Clip Mod
In this ongoing look at significant moments in the history of video game design, we have already taken a look at Bungie's Halo & Halo 2, Bethesda's Elder Scrolls series, Nintendo's Mike Tyson's Punch-Out and several others. The goal of this series is to go beyond simple gaming magazines and iphone apps reviews, and take a closer look at what defines memorability and quality in game design. In this tenth part of the series we will examine some more of those classic moments where video game designers undoubtedly got it right and delivered a memorable, enduring and progressive gaming experience.
Half-Life 2: Years of perceived and actual delays, a highly publicized code theft and endless speculation made up just part of the massive discourse leading up to the release of Valve Software's follow up to their mega-hit Half Life. The rare sequel that surpasses the original in nearly every aspect, Half-Life 2 released to incredible sales and nearly universal praise from game critics and players worldwide. While trying to single out an element of Half Life 2 to praise above others is akin to locating a unique snowflake, we can simply play it safe and focus on the game's true star, the gravity gun.
Manipulation of the environment in video games was not a new thing when Half Life 2 released in 2004. Classic games like Lode Runner and next generation titles such as Red Faction had used these kinds of tactics in the past and managed to make them an integral aspect of gameplay. However, where those games relied on environmental manipulation as a component of gameplay, Half Life 2 (HL2) used it as the central thesis for its entire gameplay strategy. As Half-Life will forever be known for its crowbar, its sequel has become synonymous with the gravity gun, and it is this single weapon/device that is the focus of this light of praise.
One of the most well known promotional videos for HL2 involved a clip showing the player defending a home from invaders. The gravity gun was used in this video to push appliances in front of the door in order to block it from invading zombies, to pick up and hurl objects at said intruders and to perform other gravity defying tasks. This video served to prepare the player for what was to come and whet the appetite of mod developers worldwide. Despite this warning, players the world over were completely unprepared for the incredible leap forward in videogame weapon design that was the HL2 gravity gun.
Perhaps the best aspect of the gravity gun was how incredibly diverse its usage was. Certain puzzles throughout the game depended on intelligent use of the gun in order to continue forward progress. At other points, the gun was critical in defeating enemies and completing specific goals. However, it was the non required use of this tool that makes it go down in videogame history as one of the most perfectly realized and designed objects of all time. Uses of the grav gun included: throwing pieces of the environment at enemies (including paint cans, saw blades and random garbage), using it to build a defensive position for yourself, overturning vehicles and, in the final sections of the game, using it to toss enemies around levels and at each other.
For the purposes of pure fun, the gravity gun in HL2 is one of the most rewarding weapons in videogame history. The reason this gun is worthy of mention in this article series, however, is not due to its incredible fun factor, but is leveraging of technology and harmonization with videogame design. Simply put, the gun is fun, functional, incredibly progressive and allows the player to build their own experience and dictate the way they will interact with their gameplay environment. If you have never experienced the joy of HL2 and the pleasures the grav gun delivers, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy as soon as possible (you can thank me later!).
Call of Duty 4 XBOX360 No Clip Mod/Hack (Walk Through Walls)
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Bottle Bag Carrier for 9 bottles, 7 different colors to choose from, German Import From Germany, a great and practical innovation.The Bottle bag holds 9 bottles, large or small. Transport bottles compactly, safely and comfortably. Use for picnics, events, barbecues, parties and more.No more banging or clanging of bags and of course use this over and over again, so environmentally friendly. Stores flat and takes no room at all. 2 tearproof carrying straps are jointed by Velcro st... |
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French Ministry of Defense Keychain $2.99 * Durable acrylic key chain is crystal-clear and double-sided so the artwork or message is seen twice. * Sturdy metal ring holds your keys securely. * Full color printed images or messages are included. * If you have new ideas or need help selecting text for your custom keychains please contact us. * Size: 2 1/8" x 3 1/2" (Approx. business card)... |
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French Ministry of Defense Mug $9.99 * Custom coffee mugs are dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe. Colors are permanently baked into the mug's surface. * If you have new ideas or need help selecting text for your custom coffee mugs please contact us. * Size: 11 oz. capacity ceramic coffee mug.... |
