School Has Started... But That Doesn't Stop Us! news - Half-Life 2: Retaliation mod for Half-Life 2: Episode Two

Introduction

Hello everyone! Sorry we haven't posted any news in a while. Since school has started, our schedules have been packed. But that doesn't mean progress on the mod has stopped! We have a couple of topics to showcase today, such as:

• The new, HD ammo cartridges and re-textured supply crates we've implemented
• The new skin for the Combine APC
• Photos of the final version of the Combine APC garage
• Pictures and info on Cellblock C4
• What we're planning for the future

So, as you can see, lots of things on our to-do list. So lets begin.

Ammo and Crates

We have implemented brand-new, high quality textures for ammo cartridges(SMG ammo boxes, pistol ammo boxes) as well as the supply crates that are littered throughout the Half-Life 2 games. Here are some screenshots:

The New APC

Although this isn't a large addition, we thought it would be nice to spice up the way the Combine Armored Patrol Car(APC) looked, so we gave it a nice, rusty, high-quality skin. Have a look:

It won't be the last time you see the APC. Soldiers, police, and Civil Protection shocktroopers use these mean-green fighting machines, so be weary when you see or hear them.

The Garage

After many revisions, and much work, we finally perfected the Combine APC garage. This is where you defend against waves of incoming Nova Prospekt security forces with automated sentry turrets. These turrets, which see you as a friendly after flipping some switches, are the only way you'll survive this showdown with the assaulting security forces, so be sure to stick by them, and set them back up if knocked over(the soldiers LOVE to throw grenades). As for images of the garage, see for yourself:

Looks nice and sleek ey? We went a different approach then having it look like a conventional garage. Here, you can see the scaffolding, cranes, and workspaces under the platforms where engineers can work on the APCs. We hoped to make it more realistic than you'd expect, and shine some light on the atmospheric side of things.

The Inland

We have some more photos revealing the nature and atmosphere of The Inland, a brand-new area we are introducing to the Half-Life 2 universe. Not as thick or forested as White Forest, but it definitely has some green and grass growing all around the warehouses, factories, and industrial complexes scattered throughout the place. See the photos below:

We will reveal more information on The Inland later on. Stay tuned!

Breaking New Ground

And now, for the most important piece of news for this update. We have some crisp-clean photos of Cellblock C4 for you, the last cellblock you stumble upon in Nova Prospekt. Doing battle with security troops and swarms of antlions, this location as well as the section of the chapter(d1_prison_06) depicts how the situation of the outbreak has escalated from soldiers containing the antlion threat to making their last stands in hastily-constructed barricades. This section is the last of the skirmishes you have in Nova Prospekt, and we aren't holding back on the epicness. But until more details can be revealed, here are some photos:

PLEASE NOTE: These photos are still Works-In-Progress and are not to be taken for the final product.

Info-Features

One little thing we have planned for the future is to create a series of "info-features" or articles about different locations and features we are implementing into the mod. We will talk about the Civil Protection Shocktrooper, The Inland, The Shipyards, and The Tunnel. We hope that by elaborating a bit on these locations, you'll better understand how they come to have significance in the story of the mod, and be fleshed out more when you actually play.

The first info-feature has already been published, read about The Shipyards by clicking this link.

Our Farewell

Well everyone, that's all the content we have for this update. Please comment, track the mod, and let us know how we're doing and show your support for Half-Life 2: Retaliation!

Until next time,
Adrian Lopez

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