Conclusion.. [about the combine]

[Panthers_Domain]

They're human... they couldn't really be anything else.

1) all of the traits they share with humans: able to use the same weapons, wear the same kind of uniforms, etc.
2) in the e3 binks from 2003 Barney Calhoun is wearing a combine uniform [without the mask]
3) they bleed red

That's just my theory, and if this has been mentioned before.. well...

 

[Dux]

and if this has been mentioned before.. well...

Several hundered times, infact.

 

[Panthers_Domain]

did anyone solidly come to this conclusion?

 

[ShadowBlade]

No seeing as we have nothing but screenshots and videos to go on.

 

[Panthers_Domain]

well, i'm pretty certain. He could fit into what they wore perfectly.. so..

 

[EVIL]

The combine Metro-cops and Soldiers are humans, but the rest of their army is not, which makes you wonder if the Metro-cops and soldiers joined the combine willingly or that they have been harvested *x-files theme*

 

[el Chi]

The combine Metro-cops and Soldiers are humans, but the rest of their army is not

What? D'you mean the "Combine Army" like Striders, FlyingManatees, etc? They're bio-mechanical, and so they could easily be man-made.
Well, I say easily (get some sticky tape, a cereal box, an elastic band and a washing-up liquid bottle...)

 

[Brian Damage]

They're human... they couldn't really be anything else.

1) all of the traits they share with humans: able to use the same weapons, wear the same kind of uniforms, etc.
2) in the e3 binks from 2003 Barney Calhoun is wearing a combine uniform [without the mask]
3) they bleed red

That's just my theory, and if this has been mentioned before.. well...

(1.) and (3.) apply to bank managers, too, and no one says they're human...

 

[clarky003]

I know exactley what the combine soldiers are,,... but im not telling you because id get pwnd by the community.. Brian mostley, .

dont know any of the why's? or where from? questions though .

 

[<RJMC>]

I am sterting to deny that they are not aliens combination
cuz I dont see nothing extraterestrial in then

 

[Brian Damage]

I know exactley what the combine soldiers are,,... but im not telling you because id get pwnd by the community.. Brian mostley, ..

Yeah.

Where's the "smiley" for signifying that you are metaphorically waving a fist under someone's nose ?

<RJMC>: I'm sorry... what? Are you saying they are, or aren't, aliens?

 

[Eejit]

It shouldn't actually be much of a mystery - Gordon just has to remove the mask from a dead Combine. I'd bet this won't happen though

 

[Brian Damage]

Heheh... Awesome idea for a Combine-beating attack...

The SUPER FACE-MASK PULL! Incapacitate any Combine soldier with the sting of snapping rubber!

 

[Sulkdodds]

Ouchie...yeah they're human. Or at least partly - because I asume they are called 'the Combine' for a very good reason. I mean, just look at their vehicles: human and alien technology 'combined'.

 

[<RJMC>]

I say that I dont see nothing "alien" on the combine
just the voice

they look like normals humans

 

[Brian Damage]

Yeah, and I think the voice can be put down to a funky filter in the mask radios...

 

[Sulkdodds]

What, like the filter on the dalek suits? Whatever you say it comes out as 'exterminate' or 'kill the docta'.

 

[Eejit]

Maybe not quite that bad... after all, we wouldn't want Freeman running around in an ankle-length scarf.

 

[Brian Damage]

Dalek suits? Where? I MUST HAVE ONE!

I think the Metrocop's/Soldier's voices are just run through some simple processing equipment inside the masks, giving them that gruff, growling, not-quite-human quality. Ostensibly, it's another way of dehumanising them in the eyes of the civilians...

 

[Eejit]

All you really need is an empty metal dustbin and some indicator lights off a Mini.

Yeah, I know what you mean. A bit like the devices used in the Scream films

 

[Sulkdodds]

You know, the things they used on the show. Get a person to trundle around inside one. i've been in one at the London Film Museum (I think that's what it's called). The voice filter on it really is cool...and the funny thing was, most people didn't know I was in there. I don't think anybody was expecting the dalek to suddenly screech "You! In the hat! Your days are numbered! You will be exterminat-ed!"