This article's documentation is for the "GoldSrc" engine. Click here for more information.
This article relates to the game "Half-Life: Blue Shift". Click here for more information.
This article relates to the game "Half-Life". Click here for more information.

Half-Life: Blue Shift: Difference between revisions

From Valve Developer Community
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Major rewrite of article)
(Grammar fix.)
 
(74 intermediate revisions by 28 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{game release|appid=130}}
{{LanguageBar}}
{{Metacritic score yellow|gameid=halflifeblueshift|score=71}}
{{hlbs topicon}}{{hl topicon}}{{gldsrc topicon}}
{{Background
| file = Half-Life Blue Shift - Background.png{{!}}1280px
| gradient-height = 600px
| opacity = 0.3
}}
{{Infobox game
|title = Half-Life: Blue Shift
|image = Software Cover - Half-Life Blue Shift.jpg
|developer = [[Gearbox Software]]
|publisher = [[Sierra|Sierra Entertainment]] (retail)<br>[[Valve Corporation]]
|series = [[Half-Life series]]
|releasedates = {{ExpandBox|title=June 12, 2001|'''Windows:'''<br>June 12, 2001<br>'''macOS, Linux:'''<br>March 30, 2013<!-- expand template -->}}
|genre = {{w|icon=0|First-person shooter|First-person shooter}}
|mode =  {{w|icon=0|Single-player video game|Single-player}}
|platform =  {{w|icon=0|Windows|Windows}}, {{w|icon=0|macOS|macOS}}, {{w|icon=0|Linux|Linux}}
|engine = {{gldsrc|4}}
|appid = 130
|codelang = {{w|icon=0|C++|C++}}
|modsupport = Yes, <u><span style="font-weight:bold" title="Mod folder needs to be placed alongside Half-Life/bshift/ folder to be detected by Steam">[[GoldSrc/SteamPipe directories#Fallback directories|drop-in folders]]</span></u> and <u>'''[[GoldSrc/SteamPipe directories#<base>/<mod>_addon|bshift_addon]]'''</u>
|sdk = [[Half-Life SDK]]
|sysreq = <span></span>
*  {{w|icon=0|Windows 7|Win 7}} or later
* 800  {{w|icon=0|Hertz|MHz}}  {{w|icon=0|Central processing unit|CPU}}
* 512 {{w|icon=0|Megabyte|MB}} RAM
* 4  {{w|icon=0|Gigabyte|GB}} disk space
* 32 MB  {{w|icon=0|Video random-access memory|VRAM}} video card
''For details, [[#System Requirements|see below]]''
|steamdeck = {{steamdeck playable|4}}
|distribution = Retail, [[Steam]]
|website =
|links = {{Steam store|app/50|'''Steam''' page}}
|previousgame = {{hlop4|2}}
|nextgame = {{decay|2}} ({{w|icon=0|Playstation 2|PS2}} only)<br>{{hl2|2}}
}}
{{hlbs|4}} is the second official expansion produced for {{hl|3.1}}. In Blue Shift, the player takes on the role of a [[Black Mesa Research Facility|Black Mesa]] security guard, [[Barney Calhoun]]. Blue Shift follows the same theme as Half-Life and {{hlop4|3.1}}, once again taking the lone player through the Black Mesa Facility. 


The name ''blue shift'' refers to an astronomical phenomenon that occurs when an object is moving towards the observer and the resulting energy shifts towards the blue side of the electromagnetic spectrum. This therefore matches up with the similar scientific names used for the other Half-Life games. Half-Life: Blue Shift is also sometimes abbreviated as HL:BS or Half-Life:BS.


{{hl1}} '''Half-Life: Blue Shift''' is the second official expansion produced for [[Half-Life]]. In Blue Shift, the player takes on the role of a [[Black Mesa Research Facility|Black Mesa]] security guard, [[Barney Calhoun]]. Blue Shift follows the same theme as Half-Life and [[Opposing Force]], once again taking the lone player through the Black Mesa Facility.
== History ==
Blue Shift was originally a game developed by [[Gearbox Software]], exclusively for the [[Dreamcast]] version of Half-Life. It also included a [[Half-Life High Definition Content|high definition pack]] of higher detail models and improved sounds to accommodate for the general increase in hardware power since Half-Life's initial release. However, the Dreamcast port's release was cancelled by Sierra following declining console support. The left-over content was bundled with Opposing Force and migrated to the {{wiki|PC}}. As a result, Blue Shift is a shorter game than both Half-Life and Opposing Force.  


