Recent reviews by Mir

I click on the big cookie
I receive dopamine
I click on the big cookie
I receive dopamine
I click on the big cookie
I receive dopamine

I remember seeing the announcement trailer for Black Mesa on their website when I was still in high school, fifteen years ago.
I was so excited for it back then, Half-Life being my favorite seriese of all time, and I was very impressed by the demo released several years later showcasing thee first chapter of the game.
When Black Mesa released as an early access title on Steam, I decided to wait, so that I could experience the game fully when it officially released; and It finally did, just a few days ago.

This remake is what every Half-Life fan could have wished for, and more. Exploring the original HL setting, but with the newer and improved mechanics of the more modern games is a tantalizing experience; what is old feels like new again; all the weapons, enemies and locations are a joy to discover and experience as if it were the first time again. The platforming of the original title is mixed with new ideas in the form of physics-based puzzles from the HL2 games, and it feels just right, as if it should've been like that all along.

Some levels that I wasn't very fond of in the original HL are brought to life in Black Mesa, and those that were my favorites are better than ever before. I was particularly impressed by the Xen levels, as they look visually stunning and are very enjoyable to play through, especially compared to the original game.

The weapons feel good and although you're never quite starved of ammo, you'll find moments where you will have to cycle through your arsenal to deal with the enemies that the game throws at you. Fighting humans is quite different than fighting aliens, and you'll see yourself using different strategies to deal with them.

I can't say enough nice things about Black Mesa. I haven't felt this happy after playing a game in a long time.
It's a letter to the HL series and its fans. It is the work of love, and it shows.

You can play with friends!
And friendship is magic.




AND MAGIC IS HERESY