The new version of Half-Life 2 is receiving numerous criticisms from users

The acclaimed FPS classic, Half-Life 2, is getting a new lease on life thanks to a remastered version called Half-Life 2 RTX, which will be released for free in the future. On March 18, 2025, a demo of this remake was released, generating expectations among fans. However, reactions have been mixed, with only 60% positive reviews on Steam, where many players have pointed out that the demo is quite demanding and lacks optimization.

A Questionable Use of Pathtracing

The most notable complaints come from the changes in lighting, which use ray tracing and path tracing technology. Some players on Reddit have expressed their discontent, pointing out that these improvements have altered the original atmosphere of the game, removing the fear that characterized areas like Ravenholm. This aspect has sparked a debate about how technological changes can affect the classic experience that many fondly remember.

David Driver-Gomm, from Orbifold Studios, stated that Half-Life 2 RTX is an interpretation of the original game and is modifiable, allowing the community to create their own versions. “The idea of this demo is that we have laid a very solid foundation. We want to see what people think,” Gomm commented, while reminding that the project is still in development and there is interest in exploring future episodes. “Half-Life 2: Episode 1 and 2 have many resources with the game. Even if we don’t do it ourselves, the community could take up the work,” he concluded.

Despite the current criticism, the return of this icon continues to generate interest and conversation in the gaming community, highlighting the affection that Half-Life 2 has garnered over the years. With NVIDIA’s RTX Remix technology, players have the opportunity to customize their experience and bring new interpretations to this timeless classic.

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