Some Answers Sought

[MadHatter]

Hey --

New to the forum and I've found this site more informative among others. I've been tracking HL2 in a half-ass manner lately and I'm still fuzzy about some things and desire clarification.

Questions pertaining to Half-Life 2:


1. I've noticed there are two sub-machine gun types in the game, one is the MP5K-PDW and the other is H&K's latest project -- the MP7. BUTT, I see MANY characters and enemies wielding MP5Ks.... So, are there two SMGs or are the pics and Bink videos just out-dated?


2. I've read in many threads regarding the OICW and the crossbow and whether or not both appear in the game and possess a sniper scope and whether there is only one sniper weapon. Sooooo.... Is the OICW officially scrapped and the crossbow is the only sniper weapon? I'm confused. All I see in many threads is, "Yes it is!", "No it's not!"...


3. What's up with the MP7 tottin' a grenade launcher? In HL2 it has the vertical hand grip attachment... Where the heck does it store the grenades? Does Gordon blast them from his arse? ??? It’d make a lot of sense to denude the MP7 of its grenade launcher and attach it to the OICW – IF the OICW is even in the game anymore.


4. Can you lean (this also applies to CS:S)? Those who have played games like Deus Ex and Medal of Honor, for example, know what I mean. From what I've witnessed in the videos, I have a bad feeling you can't. I'd just like an official answer.


5. Does the time keep ticking as you play the game? For example, if I go into.... say the sewers during the peak of the day, will I re-emerge to an eerie night? I know it's a bit of nit-picking thing, but I love when games (Neverwinter Nights, for example) do schtuff like that. It helps to create mood and the sense of progress (or lack of progress).


6. I don’t know if it’s just me, but the crowbar sounds… well, limp. The crowbar’s limpness isn’t the only minor gripe I’ve had – thus my reason for this post. Are the Bink videos and mainstream pics simply out-dated? Seems like they were made before polishing. Edit: Also the sound and animations of the crowbar when sung are off -- kind of like watching a movie with the sound and lips out of sync.


7. This is also relevant to CS:S. Is there a realistic damaging system? Are shots to the upper torso more fatal than to the thighs or groin? I know realism isn’t Half-Life 2’s priority, but believable damaging systems have almost become mandatory of FPSs.

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Questions pertaining to Counter-Strike: Source (figured I’d roll these into this thread to save space):


1. Yup, never played the first CS. So I was wondering: Is CS:S one great, gargantuan run-n-gun festival; or are there many variations of game-play? For instances, I occasionally enjoy letting loose with fast-paced run-n-gun, yet I also relish the suspense and thoughtful edge of tactical game-play (emphasis on walking more often, tactics and stealth). I'm sure modding plays a huge role in this issue...


2. Will there be another version of CS:S released after Half-Life 2 receives the green light? People are apparently already playing CS:S, if I'm not mistaken. I've been keeping track of the bugs and other problems associated with the current CS:S; people bouncing from objects when contact is made; the great influx of cracked versions and etc.


3. Lots of talk surrounding ‘sprays’ has concerned me. I have yet to see a spray, although I have read of offensive sprays. Are they like pictures and animations people post around like graffiti? How frequent are the offensive sprays and is there any solution to them? I ask this because I’ll go nuts if there is a spray on every wall and around every corner and B. I’m not sure how elated I’ll be to see a picture of ******* or Goatsex during my leisure hours… Know what I mean?


Thanks for reading. Answers are appreciated. I’m curious as hell and the anticipation is killing me.

 

[DoctorGordon]

Why not email Valve with these?

 

[Gossoon]

Geez. Why don't you pick like two questions that really want to know about. That much is just homework.

 

[UnmarkedOne]

4. Can you lean (this also applies to CS:S)? Those who have played games like Deus Ex and Medal of Honor, for example, know what I mean. From what I've witnessed in the videos, I have a bad feeling you can't. I'd just like an official answer.

5. Does the time keep ticking as you play the game? For example, if I go into.... say the sewers during the peak of the day, will I re-emerge to an eerie night? I know it's a bit of nit-picking thing, but I love when games (Neverwinter Nights, for example) do schtuff like that. It helps to create mood and the sense of progress (or lack of progress).

