How to Make the Game as Fun as 1st Time

[NJspeed]

I posted a portion of this in another thread but I think it deserves it's own topic. Basically, I'm sure the first time through the game was the best for most of us. Most of us played it on medium. Then the second time through, we played it on hard. The point of this topic is to get ideas on how to make the game just as fun as that first time, when your playing the game for the third, fourth, fifth, or even more, times.

I do not neccessarily think that harder = more fun.
Too easy isn't good either.

The first time through, your figuring out what to do next, how to do it. It's fun. The next time through on Hard, it's not as fun because you know exactly what needs to be done, so it's just the battles that delay you. Yes you need harder battles because your a better player overall, I know that. But at some points, it's too much, and becomes less fun.

For me, its just the story that makes the game exciting. Medium can be just as hard as hard (and more fun), if you play it right and don't waste time. REALLY get into the game like your Gordon Freeman. Don't go through slowly clearing out mobs one at a time, move through it like your a man on a mission. Don't stop and explore every house on the Highway, fly by some of those Combine with your weapons blasting, like you would in real life.. Think about how much more exciting it is this way, in the beginning, play like you really have to get the hell out of City 17. Theres no time for exploring BS tunnels or seeing if this or that is a secret. Then play like you really have no time to waste and you gotta go bust out Eli before the Combine get his teleportation knowledge, etc. Then play the City 17 maps like you have no time to waste, if you don't take out Breen soon, the entire Combine army is going to teleport back into town.

This style of play will give you enough challenge that its fun, and keep you into the plot, which is more fun. For example, Ravenholm is much more fun when your thinking "I gotta hurry and get to Alex, get me the hell out of this town" and your battling your way through in a fast pace, instead of going slow as hell, getting bogged down in tons of mindless battles one mob at a time, and forgetting why your there in the first place. Nova Prospekt is more fun when your thinking "I gotta hurry and rescue Eli!" instead of "Well I've been stuck in this one room for half an hour, I can't kill these guys, let me walk back far as hell and try and find some health or ammo that I missed"

This sounds stupid but I always talk to the NPCs too. I mean, I get REALLY into the game. Black Mesa East was crazy when the Combine invade, I was yelling like "Cmon Alyx, we gotta get the hell outta here!" and "Don't worry, get your father and I'll meet you at Nova Prospekt!" The people who live in the next apartment must think I'm mad but this is one way I just immerse myself more fully into the game. I guess playing on full surround and a 32" screen helps, but still, it works just as well on a 17" with some headphones.

I also make Gordon nod by moving the pointer up and down in a nodding fashion when people are talking to him. Try it, its funny and fun.. lol..

Bottom line, be Gordon Freeman. Gordon doesn't have time to explore random tunnels, or worry about what the words CASTE mean in some graffiti. He doesn't have time to go through each level as slow as possible and kill guys 1 at a time so he can live. He needs to move and do it fast, and he obviously has to speak to people, which is why I speak for him. I think Valve purposely left his voice out, so you can supply your own. There's no way he would be a huge hero and not say ONE WORD to any of the people helping or following him. Gordon is a mute? No way. Speak for him, yell at Alyx or Barney, do whatever it is that makes you more immersed. Sew yourself an orange suit if thats what makes you more immersed. Do something.

 

[Hectic Glenn]

Fortunately i salvage some dignity in this area by just admiring the scenery and treating the game as art which is it. Nodding with the mouse and shouting...lol nice to see you enjoy it but perhaps you need a little break from games :stare:

 

[ríomhaire]

The best way to play again and make it fun::cheese:

Spoiler

BLUE GRAV GUN
1. Open console and type "sv_cheats 1"
2. Type "map d3_citadel_04"
3. When map loads open console and type "map d1_trainstation_02"
4. When map loads open console and type "give weapon_physcannon"
5. Kill the "Put the can in the trash" guy and start your rain of terror

