PlanetPhillip » Archive » Black Ops

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Stubby 21st October 2005 at 19:32 1

This is one mod that needs to get some attention!! Do they have a web site? To me, this is one of the better ones to get released in a looong time. It may get alittle confusing at times, but never to the point of being frustrating. It reminds me alot of ‘Poke 646′ in style (city fighting) and the weapons look AND sound great. Granted, this is only my opinion, but I feel if other people get a chance to play it, I think they just might agree. Then again, maybe they won’t!!! I posted this at Hangar 16 with the link to your site, hope you don’t mind?
Senator33 22nd October 2005 at 18:42 2

Excellent Mod…..

Maybe a little tedious in some areas but is a real treat all the same!
SEThorian 26th October 2005 at 17:53 3

Gameplay
Gameplay in Black Ops was pretty damn good! There was a gradual build-up of weapons and combat, so you weren’t thrown into a slaughterfest just at once. The challenges presented were fair and made for good, enjoyable gameplay. Contributing to the gameplay were several smart and fun puzzles which promoted exploration in a fun way. (As opposed to an annoying way, like there is with most mods.) The mod itself was pretty lengthy. The maps were large (the author shows of that he knows the Half-Life engine, and its limits, well) and there was a fair amount of ‘em. In fact, in total this mod has probably given me about 5 hours of gameplay. Perhaps a little more, perhaps a little less. I’m an explorative player, and this — like mentioned before — was greatly encouraged. Gameplay was also obviously inspired here and there by Half-Life 2. One of the ideas implemented was that of placing a Black Ops logo where goodies were to be found. (Much like the lambda sign for resistance stashes, in City 17.) There even was a boss-fight which was well implemented. The boss was a Half-Life 1 monster, but I’ve never seen a mod implement this one like it was done in the original HL. Kudos points for that!

Interactivity, scripting and storytelling
Black Ops was very interactive and used multiple ways of telling the story. It’s obvious that no voice actors could be found for this mod, so they resorted to using a Max Payne like storytelling system, of using comics to tell what happened, instead of movies or the like. Though at first I didn’t find this very attractive, the idea grew on me and the comics became rewards for my hard work. It did add the sensation that this mod didn’t take itself too seriously, which is a good thing. Serious games and mods are fine, but there should always be space for a bit of comedy-relief!

Back to the subject at hand; if possible, scripted sequences were used to tell the sub-plots and this resulted in a few very original scripted sequences. Most of them were simple, but very effective. The player also got involved in some interactive bits here and there (computers, trains, trolleys, etc.) which was a very nice addition. It gave the use key a bit more to do than just wait for an important NPC to come along. Speaking of NPC’s; there weren’t many in the actual game, which was a pity though understandable. (Since they wouldn’t add anything anywhere.) There was a fair bunch of them in the training course, but they were not very interactive. (In fact, they just stood there, watching in front of themselves.)

Though there were many positive points, there were two downsides;

1) The G-man showed his face here and there to add to the mystery. Though I understand why the G-Man appeared the last time (I won’t tell why, but if you reach the end, you’ll understand), he didn’t make much sense at all the other places. He helped you once or twice but why did he help me? Some sort of explanation would’ve been nice.

2) SPOILER ALERT! [Highlight to reveal!]
Perhaps I missed something in the plot, but why again did those female assassins turn against you? And why did the main character appear to know one of them? That was the first time he mentioned her name. Same counts for near the end, when a male colleague suddenly appeared. With him also, the main character suddenly knew his name and addressed him as if they were best friends. I don’t mind, but a bit of an introduction to these two characters at the beginning would’ve been nice.
SPOILER ALERT END

The story also tied in nicely with the events in the Half-Life universe and revisiting some of it (especially with the much improved visuals!) was a very nice feat.

