The New Ride(s)

[WriterforHire]

Yes. The title of this thread is ripped off directly from the "The New Weapon(s)" thread. I'm not feeling very creative today.

I know that there's a lot of us that are wondering just what's going to be in store for the next Half Life addition. But one thing I'm curious about is what the new ride will be. After all, in every game so far, with the exception of Episode 1, some new vehicle is given to Gordon for him to play around in. Personally, I'm hoping for a Motorcycle, some heavyduty one, maybe with a lot of scrap metal plastered to it, so that the player can ram it into Zombies and the like. Maybe Alyx can sit behind you and shoot over your shoulder or something. That would be cool.

What do you guys all think?

 

[Lizardizzle]

hmm... If Ep. 3 IS in a relatively arctic area as the pic of the borealis shows, I would expect a snowmobile of sorts, to show off VALVe's snow physics, I.E., the tracks of the 'bile would sink into the snow and snow would collect on the surface of the ride over time.

User-made avalanches anyone?

 

[Mech Man]

I think we will be using Gordon's legs as a new vehicle. Turbo could be turned into some sort of sprinting ability and it will be the only vehicle to be able to travel underwater (swimming). I don't know though that could be a little far fetched.

 

[the cow says moo]

Motorcycle no, snowmobile yes.

EDIT: Legs maybe. I want to hear more about them first. So does Gordon's ass sit on them or something? How does he steer? Will we be able to see them or will they invisibly bump into objects?

 

[Lizardizzle]

I think we will be using Gordon's legs as a new vehicle. Turbo could be turned into some sort of sprinting ability and it will be the only vehicle to be able to travel underwater (swimming). I don't know though that could be a little far fetched.

nah, that'd be too hard for valve to work in, they're on a budget here.

 

[Iron Kat]

snowmobile yes.

I was thinking this as well. If it's going to be based somewhere cold and snowy (as I assume it is) then that's the most obvious choice. With a gun mounted on the front as well, like the tau cannon or the airboat rifle, and you'd be set.

 

[the cow says moo]

Wouldn't it be crazy if Ep3 didn't take place in the arctic, but on a tropical island?

 

[coheedswicked]

and in the middle is jus a giant freezing cold orb!!! oh.... wait thats crysis

 

[ChiliFan]

This seems like the perfect time to show off the snowmobile I designed a few months back:

Click on the image to get a labelled version explaining all the parts.

 

[Omnomnick]

Who says we will even get a new vehicle? There was only 2 in Half Life 2 and that was about the same length as 4 Episodes put together. We didn't have a vehicle in Episode 1 either, only Episode 2.

 

[PimpinPenguin]

I say we should get a sledge and Husky's as the new transport.

 

[Officer Combine]

I think we should get to drive an APC or a hunter chopper. T'would be cool.

 

[PimpinPenguin]

I think we should get to drive an APC or a hunter chopper. T'would be cool.

Shame will we never get to ride the APC cause of the retarded play testers for HL2. Originally we were supposed to be able to drive it, but the play testers didn't like it so we will never get to.

 

[WriterforHire]

Wow. This thread has seen some life to it. I agree with the snowmoblie idea, by the way. But that still seems very similiar to the airboat. That's why I was thinking about the motorcyle, after all, we only know that a artic area will show up, but that's not to say thats the only environment the entire episode will be in.

 

[Officer Combine]

I don't think it'd be that hard to mod a car to look like an apc. The animations wouldn't be too different either.

Saying this I suddenly think of if they had made half life 2 like GTA. You would roam around causing chaos to all the combine. That would be cool.

 

[G(ordon)-man]

Naah, they are saving up for HL2 MMO

 

[lord_raken]

Snowmobile sounds like the best option. fast and agile. it could go just about anywhere. I have images of taking this thing over Ice flows that sink and role over as you pass over them. you'll have to move quickly t avoid falling into the frigid waters. they may not harm you but you may have to worry about Alyx.

