The Lamonster
Member
I don't care about Chell, I want to use that gun!LiveWire said:
"The Freeman Returns" with The Official Orange Box Thread
- Thread starter The M.O.B
- Start date
BenjaminBirdie
Banned
The Lamonster said:
Just think of it! "Here, Gordon. Give it a try!"
The world might not survive the experience of such wild and amazing collusions of awesomeness.
beelzebozo
Jealous Bastard
how can a character who's a theoretical physicist who regular totes weaponry in a series that
not get to use that thing at some point? it's too damn perfect
has obvious connections to a game about a gun that creates portals
Oh and another question: Late in the game when you are at the White Forest and
you're standing among the rebels who are talking about how to use the Combine AR2 rifle. Was the guy from the City a nod to Gordon Frohmann? Cause that was funny shit. "I'm not going any further until you leave. Go! Go on, leave!" :lol
BenjaminBirdie
Banned
Lonestar said:
Ok, this is about the greatest avatar ever, I'm going to have to find a way to incorporate that into mine.
The second I heard Breen say that (keep in mind, this was yesterday, and my first ever playthrough) it was like a bell rang in my head.
That is the coolest description of a videogame protagonist I have ever heard.
The Lamonster
Member
Wait so you started Half-Life 2 just yesterday? And you've already got a Gordon Freeman avatar?BenjaminBirdie said:
So if that's true, Episode 1 and 2 are going to blow your mind with awesome!
The Lamonster
Member
Lonestar said:
BenjaminBirdie
Banned
The Lamonster said:
Oh, no, let me clarify, I finished my first playthrough of HL2 yesterday. It took about 15 hours or so of play time spread out over several weeks.
But I created my Freeman avatar yesterday after finishing it. I don't doubt that instant devotion is required after such a dazzling and spectacular finish, and the last few stages is where Breen refers to him as such.
BenjaminBirdie
Banned
In terms of awesomeness, though
was a hell of a fucking start.
I think one of the things that I enjoyed so much about HL2 is that, as much as I thoroughly enjoy something like Halo 3 or BioShock, nearly every moment of HL2 is firmly rooted in it being a game. Not necessarily a "cinematic experience" or "tactical problem solving" (which I also enjoy), but rather, "I'm stuck here and I need to figure out how to solve this problem." Not "I have to figure out how to get the drop on this group" or something like that. It's a much purer form of gameplay that was just so absurdly satisfying. It's also a great example of why lumping together every FPS is such a dumb idea. As enjoyable as they all are, Halo 3, BioShock, and HL2 could not be three more different experiences.
And, of course, it fits perfectly into the concept of what sort of shenanigans a Rogue Physicist would get himself into.
So, yeah, I'm pretty high on this game right now.
getting chucked into a giant alien tower of oppression in a van by a giant robot
I think one of the things that I enjoyed so much about HL2 is that, as much as I thoroughly enjoy something like Halo 3 or BioShock, nearly every moment of HL2 is firmly rooted in it being a game. Not necessarily a "cinematic experience" or "tactical problem solving" (which I also enjoy), but rather, "I'm stuck here and I need to figure out how to solve this problem." Not "I have to figure out how to get the drop on this group" or something like that. It's a much purer form of gameplay that was just so absurdly satisfying. It's also a great example of why lumping together every FPS is such a dumb idea. As enjoyable as they all are, Halo 3, BioShock, and HL2 could not be three more different experiences.
And, of course, it fits perfectly into the concept of what sort of shenanigans a Rogue Physicist would get himself into.
So, yeah, I'm pretty high on this game right now.
How about that Breen huh? imo he's one of the best villians (if that's even the right word for him) in a game ever. We had this thread a while back where you had to mention believable bad guys in games. I replied with 'none', but that was before I finished HL2. He's obviously an antagonist, but his character is portrayed in such a way that sometimes you even understand where he's coming from. He agreed to Combine supremacy because he thought that was the only way the human race could hold on for a bit longer. He chose submission and believes submission is the wisest choice now that the Combine are here. His behaviour isn't exaggerated or psychotic, he's an intelligent guy who's on the wrong side of the fence and can't crawl over it.
Fuck, I can't get HL2 and the episodes out of my head, and I've finished them weeks ago now. I think the combination of the 3 was too much awesome for my brain. It's like I was fed with so much food for thought I'm having trouble processing it. Like yesterday, out of nowhere I had the urge to start HL2 again and did so too. I don't get people who say it 'starts out slow'. Way to completely miss the point of the those first sections.
I regret not finishing it when it came out. I probably could've run this smoothly - damn you highway 17!- if I put the graphic effects on low, but I was convinced I would play it again when my pc got upgraded. Which didn't happen. Ah well, it was a joy in itself to be able to play Episode 1 right after the main game, so that's the other side of the medallion.
Fuck, I can't get HL2 and the episodes out of my head, and I've finished them weeks ago now. I think the combination of the 3 was too much awesome for my brain. It's like I was fed with so much food for thought I'm having trouble processing it. Like yesterday, out of nowhere I had the urge to start HL2 again and did so too. I don't get people who say it 'starts out slow'. Way to completely miss the point of the those first sections.