Visuals and other eye related offspring
The visuals in Black Ops were of the highest standard! There’s not much else to say; I’m a fairly explorative player and I didn’t notice many errors. In fact, right now I can’t remember of even one! Perhaps something skipped my mind, but I can’t remember anything bad, visually. (So no misaligned textures, etc.) The props scattered around the levels were excellent (I certainly can’t make them like that, I need a modeller for that! ) and the same counts for the lay-outs, brushwork and texturing. Highest quality. If the creator is German (like I suspect), then this is what they call German Engineering. (Which is high-quality, for ye nubjes.. ) To add to the positive; I didn’t run with “r_speeds 1″ on a lot, but from what I did see, the author managed to keep the r_speeds well within acceptable limits, despite the level of detail. (Which was stinkin’ high, I should emphasize.) In addition, there also were a few very nice details such as the signs in the prison shower. Those brought a grin to my face..

One special detail that I noticed, and this may be a good or bad thing, depending on your taste, is that the entire prison chapter seemed to be a big rerun of Nova Prospekt, from Half-Life 2. I considered this to be more of a tribute and even though this section was still very enjoyable, it wasn’t my favourite of the mod. The author allowed himself more than enough artistic freedom to alter it compared to its HL2 equivalent, but the large and open prison simply didn’t interest me much. But that’s more a personal thing than anything else. I loathe prisons and they also give me the creeps. One thing I should add; the prison appeared to be the least detailed chapter in the entire mod. The level of detail was still quite high, but I preferred the other chapters.

The prison however wasn’t the ugliest bit, that was reserved for the sewers near China Town. Mind you, ugly is a very relative word, here it means: Ugly compared to the rest of the mod. The sewer in fact was, compared to all the other HL1 mods out there, a fine piece of mapping.

Audio and other vibrating things
The new audio in Black Ops wasn’t a whole lot, but compared to most out there, it was a fair amount. Music was (re)used from Half-Life 1 and that worked just fine. I didn’t play with the HL CD in the computer (I never do) but that didn’t ruin the experience. (Only during the credits, there I could’ve used a bit of a tune.)

Walking sounds were all-custom and were of great quality, but I believe those were the walking sounds from Poke646. (With permission and still sounding great, but they didn’t make those themselves.) Same counts for the weapon sounds and all high-definition models. Those were used from the High-Definition pack that came with Blue Shift.

Mind you, I’m not calling this a bad thing, using audio created by others is just fine, I just want to make it obvious that the team didn’t make that. (Thus that credit belongs elsewhere.)

Last audio bit to comment on was the ‘voice acting’ during the tutorial. I put it in between apostrophes (sp?) because the voice acting was actually generated with a computer program. Since the character in question was a hologram it was actually fitting, but that didn’t prevent the voice acting from sounding a bit awkward. It would’ve been nice it a somewhat more masculine and friendly voice was used.

Conclusion
If I didn’t miss any important categories (and I might’ve, but I’m too lazy to check), then this is where I can finally draw the conclusion!

As you may have noticed (that is, if you paid any attention at all to this review ) I liked Black Ops a lot. Sure, there were a few downsides; the teacher in the tutorial sounded like a tripod, there were a few minor spelling and grammar errors here and there and the characters weren’t exactly deep and interesting but boy; did we [the players] get a lot in return! Great visuals, fun and balanced gameplay and a plot told in an interesting fashion in both in-game scripted sequences and a comic book style of storytelling. This mod isn’t perfect, hence why I don’t nominate it for gold, but it certainly is good enough for a big, fat, Ten Four silver award!
Champloni 4th December 2005 at 18:48 4

I need some help… I´m stuck on the subway level… I found the key, but what i do fron now on? I can´t junp the box over there, in the middle of my way… Someone, please help me! Thanks a lot!
fitzroy_doll 5th December 2005 at 21:38 5

