I have multiple Questions regarding Half-Life Modding from having been reading multiple Threads regarding making Mods for it, But I'm start with 2 Modelling Related Questions.
So for No.1 - I wonder how does one exactly Models for the Pre Steam Versions of Half-Life (Aka The WON Versions)? I'm asking as I'm working on a mod for it (I'm using Version 1.0.0.9 that was released in Late 1999 as the Game of the Year Edition which has this Cover Art - https://www.mobygames.com/game/2728/half-life-game-of-the-year-edition/cover/group-2289/cover-28113/ even though Most Modern Day WON-Based mods seem to target the Last Version [V1.1.1.0]) That recreates how Half-Life looked when It was shown at the 1998 E3 Convention but I'm having a Problem when trying to Compile models for it.
As an Example, I'm trying to Compile the early MP5 model (forcedperspective.smd) that's in the SDK with the Textures from the 0.52 Alpha Model (But using the righthandtop/lefthandtop and right_thumb textures in the SDK that are dated 11/06/1997 to 01/07/1998 [According to the Mini SDK's file Dates whereas the Standard/Full Versions overwrite the date]), but when I try to Compile it, The Command Prompt says the .smd dosen't Exist. I tried the studiomdl.exe from both the Mini SDK (From November 25th 1998 only a few days after the Game's Release) and the Final Version (From October 2002 before the SDK was added to Steam around August 2013) and the same Error occurs Regardless of Which Compiler I attempt to use.
No.2 - Another Problem I have is that It's been known in recent Years since around 2016 that one can find Early Versions of some of the Models hidden within the .max Files in 3Ds Max (Here's where the Defunct Thread where I discovered it. - https://web.archive.org/web/20160607143108/https://facepunch.com/showthread.php?t=1253345&page=120 ). This has gotten me interested in wanting to use them for the Mod I'm working on But I'm unable to open the .max Files. I've tried installing 3Ds Max 4 (Which I founded here - https://archive.org/details/dvdrom-twilight-057 via https://forum.winworldpc.com/discussion/11009/request-older-versions-of-3ds-max ) but the Program wouldn't work (And I later read that Older Versions of 3ds Max are not Compatible with Newer Windows Versions) So recently I tried installing both a Windows XP 32 bit Virtual Machine as well a Version of 3Ds Max from 2009 that I founded with a Crack but those didn't work either.
So I wonder How exactly do i get Models to Compile in the Mod Directory or if anyone has the .max Files converted to .smd? (Given how most of the .smd files in the SDK that aren't "template_biped" or "_reference" only contain the Animation Skeletons) If So, Would Anyone also have a List of which textures that aren't in the SDK But are mentioned as Missing Files for Specific Models in 3Ds Max.
I aplogise for making what could be a Long First Post, But Any Help for these 2 Model related Questions (in terms of compiling as well as Early Meshes in .max Files) I have would be appreciated.
Sincerly
- NSWThomasFan.