Multiplayer Half-Life in limbo

GameSpot has learned that the status of the network multiplayer version of Half-Life for the Sega Dreamcast is precarious at best, and the game may never see its final release. Like many third-party publishers, Sierra Studios is currently evaluating its Dreamcast strategy following Sega's exit from the hardware market. The networked version of Half-Life, which was confirmed late last year, will be a victim of that evaluation process. When contacted for comment, a Sierra representative could neither confirm nor deny the cancellation of the networked Half-Life, only saying that currently the company is fully committed to the single-player version.

The single-player Half-Life game is currently on schedule for release in late April or early May. It includes the Dreamcast-exclusive Blue Shift mission, where players take control of a security guard at the Black Mesa complex. On a chronological scale, this mission takes place at the same time as the original game. Additionally, the Dreamcast version will feature improved visuals, with greater variety among the non-player characters and enhanced lighting and particle effects.

GameSpot will have further details on Half-Life for the Dreamcast as they become available.