CSS Sci-Fi Version 2 - Half-life 2

phillip while beta testing i didn’t taught about this but submit things to make it more possibly ‘puzzled’… so to be sarcastic i will say that if you did your job perhaps it could have been implemented…
Knowing the willing from Peter I’m quite sure i will bring us some more stuff in the future

BTW for the beta testing it ttok me 7 hours to complete the 27 maps…but several maps where quite challenging so perhaps ambition where put a little lower and it should be a little easier…Don’ t hesitate to use this place to give some feedback or idea for… i hope, for the future

I have always steered pretty much away from CS, but thought I would give this a try. All I can say at this stage is:

After playing the original 15 maps within version 1.3, I have now played through 4 or 5 new maps within this latest version. All I can say is, it even better, go download. There is plenty of help on the authors site if you need to install SMOD.

Thanks for the positive comments from everyone! Just to follow up Booman’s comment - remember you don’t need to download SMOD first! All you need is Counter-Strike: Source and HL2, the CSS SCI FI installer takes care of the rest.

It’s particularly interesting to me how the recent polls here on PP tie right into this mod. The SMOD Configuration Utility gives you all the options. Don’t like playing with an AI squad (poll question 038)? Turn them off. Like a simple inventory system (poll question 37), fine, play it with only 4 weapons. Like health regeneration (poll question 35)? There you go, it’s in there.

For people that like the COD styles regenerating health system: did I get it right? Is a warning at 50 health too high/too low? Is the regeneration fast enough? Too fast? It’s not a system I’m used to so fans of regenerating health should let me know.

This is why I spent as long making the SMOD Configuration Utility as I did on the maps: all play styles are catered for, within one game. Play around with it, turn things on and off. If you don’t like the result you can always run it again and choose something else.

Hi fitzroy-doll, let me first say sorry for not helping out on the beta testing. Your files came to me when on holiday and having got back I was very involved in getting PPT reviews kick started, which took up all my time.

The new maps are great and have now played through all 12 without any technical issues, one dead Combine in the second map appeared to die the wrong side of the invisible boundary line, but this is no big deal with all the maps playing smooth giving action filled gameplay all the way.

With respect to the configuration utility, these options appeared during installation, can they be access within game?

Before I had broadband I used to play CS with teams of bots but it wasn’t very satisfying. They were either too good or not good enough to provide a fun experience.

I love SMOD so I downloaded CSS-Sci- Fi to see if it could provide a better experience. I initially found the number of options during the install process a bit daunting but leaving them at their default settings is a good place to start. The CSS maps are of course really well made; the SMOD eye candy is gorgeous and running around shooting combine is an awful lot of fun.

It’s when I find the hostages that I run into trouble. They all seem to follow me at first but as soon as a combine shows up they turn into a suicidal lemming and run off to pick a fight. Inevitably they end up getting killed either by the combine or, as has happened more than once, getting shot in the head by me as I try to save their lives. It’s probably my fault but it’s quite annoying.

It’s still brilliant fun to play and so I give this mod a

looking good

Hey I wish to know if I can use my custom maps to play it? Since the CS already make waypoints when ou first load them up. I do not understand much tough. What with the gamemodes? You play it from the mod or access CS Source? And I dont get when it is said that you can play this thru CS Source and HL2 Smod. Well?

I had to DL CSS from Steam (no big deal), this installed perfectly, got thru the first map,so far, this should keep me busy for some time!! Thanks to you Fitzroy_doll!!

Does the ‘Battleship’ map have a constructed ending? I have downed the helicopter and killed all I can find; now wandering around aimlessly looking for something to do. I have played the map through about 3 times with the same result, there appears to be no countdown to the number of kills either.

I have experienced a couple of maps where the last Combine never appeared despite my wandering all over creation. No big deal to me, and sorry I don’t remember the specific ones. I think fitzroy_doll has done an outstanding job and some of the scenes are remarkable. Once again, I must say

Review
The following short comments on each of the 27 maps are aimed at expressing the playability of these maps that have been ignored by many PlanetPhillip members. I hope that the review will encourage players to give them a try, as they contain hours of fun with a high replay value. In reviewing the maps I have considered the changing content with each replay, but such content relates to a mix of Combine troop types, alien and mechanical foe, also variable content of some crates and the exact location of spawning enemy. The basic premise of each map will stay the same, with the mission and key content such as Striders, Gunships and Armored vehicles plus the means to beat them is always part of the maps with each replay.

