A free demo for Project Borealis, a fan-made game inspired by the cliffhanger from Half-Life 2: Episode Two, has been released.
Announced in 2017, the game aims to flesh out what was interpreted by some to be a Half-Life 2: Episode 3 synopsis published that same year by ex-Valve writer Marc Laidlaw.
The group of fans making the game, collectively known as Icebreaker Industries, describe Project Borealis: Prologue as “a condensed, standalone game experience showcasing an early look and feel” of the final product.
Powered by Unreal Engine 5, it promises “a faithful recreation of iconic Half-Life 2 movement and gameplay mechanics” with completely updated visuals and an original score.
“Project Borealis represents a fan-made effort to realize a cohesive story conclusion to the episodic series,” reads a description on the prologue’s Steam page.
“This prologue chapter invites players back into the HEV suit of Gordon Freeman, offering a glimpse into the next chapter of his journey.”
Players need to own a copy of Half-Life 2 to play Project Borealis: Prologue.
Valve co-founder and CEO Gabe Newell said in 2021 that the company had multiple games in development and was keen to make more single-player experiences following Half-Life Alyx’s release the previous year.
The company’s most recent release was last year’s multiplayer tactical FPS Counter-Strike 2. Its next looks set to be multiplayer hero shooter Deadlock, which was officially announced in August.
Steam
Valve Corporation
first person shooter
Gabe Newell
Gordon Freeman
Erik Wolpaw
Marc Laidlaw