PlanetPhillip

Imagine this: A warehouse over flowing with crates, but not just ordinary crates, oh no! Crates that have different attributes, floating, burning, exploding etc.

The question is do you have the necessary patience and skill to destroy all the crates. Oh, did I mention there is over 1000 crates. Good luck!

This is something that occurred to me while walking yesterday and watching a couple of cats stalk a bird. It’s probably been done in games before but I can’t remember seeing it – that’s one of the problems of not playing other games.

The idea is that when you press the backwards key somewhere on the screen a small window appears that shows the view behind you. The size, placement and transparency of the view would be controlled by the player in an options window, same as other in-game options.

I need to clarify this question, because “limitations” sounds such a negative word.

When you look at how HL2 works in regard to movement and weapons etc it can seem quite limiting. For example, a lot of games have headbob, and changes of view while sprinting, bullet time etc.

There has been some discussion on the forum about “the rise of puzzle mods”. Personally I don’t see that they are becoming more popular or being released more often.

Considering how long physics has been in the HL games, it’s almost strange that we haven’t had more pure puzzle mods. Ideally, I think 95% of players prefer a balance between action, exploring and puzzles, but the operative word is “balance” and for some 30% of each is too much.

Divinity II – Ego Draconis brings you back to Rivellon, a timeless world of awe and magic, torn and scarred by successions of apocalyptic wars. Ever since the Great War ended, the Order of the Dragon Slayers has had eyes only for their number one enemy: the Dragon Knights who killed their Divine hero.

Thanks to BlueWolf72 and CDV USA I am pleased to announce I have 3 copies to giveaway! Great start to 2010, huh

In December 2009 I ran a mapping competition and this mod contains all the entries. They are packaged as a mod to make it easy to play.

The maps can be played in any order from the New Game menu and are listed in alphabetically.

To see who won and who got honourable mentions please read on.

This is a great question that came from Jasper and those who visit the forum will know that his partner also plays video games and has even started to comment on the site.

I fear he is one of the lucky ones, the chances are that a lot of men will at least give gaming a try, even if they don’t like it, whereas women seem to be less inclined to try and that’s a shame because it’s cool to share some activities with your partner.

Want to breakout from jail and leave Alyx behind? If so, then this is the mod for you!

A very basic, linear map with a simple objective: escape.

Combine soldiers stand in your way, but don’t let them stop you.

You find yourself arriving at some sort of Combine facility. You are taken to a room where you are attacked. Next thing you know you wake up in a bin, presumably assumed dead.

Wasting no time, you begin to explore and you find two identical rebel twins who tell you exactly what you need to do, it’s just they tell you in Russian!

As in most mods, you don’t really need to hear what they say, just do what you do best; find and kill Combine. And so, starts your journey to Abyss!

Have you ever noticed how different Alyx is in HL2, HL2: EP1 and HL2: EP2? I have to admit that I didn’t until Jasper pointed it out to me and suggested this poll question.

Let’s look a little closer, and these are Jasper’s descriptions, so feel free to compare and contrast each Alyx with your observations.

You wake up and find your cell door open. Do you sit quietly and wait for a guard or do you try and escape? Hell! What kind of stupid question is that? GET THE HELL OUT OF THERE!

Of course, it’s not as simple as finding a key and walking out into the bright sunshine.

Good Luck.

I understand why Valve make other games, I do, I just don’t like it. I want the best Episode 3 they can make and I want it now.

In addition I want a series of video tutorials for making single player mods, a book and even paid forum support. Did I mention I want it NOW!?

Tired of hearing about mods that claim they are going to re-create the HL2 leaked beta? NO? Then is mod is absolutely, definitely, probably, maybe, possibly for you or maybe somebody you know, or a friend of somebody you know.

The first thing you need to realize about this mod is DON’T TAKE IT SERIOUSLY! It’s laughing at other mods, so sit back, get a cool drink, a pair of very dark sunglasses and play until you drop.

Are you the last Soldier? Only one way to find out.

Play through 4 levels of simple design with a variety of weapons and enemies.

You start out in a dark tunnel and things don’t get much better

I loved Opposing Force and presume you did too. The inclusion of new enemies was very important and these enemies, called Race X have never been seen since and too my knowledge never been acknowledged in Half-Life 2 or the episodes (please correct me if I am wrong).

So, the poll question simple: Would you like to see the return of Race X?

If ever a real place was crying out to be made into a mod, then this is it: Oil Rocks (Neft Dashlari).

It’s a city built on the Caspian Sea and was built to extract oil just after the end of the Second World War.

There are so many possibilities for this city for the developer, that I am surprised something like it has never been seen.

The death of the Nihilanth threw the Xenian army into disarray, and the subsequent portal storms stranded many on Earth in the wake of Combine occupation.

