The status of "harder-than-hard" difficulty setting

[Operational]

I had been wondering about the harder-than-hard difficulty setting for a while now and when I was reminded of it the other day I sent Robin Walker an email about it.

Hello Robin,

I was just wondering what was happening with the "harder-than-hard"
difficulty setting. You previously mentioned to someone else that you
were hoping that it would be ready for Episode Two but it appears that
it didn't make it. I am looking forward to it so I'm hoping it hasn't
been scrapped altogether.

Thanks, Steven

PS. I'm really enjoying TF2, Soldier criticals FTW!

He was kind enough to respond with

It was something that the Ep1 team wanted to do, but after Ep1 finished
up, and we spread out amongst TF2 & Ep2, it got lost in the shuffle. I'm
hoping it'll show up one day too. I'll remind some of the folks working
on Ep3 about it (as I'm on TF2 right now).

Robin.

Hopefully this means that it will be finished at some point in the future, although unfortunately not any time soon.

 

[Pesmerga]

I'll tell you what's harder than hard...

I'm not sure I could really handle anything more than hard- especially on that last sequence in Ep2. I'm sure a few of you youngsters with your reaction times could do it, though!

 

[pistolero!]

I can do it and I'm definetly not young ;(

 

[Druckles]

some of the folks working on Ep3 about it

That's one of the best things I've heard all week...

Some weird fuzzy feeling went right down to my feet

 

[Saruke]

awww man I died like 10 times in that last sequence and now there making it even harder?

maaaaan.

 

[Druckles]

No, they were going to introduce an extra option (I believe). It would mean "Hard" is just as hard. And it's not applicable to Episode 2. Unless they want to update it. But considering how fast it's going with the HL2+Ep1 updates...

 

[AciD]

They can make:
Easy
Medium
Hard
Uber-Realistic

 

[Druckles]

Or, in better words: Nightmare

/me remenisces to Doom

 

[akrippler]

This would be awesome on about my third try overall (counting the time i did it on normal and one time failing on hard) I got it on hard, I personally hoped fro the addition of soilders like the developers wanted to make it a little more hectic.

 

[Iron_cube]

Easy
Medium
Hard
Hardcore

Kind of dark messiah style

 

[Druckles]

Or Doom... *points to previous post*

 

[Operational]

No, they were going to introduce an extra option (I believe). It would mean "Hard" is just as hard. And it's not applicable to Episode 2. Unless they want to update it. But considering how fast it's going with the HL2+Ep1 updates...

The link in my first post has the original info we got for the harder-than-hard difficulty level.

Actually, we're pretty unhappy with our Hard setting. On Ep1 we started working on a harder-than-hard difficulty setting, but ran out of time to get it finished. I'm hoping the Ep2 folks can finish it up. Once it goes in, it'll be backwards compatible, so you'll be able to go back and play HL2 / Ep1 with it as well. Hopefully that'll provide you with more of a challenge.

Robin.

 

[Pesmerga]

Knee Deep in the Shores of Hell

 

[pistolero!]

Aside the improved hard mode, I'd love a DUWIRSTEINEKRANKENSCHWESTERBRAUCHEN mode for HL2. It should be as hardcore as the pretty unfair NES games I've played, which means: 1 or 2 hit= you're dead. That would be awesome.

 

[Druckles]

Once it goes in, it'll be backwards compatible, so you'll be able to go back and play HL2 / Ep1 with it as well. Hopefully that'll provide you with more of a challenge.

Managed to skip right over that sentence

Knee Deep in the Shores of Hell

I believe that was a chapter, not a difficulty setting?

 

[morgs]

That's one of the best things I've heard all week...

Some weird fuzzy feeling went right down to my feet

Yeah same here Druckles..it's like...They're Actually working on it as we speak, and it dosen't just appear out of nowhere, they're making it.

 

[Druckles]

It's actually coming together :O

Piece by piece.

Just imagining the concept art being drawn up gives me goosebumps.

