Half-Life 2: Lost Coast is Valve’s reply to a series of What If questions: what if there were no limits? What if we didn’t have to make sure people with mid-range systems could enjoy our games? What if the system requirements knew no bounds?
Following the release of Half-Life 2 worldwide on 16th November 2004, a group of programmers and artists at Valve sat down to create the ultimate level, incorporating ultra high resolution textures, models and adding High Dynamic Range Rendering (HDR) to the Source engine. Their aim was to create a technology showcase: a no-holds barred level that would set new standards in image quality and realism; something to really push even the highest of today’s high-end systems.
I cannot wait for this level! Check out the great article at Bit-Tech!