I regret not finishing it when it came out. I probably could've run this smoothly - damn you highway 17!- if I put the graphic effects on low, but I was convinced I would play it again when my pc got upgraded. Which didn't happen. Ah well, it was a joy in itself to be able to play Episode 1 right after the main game, so that's the other side of the medallion.
BenjaminBirdie
Banned
Darunia said:
Although it's a bit fresher in mind, I feel exactly the same way. I've been checking back on this thread all day, just dying to talk more about the game.
BenjaminBirdie said:
I think it's reassuring that there's still more content in the Orange box of awesome for us. I've already gone back to Episode 1 with commentary turned on and the first chapter was filled with interesting tidbits on how Valve approaches design and their choices. It's mind boggling how much detail they put in every encounter, every set piece,... damn.
I have GOT to get me that poster sooner or later. That and the Raising the Bar book. And a vortiguant plush. Actually I'd just about buy all the stuff in the Valve store
BenjaminBirdie
Banned
Darunia said:
Oh absolutely. Can't wait to play through with commentary, along with other play throughs just to soak up some more of the story (and maybe squeak any lingering achievements...).
Is there Commentary for HL2 or just the Episodes?
Yeah, it would be fascinating given the myriad development problems they had with it. But the commentary tracks we did get are amazing.Darunia said:
The only thing I didn't care for was hearing so much from the actress who played Alyx in the Episode Two commentary. One or two short entires from her would have been sufficient. It's the developers we really want to hear from.
Just finished Episode Two. Awesome, awesome game. I loved the open environments and
I'm twelve levels deep into Portal, and yeah, I'm really enjoying it. As for TF2, I was surprised how much I had fun with it. There's just so much depth to the classes. Easily one of the greatest deals in gaming history.
the final battle with Striders and Hunters was fucking epic.
Buttonbasher
Member
I would recommend going through the developer commentaryGameGamer said:
Witchfinder General said:
I wouldn't say useless, but yes I see your point. However it also ups the challenge and threat of each enemy as you can't simply mow them down with a few shots out of the machine gun; rather you have to rely on cover and pop out to attack. So it cuts down on running and gunning and makes the game more tactical.
The percieved weakness of the machine gun also has the effect of making the other weapons more powerful in comparison, like the combine machine gun, the crossbow and the magnum for example. If there is one criticism for a weapon being too weak then it's moreso the shotgun than the machine gun IMO.
Also if you take Halo's standard machine gun, once could say that's its effectiveness is negated a good deal by the regen health system. Even getting through the enemy shields takes an effort. The gun is effective on grunts, but when you start talking elites and up then it's not favourable at all.
That's true but as it's a more powerful gun so ammo should be more scarce. Ammo in general does become an issue on hard difficultly though and a few times you can find yourself easily low on it. Some people like that though because, like health, it encourages the player to be conservative and make their shots count.
Darunia said:I think it's reassuring that there's still more content in the Orange box of awesome for us. I've already gone back to Episode 1 with commentary turned on and the first chapter was filled with interesting tidbits on how Valve approaches design and their choices. It's mind boggling how much detail they put in every encounter, every set piece,... damn.
I have GOT to get me that poster sooner or later. That and the Raising the Bar book. And a vortiguant plush. Actually I'd just about buy all the stuff in the Valve store
I have that poster framed and on my wall
Also have the Episode 2 poster of do jumping at a strider, and this shirt:
Dr Zhivago
Member
Darunia said:
'Raising the Bar' fills that purpose.
Also, Gluon Gun for ep 3 please.
Darunia said:
I've been wanting one of these for ages now, but the Valve Store seems to be permanently sold out.
I'm also hoping that at some point Valve will publish that 1000-pg HL universe story bible that Marc Laidlaw wrote after the first game. I'd give my eyeteeth to read that.
Speaking of Laidlaw, there's a new interview with him here (HUGE SPOILERS FOR EP 2).
ML: We conceived the Episodes as a complete three-part cycle stemming from HL2, which is why these are the Half-Life 2 Episodes. The idea was to do something self-contained within the larger series, not to use them to wrap up the series. I don't see how the conflict we've been slowly revealing could possibly be resolved any time soon. Humanity is just starting to glimpse the larger context.
Can hardly wait till HL3.
lastendconductor
Put your snobby liquids into my mouth!
I just finished Episode 2... what a fucking awesome ride. I'm now officially 200% hyped about anything HL2. I was really skeptic, being disappointed by the original HL2, and with very low expectations for this episodic layout (sounded like boring stretching/milking to me). Couldn't be more wrong. Ep1 already felt good, but this one completely blew me away.
Episode 3 can't come soon enough.
Episode 3 can't come soon enough.