 

[urumax]

People barely play Hard as it is, what makes you think they'll play hardcore or nightmare or harder than hard?

 

[UnbredCylinder]

maybe they could call it legendary, just a thuoght......

 

[Operational]

People barely play Hard as it is, what makes you think they'll play hardcore or nightmare or harder than hard?

Catering for a small section of the community isn't a bad thing, especially since (I suspect) it will be well appreciated by that small section.

 

[LandStander]

People barely play Hard as it is, what makes you think they'll play hardcore or nightmare or harder than hard?

Really? If I play it on any thing other than hard(although I play it on normal the first time so the replay is a little more fun) I coast through without any challenge.

 

[urumax]

Really? If I play it on any thing other than hard(although I play it on normal the first time so the replay is a little more fun) I coast through without any challenge.

yup playing on normal is a walk in the park, there's nothign as intenese as the hard mode

 

[LandStander]

Well then that harder than hard mode if for people like us.

 

[Druckles]

People barely play Hard as it is

Ignorant statement. You mean because you and your 13 year old friends find it too difficult, you don't like playing it...

Episode One would've been way to short had I not run it through on Hard first. I always play my HL2 games on Hard, nowadays, just to actually get what I could out of it. So I didn't skip through it. It's not a game to skip through.

I played HL2 on Medium the first time I played it. Played it on Hard ever since.

And the statistics that Valve put up doesn't show "barely". It shows quite a lot of people play it on Hard. Especially after the shortness of Episode One.

 

[urumax]

Ignorant statement. You mean because you and your 13 year old friends find it too difficult, you don't like playing it...

Episode One would've been way to short had I not run it through on Hard first. I always play my HL2 games on Hard, nowadays, just to actually get what I could out of it. So I didn't skip through it. It's not a game to skip through.

I played HL2 on Medium the first time I played it. Played it on Hard ever since.

And the statistics that Valve put up doesn't show "barely". It shows quite a lot of people play it on Hard. Especially after the shortness of Episode One.

Ignorant response, 1: I'm 18 2: I play on Hard from th beginning 3: I have no 13 year old friends
4: ur the "13 y/o" for playing on normal the first time.

Tip: check other threads (Chicken or Rambo) before u come out of ur butt with some stupid comment.

Because for many people (even someone like me who is hardly a gaming superstar), hard mode in Halflife 2 is just far too easy - draining the fun and challenge out of most of the game experience.

I dont get this... hardly a gaming superstar however hard mode is far too easy? so u say that there should be a harder than hard mode

 

[Druckles]

2: I play on Hard from th beginning

So why do you complain that "no-one plays on Hard"?

4: ur the "13 y/o" for playing on normal the first time.

If you read my post, you'll notice I didn't. I played through Half-Life 2 on normal, because yes, I was about 15 at the time. I played on Half-Life on Easy the first time through, because I was 8 at the time. I did say that I played Episode One and Two on Hard, because I knew, as episodes, there'd be more gameplay behind them if I did.

Tip: check other threads (Chicken or Rambo) before u come out of ur butt with some stupid comment.

Funny, because you started that thread. You'd think you'd have read it yourself. An awful lot of people do play on hard. The statistics shown by value show that. Even though it's a relatively small chunk, it's still a chunk, and that's alot of people. It's not like 2% or so, it's significantly sized. And that's just the number of people who played it on that first time round. I can guarantee that most people who've played on Normal will then go back and play it on Hard.

I dont get this... hardly a gaming superstar however hard mode is far too easy?

I don't get this either. You sense make no.

so u say that there should be a harder than hard mode

Yes, I've already said that.

Tip: Spell properly. People take you more seriously. As an 18 year old, you should have some form of English qualification by now.

Edit: And wtf? You quoted me wrong! GTFO!

 

[urumax]

Tip: Spell properly. People take you more seriously. As an 18 year old, you should have some form of English qualification by now.

LOL why because i say "u" or "dont" or "ur"? if u call that not knowing how to spell...mmm ok, "may b" laziness?