So, with the much improved installing and in-play facilities now available with version 2.0, go give the maps some playing time, and if you are disappointed come back and give me a right going over, verbally that is.

Map Name: Beirut
Objective: Save the hostages
Fight your way through the walled desert town to free the hostages, then get them back to safety against a determined Combine counter attack. Combine supported by a Gunship make this a tough map, you will need to make good use of the rocket launcher.

Nothing special in the way of architecture and textures, being a typical desert setting of a walled town and its buildings. Tough map to beat.

Map Name: Harvest
Objective: Save the hostages
A large outdoor map with plenty of scope to wander, being a mixture of semi-arid countryside with scattered farm outbuildings. Combine with Strider and Dropship support makes this a tough mission.

Well balanced layout of both terrain and buildings giving much needed cover to get hostages back to safety. A very tough map to beat.

Map Name: Xcom
Objective: Save the hostages
Office complex layout designed to give fast and furious Combine encounters. You need all the help you can get from the squad getting these hostages to safety. Tough map first time through, but once you learn the layout it gets a lot easier.

Richly designed and textured settings give an overall impression of a quality piece of mapping.

Map Name: Ancient Town
Objective: Eliminate all Combine
Combine, scanners, step-mines and armored vehicles are well placed within the streets of this grand and classical town, with its cobblestone ways and impressive facades.

The architecture is on a grand scale with admirably crafted buildings and streets textured in stone. Without the burden of hostages this map is relatively easy to beat.

Map Name: Battleship
Objective: Eliminate all Combine
Intense Combine encounters at sea, aboard the Battleship, set upon the open decks and within walkways and stairwells of the ship. Hordes of Combine, scanners and a helicopter gunship make this a tough map to complete.

A unique piece of mapping with realistic design and layout set within a dark and calm sea. Tough map to beat.

Map Name: Biolab
Objective: Eliminate all Combine
Stairwells, corridors and rooms situated within a chemical complex which harbors countless possibilities for Combine ambushes.

All enclosed settings with plenty of incidental detail scattered throughout the map. The map gives opportunity to climb, scramble through airducts and navigate liftshafts. Not too difficult a map to beat once you have learned your way through the complex.

Map Name: BlueCorridor
Objective: Eliminate all Combine
As the title implies this is a map of corridors, thankfully wide open corridors allowing the action to flow at pace. Plenty of encounters with a second wave of Combine hell bent on finishing you off.

Settings are mainly wide stairways and corridors with some vivid textures and ornate walls. Not too difficult a map to beat if you keep moving.

Map Name: Lochs
Objective: Eliminate all Combine
Plenty of action from Combine supported by a Gunship and armored vehicle. Just when you think you have the situation under control, more Combine are drafted in. You get some much needed help from your squad.

A complex layout of office rooms, passageways, storerooms, drain-away and dock-side settings cleverly linked and interwoven. A tough map to beat.

Map Name: Monach
Objective: Eliminate all Targets
Set within a narrow valley with steep rock faces to either side, you encounter mostly zombies and headcrabs. The squad does a good job, leaving you to take on a very persistent helicopter gunship.

A rocky land-scape with a few scattered dwellings including a ruined church, all are admirably crafted to give this map a unique feel. Not a difficult map to beat.

Map Name: NightFever
Objective: Eliminate the Administrator
Action takes place in a modern city setting with riverside embankments and towering skyscraper blocks, all aglow with sparkling city lights. Intense Combine resistance supported by armored vehicle impair your every step through the surrounding area, hotel and garage complex.

This is a wonderfully designed and textured map with a crisp and realistic feel, if a bit clean looking, to both the indoor and outdoor environment. Some of the outdoor backdrop is stunning but look out for the incidental passing traffic. Can be a tough map to complete.

Map Name: Toxin
Objective: Eliminate all Combine
From the clean-cut sets of the previous map, we go to the grime and dirt of this industrial complex, which is comprised of both external and covered storage areas. The encounters are intense against both traitor rebel forces and Combine troops.

The design and layout results in noticeably different playing scenarios with each replay, making this one of the best repayable maps in the whole set. The confusion caused by the traitor faction can make this map difficult to beat.

