Echoes of Episode Two

1up is carrying an interview from the latest CGW, talking with David Speyrer (Half-Life 2: Episode Two Project lead) about what we can expect in the next episodic content release. Typically, Valve is not exactly forthcoming with information on the title, which is expected around Christmas. Just the same, Speyrer has some interesting things to say about Valve's design process. From the article: "It's cool to realize that so many of the elements that we take for granted today, like the gravity gun or our companion A.I., were risky R&D projects during the development of Half-Life 2 or Episode One. Continuing at that rate as we release more episodes is pretty exciting for us as designers, and for our customers. We'll bring many elements from Episode One forward into Episode Two, but we expect to use dynamic scripted sequences extensively. They allow close interaction between NPCs during combat--such as Alyx wrestling with zombies in Episode One--and because they happen spontaneously, every player will see different interactions at different moments in the game."

Re:I should really play HL2

[timdubs]

You must complete it! If I could recommend only one game to people, it would be HL2. I completely fell in love with it from the moment I stepped off the train and started throwing garbage at the metrocops. It's the only chance you get where they don't shoot at you.

A whole lotta land

[spyrochaete]

** LIGHT SPOILER WARNING **



Last month's issue of PC Gamer magazine (the US edition) had a great preview of Episode Two which stated some pretty nice design elements. For instance, Gordon and entourage will cover a LOT more ground - even more than in Half Life 2 - in a 4-6 hour timespan. There will also be more open forested areas which will push the Source engine in new ways, and AI will be adapted to accommodate these arenas. More friendly NPCs will work with Gordon to move him forward and keep him safe. Some NPC-heavy battles will be reminiscent of Call of Duty where good guys yell orders and observations to one another and assist Gordon in combat. There will also be at least one new enemy, gun, and vehicle!

Re:I should really play HL2

[spyrochaete]

5 minutes after the can scene you start running and you don't stop until the end. The opening hour of HL2 is very hectic and absolutely engaging. I highly recommend playing the whole game, but at the very least check out the first hour. They introduce a great variety of gameplay and story in that short span.

While you're at it, check out Valve's free tech demo level The Lost Coast. Not only does it showcase the awesome high dynamic range lighting effect used in Episode One and feature some cool level design, it also has a director's commentary mode that lets you hear insights on how effects are programmed and how AI scripting is planned. Very interesting stuff!

Re:Hmm..

[Manatra]

Actually the grunts in Half-Life 1 said "Oh sh*t!" while running away from a grenade ;)

Re:I still cannt beat EP1

[Chabo]

Try installing AMD's dual-core drivers, if you haven't already. I don't have dual-core myself, but I hear that it can be an issue for some programs.

Barring that, try turning off the dual-core from the BIOS. Most people's systems work fine with all programs running dual-cores, but turning off the feature is not an uncommon fix if your machine isn't running right.