If you read my post, you'll notice I didn't. I played through Half-Life 2 on normal, because yes, I was about 15 at the time. I played on Half-Life on Easy the first time through, because I was 8 at the time. I did say that I played Episode One and Two on Hard, because I knew, as episodes, there'd be more gameplay behind them if I did.

So what if you were 15 at the time? irrelevant because if you can't beat this game on hard at 15 then ur just not a gaming person, go golfing or such.

So why do you complain that "no-one plays on Hard"?

Funny, because you started that thread. You'd think you'd have read it yourself. An awful lot of people do play on hard. The statistics shown by value show that. Even though it's a relatively small chunk, it's still a chunk, and that's alot of people. It's not like 2% or so, it's significantly sized. And that's just the number of people who played it on that first time round. I can guarantee that most people who've played on Normal will then go back and play it on Hard.

What I said on chicken or rambo is that a small chunk play hard mode from the beginning, from day one, off the bat, got it?

I don't get this either. You sense make no.

I make no sense why? because the word however is included there? that wasn't even for you anyway, i quoted someone else there and he/she actually contradicts him/herself by saying that hes not a gaming superstar but still he can easily beat the game on hard mode.

Contradicts: To assert or express the opposite of a statement. (just in case that doesn't make sense either)

I know i quoted u wrong sry about that, i couldnt find the "quotes" so i copied and pasted yours forgettin to change the name.

And lastly back to topic please...

 

[Druckles]

LOL why because i say "u" or "dont" or "ur"? if u call that not knowing how to spell...mmm ok, "may b" laziness?

It's called not spelling properly. If you want to call it laziness, be it on your own head, because it's possibly even worse. Why should people bother to read your posts if you're not going to bother putting the time and effort into them?

So what if you were 15 at the time? irrelevant because if you can't beat this game on hard at 15 then ur just not a gaming person, go golfing or such.

/facepalm
I didn't same I couldn't beat HL2 on Hard. After playing through it within a few hours on Normal, I then proceeded to complete it on Hard in less time. Being 15 isn't irrelevant.

What I said on chicken or rambo is that a small chunk play hard mode from the beginning, from day one, off the bat, got it?

Yes, but in which case, from your own definition, you're contradicting yourself. In this topic, you said "Hardly anyone plays on Hard". Period. Which is the quote I originally slated, if you remember.

I make no sense why?

Because you don't put commas in your posts.

because the word however is included there? that wasn't even for you anyway, i quoted someone else there and he/she actually contradicts him/herself by saying that hes not a gaming superstar but still he can easily beat the game on hard mode.

It made no sense because I didn't even say that. Thus confusing me.

 

[urumax]

time and effort into them

nice comeback, feel dumb?

I didn't same I couldn't beat HL2 on Hard. After playing through it within a few hours on Normal, I then proceeded to complete it on Hard in less time. Being 15 isn't irrelevant

LAME, Start on hard from the beginning and shut up.

Yes, but in which case, from your own definition, you're contradicting yourself. In this topic, you said "Hardly anyone plays on Hard". Period. Which is the quote I originally slated, if you remember.

Yes, ok add "from the beginning" to "Hardly anyone plays on Hard" and ull get a bigger boner.

Because you don't put commas in your posts.

please...

It made no sense because I didn't even say that. Thus confusing me.

ur dumb enough to realize that after u had posted LOL, ur so dumb that u didnt even know that u didnt say that.

What more can I say...

Well this was my last post directed to u, got better sht to do.

 

[Druckles]

nice comeback, feel dumb?

Um... no, why should I? Because you fail to use capitals? Or because I actually care about what I put?

LAME, Start on hard from the beginning and shut up.

So now you're calling me lame for playing a game 3/4+ years ago?? How the hell does that make sense? It'd be like calling you a twat for sleeping with your sister when you were 7. You didn't know any better.

Yes, ok add "from the beginning" to "Hardly anyone plays on Hard" and ull get a bigger boner.

