Half-life: Would an adventure gamer like it?
Eistren
I have heard many great things about Half-Life's plot, but really don't
have much experiencing in action games. I've played them occasionally on
others' computers, but that's about it.
Is the plot worth bearing the....*shivvvvvvver*...action sequences for
the average adventure game player?
RKR
different wrapper.
Larry Smith
>>It's a shooter.Period. Doom, Duke Nukem 3D, Quake, Quake 2 same old shit
>>different wrapper.
>>
What a charmer you are.
Tesiae
Eistren wrote:
HL's plot is nothing to write home about. What really makes the
game good is the atmosphere, scripted events and wicked AI
of the troopers. Those SOB's are good! It's also a good military
simulation.. You have to like First person shooters to like this one...
MB
mentioned is like comparing Grim Fandango to Pong =)
--
Marek Bronstring, Creative Director
http://www.adventuregamer.com
email: brons...@adventuregamer.com
fax & voicemail: +31-(0)20-8732392
Charybdis
> the average adventure game player?
The game is excellent, but the plot is pretty awful. It's not bad compared
to most other FPS games, don't get me wrong - but ultimately it's "Sinister
experiment goes wrong - aliens on loose - shit hits fan - get out alive -
kill big Foozle.". The plot in game is of the "Run down this tunnel to get
to the next section!" variety. These sequences are entertaining in their
own way, but compared to - say Realms of the Haunting - the plot is
non-existent.
- Richard
Stephen Granade
> I have heard many great things about Half-Life's plot, but really don't
> have much experiencing in action games. I've played them occasionally on
> others' computers, but that's about it.
>
> Is the plot worth bearing the....*shivvvvvvver*...action sequences for
> the average adventure game player?
If you're looking for a great story, the kind that a lot of adventure
gamers want in a game, then no. And if you don't like action games,
for goodness' sake, don't play Half-Life. It is first and foremost an
action game.
That said, if you do enjoy the occasional shooter, you definitely
should play Half-Life. It does any number of things very well.
And wouldn't you know it, I've written about this subject
before. http://interactfiction.about.com/library/weekly/aa031599.htm
Stephen
--
Stephen Granade | Interested in adventure games?
sgra...@phy.duke.edu | Visit About.com's IF Page
Duke University, Physics Dept | http://interactfiction.about.com
Michael Zier
<brons...@adventuregamer.com> inscripted the following:
>> It's a shooter.Period. Doom, Duke Nukem 3D, Quake, Quake 2 same old
>>shit different wrapper.
>You probably never played Half-Life. Half-Life compared to the games you
>mentioned is like comparing Grim Fandango to Pong =)
I've played it, and I hold that opinion too -- if you don't like FPS
games, then that's what you'll think of it...
Actually it's "Same shit, but with a different set of guns"
| Michael Zier (mic...@gt-adventure.com)
| Editor, Adventure Central -- www.gt-adventure.com
| Post Office Box 7050, Los Angeles, California, 90007-0050 USA
| 413-383-6200 914.206.3572 fax
Sebastian
And I like all kinds of games. Who knows, maybe it takes something
like Half-life to open you up to other types of games.
Those who don't like em are probably bad at them...
Sebastian
Eistren wrote in message <384F3594...@crapblock.hotmail.com>...
Charles Herold
integrated into it. While most shooters have a story in theory, this is
one of the few (System Shock 2 would be another one) where the story is not
simply a text description or a cut scene that's tangential to the killing,
and thus you feel like you're actually involved in the story, unlike pretty
much all other shooters. This makes Half-Life far more interesting than
most 3d shooters to people who like 3d shooters. But Half-Life doesn't
have "action sequences," Half-Life is all action with occasional little
"story sequences." This is not a game like Realms of the Haunting or
Resident Evil 2 that veers between action and adventure. If you don't like
shooting monsters, and the phrase "*shivvvvvvver*...action sequences"
suggests you don't, then Half-Life is definitely not a good choice.