Speaking of Alyx... imagine what she would say when you she sees the cozy seating arrangements. she would ride on it with you but you won't be able to see her with her riding behind you so she would have to talk more to make up for it (some innuendo, exclamations *wink, yelling at the bad guys). or maybe there would be two snowmobiles or maybe an larger snow vehicle like a care with skies and treads or a hover craft. maybe even a large car like snowmobile... that would be cool, but not much different from the car in Ep2.

 

[Officer Combine]

And It would probably be really cool to run into 5 apcs in a convoy and have to destroy them all on a snowmobile.

 

[Mech Man]

Who says we will even get a new vehicle? There was only 2 in Half Life 2 and that was about the same length as 4 Episodes put together. We didn't have a vehicle in Episode 1 either, only Episode 2.

This exactly. Valve made episode 2 a vehicle specific episode and designed it with vehicle play in mind. Just like episode 1 was building up a bond between Alyx and Gordon and focused on having an ally around. Episode 3 will most likely not feature a vehicle as it will be focusing on a different aspect. Besides the HL series was better without vehicles imo and I would seriously commit suicide if the HL series ever becomes freeroam like officer said. That would be the worst thing to happen to HL ever.

 

[Officer Combine]

It would be a cool mod Mech Man. not saying its the right turn for the series, just saying it would be cool.

 

[lord_raken]

Mech Man your right about the focus of the series. I personally loved the vehicle levels in the Hl Series, and Valve did a great job in making the muscle car and key aspect of the game. But your right I don't want Ep3 to be built around vehicle game play. but a level where you use one to get around would be nice. An I thin Valve always has put an emphasis on the relationship between Alyx and Gordon, and I look forward to even more emphasis in Ep3.

I don't think total free roam is a good Idea but having levels with multiple paths, events, and battles would be great!

 

[Officer Combine]

Well Lord Raken think about it. Because of the time periods of Half Life, where you have been seeing time go pass as a normal human would, I think Alyx will be too sad for most of episode 3. Alyx may even stay behind in Ep 3.

 

[lord_raken]

Of course she will be sad, that will be a major aspect of her character in Ep3. But but her grief would not completely overpower other aspects of her personality. we will still see he humor (though it will be darker), her grief and anger will drive her on, she will draw closer to Gordon for support and comfort (a natural response). plus Alyx is not to type of person to sit around and mope, she will want to strike back at the Combine, and keeping yourself busy helps with grief.

She will be darker in Ep3 but she is strong (that's part of why we love her) and she will get through this. besides with this being the last known installment of HL there is NO WAY Valve will drop her character. if they did that it would upset to may HL fans.

 

[Officer Combine]

Yes but with Eli gone they will need extra hands. Either a new character or Alyx. I think Gordon will be doing this mission solo, perhaps with Alyx being his otacon (metal gear).

Besides haven't they said there will likely be a half life 3?

 

[lord_raken]

Valve has put too much time into her character to just drop her now. that is a simple fact. if she were less of a character I maybe could believe them leaving her behind. This does not mean that I think she will be by your side the whole way through but I do think she will be a constant presence in Ep3.

And I hope they will make a HL3! I really do....but common belief is that the Episodes are HL3. I'm not sure if their right but if this is the case then I want to see as much of Alyx in Ep3 as possible. I would not be understating things if I said the the Gordon/Alyx relationship what my favorite aspect of HL.

 

[Hurricane]

To get back to the subject, aren't you supposed to start the game in the chopper, or at least very close to the beginning of the game? If Gordon is piloting, then obviously that would be one of the vehicles. If Alyx is piloting, then Gordon will probably be manning the gun, which will make a pretty cool level in itself. Seeing as how it IS Halflife, things cant go well for too long, so the chopper will crash. You will both miraculously survive, but be stranded in the wilderness with Combine on the way. That's probably where the snowmobile comes in (after making ur way to an outpost on foot).

 

[Mech Man]

No one knows anything about episode 3 at the moment. It may well be the whole chopper scene will be scripted which I think is most likely. At any rate we won't be piloting the chopper because mods have shown that to be quite craptacular , especially since the source maps are not capable of suitable flying grounds they are simply too small for an extended chopper sequence , at least without load points every minute.