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100 Goons 100 Clips $8.98 100 Goons 100 Clips by FTH MODThis product is manufactured on demand using CD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.... |
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DadGear Messenger Diaper Bag $88.00 The DadGear Messenger Bag is a diaper bag that dad will proudly carry. Styled like a bike messenger bag, the Messenger is comfortable, durable, and looks cool. On the inside, it's packed with thoughtful features like the Quick Access Wipes Case that's sure to make your life easier. The DadGear Messenger is designed to be "hands free" so you can change, feed, and entertain your child without ever h... |
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Violet Love Headband Violet Love Headbands can be worn wide, scrunched, or narrow with just one headband. Violet Love Headbands are made from comfortable stretch fabrics and are one size fits all. Violet Love Headbands are perfect for taming out of control locks and flyaways. Violet Love Headbands are versatile and can accessorize beach wear, active & athletic gear, everyday wear, and even nighttime attire. Violet Lov... |
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mod/smart 6in SATA II Cable w/Latch, 3Gb/s, Straight to Straight, Black - with FREE MATCHING HOLD DOWN CLIP $4.95 New Interface for High-Performance Drives Designed to overcome the limitations of parallel ATA while providing scalability well into the future. Perfect for adding style to your existing or future mod.... |
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mod/smart 18in SATA II Cable w/Latch, 3Gb/s, Straight to Right, UV Green - with FREE MATCHING HOLD DOWN CLIP $4.95 New Interface for High-Performance Drives Designed to overcome the limitations of parallel ATA while providing scalability well into the future. Perfect for adding style to your existing or future mod.... |
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mod/smart 24in SATA II Cable w/Latch, 3Gb/s, Straight to Right, UV Green - with FREE MATCHING HOLD DOWN CLIP $4.95 New Interface for High-Performance Drives Designed to overcome the limitations of parallel ATA while providing scalability well into the future. Perfect for adding style to your existing or future mod.... |
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4-Pack Baby Hair Bows. No-slip Baby Clips for Newborn Fine Hair. Jane Infant Bows. Each value pack comes with the 4 colors pictured. This is a classic baby bow in its styling, and is perfectly sized for young babies and toddlers. Ideal baby shower gift or newborn welcome present. This is a dainty size bow for newborns and young toddlers. It is great for every day wear, or perfect for dressy occasions such as baptism, christening, birthday parties, Easter, and Christmas. Through ... |
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No Slip Baby Hair Bow. Infant and Newborn Size. Lucy. "Lucy" is a tiny satin baby hair bow, that comes in a rainbow of color choices, on a tiny no-slip hair clip. This is a dainty size bow for newborns and young toddlers. It is great for every day wear, or perfect for dressy occasions such as baptism, christening, birthday parties, Easter, and Christmas. Through Amazon, this bow comes on our AMAZING Baby Clip. Our Baby Clip is a tiny clip, made for t... |
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Flower Collection. No Slip Hair Barrette. Newborn Baby or Infant Ribbon Clippie. When you don't want a bow, but you want a little accessory, baby barrettes by Bitty Bows Boutique are perfect. This little barrette will hold the smallest amount of fine hair. Perfect clip when you just want a dainty barrette for holding her wisps of hair. Our baby clip is constructed from a top quality clip that has been lined for an extra-strong grasp on those tiny hairs. Ideal clippie for newbo... |
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Tarina Tarantino - Pink Head Mod Grossgrain Bow Anywhere Clip (Grey) Grosgrain ribbon bow anywhere clip with crystals and lucite Pink Head Mod Cameo. Pink Head goes Mod! This grey grosgrain ribbon bow is studded with Swarovski crystals and features a lucite filigree flower topped with a Pink Head Mod cameo.... |
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Paintball TechT A5 Lightening Rod $24.99 The Lightening Rod is designed to work in conjunction with our Vortex Mod and Quick Exhaust Piston Housing. Together, the parts will yield higher rates of fire, and increased air efficiency. The secret to the performance gains is the brass bushing located where the ratchet and piston rod met. The bushing is not visible in this picture, but will be in pictures to come. The Lightening Rod is made of... |
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ICS Olympic Arms PCR-4/Mod 4 High Capacity 450 Round Metal Magazine $28.95 450 round high capacity magazine Compatible with Olympic Arms, ICS guns This magazine is not recommended for use with the KWA AEGs Easy to fill, just pour in 450 rounds through the top hatch. Easy winding spring dial on the bottom keeps tension on the ammo for smooth feeding.... |