Just when you thought it was all over…this, the very latest and greatest Half Life mod puts you in the role of a black ops soldier (so that’s yet another HL character you’ve been able to play as - still trying to locate a rumoured mod where you play as a bullsquid). Full of humour and nice touches (for example, check out employee of the month at the fast food place in China Town - look familiar?), this mod uses high res textures and a modified hud to tell the story of a black ops soldier hunting down a scientist from Black Mesa. As in Poke 646 (from which the mod borrows heavily in parts - but that’s a good thing), much of the action takes place in a city under Xen attack, but in this version of the story the attack occurs simultaneously with the events at Black Mesa. Be sure to do your training (hazard course) first. A very enjoyable and immersive mod.
Nero9 27th December 2005 at 16:49 6

Nice mod ,qute good one/The gameplay is really enjoyable.But i am abused at creators because the borrowed some of Silent Hill textures and sounds ,like closing door,also the code finding was taken from the Silent Hill and espesialy metro part of the game,with the wooden desk as crowbar.Lets say it is not polite not to mention in the credits part the inspiration made by masterpeace Silent Hill.
Kyle 25th January 2006 at 18:28 7

I haven’t played much yet, but it already looks VERY cool. If you’re reading this, DOWNLOAD IT!
Arturas 28th February 2006 at 10:33 8

I’m stuck in subway. Help anyone. Please !
Carolyn 28th February 2006 at 19:17 9

Hi Arturas,
What a coinkydink! I too am stuck in the subway. Even spending life points to cross the tracks, I still end up in the same place running around in circles. Let me know if you find a way out.
planetphillip 28th February 2006 at 19:25 10

Come on readers somebody must be able to help these poor, lost souls!
desmond 1st March 2006 at 05:27 11

when i downloaded it, i tried to extract all files but it said it doesnt exist is it supposed to be in an extraction folder or should i save it to disk?
desmond 1st March 2006 at 06:04 12

i got it working but im stuck in the freaking subway level too!
desmond 1st March 2006 at 07:00 13

i think i figured it out! in the part of the subway where the telephone is, where the headcrab jumps out of the vent at you on the wall there is a small little walkway where you can walk to the vent from
Zhouy 1st March 2006 at 15:11 14

Can’t download, says I don’t have permission to access the file.
planetphillip 1st March 2006 at 17:10 15

Are you clicking the link from within this post? My links are protected, meaning unless you click the link from within PP they won’t work. I do it to stop other sites simply posting a link to my files without any acknowledgement.

I just tested the file and it works for me, is anybody else having problems?
Carolyn 2nd March 2006 at 00:03 16

Desmond (reply 18)
You are a God!!!!!
Carolyn
Carolyn 2nd March 2006 at 00:20 17

Desmond,
Would you be happy with Demigod? I took that route, got the goodies but now I am still stuck. I have made the circuit about 10 times from one side to the other. Did you find anything else?
desmond 3rd March 2006 at 02:20 18

have you got the card key? its in the room near the security gaurd or scientist i forget. because if you do head back the tracks and on one side to your right theres a door you can go through now.

p.s. i had to use noclip to figure out where to go.
Zhouy 3rd March 2006 at 15:48 19

It worked for me before to download files here, but it won’t work now Can’t download any file at the site.
bumtown 6th March 2006 at 09:08 20

hahaha i figered out the subway bit months ago.
Zhouy 6th March 2006 at 21:36 21

I’ve completed the Black Ops now, I thought that it is a great game with a very good gameplay. The game is just a little to easy, died about 2 times. I highly recommend this mod to all Half-Life fans!!!
Kir_Fl 10th March 2006 at 14:46 22

Hi all!
Mans! I need help!Chapter III
The lift, code to which 627, after driving on it. I cannot move!
At you too such was? How it to correct???
Whether it depends on version Half-Life??
Carolyn 10th March 2006 at 16:26 23

