Recent content by rd_syringe

The problem with the structure of an episode is that the self-contained storyline is, well, self-contained. *It's limited by length and can't carry itself across extended sections of the game.* It also means having everything come to an abrupt halt with an annoying cliffhanger, ala Episode One.*...

The problem there is that when you finally get around to playing all three episodes together, episodes one and two will look very dated because they're recycling assets and technology from HL2 instead of being part of a new, cohesive experience. When I first heard about this trilogy of episodic...

I've noticed the stuttering has always occured in specific places. For instance, I'm thinking of the "pick up the can" area. Or when Dr. Breen begins speaking when you first step out of the train. What is going on in those areas?

Black Mesa is in New Mexico, as stated in the game and in the manual.

I had the same problem; then I realized I still had the tweaks enabled. I removed them, and the patch suddenly took effect for me.

Personally, I adored Xen.

You really need to beat Half-Life 1.

The events of Half-Life 1 have everything to do with Half-Life 2, from causing the Portal Storms and introducing the Xen aliens to Earth to introducing the G-Man and the idea of the Administrator. The resonance cascade in Half-Life 1 is the whole catalyst for this entire storyline. I feel...

I was briefly stuck in Ravenholm trying to get over the electric fence. A little exploring and I realized I could turn off the fire pit and enter the building.

I've noticed that the story for Half-Life 2 is very subtle. You can piece it together with hints throughout the game, and most of the time you're asking more questions than getting answers. It's done in a weird and mysterious way, like it's all a setup for something big coming in HL3. I...

The game was long enough for me. After the audio stuttering patch fixed my issues, I spent three days and nights playing the thing to beat it.

I'm sure it was done on purpose in order to give Half-Life 3 lots of things to reveal. I like how mysterious and abrupt this ending is. Makes you immediately want HL3.

It's rather like the theories that came out after Matrix Reloaded, except that Half-Life 2 didn't suck like the Matrix Reloaded did...

I think this is one of the more overlooked points here. I read it, and it makes sense. I have a feeling that in HL3, the G-Man may use Alyx as a bargaining point to keep you following his orders. HL2 had to have ended on a total cliffhanger for a reason. We were warned about this cliffhanger...