Finally beat HL2 yesterday after going through about 85% of it back when it came out on pc, but never finishing it. I still definately prefer HL to HL2, but its a really good game as well, and the episodes should be even better from what i've heard. I'll start EP1 tomorrow probably
I played through Portal tonight too, what a cool, fun and entertaining experience, the writing for the voice overs really was very well done
I'll attempt some of those challenges soon too i think, although i know i'll suck at them :lol
I played through Portal tonight too, what a cool, fun and entertaining experience, the writing for the voice overs really was very well done
I'll attempt some of those challenges soon too i think, although i know i'll suck at them :lol
seriously getting pissed at the
at the end of ep. 2. the entire game was a cake walk till this, and now i'm getting my ass handed to me so fucking hard it hurts. am i approaching it wrong? i didnt have trouble towards the start of the encounter.
any suggestions on how else i could approach this?
if its just "do what your doing, but better" i think i may just say fuck it and shelve it.
massive strider/hunter fight
though i guess i may have used up some of the good hunter killer ammo early on. but now that i have that one minute to prepare, they just walk all over me. as i said, i'm pretty much out of good ammo and it seems like all the bomb stations up near the north end of the valley have been destroyed, leaving only 3 or so by the silos. i can nail a few of them as they head down towards the silos, but eventually i just get too many hunters and striders in the area and it turns to a major clusterfuck. with all these hunters around every bomb i grab either blows up in my hands from the fire, or in mid air as it heads to a strider from all the hunter fire.
if its just "do what your doing, but better" i think i may just say fuck it and shelve it.
Thermite said:
god, i fucking HATE the car. its parked up by the sawmill at the top (where there are no magnussons). it certainly seems from my auto save i've kind of fucked myself, or at least made it considerably tougher then it should be. i'll give it another go in a day or two
Right guys.
Orange Box arrived this evening, and I've been having a bit of fun.
Two things:
I was enjoying Portal until about 45 minutes in when I got incredilby stuck. It seems that the game is devoid of hints, and I ended up getting insanely frustrated.
Also...I know Source is what, three/four years old, but I found myself thinking that the graphics were starting to show their age. Christ, the character models and animation in HL2 is still pretty fantastic, but after playing a lot of Bioshock recently, I found it a little off putting.
Also, I wish there was a level skip, so that I didnt have to persist with the first couple of pretty boring hours which I've played a couple of times before.
Looking forward to playing the rest though guys!
Orange Box arrived this evening, and I've been having a bit of fun.
Two things:
I was enjoying Portal until about 45 minutes in when I got incredilby stuck. It seems that the game is devoid of hints, and I ended up getting insanely frustrated.
Also...I know Source is what, three/four years old, but I found myself thinking that the graphics were starting to show their age. Christ, the character models and animation in HL2 is still pretty fantastic, but after playing a lot of Bioshock recently, I found it a little off putting.
Also, I wish there was a level skip, so that I didnt have to persist with the first couple of pretty boring hours which I've played a couple of times before.
Looking forward to playing the rest though guys!
Google said:
pay attention to the signs at the start of each level for hints on the skills you'll have to use. always look for those energy ball things or opportunities to use momentum going through portals to project yourself further when you pass through. when you get portal, you'll know exactly how to get past nearly all the puzzles just by seeing these key elements (and a few others)
MaizeRage25
Member
Google said:
If you get really frustrated, there are lots of Portal vids on youtube.
So yeah, it seems like I'm going to have a LAN party pretty soon, and as opposed to the usual nights of Halo-loving, I think I've decided to mix it up with some TF2.
So, my question is- how many players can I have per console via System Link? I'm hoping to get four 360s at my place that night, and I'm wondering how many people will be able to play at a time...
So, my question is- how many players can I have per console via System Link? I'm hoping to get four 360s at my place that night, and I'm wondering how many people will be able to play at a time...
BenjaminBirdie
Banned
Oh my god. I've hit like my first wall of frustration here in Episode One. The god damn sniper doorway. I should be using a re-programmed soccerball, right?
It ain't working.
*BAWL*
It ain't working.
*BAWL*
BenjaminBirdie
Banned
pj325is said:
How can I get close enough? There's a crazy motherfucker on a turret on the floor and even if there wasn't, that fucking sniper wipes me out before I can get close enough and if I shoot it from far away, well that crazy fucking sniper just shoots it.
*BAWL*
BenjaminBirdie said:
Take out the other guys on the ground with reprogrammed ball, and then use cover to get closer to the sniper. Peak out partially so he attempts to fire at you but give yourself room to move back under cover so you aren't hit. Then run as fast as you can underneath his window where he can't get you, you'll be able to use the gravity gun and grab a couple hand grenades. Chuck them above into the window and take him out.
BenjaminBirdie
Banned
Mrbob said:
OHHHHHHH. There's hand grenades there!!
That is so helpful. THANK YOU. God BLESS you, Mr. Bob.
I used the ball to take out the turrent (and soldier?). You can crawl to the side of the building, and then back around a bit closer while behind cover. There's a supply box with a couple of grenades around there, too - I think to the right behind the building. Toss that into the window from a little closer, once you creep to the car. Should be fairly straight-forward.
Aargh too late to help. How's that for community spirit!
Aargh too late to help. How's that for community spirit!