After once more having to endure existence beneath the totalitarian boot of their cosmic nemesis, they have searched for a way out. Now, buried in the heart of a dilapidated university, they’ve found it.

You find yourself on a ship heading towards a small dock.

A Combine Gunship is shadowing your every move and the only thing to do is enter the barrel facility and escape using whatever means you can (conveniently) find.

A simple puzzle mod, with a little action and a brand new gameplay mechanic.

Somebody sent me these images, saying they were from Moscow.

I don’t know if that’s true or not but they look pretty interesting. I especially like Image 9, the stairway.

This map is a Guildhall scripting project, where the player controls a crane and must kill some metrocops and free some rebels.

The crane allows you to pick and drop exploding barrels, and accurately position the drop via a mini screen on the crane control deck

This is a cinematic portfolio piece. You and Alyx must support Echo Team in their attempt to attack Outpost 16.

Things don’t go quite the way you or they expected.

You have action and some puzzles to deal with, oh and don’t hang around looking at the beautiful view, if you linger you die!

The first part in a series of short episodes.

Simply, follow the route and get to and then into the van.

Everything is included in one BSP file.

Good luck solider!

I’m not really a big fan of vehicles in games, but I fully appreciate how they break up gameplay, allow players the opportunity to cover large distances etc.

Each vehicle in the Half-Life series has had the environment matched to it. Whilst that might sound obvious it doesn’t always seem to work that way in mods or even in games.

God, I hope I am wrong but have you noticed how nearly all Valve-focused websites just seem to be regurgitating news?

It’s certainly not my intention to upset other webmasters but when I look around that’s all I seem to see.

The author describes this map as a “strange and hostile world where survival means fighting, fleeing, or both. Preferably onto a train.”

The map contains M.C.Escher designs and is not called Abstract for nothing. Expect to jump between various locations with no rhyme or reason.

“The Game Master’s Lair challenges the player with three “Classic Game” Puzzles inspired by Milton Bradley’s Simon Game, ATARI’s Breakout, and the game show “Let’s Make a Deal.”

The Level is intended to fit within the Half-Life universe, but showcase unique gameplay atypical of a combat oriented First Person Shooter. The player is armed with only the basic physics cannon and must solve each puzzle to advance. The level’s difficulty must be accessible to all skills levels.”

Set in an abandoned underground car park, you must fight the never-ending attack of various headcrabs.

However, all is not lost because you have a friendly Rollermine to assist you. Good Luck!

This week’s poll is taken from the discussion from Outpost 16 where Alyx says “fuck“. Initially the discussion started out as to whether it was out of character for her but quickly moved onto whether it fitted the HL universe.

I am torn.

A short single player map, where Gordon is separated from his rebel teammates and has to fight his way through a Combine controlled apartment complex.

You encounter a variety of enemies and have to be careful of any open areas.

As you probably know, the Recommendation System here on PlanetPhillip is one of its unique features.

It allows readers to see a visual representation of your comment or review and also forms the backbone of the rating system. You should also know that they are only available to registered and logged in members.

Well, I am pleased to announce that Personalized Recommendation Images are now available!

Starting out in some form of storage or industrial area, you need to make you way to the central shaft.

There, you may be able to effect your escape.

You are stranded in a Ravenholm-style village.

Find a radio and call for help, that is if you can survive long enough.

The streets are wider than Ravenholm but don’t expect an easy stroll through the town!

Just in case you missed the news I wanted to post details of the Mod OF The Year 2010 Nominations.

This year’s categories are greatly expanded and it would be almost impossible to add the mods at the end of the year, so I will be adding them as I find them.

About two months ago jjawinte wrote something that I have been pondering for a while. He said:

Valve couldn’t have done it better for the Half Life franchise. Subtle changes have been made through the years of course, but they never strayed from the anchoring elements of the story, and should the franchise continue further, I pray that they never do.

This mod allows you to play four short scenarios, all with a variety of enemies and weapons.

Some require looking for keycards, others require run and gun, but all are interesting.

You play Gordon, who for some strange reason finds himself back at his old haunt.

Work your way through a few areas of BM and kill a few enemies, not rocket science, is it?

This week’s poll question is from Jasper who wonders about some sort of submarine vehicle or adventure in Episode 3.

Perhaps the best way to infiltrate the Combine base around the Borealis would be underwater? Of course, that depends on how much is left by the time Gordon gets there.

It’s time for another single player mapping competition.

This one is called HunterVille and all the details are below

You don’t see it too often but when you do it can be as frustrating as hell – endless streams of enemies, poring out of some entrance with an almost demon passion.

On the surface I would say that there is never any place for this game mechanic in a normal map or mod, but there are times when a designer may want to challenge your preconception that you are invincible.