You mean because you're not going to bother to? You're starting to piss me off. You're not even arguing anymore, you're just spouting crap.

please...

You might not have noticed, not being on these forums long enough to produce 25 posts, but people here actually bother to spell and write their posts properly so other people, who might want to read them, won't have a hard time trying to decipher what they're trying to say. Or stick in commas that someone else has missed out. If you're not going to bother sticking in commas, or spelling your posts wrong, why do you even bother posting? Because we're only going to assume you're wrong.

ur dumb enough to realize that after u had posted LOL, ur so dumb that u didnt even know that u didnt say that.

So you're going to resort to "dumb" insults? You couldn't even come up with another word for "dumb"! My God, you're so irrefutably thick! And you can go look up that word yourself.
How is it dumb that I get confused because of your mistake? Something which you did wrong?

What more can I say...

You don't have to do much. You could just GTFO. Seriously. Most people would at least have enough sense or balls to argue back, or even apologise for something that they said or did wrong. But not only do you spell like an adolescent just learning how to use an instant messaging service, but you don't even seem to be able to grasp the concept of ignorance, or even long words! You're resorting to childish behaviour, not even trying to come up with some retort, just try and insult me where you think it hurts. But it won't, because I'm quite over using playground banter.

Well this was my last post directed to u, got better sht to do.

So why are you even here? Go home. Do whatever "sht" you gotta do, and just leave this forum be, instead of posting moronic statements and attempting to insult me. I don't believe you're an 18 year old at all. And if you are, it'd be a bad day for humanity.

 

[Crushenator 500]

WOOO QUOTE WARS!!

 

[urumax]

capitals, commas, apostrophes i use enough in college where its needed, here not necessary.

I did say sorry for quoting you wrong, but still a dumb **** like you doesnt have enough brain cells to remember what he said, amazing...

i'm here because i like the game, i got better sht to do than argue with u, umm yeah buddy ur not that important

i could easily curse u out and call u other stuff, but im not trying to get banned form here ur not worth it.

You don't have to do much. You could just GTFO. Seriously. Most people would at least have enough sense or balls to argue back, or even apologise for something that they said or did wrong. But not only do you spell like an adolescent just learning how to use an instant messaging service, but you don't even seem to be able to grasp the concept of ignorance, or even long words! You're resorting to childish behaviour, not even trying to come up with some retort, just try and insult me where you think it hurts. But it won't, because I'm quite over using playground banter.

most people have enough sense to argue and apologize***** (SP), havent we been arguin? didnt i apologize? once again ur talking out of ur ass, i type like an adolescent because i am one Einstein. By the way i been around different forums of different games, we can go all day fighting, im used to it, keep gettin emotional baby, if i can get u pissed through my typing u might as well run into a knife.

You been answering to all my moronic statements and topics I made since i joined so i guess at least i entertain u , I just checked all the posts i've made and u always have something dickish to say,get off my penis please. so ill be around for a long while, u might as well block me or something, and i dont wanna see u answering my threads anymore u dont deserve such a privilege. Have a nice life EMO

 

[Crash]

urumax, I'm not tyring to be a prick, but I for one do find your posts hard to read because of the spelling, and lack of puncuation. I fully realize your form of typing may be needed in chat rooms and instant messages where speed may be a necessity, but here typing like that tends to imply, well, lack of care. And you're probably not going to find very much support when you bump heads with someone who has 3,536 posts, and you only have 25. You can get pissed at me also, or you can consider this a 'friendly' note; it's up to you....

 

[urumax]

urumax, I'm not tyring to be a prick, but I for one do find your posts hard to read because of the spelling, and lack of puncuation. I fully realize your form of typing may be needed in chat rooms and instant messages where speed may be a necessity, but here typing like that tends to imply, well, lack of care. And you're probably not going to find very much support when you bump heads with someone who has 3,536 posts, and you only have 25. You can get pissed at me also, or you can consider this a 'friendly' note; it's up to you....

