What are overwatch?

[Citadel]

I was just wondering what are the overwatch, I mean I know they are human but are they modified by the combine or something when they enter Civil Protection or overwatch. I mean why would they sort of going around beating upo their fellow humans, I mean why would they even oppress their own species even as a citizen so kindly points out "to get a decent meal" I still remain dubious.

Someone even told me but I doubt this EXTREMELY much that their brains are eaten by the combine advisor, but as I say I doubt this.

ANd also when you strip a combine model of its costume, I have merely seen screeshots of this, they look slightly like stalkers, they have parts and chunks of their body missing and are very skinny much like the stalkers.

So does anyone have any idea what the combine are, whether they are simple humans, or some how modified. Is there a line somewhere in the game that tells you or some NPC dialogue.

Sorry if this has beem raised before.

 

[Ludah]

I thought it was quite obvious that the Transhuman Arm of the Overwatch was... transhuman. Yes, everything you see sans Civil Protection are modified humans.

As to why they'd oppress their own species, there are a few obvious reasons.
1.) Joining the Combine probably beats living under them.
2.) Personal well-being. Getting a decent meal, having an improved living status, non-reproductive sexual simulation, et cetera.
3.) The belief that assimilation is best for humanity, and so they willingly take part in it.

There is no coercion involved with the military aspect. It's been well established that those who resist are turned into stalkers or relegated to other forms of slavery. In the end, it comes down to the willingness of the individual to join Combine, regardless of the reasoning. But whatever such reasoning is, it's clear that many involved have taken a lot of pleasure in their positions of power, unlocking their ability for sadism, cruelty, and tyranny. Look up the prison experiment by Zimbardo. Any oppression you see is likely born out of humanity. Not the Combine's will.

 

[Citadel]

Oh I see I thought it was some of those but I wanted confirmation, thanks Ludah. ANd they have sexual simulation now, where?? thats enough to make anybody to join isn't it.

 

[Ludah]

It's one of the benefits they apparently get. You can hear it being mentioned by that female voice that disseminates propaganda/orders throughout the city. One of the broadcasts is a reminder that achievements will be rewarded with "non-mechanical reproduction simulation".

 

[Reginald]

There is a thread that may answer some questions here:
http://www.halflife2.net/forums/showthread.php?t=108053

 

[Citadel]

Thanks Reginald that has a lot of very useful info, I shall finish reading it now, lots of speculation and fact, just what I need to finish my night.