The name ''blue shift'' refers to an astronomical phenomenon that occurs when an object is moving towards the observer and the resulting energy shifts towards the blue side of the electromagnetic spectrum. This therefore matches up with the similar scientific names used for the other Half-Life games.
Blue Shift was released in 2001. Blue Shift and the High Definition Pack were made available through [[Steam]] in August 2005.


==History==
== Content ==
Blue Shift was originally a game developed by [[Gearbox Software]], exclusively for the [[Wikipedia:Dreamcast|Dreamcast]] version of Half-Life. It also included a [[Half-Life High Definition Content|high definition pack]] of higher detail models and improved sounds to accomodate for the general increase in hardware power since Half-Life's initial release. However, for one reason or another, the game was never released on Dreamcast. The left-over content was bundled with Opposing Force and migrated to the {{wiki|PC}}. As a result, Blue Shift is a shorter game than both Half-Life and Opposing Force.  
Blue Shift draws most of its game content from the original Half-Life. Interestingly, very little of Opposing Force content appears in Blue Shift. [[Race-X]] does not turn up, nor do the [[Black Operations]]. However this is probably due to the fact that Blue Shift's story is over by the time Opposing Force starts, and these two groups only become fully involved late in Opposing Force.


Blue Shift was released in 2001. Blue Shift and the High Definition Pack were made available through [[Steam]] in August 2005. However, the Steam version has problems which have disappointed fans, claiming that the game's Steam version was not at the high standards that are usually found in Valve's Half-Life games. namely the inability to add any customisations to the game, or other issues such as the lack of the original blue HUD colour.
Some Opposing Force content is used, most notably the return of the security guard model [[Otis]]. However, none of the new Opposing Force weapons appear, save from the Desert Eagle on the Otis model. There are no new weapons at all, however a pre-release trailer showed the existence of a wieldable flashlight weapon. The available armory is entirely from the original game, however not all of the weapons can be found in-game. The HECU soldiers return to their original Half-Life form and AI, there are no longer any visible engineers, medics or machine gunners. Blue Shift does still imply that these exist, mainly as soldiers can often be heard cutting through a door using the same sounds from Opposing Force.


==Content==
As mentioned above, Gearbox included a High Definition Pack in Blue Shift. This upgrades many models and textures to a higher quality, notably with the security guards, scientists, HECU forces and a number of [[Xen]] creatures. Weapon models are also included, the MP5 submachine gun has been replaced with a M4/M203 assault rifle and the Glock with a Beretta 92. All weapon models have received more detailed meshes and textures, including new animations. New sounds were given to the shotgun and assault rifle.
Blue Shift draws most of its game content from the original Half-Life. Interestingly, very little of Opposing Force content appears in Blue Shift. [[Race-X]] does not turn up, nor do the [{Black Operations]]. However this is probably due to the fact that Blue Shift's story is over by the time Opposing Force starts, and these two groups only become majorly involved late in Opposing Force.


Some Opposing Force content is used, most notably the return of the security guard model [[Otis]]. However, none of the new Opposing Force weapons appear, save from the Desert Eagle on the Otis model. There are in fact no new weapons at all, the available armoury is entirely from the original game. The HECU soldiers return to their original Half-Life form and AI, there are no longer any visible engineers, medics or machine gunners. Blue Shift does still imply that these exist, mainly as soldiers can often be heard cutting through a door using the same sounds from Opposing Force.
Gearbox added a new twist to the Half-Life saga by making Blue Shift the first game to feature a main character in game other than the player and the [[G-Man]]. The main focus of the game is in assisting a [[Dr. Rosenberg]] and two other scientists named Walter and Simmons escape the facility. The G-Man himself does not appear to the extent seen in Half-Life and Opposing Force.


