The ending, not a letdown but . . .

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David Simmons - 27 Feb 2008 00:57 GMT

I was hoping for some suggestion of a parallel between the first game
and the second. There are so many unanswered questions! I wouldn't
want to have everything tied up into a neat little bow as that would
make further sequels difficult to begin.

However, I'd like to hear people's theories on these questions:

Why are the Vortiguants working with humans? We (as Freeman) killed a
LOT of their compatriots in the first game!

What was Breen trying to accomplish? Human slavery in another
dimension?

How much of the world is like City 17?

I was very pleased to discover that the final battle was NOT a real
grind like Nihilanth, and I would LOVE to have the Gravity Gun in the
next game if it continues to work like it did in the Citadel! Man,
that was fun!!

I think I'm going to play through the game again on Easy to sharpen my
skills in a number of areas. For instance, I didn't discover until
way late that I could drop a grenade as well as throw it. I also
didn't get to try picking up enemy grenades and toss them back! I'd
also like to see if I enjoy the riverboat and jeep sections more as
I'll have a better understanding of how to control them.

All in all, a very fun game, but I'm still glad I didn't pay much for
it!

Dave S.

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Kurt Herman - 27 Feb 2008 02:45 GMT

Nihilanth isn't a grind. (Although it was the first time I played, I didn't
know the "secret")

As soon as you drop into Nihilanths pit, run for cover behind one of the big
floor spikes. One of them, opposite to where you enter, allows you to see
all 3 power crystals, high up on the walls, and still be safe behind the
spike. Use your rockets to take out all 3 crystals, the VERY first thing.
Once you do that, Nihilanth cant re-charge. Then just peek around your spike
and empty everything you have left into Nihilanth, dodging back for cover
when he shoots.

After a while, his head opens up, and he can only shoot really weak bolts at
you (and not transport bolts, which are a real pain).

Then you run over to one of the high jump pads, jump on up above Nihilanths
open head, and give him a blast from the shotgun, and he's done. Its really
easy..... :)

Kurt

> I was hoping for some suggestion of a parallel between the first game
> and the second. There are so many unanswered questions! I wouldn't
[quoted text clipped - 27 lines]
>
> Dave S.

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G Hardy - 27 Feb 2008 02:54 GMT

"Kurt Herman" wrote...

> ...Use your rockets to take out all 3 crystals, the VERY first thing.

Nawwww - use the python.

Rockets are useful against the balloon-brained-buffoon. The revolver isn't.

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G Hardy - 27 Feb 2008 03:01 GMT

"David Simmons" wrote...

> Why are the Vortiguants working with humans? We (as Freeman) killed a
> LOT of their compatriots in the first game!

The vorts in this game don't have "collars". It seems to be significant.

> What was Breen trying to accomplish? Human slavery in another
> dimension?

I reckon he saw that the slavery was inevitable (the first time you see him,
he's reporting to a "superior"). He was just trying to maintain his own
humanity while all around him were losing theirs.

> How much of the world is like City 17?

It's a bit like post-apocalyptic middle-Europe. It's still more welcoming
than modern-day Manchester-city centre, though, so God only knows what that
looks like after it's been visited by the combine...

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CamBor - 06 Mar 2008 11:51 GMT

> "David Simmons" wrote...
>
>> Why are the Vortiguants working with humans? We (as Freeman) killed a
>> LOT of their compatriots in the first game!
>
> The vorts in this game don't have "collars". It seems to be significant.

In the first level, as you arrive at City 17 and are moving through the
station (after Barney helps you escape), there is a Vort WITH the collar
sweeping the floor (so the Combine are now controlling some Vorts) - also,
the "free" Vorts seem to hold no malace to you (The Freeman) as they have a
different view of the universe and the "vortesence"....try speaking with
some to get more info (like the Vort who adds the chopper-gun to the airboat
half-way through "Route Canal") - just keep interacting with him before
continuing with the mission at hand (the humans will continue to prompt you
along, just ignore them) - this Vort is quite talkative.

>> What was Breen trying to accomplish? Human slavery in another
>> dimension?
>
> I reckon he saw that the slavery was inevitable (the first time you see
> him, he's reporting to a "superior"). He was just trying to maintain his
> own humanity while all around him were losing theirs.

I don't think his "humanity" as much as "power" - he essentially sold his
soul to the Combine in return for a modicom of power.

>> How much of the world is like City 17?
>
> It's a bit like post-apocalyptic middle-Europe. It's still more welcoming
> than modern-day Manchester-city centre, though, so God only knows what
> that looks like after it's been visited by the combine...

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Robotech_Master - 14 Apr 2008 20:50 GMT

> > "David Simmons" wrote...

> >> Why are the Vortiguants working with humans? We (as Freeman)
> >> killed a LOT of their compatriots in the first game!

> > The vorts in this game don't have "collars". It seems to be significant.

> In the first level, as you arrive at City 17 and are moving through
> the station (after Barney helps you escape), there is a Vort WITH
> the collar sweeping the floor (so the Combine are now controlling
> some Vorts)

Actually, you see the Vort just as you're getting off the train. It
may well be that he passes word to another Vortigaunt to tell Barney
about it.

From what's said at various points in the game, I've gathered that, in
HL1, the Vortigaunts were enslaved and mind-controlled by Nihilanth.
(Remember, even back in the days of HL1, the Vortigaunts were also
called "Alien Slaves" in some strategy guides and documentation.)
When Nihilanth fell, the Vorts were set free, and their gratitude to
Freeman far outstripped his actions in killing them in the game.

Also, from something Alyx says, the Vortigaunts "under the control of"
the Combine are apparently acting as spies, through some kind of
psychic communication or shared consciousness. That's how they know
some things about the interior of Nova Prospekt.

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Robotech_Master - 14 Apr 2008 20:58 GMT

> Why are the Vortiguants working with humans? We (as Freeman)
> killed a LOT of their compatriots in the first game!