 

[WriterforHire]

No one knows anything about episode 3 at the moment. It may well be the whole chopper scene will be scripted which I think is most likely.

Scripted? As in a cutscene type scripted? I don't think that's likely at all.

To me, it seems unavoidable that the chopper flight will be part of the game unless Valve goes to the route that Gordon was unconscious/sleeping, during the flight and he awakes after it has reached its destination / is shot at. Also, I find it rather funny that you repeated my own words. You said it was unlikely that a vehicle would show up because it was only in Half Life 2 and Episode 2, while I said it was likely because of that very reason, that it was in most the Half Life games save Episode One and Half Life 1 (Heck, even in the original Half Life Gordon wasn't always on foot, he got teleported around a lot!) . It seems, to me at least, that Valve has established that Gordon will use various rides / any and all available means of transportation to reach his destination. Using a vehicle is a good way to make Gordon crossing vast distances more realistic. Besides. As you said, we don't know anything about Ep3. Personally, I would like to see a new ride. But, there's nothing to hint that such a vehicle will show up or anything to hint that it will not.

As for Alyx being in the game, I also have to insist that it's a given. But, for reasons outside of Valve spending too much effort on her to push her aside (which is very true, by the way). Personally, I think Alyx herself wouldn't be in character if she decided to stay quietly behind while Gordon did all the dirty work. I think Alyx the type of person to take a vendetta against the Combine for killing her father and will be all the more aggressive in the next came because of it. Also, I think this is a great opportunity to see more of her character. In so many games, books and novels, a character important to the main character (or in this case one of the main characters) dies and after little to no crying/ emotional breakdown, they're fine and dandy for the rest of the game. I think Valve has a opportunity on their hands to really do something unique with Alyx, and I really want to see what they do with it.

 

[Officer Combine]

Valve has put too much time into her character to just drop her now. that is a simple fact. if she were less of a character I maybe could believe them leaving her behind. This does not mean that I think she will be by your side the whole way through but I do think she will be a constant presence in Ep3.

And I hope they will make a HL3! I really do....but common belief is that the Episodes are HL3. I'm not sure if their right but if this is the case then I want to see as much of Alyx in Ep3 as possible. I would not be understating things if I said the the Gordon/Alyx relationship what my favorite aspect of HL.

Is it so unlikely she would be like an Otacon to Gordon?

 

[coheedswicked]

alyx in game= yes
hl3= very yes

 

[Escaep]

You are going to hijack the magical Borealis then fly it home.

 

[Mech Man]

Scripted? As in a cutscene type scripted? I don't think that's likely at all.

A scripted sequence is not the same as a cut scene. The two are totally different. I meant the chopper will be on a set path and will act similar to the pod rides at the end of HL2 , as in you may be able to move (although we are talking about a chopper here so Gordon may be seated) and you watch stuff go past , there will probrobly be Alyx talking at you and you will retain control over Gordon and his view at all times. blah blah blah etc. That is valve's style and they have done that in the series before.

Scripted sequences are parts of the game where the player retains control and can usually interact with the scene at hand which is what Valve used to replace cut scenes. Cut scenes on the other hand take control of the character away to show them some thing and are some times used in third person (i.e you can see your player character).

 

[WriterforHire]

A scripted sequence is not the same as a cut scene. The two are totally different. I meant the chopper will be on a set path and will act similar to the pod rides at the end of HL2 , as in you may be able to move (although we are talking about a chopper here so Gordon may be seated) and you watch stuff go past , there will probrobly be Alyx talking at you and you will retain control over Gordon and his view at all times. blah blah blah etc. That is valve's style and they have done that in the series before.

Scripted sequences are parts of the game where the player retains control and can usually interact with the scene at hand which is what Valve used to replace cut scenes. Cut scenes on the other hand take control of the character away to show them some thing and are some times used in third person (i.e you can see your player character).