Hi Kir_FL
Minor spoiler here…

This is a common bug in HL 1, being stuck on elevators. Start from your last save and run around in the elevator while it is going up. That is the only thing I found to work. I am assuming this is the elevator you get on from the concrete block basement?
Just keep doing that until you can get off. Be aware, there are snipers lying in wait, so be prepared to defend yourself. Run really fast for cover if you manage to get off the elevator.
Kir_Fl 11th March 2006 at 09:50 24

Thanks Carolyn! At me all has turned out!
Only a question:
Such bug was at you???
Whether it depends from a MOD or from Half-Life??
Carolyn 11th March 2006 at 15:45 25

Hi Kir_Fl
I am having a bit of difficulty understanding your words, but I will try. I think you are saying you tried what I suggested, running around the elevator, and it worked. If you are asking if this bug is in Half Life or just this mod, I had this bug in Half Life 1 and it ends up being in most of the HL1 Mods. A lot of people complained about that bug in Half Life - being stuck after an elevator ride.
Kir_Fl 12th March 2006 at 08:47 26

Thanks!
P.S Sorry for my bad English!
I do not speak English and used the program of translation
Jon 13th March 2006 at 20:00 27

wtf? Why do i get:

“Error 403

You do not have permission to access the file or folder directly.”

while trying to download anything from PlanetPhilip Server? :(
planetphillip 13th March 2006 at 20:05 28

Very strange I’ve just tested it and it worked fine. However I have just had a conversation with somebody with a simialr problem and it was possibly his Firewall. He turned it of and then on again and everything worked fine. However, that is not a suitable solution because you shouldn’t need to do it. I have therefore turned off the hotlinking protection.

I certainly hope that helps!

Sorry for your trouble.
Jon 16th March 2006 at 16:11 29

Now it works, thx! Nice dl speed
adam 27th March 2006 at 23:14 30

ah, hell let me download it now. Nothing beats downloading a good mod to Men Without Hats live
adam 28th March 2006 at 02:05 31

hoowee! NOW i’ve played some REALLY SUCKY mods before, but that nearly toped Poke 646!

most redundent piece of Max Payne ripping off **** i’ve have ever had the misfortune to accept into my retina

i think the person who made that mod should be hunted down and smashed across the face with a piece of mining equipment!

I mean, dear lord almighty protector of all which is holy, DELIVERE ME FROM THE BLACK OPS MOD!

You people should have better taste, and like Azure Sheep more then any mod!!!

Black Ops:
Status: Reviewed
Mod Rating: 0

Comments: Christ behold the black operations mod! It will make you end yourself.
Gypsy Jim 5th April 2006 at 23:45 32

Brilliant mod..ignore adam!

Attention to detail is superb, interesting lighting effects here & there, good gameplay, nice puzzles…. more than a passing nod to Max Payne & HL2 as has been said, but those are meant to be bad things? Huh? Not where I come from….

But….when you get to the bomb….? HELP! Pretty please, I’ve tried noclipping, every direction I can think of, and still can’t get past this bit. Its driving me round the bend…
Carolyn 6th April 2006 at 16:11 33

Spoiler…..

Ok, it’s been awhile, but seems like I remember doing that until I realized you don’t set it off, you just return to base. Look around for an exit point and just leave the bomb after you set it.
Gypsy Jim 6th April 2006 at 16:47 34

Thanks Carolyn! Just done it & came back here to check if anyone had helped…. that was the first time I didn’t (oops not telling, go find out for yourselves…)

If you’re just checking it out, download now!

Brilliant!
Christian 14th April 2006 at 14:09 35

Well, there seem to be a FileFront glitch: I was in the process of downloading it when my download was interrupted.

Further attempts with Filefront seem to show that is it NO LONGER available for download from free public servers (which I was doing just before the interruption), but only from premium servers.

I reopened their page 3 times, to be absolutely sure.

The page content, simplified, is:

Black Ops - HL1 Mod

File name: blackops.zip
expandmore details about this file
Free Public Servers! That’s right, NO registration is required. The servers below can currently distribute this file.

