Episode 2 Details Emerge

[CSN NewsBot]

The latest issue of PC Gamer (August 2006) features a tasty little article on the next episode in the Half-Life 2 universe. A forum posting on the Steampowered boards reveals a handful of tidbits from the article. Here are just a few of the highlights, with the rest displayed by following the link above.

Originally posted by SPUF member Poopsy..

• You will cover the same amount of locales as in hl2 and the new locales will have a much more realistic feel to them since they are based off real locations (missile silo, mine shaft, etc.)
  
  
• Big battlefield-esque combat engagements with lots of enemies and allies fighting. Woods provide plenty of cover
  
  
• OH! And new yet-to-be-announced multiplayer game will ship with episode two...might it be TF2 set during the 7 Hour War?

The article mentions a Spring 2007 release date, but this has been debunked by Valve's own Doug Lombardi in a response to 1up.com. The release is still slated for a Holiday 2006 release, assuming all goes according to plan.



Also of note is the possibility of new technologies being introduced into the Source engine with the release of Episode 2. Yet another forum posting, this time from HL2world, seems to indicate that Episode 2 will make use of new lighting and shadow techniques (dynamic shadows anyone?). Keep in mind, not everything here is 100% confirmed, but it's a good start.

[ph03nix(k)]

Big battlefield-esque combat engagements with lots of enemies and allies fighting. Woods provide plenty of cover



YES. I have been waiting for a big battle sequence in the HL universe, and I was hoping that EP2 would be an all out war against the combine, looks like my dreams may be answered.

[baconman]

tf2 wont be good if its on the source engine and fortress forever will be beter but still suck

[acc_int]

And how would you know?

[duhhhh]

i still like tfc

[tonjohn]

Nice find! Don't know how I missed this info, haha



PS



"SPUF" - hehe, I'm surprised nobody has ranted about it being "SUF"



PS2



You kicked my butt in CSS lastnight

[DevgruSeal H.E]

SteamPowered User Forums? :P

[FLeK0]

It's not going to be tf2, just a new hl2dm gameplay mode that they announced in the steam news 3253461 weeks ago.

I hate when they delay something that is already done just to increase the value of another product (like hldm:source for ep1, which was announced in last august? and the development took a bit over a week in my estimation).

[entRo]

OH! And new yet-to-be-announced multiplayer game will ship with episode two...might it be TF2 set during the 7 Hour War?

That's about as likely as Valve fixing the phys objects in CS:S.



so, no chance at all.

[Syx]

I completely doubt the MP is TF2.

Maybe a new IP.

[MikeJ]

I bet it's Counter-Strike 2 back from the dead!! Just kidding. It's probably death match classic: source.



At any rate episode 2 is looking good.

[entRo]

MikeJ wrote..

I bet it's Counter-Strike 2 back from the dead!! Just kidding. It's probably death match classic: source.

Pretty sure that's already out.

[Zips]

entRo wrote..

Pretty sure that's already out.

Wrong deathmatch:

http://www.3dgamers.ru/screenshots/hlde...hmatch_2b.jpg

http://www.3dgamers.ru/screenshots/hlde...hmatch_1b.jpg

http://www.3dgamers.ru/screenshots/hlde...hmatch_3b.jpg

entRo wrote..

That's about as likely as Valve fixing the phys objects in CS:S.



so, no chance at all.

Oh, you're so positive! Considering they said they were going to eventually change the physics props to act like those in DoD: Source.

[elite-mafia]

The 7 hour war... lol the combine must've destroyed Earth so much in so little time...

[HACKER HELL STORM]

this has some how inspired me to re-download firearms..