Eistren wrote:
> I have heard many great things about Half-Life's plot, but really don't
> have much experiencing in action games. I've played them occasionally on
> others' computers, but that's about it.
>
> Is the plot worth bearing the....*shivvvvvvver*...action sequences for
> the average adventure game player?
--
Best regards,
Charles Herold
Visit The Deskchair Adventurer - http://deskchairadventurer.homepage.com -
the site a good five or six people a week turn to for adventure game
reviews.
Visit another self-indulgent website: http://selfindulgent.homepage.com
Bert Schmidt
all of the great reviews. I thought it was great. I wasn't thrilled by
Quake or Doom, but this is really different from those FPS. But..... if you
don't like shooting, you won't want to get it, because it is a FPS. The
story certainly isn't to the level of many adventure games, but it is a
pleasure to play as a nice diversion. I did try the multiplayer version as
well, and HATED that.
Eistren <eis...@crapblock.hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:384F3594...@crapblock.hotmail.com...
TragedyTrousers
>I have heard many great things about Half-Life's plot, but really don't
>have much experiencing in action games. I've played them occasionally on
>others' computers, but that's about it.
>Is the plot worth bearing the....*shivvvvvvver*...action sequences for
>the average adventure game player?
As with all the other great FPS games, the chief longevity of the game
lies with its multiplayer aspects. As a single player game, its the
best FPS out there, but its still just another Doom clone, designed to
test your reactions (and make you jump with fright from time to time).
The 'adventuring' in the game basically consists of the occasional bit
of switch flicking, with nothing you could really call a proper puzzle.
Its not as *completely* mindless as Doom, but System Shock 2 and Thief
might be a better choice for someone seeking a more thoughtful style of
FPS game; both are excellent.
To be honest though, I don't think any of these games are what you're
looking for, as they are all very action-orientated.
--
TragedyTrousers.
Charybdis
> >mentioned is like comparing Grim Fandango to Pong =)
>
> I've played it, and I hold that opinion too -- if you don't like FPS
> games, then that's what you'll think of it...
>
> Actually it's "Same shit, but with a different set of guns"
I agree. Half-Life brought some very good features to the FPS genre - but
it's still just a shooter. A good shooter - I just bought Opposing Force
for it! But still a shooter.
- Richard
The T stands for Smooth
even if you don't usually like the genre.
--
Smooth T's badder than the wicked witch
Got more rhymes than you can beat with a switch.
"Eistren" <eis...@crapblock.hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:384F3594...@crapblock.hotmail.com...
>
Zeprfrew
>like Half-life to open you up to other types of games.
>Those who don't like em are probably bad at them...
Yes, that is a reasonable conclusion to draw, I guess. If you do not like a
particular genre of game, then you aren't likely to develop the
skills/instincts/reflexes/whatever it takes to be good at them.
I admit it, I am a terrible FPS player. Oh, I've played a few from time to
time, but rarely without cheat codes. I sorta kinda liked Doom 2, for the
relative variety of opponents, and Rise of the Triad, for reasons I completely
fail to comprehend.
Anyway, as it turns out, I did actually kinda sorta play Half-Life tonight. I
was out at my favorite coffeehouse playing Monkey Island on my laptop, and a
friend of mine walked in, looked over, and said something about old games, and
really using the computer's power, then tossed Half-Life on the table for me to
try.
So I did.
I did not do very well, I think. First, we chatted a bit while the train was
rolling along in the intro, and I kept thinking about the public transportation
in Mercenary 3, and how nice it would be if I was playing that, instead, as it
is a very nice adventure game, after all, and I never did manage to finish it.
Then, the train stopped, a security something stopped by and opened the door,
and I ran out, chasing after him.
My friend told me I had to get out of the way so the security drone could open
another door for me. Anyway, while exploring the area I was running around in,
looking for, oh, I don't know - a desk to rummage around in for inventory
items, or a phonebook with characters' names in it, or a map to use to change
locations, maybe even a kitchen knife to use to get the credit card from under
the desk, for instance -I leapt off the balcony and plummeted to my death.