Ah. Thanks for the clarification. In that case, a scripted sequence is probably likely. Then again, Valve can decide to deal with the chopper business in whatever way they please. But so long as they deal with it in their usual manner I'm sure the game will turn out fine. But since we're on it. I think someone mentioned about Gordon taking control over the weapons/ guns on board. What do you think about that? I think it might be a interesting experience, for it would be utterly unlike any combat Gordon has done so far, but at the same time I think it might be a bit too outside the normal mold of the Half Life games.

 

[Hurricane]

I think someone mentioned about Gordon taking control over the weapons/ guns on board. I think it might be a interesting experience, for it would be utterly unlike any combat Gordon has done so far

that's what i was saying. most likely it would be a mounted pulse rifle, unless they were going to introduce a new weapon. I think that would be a really fun scene, taking out ground units, then maybe shooting down some gunships that are chasing you.

 

[coheedswicked]

you know i could see that. manning a mounted pulse rifle isnt entirely new to half-life and i feel like it could be implemented rather well

 

[DEATH eVADER]

No one knows anything about episode 3 at the moment. It may well be the whole chopper scene will be scripted which I think is most likely. At any rate we won't be piloting the chopper because mods have shown that to be quite craptacular , especially since the source maps are not capable of suitable flying grounds they are simply too small for an extended chopper sequence , at least without load points every minute.

Speaking of which, allthough I highly doubt we will fly the chopper, wouldn't valve have to put a lot of effort into extending the size and optimization of the maps? Either that or restrict are view of the outside, because there is only so much a 3D skybox can hide before you realise the chopper isn't moving far before a level load.

Either that, or they are going to do some clever things with their level design techniques.

 

[WriterforHire]

Speaking of which, allthough I highly doubt we will fly the chopper, wouldn't valve have to put a lot of effort into extending the size and optimization of the maps? Either that or restrict are view of the outside, because there is only so much a 3D skybox can hide before you realise the chopper isn't moving far before a level load.

Either that, or they are going to do some clever things with their level design techniques.

I like the idea of Valve restricting the view of what's outside, I think that would allow a great deal of flexibility. However, the chopper has already been seen ingame, correct. I wonder - did it have any windows on it?

 

[lord_raken]

I think we will start either waking up in the chopper after have a 'dream' about events in the last few days, or wake up in white forests and fall asleep in the chopper to have a G-man/Vort dream. I did not see a gun on the Chopper in Ep2 but that could change very easily. OH! what could happen is you get attacked by gunships and then you open the side doors on the chopper and use the RPG to take them out. that seems like the best option to me. but eventually the chopper takes too much damage and you crash. I don't think we will fly the chopper.
because you are out in the wilderness you will see more enemies in the air and the enemies on the ground will be isolated but well outfitted groups (5 combine soldiers and 2 hunters). Imagine fighting a pack of hunters in thick forests. oooohhhhh! sweeeet!
Snowmobile is a great idea and will be unlike any other vehicle we have seen before. if there was a ice clogged bay you had to cross it would be fun to take a snowmobile over the shifting ice (might be a good Idea to make it simi-aquatic). A mounted weapon seems unlikely.... Alyx can shoot sitting behind you but that has some issues.... mainly not being able to see her when she is on it with you. maybe she will have her own (unlikely) or you will use the snowmobile during a solo level. for instance, you maybe have to go save Alyx or she took a different rout.

 

[DEATH eVADER]

As we are in NorthEast Europe, how about a converted Vehicle that fits the bill

I like the idea of using the eastern european vehicle in a built up area or winding roads and then transitioning to a snowmobile to ride into a forested and mountainous region, and then when we use the nodwell between Kraken and Borealis, especially as I can guess it would of been customised with rebel weaponry, radar and a few other gadgets.

this is a nodwell if anybodies wondering

 

[Officer Combine]

As we are in NorthEast Europe, how about a converted Vehicle that fits the bill

I like the idea of using the eastern european vehicle in a built up area or winding roads and then transitioning to a snowmobile to ride into a forested and mountainous region, and then when we use the nodwell between Kraken and Borealis, especially as I can guess it would of been customised with rebel weaponry, radar and a few other gadgets.

this is a nodwell if anybodies wondering

The nodwell would be cool if it wasn't so slow.