EP1's main flaw(s)

[sinkoman]

There are two primal flaws I spy in EP1. The first, being that there wasn't enough interaction between the player, Eli, and Alyx. Sure, you saw Alyx around the game, but it wasn't enough if you ask me. They hyped the game up, nearly every single ad, with Alyx. She was kindof a spokeswoman. The game itself didn't do her this justice. She ended up being too much of a pawn that the player just, saw.

I dunno, more of Eli would have molded the ingame world much better than it was done, but it isn't as primal a flaw as the whole Alyx problem. I still think that VALVe ****ed up major here. Would have given the game more "Player to NPC" interaction, and the game would have been much more emotional and magnetic.

The absence of any new weapons was also a major letdown. I don't think I have to go into detail as to why this was a problem, but something new, anything, would have been nice. Even a poisoned crowbar, or something as minimalistic as a one shot claymore you plant on a building wall in a scripted scene. Something, anything, would have made the game much better than it was.

As is, it feels too much like a Mod, than an actual "Episode" in the Half-Life universe.

 

[Black Op]

There are two primal flaws I spy in EP1. The first, being that there wasn't enough interaction between the player, Eli, and Alyx. Sure, you saw Alyx around the game, but it wasn't enough if you ask me. They hyped the game up, nearly every single ad, with Alyx. She was kindof a spokeswoman. The game itself didn't do her this justice. She ended up being too much of a pawn that the player just, saw.

I'm curious as to just what you were expecting then? Your reasons seem to be quite vague from my point of view.

I dunno, more of Eli would have molded the ingame world much better than it was done, but it isn't as primal a flaw as the whole Alyx problem. I still think that VALVe ****ed up major here. Would have given the game more "Player to NPC" interaction, and the game would have been much more emotional and magnetic.

Again your criticisms are quite vague to me unless you fully explain what were your expectations.

The absence of any new weapons was also a major letdown. I don't think I have to go into detail as to why this was a problem, but something new, anything, would have been nice. Even a poisoned crowbar, or something as minimalistic as a one shot claymore you plant on a building wall in a scripted scene. Something, anything, would have made the game much better than it was.

Somehow I doubt that new weapons could just magically show up within the same setting in such a small timespawn. Personally, I was somewhat disturbed by the profilation of the power lock/box system when it never showed up in HL2. Back to the point, EP1 is supposed to be a story continuation and not a full-blown expansion pack. Why new weapons should be required in such games like EP1 is beyond my understanding.

As is, it feels too much like a Mod, than an actual "Episode" in the Half-Life universe.

I doubt a 3rd Part mod would have the ability to develop Alyx's character or show how damaged the Citadel was, nor can a mod be able to create the effects used in the Citadel Core. A mod wouldn't have been likely to impliment flashlight combat without much pain as well as being able to have the Citadel's explosion look good. Combined with a mod being unable to have the obvious ability to use HL2 voice-actors or dictate the storyline, EP1 is very different from a standard mod.

 

[Cunni]

I think the main flaw is that


IT KEEPS FREEZING WITH THE SOUND LOOPING IN THE TRAIN STATION AREA



I guess I shouldn't of laughed at all the guys who had problems with Half-Life 2. Karma's a bitch.;(

 

[99.vikram]

Main flaws:

Length and uh..length.

Thank God new weapons didn't magically appear in City 17.

 

[Xorbeus]

i dont know what the OP is talking about. the increased interaction with alyx is the one thing thats good about the game.

 

[Naudian]

Black op...wtf.
He's just saying that Ep1 would have been better if it had had improved/more story-npc interaction, some more new stuff like a weapon (sniper rifle? fire axe or something? anything), and if I may add, a bit more playing time.
Just because you never saw a weapon before in HL2 doesn't mean it has magically appeared in C17...that's kinda stupid...you're kinda stupid :frown: stupid. hmph.

 

[hi_ted]

I find the weapons are perfectly balanced at the moment. They are balanced enough that I use each for different situations and don't disregard others. It's a lot different to other games where you have 10 weapons to choose from but only settle on using about three of them.

As for Alyx, what more could she do to make the experience better for you? Keeping in mind that it is a gameplay element that Gordon does not speak, how can you have more interactions with Alyx? I found it was great that Valve has focused upon more dialogue and writing with this episode. Plus Alyx's AI has been tweaked so that she does not exhibit the NPC behaviour that ran in front of the player during firefights.

 

[bigburpco]

Bah. This thread = suck.

 

[nutcrackr]

Length was an issue for me, along with the crashing. New weapons would have been nice but it's only really needed when the gameplay can be boring, HL2 wasn't boring. Alyx was pretty good. By the way does anybody think the combine rifle sucks aside from the secondary ball thingo?

 

[99.vikram]

No, not at all. :sniper:

Who could hate that whump-whump-whump sound?

