Access to 2004 pre-release GCF files?

Enokilis · on29 Sep 2020, 23:55:58

So there are a bunch of videos roaming around about a very early 2004 build being playable. This was apparently resident on the retail discs without ever being officially accessed by anyone, as everyone would have acquired the day-one patch on release. Unfortunately, the essential files on the discs, while readable, seem to be encrypted. I've seen references to a GCF decryption tool that would allow one to peek into past and perhaps find ties to the beta build we all know and love, but I haven't been able to find a working link anywhere.

Citizen.mdl · **Reply #1:** on03 Oct 2020, 06:04:01

Interesting...

VXP · **Reply #2:** on03 Oct 2020, 08:56:58

The earliest build I know is from Half-Life 2 Collectors Edition by XJR9000 - build 2153, from September, 29th of 2004

Enokilis · **Reply #3:** on04 Oct 2020, 00:30:49

Quote from: VXP on 03 Oct 2020, 08:56:58

The earliest build I know is from Half-Life 2 Collectors Edition by XJR9000 - build 2153, from September, 29th of 2004

The video talks about decrypting the files, but I cannot find the mentioned tool, hlunp.exe.

VXP · **Reply #4:** on04 Oct 2020, 10:59:50

Quote from: Enokilis on 04 Oct 2020, 00:30:49

The video talks about decrypting the files, but I cannot find the mentioned tool, hlunp.exe.

You could just download the HL2: CE from the links in the description. It already contains decrypted games in it, so you don't need to process them yourself

Enokilis · **Reply #5:** on04 Oct 2020, 18:44:52

Quote from: VXP on 04 Oct 2020, 10:59:50

Quote from: Enokilis on 04 Oct 2020, 00:30:49
The video talks about decrypting the files, but I cannot find the mentioned tool, hlunp.exe.
You could just download the HL2: CE from the links in the description. It already contains decrypted games in it, so you don't need to process them yourself

What about other releases of the game? I possess a DVD version without Half-Life: Source, and I'm pretty sure there are some localized copies as well. I've also seen an old build of the game with a quirky HUD that I am curious about.