7. This is also relevant to CS:S. Is there a realistic damaging system? Are shots to the upper torso more fatal than to the thighs or groin? I know realism isn’t Half-Life 2’s priority, but believable damaging systems have almost become mandatory of FPSs.

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1. Yup, never played the first CS. So I was wondering: Is CS:S one great, gargantuan run-n-gun festival; or are there many variations of game-play? For instances, I occasionally enjoy letting loose with fast-paced run-n-gun, yet I also relish the suspense and thoughtful edge of tactical game-play (emphasis on walking more often, tactics and stealth). I'm sure modding plays a huge role in this issue...

2. Will there be another version of CS:S released after Half-Life 2 receives the green light? People are apparently already playing CS:S, if I'm not mistaken. I've been keeping track of the bugs and other problems associated with the current CS:S; people bouncing from objects when contact is made; the great influx of cracked versions and etc.

3. Lots of talk surrounding ‘sprays’ has concerned me. I have yet to see a spray, although I have read of offensive sprays. Are they like pictures and animations people post around like graffiti? How frequent are the offensive sprays and is there any solution to them? I ask this because I’ll go nuts if there is a spray on every wall and around every corner and B. I’m not sure how elated I’ll be to see a picture of ******* or Goatsex during my leisure hours… Know what I mean?

4) You can't lean in CS:S or HL2 but someone is bound to include it in a mod (maybe DoD:S). HL1 didn't have leaning, and Valve stated that it was not a limitation, but a design decision to make it feel like a true sequel.

5) There's no dynamic day/night cycle.

7) Shots to the upper torso and head are much more critical than limb shots in CS:S. We don't have a confirmation on whether it'll be exactly the same in HL2, but from the Binks we can tell that at the very least, headshots do much more damage than anywhere else.

1) In CS:S, I'd say it depends on who you're playing with. If the other team is composed of several experienced snipers, you're going to be doing a lot of sneaking and quick shots between cover. Other times the opposition uses very few tactics and most of the fighting is up close and crazy.

2) Yes, another patch will be coming in December that will add levels, player models, and other new features.

3) I've played CS:S for probably some 100 hours (about two hours a day since I got the beta) and have only seen two pr0n sprays. Neither was "disturbing" really, but it does take away from the game. You always have the option of turning sprays off completely with the console.

On a side note, I can't believe you haven't played CS:S yet! It's a great game, and I think you'll really enjoy playing with it while waiting for HL2. All you have to do is purchase one of the HL2 Steam packages (doesn't cost any more than retail) and you get CS:S immediately, full version. Now go get it, you know you want to...

-UnmarkedOne

 

[TeckBlade]

most of these questions only valve can answer becuz people think they know everything cuz of what some site said or somethin. and valve changes things around so much (which is good, we get the best out of the game)

i decided to stop asking questions and build up the excitement. its gonna be more fun for me than some people. not being an ass.

 

[Axyon]

Questions pertaining to Half-Life 2:


1. I've noticed there are two sub-machine gun types in the game, one is the MP5K-PDW and the other is H&K's latest project -- the MP7. BUTT, I see MANY characters and enemies wielding MP5Ks.... So, are there two SMGs or are the pics and Bink videos just out-dated?

The Mp5ks were merely placeholders for the Mp7 model, so no, it's just the mp7.

2. I've read in many threads regarding the OICW and the crossbow and whether or not both appear in the game and possess a sniper scope and whether there is only one sniper weapon. Sooooo.... Is the OICW officially scrapped and the crossbow is the only sniper weapon? I'm confused. All I see in many threads is, "Yes it is!", "No it's not!"...

Currently unknown. From recent images taken from the half-life 2 steam material, the OICW has appeared under the files used to show weapon icons in the game. It's most likely in, but nothing is known about an actual sniper rifle


3. What's up with the MP7 tottin' a grenade launcher? In HL2 it has the vertical hand grip attachment... Where the heck does it store the grenades? Does Gordon blast them from his arse? ??? It’d make a lot of sense to denude the MP7 of its grenade launcher and attach it to the OICW – IF the OICW is even in the game anymore.

