoned modders—promises to enhance the game with significant visual upgrades. These include advanced lighting, new high-resolution assets, ray tracing, and the integration of NVIDIA's DLSS 4 technology, which is expected to improve frame rates (FPS) significantly.

Half-Life 2 RTX will be available for free to those who already own the original game on Steam, although a specific release date has not yet been announced. Fans eager to experience the remaster can look forward to a free demo releasing on March 18. This demo will allow players to explore two of the game's most memorable settings: the eerie, abandoned city of Ravenholm and the formidable Nova Prospekt prison. A recent trailer has already showcased the impressive ray tracing capabilities and the performance benefits brought by DLSS 4.

The video, which clocks in at a record-breaking 75 minutes, features expert analysis of gameplay footage from both Ravenholm and Nova Prospekt. The experts at Digital Foundry meticulously compare the remastered visuals with the original, pointing out the substantial improvements made by Orbifold Studios. The team is focusing on creating high-resolution textures, implementing advanced lighting techniques, and ensuring the smooth integration of ray tracing and DLSS 4.

While the visual transformation of Half-Life 2 RTX is hailed as remarkable, Digital Foundry's experts did note some occasional frame rate drops in certain areas. Despite these minor issues, the overall enhancement is considered a significant achievement, effectively breathing new life into this legendary game.