My friend said he'd never seen anyone die before the game actually started.
Anyway, he ended up leaving me in frustration a few minutes later, as I was
jumping around on a desk banging my head on a lighting fixture, just to see
what might happen.
Somehow, I did eventually get to a point where there were enemies and such, but
I honestly was starting to get bored by then and just wanted to play Mercenary
3.
-rob. To reply, delete windows.
Play "Advanced Year 2000 Simulator",a really terrible game for the ZX Spectrum.
http://members.xoom.com/ay2ks - You WILL be disappointed.
Dan Perlberger
then it is a first person shooter.
Dan
MB <brons...@adventuregamer.com> wrote in message
news:82o7jc$isp$1...@news.news-service.com...
> You probably never played Half-Life. Half-Life compared to the games you
> mentioned is like comparing Grim Fandango to Pong =)
>
> --
> Marek Bronstring, Creative Director
> http://www.adventuregamer.com
> email: brons...@adventuregamer.com
> fax & voicemail: +31-(0)20-8732392
>
NeilG10475
>might be a better choice for someone seeking a more thoughtful style of
>FPS game; both are excellent.
>
>To be honest though, I don't think any of these games are what you're
>looking for, as they are all very action-orientated.
>
>
I am an adventure gamer in my heart and soul, but I am pleasantly surprised to
find that I am enjoying Thief a lot more than I ever expected. I find it
addicting! I'm blown away by the AI and the 3D. It really does take patience
and a brain to excel in this game. It's no adventure game, but I love it.
Of course, if I sucked more at it I would be a singularity...but that's neither
here nor there. :)
katie
"Life's a successful virus, clinging to a speck of mud,
suspended in endless nothing."
--Rorschach, 'The Watchmen'
To send me e.mail, defuse my address.
(-bustible)
Larry Smith
>>Do you have a bunch of weapons? Do you walk around shooting people? If so,
>>then it is a first person shooter.
I played both Crusader games and the answer to your questions is yes, but
it ain't a first person shooter.
TragedyTrousers
>>Its not as *completely* mindless as Doom, but System Shock 2 and Thief
>>might be a better choice for someone seeking a more thoughtful style of
>>FPS game; both are excellent.
>>
>>To be honest though, I don't think any of these games are what you're
>>looking for, as they are all very action-orientated.
>>
>I am an adventure gamer in my heart and soul, but I am pleasantly surprised to
>find that I am enjoying Thief a lot more than I ever expected. I find it
>addicting! I'm blown away by the AI and the 3D. It really does take patience
>and a brain to excel in this game. It's no adventure game, but I love it.
>Of course, if I sucked more at it I would be a singularity...but that's neither
>here nor there. :)
Thief is really, really, REALLY intense if you can force yourself to
play through it without saving every two seconds, like in other FPS
games. The longer you go without saving, the more frightening the task
becomes.
Every little noise had me fleeing into the shadows in panic, sometimes
refusing to come out for up to four or five hours at a time.
I eventually gave up on the game in the end. The unending infestation
of hideous crawling spiders began to haunt my sleepless nights, and
turned my days into a living nightmare of abject cowering terror. I
haven't slept now in six months, in case the... the... *things* come to
get me.
Overall then - pretty good.
--
TragedyTrousers.
Eistren
Eistren wrote:
>
> I have heard many great things about Half-Life's plot, but really don't
> have much experiencing in action games. I've played them occasionally on
> others' computers, but that's about it.
>
> Is the plot worth bearing the....*shivvvvvvver*...action sequences for
> the average adventure game player?
Thanks for all of your opinions.
Charybdis
> play through it without saving every two seconds, like in other FPS
> games. The longer you go without saving, the more frightening the task
> becomes.