Map Name: Venice
Objective: Eliminate all Combine
I have never been to Venice, so cannot judge how realistic these settings are. However, I do know this is a very enjoyable romp through the stone paved streets and humped-back bridges, with waterways, gondolas and tightly packed buildings, all comprising to make this a unique experience. Thanks to Benjamin Rosen for a nice piece of mapping.

Map Name: Assault
Objective: Save the hostages
With the help of the squad, clear out the Combine first then find the hostages. Getting hostages back to the start and safety is hampered by the onset of more Combine and lack of control over the hostages.

The map is straight forward with little in the way of alternative routes, the combat is mostly street and warehouse shoot-outs. A tough map to beat.

Map Name: Militia
Objective: Save the hostages
Make your way to the log cabin by way of one of two different routes from the start. Clear out the Combine and find the hostages. Make good use of the rocket launcher and clear a path back to safety.

The map has a few alternative routes and although tough, it’s worth a replay for some differing content and extra playing time. Very hard map to beat.

Map Name: Office
Objective: Save the hostages
Another hard map, made all the more difficult by brainless hostages that get themselves killed. You need to fight your way inch by inch to find the three hostages then fight your way back half inch by half inch, it’s tough.

The map is one taken from the CS Condition Zero game, mostly office rooms and corridor encounters with Combine, plus a couple of snow covered court yards.

Map Name: Aztec
Objective: Eliminate all Combine
Just a matter of going your own way in pursuit of the Combine. The breakaway squad will kill a few for you, but you will be left to do most of the fighting, which include bringing down a Strider. If the gun fights get too tough then back off and track another route.

The map has plenty of exploring value with goodies scattered throughout. Most sets have two directions of approach, such that you can back-off and try another angle. Plenty of combat that’s mostly Combine with some alien and mechanical foe included. Not too difficult to beat once you have learned your way around the map.

Map Name: Chateau
Objective: Eliminate all Combine
This map plays fairly easily and benefits from some help given by the squad members. Nice design and layout among the rooms, corridors and gardens of a ruined Chateau. Plenty of Combine shootouts with Zombie and Headcrabs to deal with.

Map Name: Cobble
Objective: Eliminate all Targets
A tough map with mostly Combine combat mixed with flying and attacking scanners and two armored vehicles that take some knocking out. Action is set among the rooms and courtyards of a well crafted stone-built complex with a medieval feel.

The placement of the two armored vehicles makes this map more difficult than most to beat.

Map Name: Dust
Objective: Eliminate all the Targets
This map is set among the Mosques, houses and walls of a desert town, and is another map from the CS Condition Zero game. Along with the Combine are the sand creatures from HL2. You need to kill the big one along with the entire Combine to beat the game. The squad does a good job early on in the map against the Antlion, but later you are on your own against heavy numbers of sand creatures that suck your ammo.

Map Name: Dust 2
Objective: Eliminate all the Targets.
The easiest of all the maps set among similar surroundings to the previous map. The squads do most of the work with the player’s chief task being to take out the armored vehicle.

Map Name: Inferno
Objective: Eliminate all Targets
This map is slightly on the hard side with mostly Combine engagement, plus a few attacking scanners and one Helicopter gunship to deal with.

Action takes place among the streets and buildings of a hillside village, which could be the northern region of Italy or some Eastern European setting. The design and layout makes for some good ambush locations, with well concealed positions for the Combine.

The village is full of fine detail and textures that merge to make this a very admirably crafted map. The Helicopter was not that much of a challenge; the biggest threat to survivial is the tough placement of the Combine troops.

Map Name: Nuke
Objective: Eliminate all Targets
Set among the yards and warehouse of a Power Station, this is one of my less preferred maps. Plenty of areas to explore but fine detail is lacking compared with other maps, but then this is a power plant. You will need to deal with the Gunship amidst the Combine onslaught. Not a difficult map to beat.

Map Name: Piranesi
Objective: Eliminate all Targets
You are up against the Combine with a Gunship and attacking scanners to deal with. The setting this time is a Castle and the grounds are converted into a museum of art and crafts. You engage the Combine who are spread out through the grounds, large rooms and hallways. You will also need to bring down the Gunship to beat the game. As with many of the battles within the maps, if you are in danger of being over powered, then it’s often best to back-off and track another route. Map is on the hard side to beat.

