I'd say the fact that you need steam at all is enough of a disadvantage. That thing's vile.

ynari wrote:

Still, I'd like to know if there's a big disadvantage to using the Steam version

Overbrights regressed and the current maintainer doesn't realize combine operations have been a common thing since the Riva TNT for over a decade now.

I just got San Andreas for the PC, and it turned out to be V2, even though the box didn't say second edition. That sucks, and I sure could use a hot coffee right now.

leileilol wrote:

ynari wrote:

Still, I'd like to know if there's a big disadvantage to using the Steam version

Overbrights regressed and the current maintainer doesn't realize combine operations have been a common thing since the Riva TNT for over a decade now.

OK, so it's worth buying Blue Shift and Opposing Forces and finding the latest (non Steam) patch, running it on XP so it has hardware EAX support? I can do that, and it's not very expensive, either.

What are 'combine operations' ? I presume overbrights regressed is concerning lighting, is combine operations a performance or geometry thing? If I run this on my retro box, it'll be a pentium 3 with a Voodoo2 or S3 Virge GX. If my main system, Q6700, Audigy 4 and Quadro 6000. If it's on the modern gaming box, it's a Core2Quad with XP (or 8.1), with a HD6950 and an X-Fi Elite. My preference is to run software on the latest platform possible, provided it does not lose functionality, for usability and frame rate reasons, if nothing else. Running at 1600x1200x100Hz is better than low res.

Ordered them anyway, they weren't very expensive. Question is whether my Steam Half Life saves will work on non Steam..

Even the non-Steam patches damage the game in my opinion. I prefer to stay on 1.0.1.5 that comes with Opposing Force.

When it goes to the original (DOS version) of Sid Meier's Railroad Tycoon, I always avoid packaged versions. I had the original floppy version, and in such version, it's quite easy to do "the pursestring pounce" game exploit. Alas, in packaged versions (later versions) of the game, it's almost impossible to do so, because AI players always buy a block of their own stocks before doing anything else.

I have no legitimate reason to go any lower than 1.1.1.0 for everyday playing, and I also occasionally apply the WON2 patch on top of that when the multiplayer bedbugs start biting.

I have Half-Life 1.0.0.5. How do I check if I have the map you mentioned?

You can get an utility for navigating HL resources and see if the map's there, then you may call it from the console.

PakScape is what I use to browse HL's pak file. You could use that.

Lo Wang wrote:

You can get an utility for navigating HL resources and see if the map's there, then you may call it from the console.

I've got 111 bsp files in the maps folder of pak0.pak. What's the name of the map I'm looking for?

I have no idea. All I remember about it I have already told. I suppose you can get a list of the official maps from a HL wiki or what have you, then single out whatever doesn't fit.

In addition to these: http://wiki.sourceruns.org/wiki/Half-Life_Maps
I have

boot_camp.bsp
bounce.bsp
datacore.bsp
lambda_bunker.bsp
snark_pit.bsp
stalkyard.bsp
subtransit.bsp
undertow.bsp

But I figure these are just normal death match maps.

Seeing as you know about all the different versions - can you provide a rundown of the advantages and disadvantages of each one?

I don't care about multiplayer, single player only. Not bothered by secret levels or exploits either, unless it stops an especially good mod from working.

Mods need at least 1.0.0.9 to work, every patch after that up to 1.0.1.6 are minor changes.
1.1.0.0 changes a lot in the engine. Multiplayer is improved, but some of its quirks also affect single player. Compatibility with many mods died, but developers were quick to solve this.
1.1.0.8 introduces the infamous "chainsaw crowbar" bug.
Most good mods are made for 1.1, so unless they are simply map packs, you must update.

So, for the best experience :

Install Half Life
Install Opposing Forces
Install Blue Shift
Should 1.1.0.0 or 1.1.0.8 now be installed?
Play on XP, with an EAX soundcard.

One of the 1.1.x.x versions introduced "events" which are meant for clientside weapon behavior, however this changed the appearance of the Egon gun to be more purpleish and removes the sprite at the end. Keep that in mind

ynari wrote:

So, for the best experience : […]
Show full quote

So, for the best experience :

Install Half Life
Install Opposing Forces
Install Blue Shift
Should 1.1.0.0 or 1.1.0.8 now be installed?
Play on XP, with an EAX soundcard.

Play first and patch to 1.1.1.0 later for mods.
It doesn't really matter which 1.1.x.x, for mods use their own code that are most likely based on the latest SDK anyway.

Sorry for the rez 😁

To me it depends on what game and what "gold editions" are available.
But this is for collecting, so I'll give an example of this.

I have a couple Total Annihilation disks (though never got that Commander Pack which included both expansions with the original game) and one is some kind of Compaq version which must've come OEM with some system and it actually comes with a different patchnumber. I don't think I'll ever part with these disks 😀