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, spearheaded by the talented modders at Orbifold Studios, aims to elevate the gaming experience with significant visual enhancements. These include upgraded lighting, new assets, ray tracing, and the integration of DLSS 4 technology, promising a visually stunning revival of the classic game. Notably, this remaster will be available at no extra cost to those who already own Half-Life 2 on Steam, although an official release date has yet to be announced.

Starting March 18, fans can get a taste of what's to come with a free demo, featuring two of the game's most memorable locations: the eerie, abandoned city of Ravenholm and the foreboding Nova Prospekt prison. A recent trailer has already given viewers a glimpse of the remaster's impressive ray tracing and DLSS 4 capabilities, hinting at smoother gameplay and enhanced frame rates.

The comprehensive 75-minute video by Digital Foundry meticulously examines gameplay footage from both Ravenholm and Nova Prospekt, offering side-by-side comparisons that showcase the dramatic visual overhaul achieved by Orbifold Studios. The team's efforts include the implementation of high-resolution textures, advanced lighting techniques, and the aforementioned ray tracing and DLSS 4 integration.

While Digital Foundry's experts were thoroughly impressed with the visual transformation of Half-Life 2 RTX, they did observe occasional frame rate drops in specific areas. However, these minor hiccups do little to detract from the overall remarkable rejuvenation of this legendary title, promising to bring new life and excitement to a beloved classic.