Combine Sweeper and Headcrab Mimic

[_nghtmre]

Just thought this concept up after seeing the new Hunter enemy--

Mini Gunship a.k.a. The Sweeper-

-- This Combine synth is relatively smaller than its larger counterpart, by about roughly 2/3rds. It is just as notorious, if not more so, than the regular gunship. The smaller size allows it to persue its targets through narrow spaces including buildings and tunnels. The exoskeleton is only slightly thinner, due to the fact that if it were to be armored with that of its larger cousin, it would be too heavy to move and maneuver efficiently. It doesn't fly per-se, but rather it hovers. The propeller in synch with the larger bi-pedal arms allow it to hop to cover larger ground, almost as though it were in a state of low gravity. Nothing more is known about these synths due to lack of intel. Few see them long enough to learn any new information about them either due to their fear of them, or they are killed trying to study their behavior, but more so the latter.



Here is the result of watching too much animal planet--

The Headcrab Mimic (from rough concept to finished sculpt)-

--This Xen creature finds any nook, pile of debris or anything big enough for it to fit its body into, a suitable place to hide and wait. It does just as the name implies, as its head very closely resembles a headcrab. When it is in its mimic state, it closes its front eyes by placing its mandibles forward to look like the fore-legs of a headcrab. The eyes on the side of the head recess into the skull when closed, and the eyelids become a mere wrinke in the skin. This creature has the trademark "Xen arm", a central third arm that protrudes from its chest, both used for stability in its different stances and also when it eats. Its feet are simply padded nubs of leathery flesh not unlike a human heel, only in a reversed facing direction. The skull itself is almost impenetrable, due to the fact that it is the most vulnerable part of its body when it lures in its prey. These creatures are sometimes found in groups, so that they may overwhelm and bring down larger creatures that would otherwise be the hunter. They are very hard to spot and are best avoided whenever possible due to their speed and relatively skinny body, they are somewhat difficult to bring down, even after several hits from a standard firearm.

 

[Que-Ever]

I like the look of the sweeper a lot.

Does the headcrab mimic eat bullsquids or something? That's the only thing I can think of that would want to get anywhere near a headcrab.

 

[evil^milk]

Oh wow - that's awesome! :E Send Valve an email and ask them what they think.

 

[ktimekiller]

Looks good

 

[_nghtmre]

Thanks a bunch guys, glad you like 'em!

Que-Ever: They do attack bullsquids as well as alot of other creatures larger than them. They aren't picky and will eat most anything that moves and has meat on it. As mentioned in the description, they will group up and allow one out of the group to mimic while the others hide in waiting. They have evolved to resemble the headcrab due to the fact that headcrabs are in some ways rodents, thus being considered food to many of the larger creatures of Xen. The gameplay mechanics these suckers could bring offer when I think of possible scenarios they could be found in is quite entertaining to ponder.

Something I forgot to mention about the Sweeper is that the three smaller under arms are used in a similar fasion to the Shield scanners' weapons deployment capabilities. Instead of deploying Hoppers though, they are equipped with a Roller Mine. Imagine a Sweeper that is pursuing you and you duck into a vent only to have it drop a Roller Mine in after you. Or imagine trying to fend off a Sweeper or two with a Roller Mine thrown into the mix. The counter to this being the fact that you can use it against them with the grav gun. All in good fun