Glitches: (May or may not happen)
1. Makes dead clones of allies and dropships (Not characters [That includes G-man]);(
2. Disappearing bodies (When killed certain ways)
3. Disappearing weapons (Like the confiscation field in the citadel)
4. Can't pick up rollermines or turrets (Makes a hologram of them)
5. Turrets die (If knocked over)
6. Picking up vehicles crashes game (This varies alot)
7. Can't get bug bait. (Antlion guard disapears)(use "give weapon_bugbait")
8. Can't pick up blue grav gun at the end (use "give weapon_physcannon")

 

[NJspeed]

Fortunately i salvage some dignity in this area by just admiring the scenery and treating the game as art which is it. Nodding with the mouse and shouting...lol nice to see you enjoy it but perhaps you need a little break from games :stare:

Did I mention that I commissioned my girlfriend to sew me an orange hazard suit, to wear while I play? Yeah then I need to find a company to make me the helmet with built in Virtual Reality goggles.

 

[J_Tweedy]

ok now you're just taking the piss, NJspeed- perhaps after realising that your mouse nodding and shouting at the monitor may actually flop in this forum?

I fully agree with hectic, you definitely need a break, go get an interactive porn game or something.

 

[Varsity]

What would really have made a difference would have been the contextual AI Valve was working on. But no, it was (mostly) cut.

Can you imagine how cool it would be for characters in the noncombat scenes to act differently every time, and react to your actions more than just turning around to face you?

 

[Ennui]

I agree with you, NJ, getting into a game is fun.

 

[NJspeed]

Ahh you guys are boring. I don't see whats wrong with my nodding with the mouse, its hilarious and adds to the game. What would be the difference if Gordon did it automatically? In fact, I do it in every FPS, and I can gaurantee you that some people here will read about it, and have it become their own habit.

As for responding to NPCs, who cares, if you try it and like it, good for you. I think everyone took me a little bit too seriously. I'm not running through the whole game, screaming to imaginary people. But yeah, in instances like at Black Mesa East when the Combine are dropping in on you, hell yeah I'll yell to Alyx to get the hell out of there. If it's just talking, I'll respond too, in a normal voice. For me, it just adds to the game. I think it's stupid Gordon doesn't have a voice, in most games, there is a voice or something else that lets you know what the person is saying.

If thats not your cup of tea, go read another thread and don't waste time saying what I do is stupid. I like it, so I'm going to do it. The point of this thread was so people can post suggestions to make the game better after you've played it a couple of times. BTW I've played through it 2 and a half times in 1.5 months since it came out, is that excessive? I doubt it since I'm busy as hell here on Wall Street and I have a slammin hot girlfriend to occupy time when I'm not playing HL2, thanks.

 

[NJspeed]

I agree with you, NJ, getting into a game is fun.

Thanks.

 

[GiaOmerta]

I agree with NJ, good times.
Get into the game.

 

[Jangle]

my friend talks to npcs all the time. He has a microphone on his pc and he thinks he is playing on cs or something. If one of them is in his way he says 'excuse me', and he apologises to them if he lets them get shot.

 

[Shippi]

Hehe, I do the nodding thing too I've always done it actually

 

[m00b]

I spent an hour on train station just after you get crowbar. Metrocops just kept comming and I enjoyed killing them... ¨

You can make the game harder as well by typing something like :
For normal
sk_dmg_take_scale2 3.00
to make the game a lot harder because you get killed easy.

 

[StAtiC]

Sew yourself an orange suit if thats what makes you more immersed. Do something.

Already done!

 

[sfc_hoot]

Someone should make a production line of HL2 themed condoms. :naughty:

 

[duckmoose]

"Hasn't that old bender been giving you a hard time? Wish you had never entered the field of manual textile labor? Can't find a condom to suit you and your partner? Then order a box of new, Half-Life 2-themed Crowbar Condoms!"

















*shudder* :x

 

[duckmoose]

Oh yeah, and about the mouse nodding thing... when REAL people nod, they don't shift their eyes up and down. Their eyes stay on one point, but their head moves. So I don't know how that aids immersion, but what the hell.

