Is Half Life 2 Worth Getting Just Because of Source SDK?

[Daendyr19]

I am starting to create mods, and Source SDK seems like a good place to start. It's just that, I have Half Life 2 on my PS3, so I'm not planning on playing it again. Is it worth getting Half Life 2 on the PC just because of the Source SDK?

[XenoSpyro]

Correct me if I'm wrong but if you linked your PSN account with your Steam account, you might be able to get HL2 free on PC for having it on PS3. I've heard it was done with Portal 2, and I don't have a Ps3 so I wouldn't know for a fact.

[Daendyr19]

Hmm... Maybe. I'll try that. Still, is Source SDK any good?

[Zekiran]

Well, the fact that it has created numerous professionals out of fans in the process of using it, yes. It does have some issues since some of the engine changes after the Orange Box came out and was updated. I'd suggest searching online for some tutorials and support on the valve site for more detailed information before jumping in if you aren't already familiar with the engine.

Myself, I open it, look at faceposer, open a couple sound files, laugh at how ridiculously bad I am with the map editor, and close it. I did assemble something of a map, but I had help finishing it - if you don't know what order in which to do things, it just gets very messy very quickly.

[Leushenko]

Originally Posted by Daendyr19

I am starting to create mods

I think the question is what are you starting to create mods for? (Are you in fact interested in mod-mods, or just creating your own unrelated games?)

For modding HL2 and other Source games, I imagine it has no equal. But unless Source is what you want to work with, you should investigate other potential options based on your project's needs, as they may suit it quite a lot better. Does your project require the Source SDK? (In most cases, it either does or doesn't.)

If you're just getting into modding and so on, I think this is actually a lesson to learn early on: the tools don't own your project.

[MartinKhan]

Originally Posted by XenoSpyro

Correct me if I'm wrong but if you linked your PSN account with your Steam account, you might be able to get HL2 free on PC for having it on PS3. I've heard it was done with Portal 2, and I don't have a Ps3 so I wouldn't know for a fact.

No, you only get Portal 2 for free if you already have it on the PS3.

In reply to the OP, sure, get Half-Life 2. I'm pretty bad with the Source SDK, but I've seen some fantastic stuff done with it.

[CrowbarSka]

Originally Posted by MartinKhan

No, you only get Portal 2 for free if you already have it on the PS3.

This. It was a special promotion as Portal 2 was the first (and still the only) console game to have Steam integration.

If you're in it for the SDK I would actually recommend getting Episode Two as there were some improvements included and you get to use all the new enemies, textures, models etc. that were part of Ep2.

And, well, if you're going to do that you might as well just get The Orange Box because the whole thing is awesome.

[TZK203]

The SDK is worth it. But you need at least a few hundred hours before things naturally click for you. Until then, enjoy learning the process. Your maps can get quite... interesting.