FASTPASS Servers! These dedicated servers are available to FastPass members. Already a member? Sign in now >
SERVER: FastPass US Distro #1
WAIT TIME: No Wait! Download Now

Not a member? Sign up today for access to our no wait, high speed servers, and no banner ads!
planetphillip 14th April 2006 at 15:00 36

I’ve just tested the link and it is working for me. I know that’s not much help to you but it’s all I can do.

I’ve no desire to sound patronising but have your tried clearing you browser cache? Alternatively try access the link via the main FileFront Files list, available from the sidebar menu.

Hope that helps.
Christian 14th April 2006 at 15:12 37

Nope, could not be a cache issue: if that was the case, I would still have seen the download server I started downloading from.

It was definitely an issue with FileFront themselves, now I have 4 servers for this file, so I pick one to resume (on a new link).
Christian 15th April 2006 at 16:03 38

Finished, it was nice. Just a regret: I did not get to meet Mona Sax Oh, btw, I downed the chopper with my pistol only (on hard), as I do when possible. Try that for a challenge, next time xD
planetphillip 15th April 2006 at 16:07 39

Dude, I struggle to down choppers with rocket launchers. I have no chance with a pistol!
Christian 15th April 2006 at 21:09 40

There is a trick to it (valid on all HM mods I ever played): aim at the blades axle, just below the blades.
Tricky to land a rocket there, but feasable. I usually only need 2 well aimed rockets, when I use them.
Some mods (very few, but it happens) harden the choppers, so sometimes you will need more, in which case a pistol would run out of ammo first.
It is actually easier to aim with the pistol, unless the chopper keep moving fast.
And there are a few mods where no rocket launcher is handy (so I assume downing the chopper was not meant as an option, but I do it all the same).
Mystery8 22nd April 2006 at 21:34 41

Awesome mod, it was a lot of fun. I was cracking up when the bomb on the door blew up, the door stayed standing but the wall around it fell over - like in cartoons The levels looked great, with the textures and extra detail they had almost a “Half-Life 2″ feel to them. The little “comic” strips at the end of each section were pretty cool, don’t think I’ve seen that before. Anyone else notice the little nod to Poke 646 in the one sign?

Great work!
heyzors 13th June 2006 at 23:15 42

Where do I install this to? I have been tryuing to figure this out since December! I have it downloaded and I know it downloaded correctly because I downloaded it numerous times to make sure but it wont install!!!!!! PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Christian 14th June 2006 at 15:54 43

You must have all 3 parts in rar file.
I used WinRar to extract the first one, it automatically extracts all 3.
You may have a problem if you tried using WinZip.

Check out the WinRar website if that is the case.
heyzors 24th June 2006 at 22:29 44

Well I just finished this game and along with Azure Sheep and POV, this is on my favorite mods list!
Christian 25th June 2006 at 01:51 45

Glad you could eventually enjoy it.

I will probably replay it myself too, when not too busy with Minions of Mirth, my current MMORPG of choice.
Mel 11th August 2006 at 19:02 46

Never thought a would review a review but SEThorian write-up of this mod is one of the best constructured reviews around, go read it. I have not finished playing through this mod yet but can ID with most of the comments. So far it has improved with playing depth, all aspect of the game like many other custom mods improve with the time and length of mapping involved. This mod for me started out as an average attempt of a new story line to an old song with surrounds and much of the detail looking very 2D, flat or boxy, visauls too dark everywhere, weak gameplay to start with, some frustrating ledge climbing and too easy opposition. I am now deep into the game and so much has developed on the way, with fine textures better use of visuals, well designed sets and battles within, plenty of off the action walk abouts for goodies, it just gets better. Still don’t like those frustrating building of interior ledge walks, but have enjoyed the mod so far and now appreciate the ease at the start, hate those mods or maps that start so hard that you lose interest from the beginning, much better the gradual build up of gameplay with increasing level of puzzles and battles. As you can tell from the terms used I am a player and not a mapper, would loved to have been a mapper but turned my computer and graphic skills into designing and engineering aircraft and cars.
druidhealer 7th September 2006 at 02:45 47

When the G-man starts the time for the nuclear weapon-how does one escape?????? Please advise as I am sure I am missing an exit out of the complex.