No offense taken

What did u find hard to read? leave out the argument though, in this thread, what was so hard to understand?

 

[Iron_cube]

Druckles is sometimes arrogant, but everyone's free to have their own opinion :cheese:

 

[Druckles]

capitals, commas, apostrophes i use enough in college where its needed, here not necessary.

They're quite necessary here. Crash seems to have outlined that quite well.

but still a dumb **** like you doesnt have enough brain cells to remember what he said, amazing...

The fact I remembered what I had said was quite evident when I got confused when you attempted to tell me I'd said something I had not.

i'm here because i like the game, i got better sht to do than argue with u, umm yeah buddy ur not that important

So why do you persist?

i could easily curse u out and call u other stuff, but im not trying to get banned form here ur not worth it.

You've already sworn and cursed at me. What more could hurt. Besides, I thought you had better "sht" to do.

i type like an adolescent because i am one Einstein.

You said you were 18. 18's not adolescent. By that time you should be able to string words together coherently.

By the way i been around different forums of different games

Woot, I've been on this one a fair while, and I know you're not going to do well here if you continue like this.

we can go all day fighting, im used to it

Used to it? Ever wondered that you're not liked? That people don't really appreciate you for who you are? That your "friends" and peers sometimes ignore you, even laugh at you? Ever wonder why you get into so many fights?

Maybe it's because people don't like you.

keep gettin emotional baby, if i can get u pissed through my typing

I get pissed from your insolent remarks.
It's ok though, I'm having fun.

u might as well run into a knife.

And someone who's had "so much experience" from other forums, doesn't appear to know this kind've statement gets you banned. It's not simply offensive, it gets people killed.

You been answering to all my moronic statements and topics I made since i joined so i guess at least i entertain u

Yes, you do. It's not often someone on here argues back.

I just checked all the posts i've made and u always have something dickish to say,get off my penis please.

I thought you were alright. At first. Unfortunately your respect seems to have dwindled somewhat after resorting to these petty insults.

so ill be around for a long while, u might as well block me or something, and i dont wanna see u answering my threads anymore u dont deserve such a privilege.

Hah! The same would go right back at you. If you don't want me "answering your threads" anymore, why don't you just hit the "Ignore Member" button, because there's little you can do to stop me enjoying these boards any further.

Have a nice life EMO

Resorting to Full CAPS is often a sign of emotion. Resorting to calling someone something ridiculous (especially on a board) is equally emotional. So there's little point in telling me to stop getting emotional when you're just going to tell me I'm an Emo? I mean, seriously, you might as well have called me gay or something...

Druckles is sometimes arrogant, but everyone's free to have their own opinion :cheese:

Does that include stabbing you :burp:

I'm pissed off with new members. They keep saying stupid things.

Edit: Oh wait :O I quoted Iron_cube right! Duhn-duhn-duuuhn!

 

[urumax]

Hahahaha...

I'm going to be the bigger/better/smarter person here, and i have a lot to say after your last post but im goign to keep it to myself.

Even though you just contradicted yourself and argued with the same points i had already made clear, i wont keep this pointless war going.

Just dont start it again like you did this time, before u post something "smart" about one of my threads or posts think twice n try to avoid what happened from happening again.

 

[Planetary]

I smell a flamewar.

 

[Operational]

/me wonders how my thread turned into this shit.

 

[urumax]

/me wonders how my thread turned into this shit.

It all started here when some one decided to get smart, sry

Ignorant statement. You mean because you and your 13 year old friends find it too difficult, you don't like playing it...

Episode One would've been way to short had I not run it through on Hard first. I always play my HL2 games on Hard, nowadays, just to actually get what I could out of it. So I didn't skip through it. It's not a game to skip through.

I played HL2 on Medium the first time I played it. Played it on Hard ever since.

And the statistics that Valve put up doesn't show "barely". It shows quite a lot of people play it on Hard. Especially after the shortness of Episode One.