As mentioned above, Gearbox included a High Definition Pack in Blue Shift. This upgrades many models and textures to a higher quality, notably with the security guards, scientists, HECU forces and a number of Xen creatures. Weapon models are also included, the MP5 sub machinegun has been replaced with a M4/M203 assault rifle and the Glock with a Beretta 92. All weapon models have recieved more detailed meshes and textures, including new animations. New sounds were given to the shotgun and assault rifle.
== Chapters ==
{{hlbs|4}} has 7 playable chapters (9 with Hazard Course and Deliverance).
{{Chapters|game=hlbs}}


Gearbox added a new twist to the Half-Life saga by making Blue Shift the first game to feature a main character in game other than the player and the [[G-Man]]. The main focus of the game is in assisting a [[Dr. Stanley Rosenburg]] and two other scientists named Walter and Simmons escape the facility. The G-Man himself does not appear to the extent seen in Half-Life and Opposing Force.
== Mapping ==
Blue Shift uses a slightly modified version of the GoldSource engine, and as a result .bsp files compiled with the regular compile tools will not load. [https://valvedev.info/tools/bspfix/ bspfix] is a program that converts to and from Blue Shift .bsp files.


Blue Shift used the soundtrack that accompanied Opposing Force in game, but for unknown reasons the soundtrack is not included in the Steam version.
== Tidbits ==
[[File:bs-news.png|frame|left|The Mesa Times]]
{{clr}}


==Chapters==
== System Requirements ==
#Living Quarters Outbound
<p style="color:white; font-weight:bold">Windows (Steam version):</p>
#Insecurity
*Windows 7 or later
#Duty Calls
*800 MHz CPU
#Captive Freight
*512 MB RAM
#Focal Point
*4 GB disk space
#Power Struggle
*32 MB {{w|icon=0|Video random-access memory|VRAM}} video card
#Leap of Faith
{{Note|The Steam version is no longer compatible with  {{w|icon=0|Windows XP|XP}} and  {{w|icon=0|Windows Vista|Vista}}{{confirm}} since the 25th anniversary update.<br>User using these OS can downgrade to previous version of the game by using the {{code|steam_legacy}} beta branch instead.}}


==See Also==
<p style="color:white; font-weight:bold">OS X:</p>
* {{w|icon=0|OS X|OS X}} 10.6.3
*Intel {{w|icon=0|Core 2 Duo|Core 2 Duo}} processor
*1 GB RAM
*4 GB disk space
*Nvidia {{w|icon=0|GeForce 8 series|GeForce 8xxx series}} or {{w|icon=0|ATI Radeon|ATI Radeon}} X1600 video card or {{w|icon=0|Intel HD Graphics|Intel HD Graphics}} 3000
 
<p style="color:white; font-weight:bold">Linux:</p>
*{{w|icon=0|Ubuntu|Ubuntu}} 12.04, {{w|icon=0|SteamOS|SteamOS}} 1.0
*2.8 GHz Dual Core processor
*1 GB RAM
*4 GB disk space
*Nvidia Geforce 8600/9600 GT or ATI (AMD) Radeon HD 2600/3600 video card
*OpenGL 2.1 or above
*For Nvidia: 310 driver version
*For ATI (AMD): 12.11 driver version
*{{w|icon=0|OpenAL|OpenAL}}-compatible audio
 
== See also ==
* {{bmsbs|4}}
* {{hldc|4}}
* [[hl_bs.fgd|Half-Life: Blue Shift FGD]]
* [[Barney Calhoun]]
* [[Barney Calhoun]]
* [[Dr. Stanley Rosenburg]]
* [[Dr. Rosenberg]]{{Gearbox}}
* [[Gearbox Software]]
{{Half life games|hidecancelled=true|hide3rdparty=true}}


[[Category:Third Party Goldsource Engine Games]]
[[Category:Gearbox Software]]
[[Category:Gearbox Software games]]

Latest revision as of 04:28, 27 December 2024

English (en)中文 (zh)中文（臺灣） (zh-tw)Translate (Translate)

Half-Life Blue Shift - Background.png
Half-Life: Blue Shift
Software Cover - Half-Life Blue Shift.jpg
Developer(s)
Release date(s)
June 12, 2001 
Windows:
June 12, 2001
macOS, Linux:
March 30, 2013
Mode(s)
Platform(s)
Engine
Steam AppID
Written in
Mod support
System requirements
For details, see below
Steam Deck compatbility
Distribution
Retail, Steam
Links
Next game

Half-Life: Blue Shift Half-Life: Blue Shift is the second official expansion produced for Half-Life. In Blue Shift, the player takes on the role of a Black Mesa security guard, Barney Calhoun. Blue Shift follows the same theme as Half-Life and Half-Life: Opposing Force, once again taking the lone player through the Black Mesa Facility.

