Entropy Zero 2: From the HL2 Modding Community that brought you Black Mesa

[Powerogue]

In the ever-continued absence of Half Life 3, the Half Life 2 modding community continues to be hard at work filling that void. Bringing everything from the disaster Hunt Down The Freeman to the Valve-endorsed Black Mesa. But picture everything Hunt Down The Freeman failed at: Dark protagonist, new weapons, vehicles, characters, and mechanics, done right.

The Combine are recruiting!


(Notably unlike Black Mesa, completely free with owning Half-Life 2, so maybe Portal Stories: Mel is a better comparison)

[Powerogue]

No comments yet? Still, adding an honorable mention since this mod's release got me on a half life mod binge. Instead of following a Combine, you're following the rebels...post time skip! With the combine on the defensive and the rebels unique brand of ingenuitive and somewhat insane technology like their own take on "powered" combat vests that can electrocute enemies, new enemy variants like the Combine Supressor and some very creative setpieces. A very different setting for the level design, overall a breath of fresh air among a lot of similar mods. Still vibing to the soundtrack on Youtube as a type this, that's some good guitar.

[Powerogue]

This has been my most-viewed-least-commented thread ever, but adding one more comment:

Having watched a few streamers play through it and get frustrated at times, some tips regarding Wilson the turret:

* He is ultimately optional. I've played through the game with and without him, and it's possible to ditch him at any point, which you can tell if you've done by accident by a comment by 3650 and your Wilson GPS disappearing.

* In case you miss the message that pops up, Wilson can be placed on top of your vehicle. If you mostly just care about the alternate ending over having company, you will almost always find your way back to him before the next level transition.

* Remember the quirk with Source physics where you can pick up items, particularly turrets, and they'll automatically orient themselves the right way around given sufficient space. If you're trying to wedge him through a door, remember that.

* If you find a payload transport, use it!

[Feltima]

Was definitely an excellent game. If this mod came out around HL2's lifecycle, people would think someone stole and leaked a complete game from Valve.