I agree - it was very tense for loads of the levels, and really crap for the
Monster ones (yes, I know that some people liked them but I finished the
game and found them boring beyond belief.
- Richard
NeilG10475
>play through it without saving every two seconds, like in other FPS
>games. The longer you go without saving, the more frightening the task
>becomes.
Haha...how did you know I save about every two seconds? :) You've been
a-spying, eh? But I do...every time I pick up something valuable or get past a
tough guard, I save! hehe. Like I said before, if this game had a "total wuss"
level, I would be on that.
In fact, on the second mission I had the scare of my life. I walked up to a
corpse to see if he had anything valuable. I got about 2 inches away from him
and he came to life, attacking me. It was a zombie or something. I was
playing with all the lights off and the headphones on. I screamed and hit
"ESC"--it was like 2 AM and I can't believe the neighbors didn't call the
police. My hands were shaking so much that I couldn't control the mouse for
the next five minutes. Literally! --Then, I jumped back into the game and
wasted him. :)
"intense"--yeah, that begins to cover it... :)
Charybdis
katie, try Aliens Versus Predator. That is REALLY scary. Half-Life has its
moments, but it's basically pretty sedate.
- Richard
TragedyTrousers
>>Thief is really, really, REALLY intense if you can force yourself to
>>play through it without saving every two seconds, like in other FPS
>>games. The longer you go without saving, the more frightening the task
>>becomes.
>
>Haha...how did you know I save about every two seconds? :) You've been
>a-spying, eh? But I do...every time I pick up something valuable or get past a
>tough guard, I save! hehe. Like I said before, if this game had a "total wuss"
>level, I would be on that.
How did I know? I save every one and a half seconds - more if I'm
actually worried. I often used to have to stop myself from saving it,
peeking out a doorway to see if a guard was about, and then scurrying
back into the room for another quick save.
One time I decided to play through the entire first mission without
saving it, and managed it too (apart from 5 saves that didn't really
count). Erm...
>In fact, on the second mission I had the scare of my life. I walked up to a
>corpse to see if he had anything valuable. I got about 2 inches away from him
>and he came to life, attacking me. It was a zombie or something. I was
>playing with all the lights off and the headphones on. I screamed and hit
>"ESC"--it was like 2 AM and I can't believe the neighbors didn't call the
>police. My hands were shaking so much that I couldn't control the mouse for
>the next five minutes. Literally! --Then, I jumped back into the game and
>wasted him. :)
>"intense"--yeah, that begins to cover it... :)
I remember that bit clearly, it was actually WORSE for me! :)
After 'dropping my undercarriage' at the shock of the zombie, I ran away
at full pelt, screaming loudly. Unfortunately, I managed to find a
loose bit of ground, and plummeted into a pit.
"At least I'm safe down here", I thought. Then I noticed a
scritch-scratching noise, but it was too dark to make anything out.
Being a craven coward, it took me no time at all to resort to cheating.
I turned the brightness of my monitor up, only to be confronted by a
ginormous evil spider.
Right. In. My. Face.
"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!",
sums it up nicely, I feel.
I didn't play Thief much after that...
--
TragedyTrousers.
TragedyTrousers
>> "intense"--yeah, that begins to cover it... :)
>
>katie, try Aliens Versus Predator. That is REALLY scary. Half-Life has its
>moments, but it's basically pretty sedate.
Aliens Versus Predator? Are you trying to KILL the woman?
Try Aliens Versus Predator if you've always desired to see what the
inside of a coronary ward looks like! I still have to change my
underwear six times daily, due to that game and its long term
after-effects.
--
TragedyTrousers.
Charybdis
System Shock 2 had me almost hypnotised in parts - whenever a spider leapt
on my head on the game my right hand flew up to my head to knock it off.
Weirdest thing I've ever experienced in a game.
- Richard
Charybdis
> inside of a coronary ward looks like! I still have to change my
> underwear six times daily, due to that game and its long term
> after-effects.