 

[Huntoon]

For example, Ravenholm is much more fun when your thinking "I gotta hurry and get to Alex, get me the hell out of this town" and your battling your way through in a fast pace

Why do you have to hurry and get Alyx? She always gets to where you're going as fast as you lol, she can take care of herself. And at that point I actually assumed since I was forced to go to Ravenholm where "we don't go there anymore" Alyx, Eli, et al. had a better route.

And going to Black Mesa East, what's the rush? Better to help the railroad rebels along the way.

:imu: :imu: :imu: what's an imu?

Gallum Galla Gilla Ma

 

[Huntoon]

Oh yeah, and about the mouse nodding thing... when REAL people nod, they don't shift their eyes up and down. Their eyes stay on one point, but their head moves. So I don't know how that aids immersion, but what the hell.

Cool observation. Also, people who wear glasses can see the frame of them faintly blurred. At least I can.

 

[dj_flameskull]

How to make the game fun as 1st time - Turn the volume up! I just love the way music comes in during wild situations! - adrenalin rush!

 

[fido139]

NJspeed, sounds great, you are having FUN and that is what this game is all about, so however you or anyone likes to play it is fine, individual preference. No different then the "Star Wars" and "Star Trek" crowd, they really get into it, thats what makes it so fun. I like your Idea, and I will try it.

The first time thru was awsome!

Fido

 

[Sid Burn]

The best way to play again and make it fun::cheese:

Spoiler

BLUE GRAV GUN
1. Open console and type "sv_cheats 1"
2. Type "map d3_citadel_04"
3. When map loads open console and type "map d1_trainstation_02"
4. When map loads open console and type "give weapon_physcannon"
5. Kill the "Put the can in the trash" guy and start your rain of terror

Glitches: (May or may not happen)
1. Makes dead clones of allies and dropships (Not characters [That includes G-man]);(
2. Disappearing bodies (When killed certain ways)
3. Disappearing weapons (Like the confiscation field in the citadel)
4. Can't pick up rollermines or turrets (Makes a hologram of them)
5. Turrets die (If knocked over)
6. Picking up vehicles crashes game (This varies alot)
7. Can't get bug bait. (Antlion guard disapears)(use "give weapon_bugbait")
8. Can't pick up blue grav gun at the end (use "give weapon_physcannon")

I hope the cheat for the blue gravity gun actually works... :E

 

[glitched_firewal]

having sex while looking at gordon on your stick...

 

[NJspeed]

Why do you have to hurry and get Alyx? She always gets to where you're going as fast as you lol, she can take care of herself. And at that point I actually assumed since I was forced to go to Ravenholm where "we don't go there anymore" Alyx, Eli, et al. had a better route.

And going to Black Mesa East, what's the rush? Better to help the railroad rebels along the way.

There's no rush unless you yourself think there is. If it was real life and you'd go slow, and kill guys one at a time, and explore, do your thing. I mean this whole topic is about making the game MORE FUN (after you've played it a few times), so if you think thats fun, by all means do it. I really was looking to get some other people's ideas.. like the guy with the blue grav gun cheat.. he thinks that's super fun.. maybe it's worth giving a try, and maybe people will read about it and try it.. That's the purpose of this thread, but in the end, it's your choice how you play the game.

I'm just saying the first couple of times through, I went slow and had fun and stuff, looked around and explored. But now that I know the game, it's possible to actually go through it like _I_ would in real life. If I was Gordon Freeman, I'd be wanting to get the hell out of City 17 as fast as possible. I wouldn't waste time in Ravenholm cuz I'd be scared as hell and I'd want out ASAP, so I'd keep moving and try and get out. Another example is some of the ambushes on Route 17. There's really no reason to kill every guy and explore every house.. if it was real.. you'd fly by some ambushes with guns blazing.. instead of turning around and killing the Combine just for the hell of it...

I just try to stay involved in what little plot there is, rather than get bogged down on killing each and every enemy, and exploring every corner of the map. That was fun at first, but now I know it all.

So these are just my suggestions for making it more fun.. basically to get immersed in the game.. and play it like it's NOT a game.. play it like you would if these situations were happening for real. I just think its more fun this way.. after you've played it a few times.