 

[nutcrackr]

it's just so underpowered, it needs a bigger clip or more damage. I realise balance is needed but it's so crappy.

 

[99.vikram]

True, but what do you suggest? An AK 47 would be too generic.

 

[hasan]

The absence of any new weapons was also a major letdown. I don't think I have to go into detail as to why this was a problem, but something new, anything, would have been nice. Even a poisoned crowbar, or something as minimalistic as a one shot claymore you plant on a building wall in a scripted scene. Something, anything, would have made the game much better than it was.

There were some nice small things:
- Flares (red light thingies): they can burn zombies
- Roller Mines: they can be "hacked" by Alyx and used by you to attack enemies while you sit back and watch!

- umm, Alyx sniper! (ok, maybe that doesn't count)
another thing that maybe doesn't count:
- suicidal zombines

 

[99.vikram]

Zombines aren't weapons

Not until they're on your side.

 

[Asknoone]

There are two primal flaws I spy in EP1. The first, being that there wasn't enough interaction between the player, Eli, and Alyx. Sure, you saw Alyx around the game, but it wasn't enough if you ask me. They hyped the game up, nearly every single ad, with Alyx. She was kindof a spokeswoman. The game itself didn't do her this justice. She ended up being too much of a pawn that the player just, saw.

Ok, what on Earth? :|

Alyx is the first time an NPC, in a game, has been useful. She did not hinder, she aided. She is revolutionary in that it's a joy to have her alongside you. She was in every, ad and we got what was expected. Valve lived up to what they promised. I have no idea what you were expecting. Clearly, you went in looking for something more - which shouldn't really have been the case since we've not even got the this tear yet.

I dunno, more of Eli would have molded the ingame world much better than it was done, but it isn't as primal a flaw as the whole Alyx problem. I still think that VALVe ****ed up major here. Would have given the game more "Player to NPC" interaction, and the game would have been much more emotional and magnetic.

Hey, I like Eli too, I'd like to see more of him, but there was no place in Episode 1 for him. At all. He played his part and that's that. What do you mean more NPC interaction? I'm not quite sure I see your point. At all.

The absence of any new weapons was also a major letdown. I don't think I have to go into detail as to why this was a problem, but something new, anything, would have been nice. Even a poisoned crowbar, or something as minimalistic as a one shot claymore you plant on a building wall in a scripted scene. Something, anything, would have made the game much better than it was.

Episode 1 is not some spin off, run of the mill expansion pack. Times have changed. Gaming has moved on. You don't just throw weapons in. Episode 1's arsenal was fine. It was balanced and it was and it did not need new weapons. What it did add, was practical things. Roller mines as allies and flares. These were practical, not your usual old 'meh new weapons'. I'm actually pleased Valve didn't keel to this. A new weapon would not make the game better - fact.[/QUOTE]

I'm pretty sure if they stuck in a new pistol, you wouldn't be leaping bounds and add another 10% to the score.

As is, it feels too much like a Mod, than an actual "Episode" in the Half-Life universe.

Disagreed. I'm not quite sure what you were expecting. Episode 1 did a number of things no completely change the genre. NPC interaction, storytelling, immersion - it does things everyone else fails at.
Episode 1 is a highly polished shooter, and the best game the Half-life universe has to offer as far as I'm concerned.

Black op...wtf.
He's just saying that Ep1 would have been better if it had had improved/more story-npc interaction, some more new stuff like a weapon (sniper rifle? fire axe or something? anything), and if I may add, a bit more playing time.
Just because you never saw a weapon before in HL2 doesn't mean it has magically appeared in C17...that's kinda stupid...you're kinda stupid :frown: stupid. hmph.

What do you mean Black op wtf? 'Idontbelonghere' - WTF. He disagreed, and posted why. He's just saying that Episode 1 would not have been better if the following happened. You're kinda stupid, aren't you. :frown:

Humph.

 

[jondy]

some more new stuff like a weapon (sniper rifle? fire axe or something? anything), and if I may add, a bit more playing time.

Yes! Fire axes! Sniper rifles! They make games. And you did read the huge 'episode' thing in the Steam store before you bought the game, right?

 

[Kruel]

Some different guns would've been nice. No pheropods in EP1.

I wish it was a bit longer too. It took me 3 hours the first time.

Plus I was hoping to drive/fly some sort of new vehicle too.

Oh well, it's still loads of fun, and I'll play it again. It makes a good interactive movie of sorts, with such great scripting.

 

[Innuendo]

- level where you had to escort people. For me it was the worst part of the game
- crashes, and freezes
- difficulty. Again this game is too easy, even on high difficultly.

rest is a charm

 

[Black Mesa corp]

Only one single fault I find: Alyxs smile. It's similar to Breens. There's something just not quite right about it. Valve need to clear up the smile issue and I'll be a happy man.