Also, has anyone ever found a walkthrough for ADAM and a link where the file will download without the glitch which does not allow you to change weapons and no health meter????

Thanks….

druidhealer
john 26th September 2006 at 23:20 48

druidhealer..i escaped, for i am black ops. maybe your druid cape is slowing you down. hehe. you must run like the devil and you will see what happens. great mod. would like to see somemore projects via black ops.
druidhealer: i finished adam a while ago. i didnt have a glitch. think i downloaded it from fileplanet? where are you stuck in adam. i will look on the comments on adam to see if you posted thier.
Ezequielhl 31st October 2006 at 23:40 49

It’s a very good map pack. New well placed textures, new story with a relation to Half Life. Models? maybe: the High def. pack with black hands: it’s OK.

Sometimes it gets very easy, but it’s funny anyway.

The “comic type” narration for this mod is very original. I recommend this: 4/5.
AI 1st November 2006 at 00:56 50

I just go done DL’g this mod and was reading the “readme file” here is a sentence from it
“Thanks for purchasing BlackOPS”— Was this supposed to be a comerical product??? It looks good from the pics above! anyone know??
Stef 8th November 2006 at 23:24 51

A real fun to play through, really fluid game with excellent (custom) texturing and use of sounds (map are correctly build nothing out of the norm) the end could be a little disapointing but you will mostly really enjoy this one especially if you loved poke646 from where it take a lot of inspiration in the way mission and the hole mod has been designed
Theepicshephard 17th November 2006 at 00:27 52

I under stand in the spirit of being spoiler free, but I’m REALLY stuck at the end. After Shephard’s deactived the bomb, then the g-man reactivates it, I run and run and run and run, but I can only ever make it to the top, then there’s an invisible wall across what i THINK is the exit, and can someone PLEASE advise and give me a straight answer other than ‘run and you’ll find out’

thanks in advance!

-TES
Stef 17th November 2006 at 00:31 53

it’s just a run till a certain place where you will be save just run back to the surface jump cut all corners to win time and it should work
john 17th November 2006 at 03:53 54

it might also help to run and jump while cutting corners to save time.
Ag3nt-X 7th December 2006 at 23:42 55

Best mod ever.
Goddess Alyria 1st January 2007 at 21:44 56

One of the best mods I’ve ever played.
Afro-Dude 2nd January 2007 at 04:06 57

I played this mod a while ago, and from where I can tell, it’s very, very funny in the comedic way, some signs, and the scripted event where you try to blow up a door was amazing. Oh and the poke646-like comic system is very entertaining to watch.

But, in my own individual opinion, I hated the ending, and the hand model, I mean, from the screenshots you can tell, man that black HEV suit kicks ***! but wait, you are a black ops guy! sorry for this comment, but I just can’t stand this little details that nobody should pay attention when playing a seriously good mod.

It kicks ***, download it.
planetphillip 6th January 2007 at 11:29 58

OMG

AI’s image contribution:

So, here it is. A **** shot of Alyx!

I’ve also updated the download link.
AI 6th January 2007 at 16:02 59

This is only one of many items to find, scattered all thru the mod!! NO! I’m not a dirty old man, for sending this! But I didn’t see anyone else’s screen shots! I don’t like looong drawn out reviews (boring)! I thought this mod played good, but I didn’t like the ending! Too abbruped!(pardon my spelling) The music in the Dead End bar,that was different! I almost popped my sound subwoofer!! Try to find the other items(eastereggs I think)!!
Bruno 8th February 2007 at 20:30 60

very good this mod …. thanks planetphillip for this mod (:D

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