Rumour abounds that the Mp7-grenade firing model may have just been a placeholder for the OICW, because the final model hasn't been finished. Other than that, nothing can really be said.


4. Can you lean (this also applies to CS:S)? Those who have played games like Deus Ex and Medal of Honor, for example, know what I mean. From what I've witnessed in the videos, I have a bad feeling you can't. I'd just like an official answer.

No leaning, no. This was confirmed in an e-mail a while ago.


5. Does the time keep ticking as you play the game? For example, if I go into.... say the sewers during the peak of the day, will I re-emerge to an eerie night? I know it's a bit of nit-picking thing, but I love when games (Neverwinter Nights, for example) do schtuff like that. It helps to create mood and the sense of progress (or lack of progress).

No, there's no dynamic day and night changing.

7. This is also relevant to CS:S. Is there a realistic damaging system? Are shots to the upper torso more fatal than to the thighs or groin? I know realism isn’t Half-Life 2’s priority, but believable damaging systems have almost become mandatory of FPSs.

The hitboxes will allow for realistic damage systems, yes. A headshot counts much more than a body shot etc. It may go as far as vital-organ hitboxes, but that's just me hoping; nothing confirmed

 

[Solver]

4. Can you lean (this also applies to CS:S)? Those who have played games like Deus Ex and Medal of Honor, for example, know what I mean. From what I've witnessed in the videos, I have a bad feeling you can't. I'd just like an official answer.

No lean in CS:S, unknown for HL2, but there is no indication of it.

7. This is also relevant to CS:S. Is there a realistic damaging system? Are shots to the upper torso more fatal than to the thighs or groin? I know realism isn’t Half-Life 2’s priority, but believable damaging systems have almost become mandatory of FPSs.

In CSS at least, the system is there. Not sure how many different hit zones there are, but at least three - head, chest, limbs.

1. Yup, never played the first CS. So I was wondering: Is CS:S one great, gargantuan run-n-gun festival; or are there many variations of game-play? For instances, I occasionally enjoy letting loose with fast-paced run-n-gun, yet I also relish the suspense and thoughtful edge of tactical game-play (emphasis on walking more often, tactics and stealth). I'm sure modding plays a huge role in this issue...

I don't have much CS experience... but it can be both. On public servers with many people, it's often very intense run and gun - though not as much as in, say, Enemy Territory. Professional games in clans, and occasionally public games too, especially with less people, tend to be slower and more tactical. Either way, a good CS player doesn't just run all the time, he will sometimes sit in a corner and wait.

2. Will there be another version of CS:S released after Half-Life 2 receives the green light? People are apparently already playing CS:S, if I'm not mistaken. I've been keeping track of the bugs and other problems associated with the current CS:S; people bouncing from objects when contact is made; the great influx of cracked versions and etc.

That bouncing from objects is intended... and apparently, Valve will be adding content to CS:S over time. Like America's Army, that game also gets updates periodically. Currently, several more ports of original CS maps are in the works, as well as a new map. We can probably expect semi-regular CS:S updates through Steam.

3. Lots of talk surrounding ‘sprays’ has concerned me. I have yet to see a spray, although I have read of offensive sprays. Are they like pictures and animations people post around like graffiti? How frequent are the offensive sprays and is there any solution to them? I ask this because I’ll go nuts if there is a spray on every wall and around every corner and B. I’m not sure how elated I’ll be to see a picture of ******* or Goatsex during my leisure hours… Know what I mean?

They're exactly like a graffiti. I am fairly sure that there was an option to disable custom sprays - that way, you won't see ******* or anything else that's not a standard spray within CS:S (of which none are offensive).[/quote]

 

[Letters]

I'm not answering a few because I don't know and don't care, but here's the rest.

4. Can you lean (this also applies to CS:S)? Those who have played games like Deus Ex and Medal of Honor, for example, know what I mean. From what I've witnessed in the videos, I have a bad feeling you can't. I'd just like an official answer.

No leaning...