Map Name: Port
Objective: Eliminate the entire Combine
This is a hard map with a large number of Combine to deal with plus a few zombies and those annoying footballs. You get effective help from the squads, but then you need it, due to troop dropships that reinforce the Combine just when you think you have the upper hand.

Well designed map with a large area of port and dockside action plus warehouse, ship, fuel storage tank and below ground passageways affording heavy Combine engagements.This map is made all the harder to beat due to Combine reinforcements, which for the most part you may face alone.

Map Name: Prodigy
Objective: Eliminate all Combine
Set within fortified bunkers, this maps mostly underground passageways and marshalling yards are easily over run. Faced against troops of the Combine without heavy fire support the rebel forces score a quick victory this time.

Map Name: Tides
Objective: Eliminate all Combine
Engagement with the Combine takes place within the passageways and court yards of what appears to be an old Bavarian castle with modern trappings. With no overwhelming forces or heavy fire to face, you and your squad quickly take control.

Map Name: Trains
Objective: Eliminate all Combine
This can be a hard map to beat with both well concealed Combine and turret guns making progress difficult. You need to learn your way around this map before becoming confident of beating it with ease.

This is a well constructed map giving the feel of an industrial and depot area. I swear you can smell the urinal when passing through the distressed rest rooms.

Conclusion
These maps will not be to everyone’s liking, but then what maps are? If you prefer your gameplay to be a rich mix of traditional HL2 fare, then you may find them lacking in content. If, however, you prefer the upbeat pace of all action and intense firefights then you will find these maps made to measure. I am happy with either format as long as it’s done well and on that score, these maps are extremely well put together.

The result is hours of fun with a high excitement level, fast and furious encounters amidst some of the best designed maps you could ever hope to play through. If you have not already done so, I strongly recommend that you start playing the maps now, and stop missing out on the best action packed experience around.

My Recommendation:

I have a new patch in development for CSS SCI FI which fixes numerous issues and adds many new features.

If you are interested in testing the patch and can provide feedback via email, please drop me a line at antiscope * gmail.com.

Thanks!

I will download this new version and play Campaign mode which should be fun. If any PP readers have not played this mod I strongly recommend you do so. These are great action packed maps.

The white spots are caused by using the wrong DX level. After starting the game, go to options > video and then make sure DX9 is selected (assuming you have a DX9 capable card).

Sadly, the Configuration Utility has no capability for remembering settings from previous times it was run. I will look into this, but for now you must make your selections anew each time you run it.

The open source installer does much more than just extract files. It also creates script files which make the vital link between SMOD and the CS:S maps, without which there would be no game. An uploaded “archive” version of the mod would not only be confusing to install, it also would not work, at all. If you archive and upload the installation, users will get a version of the mod that works on Phillip’s machine, but no one else’s.

Therefore, no zip or archived version is available or will be distributed.

just making sure here,i need to buy ccs to run this mod,needs both hl2 and ccs?

waaaahh.:(

If you want a non stop action packed firefight with elements from Half life 2, Smod and yes using tactics like you where playing Rainbow six. This is where you go. Even though my non stop action packed roller coster stopped after DE_PORT, some sort of loading error.. it just hangs and I have to reboot my computer. I still give this mod a HUGE

@mel Point taken. In this version I stopped the last enemy from moving so it will be easier to find, but in future versions I will look into the feasibility of instructing the last enemy to find you instead of the other way around.

Darn it. I’m having the same problem where after de_port, the load screen freezes. Any way to fix it?

A bit late in following this up - but if you can’t load maps after de_port it’s because you are out of memory. The next maps are cs_militia and de_nuke - both are huge. Either increase the amount of memory available to the game using heapsize settings (see Steam support for details) or install more memory in your computer. Not a very satisfactory solution, I realise, but there is nothing in the game I can change to make them easier to run.

@Kurgan - err…yes 4 gigs should do the job. Can’t think of what else to suggest. Send me a console log file if you wish to explore this further - see item 7 in “Gameplay Issues” from the FAQ. Can’t promise I can do anything about it, but this will at least show what is going on.

In other news, I just added up the download total since the 2.1 version was released last October across all of the mirrors that I know about: 65,347 in total to date, and still growing. I must get around to making another pack one of these days.