I hate those Facehuggers- the first time I got killed by one I leapt
backwards so fast that my mouse was torn out of the back of my PC.
- Richard
TragedyTrousers
I was all set to buy it until I heard about the spiders.
Changed my mind, pronto.
Note to games companies: STOP IT! OK? Just stop it!
--
TragedyTrousers.
TragedyTrousers
Admittedly, they were weedy compared to the AvP huggers, but I didn't
like the ones in Half-Life much either, especially when you were
crawling down a narrow tunnel and they'd come flying out of the dark at
you.
--
TragedyTrousers.
Charybdis
> like the ones in Half-Life much either, especially when you were
> crawling down a narrow tunnel and they'd come flying out of the dark at
> you.
Nah, the headcrabs were crap - I just held down the fire button to keep
swinging the crowbar in the tunnels. And here's a question - Gordon's HEV
suit doesn't have a faceplate - so why isn't he susceptible to being
grabbed?
- Richard
Charybdis
I second that. I TOTALLY HATE SPIDERS!
- Richard
MP
>I TOTALLY HATE SPIDERS!
Please, not this spider hate-stuff again. Spiders are our little friends.
WHAAAA HAAA HAAA !
Mark
NeilG10475
Charybdis
Spiders are creepy little bastards.
- Richard
TragedyTrousers
He has super-reinforced glasses, obviously.
Anyway, you may as well ask why the evil head honcho never just shoots
James Bond, instead of setting an elaborate trap, then departing in a
helicopter...
--
TragedyTrousers.
Charybdis
> James Bond, instead of setting an elaborate trap, then departing in a
> helicopter...
Maybe he's like the G-Man in Half-Life - you beat him senseless and nothing
happens.
- Richard
Fireblade
"Charybdis" <ric...@softorange.com> wrote in message
news:83510f$rn5$3...@newsg2.svr.pol.co.uk...
Charybdis
Or any other game which uses them - they're always the size of buildings or
something ludicrously large.
- Richard
TragedyTrousers
Didn't know you could... What part of the game did I miss him in?
--
TragedyTrousers.
Fireblade
Charybdis
He keeps reappearing - hit NOCLIP fly up to him and attempt to beat his face
in with the crowbar. Nothing happens.
- Richard
TragedyTrousers
I do remember hearing that you could use NOCLIP to look inside his
briefcase, and it contained some sort of logo (I forget what, maybe a
shamrock?)
--
TragedyTrousers.
Claude Martins
No, it contains the same yellow lightbulb used for the
briefcase in Pulp Fiction.
- Claude.
--
--
Claude Martins / Timberwolf / ICQ: 5304950 / York U, Toronto, ON, CA
mar...@cs.yorku.ca / The Wolf Lair http://www.cs.yorku.ca/~martins/
"You may fire when ready."
Charybdis
> briefcase in Pulp Fiction.
It should have the text "You Cheating ^%&$" really....
- Richard
TragedyTrousers
>TragedyTrousers <tragedy....@SPAMYENOTbigfoot.com> wrote:
>>Charybdis sez:
>>>> Didn't know you could... What part of the game did I miss him in?
>>>He keeps reappearing - hit NOCLIP fly up to him and attempt to beat his face
>>>in with the crowbar. Nothing happens.
>>
>>I do remember hearing that you could use NOCLIP to look inside his
>>briefcase, and it contained some sort of logo (I forget what, maybe a
>>shamrock?)
>
>No, it contains the same yellow lightbulb used for the
>briefcase in Pulp Fiction.
No, it contains the secret bullets used to shoot Nice Guy Eddie in
Reservoir Dogs...
Next?
--
TragedyTrousers.
Claude Martins
Jimmy Hoffa's head!
- Claude.
--
--
Claude Martins / Timberwolf / ICQ: 5304950 / York U, Toronto, ON, CA
mar...@cs.yorku.ca / The Wolf Lair http://www.cs.yorku.ca/~martins/
"Get away from her, you _bitch_!"