5. Does the time keep ticking as you play the game? For example, if I go into.... say the sewers during the peak of the day, will I re-emerge to an eerie night? I know it's a bit of nit-picking thing, but I love when games (Neverwinter Nights, for example) do schtuff like that. It helps to create mood and the sense of progress (or lack of progress).

Don't think there's a dynamic time-of-day cycle, but you can probably expect that it'll be in in the form of maps being made with a specific time of day in mind...

6. I don’t know if it’s just me, but the crowbar sounds… well, limp. The crowbar’s limpness isn’t the only minor gripe I’ve had – thus my reason for this post. Are the Bink videos and mainstream pics simply out-dated? Seems like they were made before polishing. Edit: Also the sound and animations of the crowbar when sung are off -- kind of like watching a movie with the sound and lips out of sync.

Yeah, it was weird because of how the movies are captured... it's not really like that.

7. This is also relevant to CS:S. Is there a realistic damaging system? Are shots to the upper torso more fatal than to the thighs or groin? I know realism isn’t Half-Life 2’s priority, but believable damaging systems have almost become mandatory of FPSs.

Yeah there's a damage-scaling system (headshots in CS:S for example)... as for realistic, though, I wouldn't count on it...

1. Yup, never played the first CS. So I was wondering: Is CS:S one great, gargantuan run-n-gun festival; or are there many variations of game-play? For instances, I occasionally enjoy letting loose with fast-paced run-n-gun, yet I also relish the suspense and thoughtful edge of tactical game-play (emphasis on walking more often, tactics and stealth). I'm sure modding plays a huge role in this issue...

You can play it both ways. Sometimes one way is more successful than the other, though...

2. Will there be another version of CS:S released after Half-Life 2 receives the green light? People are apparently already playing CS:S, if I'm not mistaken. I've been keeping track of the bugs and other problems associated with the current CS:S; people bouncing from objects when contact is made; the great influx of cracked versions and etc.

They've already been patching it up, and they recently announced that we might be seeing new content (models and maps) in December.

3. Lots of talk surrounding ‘sprays’ has concerned me. I have yet to see a spray, although I have read of offensive sprays. Are they like pictures and animations people post around like graffiti? How frequent are the offensive sprays and is there any solution to them? I ask this because I’ll go nuts if there is a spray on every wall and around every corner and B. I’m not sure how elated I’ll be to see a picture of ******* or Goatsex during my leisure hours… Know what I mean?

Yeah, sprays are just like graffiti... you mostly won't see them on every wall, but it's certainly possible... personally, I enjoy them, but if they bother you so much, it's possible to turn them off through the console.

 

[MadHatter]

Okay, thanks for the replies. And yes, I'm constantly told I'm 'weird' 'cause I haven't played CS yet. Oh well, better late than never.

So judging by the replies, I assume the Bink videos are out-dated to some degree and aren't a complete representation of the final product.

Ah well, still frothing at the mouth for this game. Can't wait to see the 'They Hunger' series revamped with the new engine and content.

 

[A.I.]

Okay, thanks for the replies. And yes, I'm constantly told I'm 'weird' 'cause I haven't played CS yet. Oh well, better late than never.

So judging by the replies, I assume the Bink videos are out-dated to some degree and aren't a complete representation of the final product.

Ah well, still frothing at the mouth for this game. Can't wait to see the 'They Hunger' series revamped with the new engine and content.

I've heared somewhere that the binks are actually misleading (I think it was mentioned in one of the magazine reviews).

 

[kaf11]

"5. Does the time keep ticking as you play the game? For example, if I go into.... say the sewers during the peak of the day, will I re-emerge to an eerie night? I know it's a bit of nit-picking thing, but I love when games (Neverwinter Nights, for example) do schtuff like that. It helps to create mood and the sense of progress (or lack of progress).


as other have said, no dynamic sun, but they can still pull this effect off just as they did in the original. when you go to launch the rocket its night, but later you reach the surface again and it daytime. cool way to show the passage of time.

 

[subtlesnake]

It was also mentioned in one the reviews that the crossbow us the only sniping weapon.