It's just a shame because a characters smile should show alot, not make you cringe everytime they do it.

 

[^Ben]

Yes, I agree Alyx's smile is a bit on the weird side. It's like a sneer/grimace.

 

[99.vikram]

Flaws? What flaws?!

 

[Immacolata]

The story was excellent. It was actually way better than the gameplay. In fact, Episode One felt like a puzzle game with guns. The combat and navigation felt light weight. Oh, and it was too short of course.

I bought this episode pre-release. Ill be more conservative with Episode 2.

 

[DevgruSeal]

Flaws? What flaws?!

QFT. :bounce: lol

 

[sinkoman]

Hmm...

I've never actually played EP1.

Was like, 2 in the morning, and I was curious to see what people would say if I started a half hearted bash at EP1.

 

[Asknoone]

That was stupid.

 

[sinkoman]

That was stupid.

It was.

Glad I did though. Was always wondering what kind of responses i'd get to a random bash thread, of which I had no clue of anything pertaining to the topic.

 

[Krusty]

Original poster is wrong.... sorry but that's the way it is...

Alyx was perfect I think. If there was more interaction (as you put it) it would have been more scripted and people like you would have complained. Players do not like being told what to do by NPCs.

i thought she was damn useful and very entertaining myself.

Wrt the weapons issue.
This is a continuation from HL2... when would they have got the chance to invent new weapons?!
I imagine there will be some for Ep2, now stop whinging.

Ep1 was the perfect implementation for an escape from City 17 after HL2 imo, now move along please...

 

[sinkoman]

Original poster is wrong.... sorry but that's the way it is...

Alyx was perfect I think. If there was more interaction (as you put it) it would have been more scripted and people like you would have complained. Players do not like being told what to do by NPCs.

i thought she was damn useful and very entertaining myself.

Wrt the weapons issue.
This is a continuation from HL2... when would they have got the chance to invent new weapons?!
I imagine there will be some for Ep2, now stop whinging.

Ep1 was the perfect implementation for an escape from City 17 after HL2 imo, now move along please...

Read your threads before you post in them.

I had to learn that the hard way

 

[nutcrackr]

Seriously did the original poster get a warning for this? Bashing something just to see "what kind of responses i'd get" is stupid and pathetic, gg sinkoman

 

[sinkoman]

Seriously did the original poster get a warning for this? Bashing something just to see "what kind of responses i'd get" is stupid and pathetic, gg sinkoman

I'm curious to see your reasoning behind this.

So you're saying all the social and mental expirments done over the past few hundred years are stupid and pathetic?

I was trying to see if I could see people start bashing just for the sake of bashing, rather than actually target any of my arguments, and see if others would start defending for the sake of being the good guy.

I got one defender, and a ton of bashers. Most actually targeted my arguments though, so the "experiment" failed you could say.

You still find this stupid and pathetic?

Jesus, didn't think people would take this that seriously.

 

[nutcrackr]

You still find this stupid and pathetic?

Yep.

This forum you posted in is designed to create sensible and relevant dicussion on the topic at hand. It's not a place where people are free to conduct mental experiments just because they want to, besides what exact experiments are you performing here? Are you collecting quotes and summarizing the responses into groups, analysing the demographics of the users in your little "experiment". Ahh but you must be publishing these results in an extensive journal? I'd guess that's a no to all those questions, just seems you were bored and decided to stir the pot.

The internet is not a free ticket to do as you wish, this forum and particularly this subforum should not be a section for some random to create a mental experiment just because they are curious.

 

[Ludah]

Social experiments on internet forums really are... meh. I don't see what the point is.

With that in mind, I have to say that they got Alyx spot on. One of the few NPC allies in gaming that doesn't suckass and serves more use than sheer cannon fodder. She was also very well-written. She didn't nag, she was sometimes amusing, and was generally just a wonder to watch thanks to the animation. When she actually runs up and hugs you in the beginning of the game, you know straight off the bat that Valve's tapped into something worthwhile.

I guess you could say length was an issue, but I didn't mind. I got another awesome dose of Half-Life 2. And props to Valve for not taking the common expansion route, tossing in random new weapons and enemies for the sake of it. They added just enough subtle changes to the gameplay to make it feel new again. That I can still play largely the same content and still have as much fun as I did is a testament to how good the franchise is.

Besides, Episode 2 will be out before the end of the year. If this didn't do enough for you, that installment (judging by its trailer) should.

 

[Asknoone]

Don't do it again Sinkoman because no matter your reasoning, it was very stupid.

 

[alehm]

EP1's main flaw is teh intarweb. I want my 30 seconds backs after reading this thread.

 

[99.vikram]

EP1's main flaw is teh intarweb. I want my 30 seconds backs after reading this thread.

Wow. That was productive. Wow.

 

[MorganFreeman911]

Yup