The name blue shift refers to an astronomical phenomenon that occurs when an object is moving towards the observer and the resulting energy shifts towards the blue side of the electromagnetic spectrum. This therefore matches up with the similar scientific names used for the other Half-Life games. Half-Life: Blue Shift is also sometimes abbreviated as HL:BS or Half-Life:BS.

History

Blue Shift was originally a game developed by Gearbox Software, exclusively for the Dreamcast version of Half-Life. It also included a high definition pack of higher detail models and improved sounds to accommodate for the general increase in hardware power since Half-Life's initial release. However, the Dreamcast port's release was cancelled by Sierra following declining console support. The left-over content was bundled with Opposing Force and migrated to the Wikipedia icon PC. As a result, Blue Shift is a shorter game than both Half-Life and Opposing Force.

Blue Shift was released in 2001. Blue Shift and the High Definition Pack were made available through Steam in August 2005.

Content

Blue Shift draws most of its game content from the original Half-Life. Interestingly, very little of Opposing Force content appears in Blue Shift. Race-X does not turn up, nor do the Black Operations. However this is probably due to the fact that Blue Shift's story is over by the time Opposing Force starts, and these two groups only become fully involved late in Opposing Force.

Some Opposing Force content is used, most notably the return of the security guard model Otis. However, none of the new Opposing Force weapons appear, save from the Desert Eagle on the Otis model. There are no new weapons at all, however a pre-release trailer showed the existence of a wieldable flashlight weapon. The available armory is entirely from the original game, however not all of the weapons can be found in-game. The HECU soldiers return to their original Half-Life form and AI, there are no longer any visible engineers, medics or machine gunners. Blue Shift does still imply that these exist, mainly as soldiers can often be heard cutting through a door using the same sounds from Opposing Force.

As mentioned above, Gearbox included a High Definition Pack in Blue Shift. This upgrades many models and textures to a higher quality, notably with the security guards, scientists, HECU forces and a number of Xen creatures. Weapon models are also included, the MP5 submachine gun has been replaced with a M4/M203 assault rifle and the Glock with a Beretta 92. All weapon models have received more detailed meshes and textures, including new animations. New sounds were given to the shotgun and assault rifle.

Gearbox added a new twist to the Half-Life saga by making Blue Shift the first game to feature a main character in game other than the player and the G-Man. The main focus of the game is in assisting a Dr. Rosenberg and two other scientists named Walter and Simmons escape the facility. The G-Man himself does not appear to the extent seen in Half-Life and Opposing Force.

Chapters

Half-Life: Blue Shift Half-Life: Blue Shift has 7 playable chapters (9 with Hazard Course and Deliverance).


Mapping

Blue Shift uses a slightly modified version of the GoldSource engine, and as a result .bsp files compiled with the regular compile tools will not load. bspfix is a program that converts to and from Blue Shift .bsp files.

Tidbits

The Mesa Times

System Requirements

Windows (Steam version):

  • Windows 7 or later
  • 800 MHz CPU
  • 512 MB RAM
  • 4 GB disk space
  • 32 MB VRAM video card
Note.pngNote:The Steam version is no longer compatible with XP and Vista[confirm] since the 25th anniversary update.
User using these OS can downgrade to previous version of the game by using the steam_legacy beta branch instead.

OS X:

Linux:

  • Ubuntu 12.04, SteamOS 1.0
  • 2.8 GHz Dual Core processor
  • 1 GB RAM
  • 4 GB disk space
  • Nvidia Geforce 8600/9600 GT or ATI (AMD) Radeon HD 2600/3600 video card
  • OpenGL 2.1 or above
  • For Nvidia: 310 driver version
  • For ATI (AMD): 12.11 driver version
  • OpenAL-compatible audio

See also

Retrieved from "https://developer.valvesoftware.com/w/index.php?title=Half-Life:_Blue_Shift&oldid=459972"