In the end, it's each players decision how they play the game. I started this thread so we can just get some different suggestions and opinions on what each of us finds fun. You never know when you might try an idea someone puts up.. you may find it to be very fun.

 

[Toffee]

I wish I could get myself into a game like that
I dont really speak to the characters in the game, exept swear at them when they get in may way, hehe.
well, the game can last twice as long when you mess around with the physics engine, and keep staring at the pretty textures and the lighting like a retarded..

 

[ríomhaire]

I hope the cheat for the blue gravity gun actually works... :E

You fool you just posted a spoiler without spoilerising it!
It does

 

[Heavy P]

I kinda like Toffee... I also wish I could get so much into the game, but I have a good time just playing it - not shouting at the monitor 'n stuff...
But OMG!!! Getting your girlfriends to make you orange suits!!! LOL. Mine would think I was CRAZY!!!

 

[MiccyNarc]

Cool observation. Also, people who wear glasses can see the frame of them faintly blurred. At least I can.

0h 3hm g33 t3h r34llyz0rz!?!/!!1?1



*ahem*

I'm replaying the game with the super grav gun. Easiest game ever

 

[Huntoon]

If I was Gordon Freeman, ... I wouldn't waste time in Ravenholm cuz I'd be scared as hell and I'd want out ASAP, so I'd keep moving and try and get out.

Actually, in Ravenholm I got inspired by Father Grigori's religious mission (being Buddhist myself) of "saving his congregation" by killing them and releasing them from their hell on earth zombie existence, so there I was helping out with his cause. I felt that he had overflowing sincere compassion for the poor townsfolk.

 

[Maverick Knig]

Think about how unnatural your movements are in a game. You run around spastically, whipping your head around really fast and jumping where you never would in real life. The first time I played through, I tried to make Gordon act naturally, just because it...well...came naturally. They did intend the game to be cinematic, after all. It's not very cinematic when people are talking to you and you're running around the room like you're on crack and checking for secret stuff in the corners.

I would make little unnecesary movements, nodding and such, looking around realistically, but I never *talked* out loud to the characters. I often imagined Gordon saying such lines, but I never went that far. For instance, in Black Mesa East, at the end when the debris falls down and Alyx is talking to you through it, I had Gordon actually stand there and look at her while she spoke, instead of shifting around impatiently like I do now when I play. And when the door sealing Ravenholm dropped down behind me, I stood there looking at Dog through the window for a second, as if to say goodbye (he must have known that even though he was sticking around for the Combine attack, I was getting the bad way out.)

Since Gordon never got too much time to say any lines (if he were to have any at all), I imagined him saying quick stuff like:

- Resistance Member (in Follow Freeman): "We're almost to the Citadel wall, doc. I don't know how we're going to breach it, but I'm sure you'll think of a way."
Gordon (looking at him like, 'are you insane?'): "Um...thanks."

- (to Dog the first time you meet him, stepping back a little, startled): "Whoa! Um...hello?"

- (seeing Alyx for the first time in Nova Prospekt, over the roar of that train in the background as she runs away): "ALYX! Wait, where the hell are you going?"

- (to the first scanner that blinds you with its photography after getting off the train): "What the *hell* was that? Where the *hell* am I? What the f*** just happened?"

- (to the Combine that smacked me with his stun stick in the trainstation): "Hey, how's it going? What is this place - OW! You b*stard...when I find some weapons, I'm coming back for your - OW! Okay, okay, I'm moving..."

- (to the antlions, when you first get them to follow you): "Oh, you've got to be kidding me...you guys are just going to stare at me now and run around behind me, huh?"

- (upon hearing some Combine radio chatter): "'Special Heavy Suppression'? Uh oh...")

- (when that strider bursts through the tunnel wall in Follow Freeman): "HOLY F***!!! (Monty Python voice) RUN AWAY!!!"

But I never got *that* emotionally involved, that I shouted, "Look out, Alyx!" That's more than a little goofy.