HL2 - Lost Coast Playtest and Tech Details

Wil Harris writes "Bit-tech has been up to Valve's offices in Seattle to play through The Lost Coast, the super-duper add-on level for Half-Life 2. There is an article up talking about the technology behind the level (it's not just HDR!) as well as screenshots from throughout the level, a brief summary of the narrative, and thoughts on Valve's work. There's also a couple of cool photos of the Valve office, including a golden crowbar and Counter-Strike Barbie and Ken dolls."

Comments

Re:Aren't they overdoing it a bit?

[SeekerDarksteel]

Go outside on a bright day and cover your eyes for a minute or two. Then uncover them and stare at a white object. It will seem much brighter than it should.

One of the big parts of HDR is representing the transition from dark areas to light areas and vice versa. The screenshots of the cathedral are commented as having been made just after leaving a dark hallway. After being in a bright area for awhile the cathedral would probably not look nearly as reflective.