- Mod Title: Research And Development
- Game: Half-Life 2: Episode Two
- Number of Maps: 6
- Mod Author: Marcello Bortolino
- Review Author: Ioann Andreev
In this mod, we'll visit a giant factory, which after the Seven-Day War was known as the "NERDS Research Station" and was used by the rebels to study extraterrestrial life forms.
Research And Development is one of the most unusual and interesting mods for Half-Life 2. Suffice it to say, the only weapon here is a gravity gun, and we don't even get that right away. And what can we say? Don't expect to find a typical shooter here, because this mod is a collection of interesting puzzles and fully utilizes the capabilities of Half-Life 2's physics engine. In terms of gameplay style, this game is very close to The Trap.
The entire action takes place in a huge factory. All these workshops, streets, and laboratories are designed at the highest level. You need to find a way to escape from the factory grounds. And that's oh so not easy. Along the way, you'll need to solve numerous puzzles. For example, using pheromones to guide a spider larva through a maze; fix an elevator; clear the path ahead by powering the water where the enemies are; unleash a special monster on the zombies, and so on. There are countless puzzles.
Besides the riddles, you'll encounter numerous enemies along the way. These include zombies, harvesters, and, of course, zombie harvesters. In most cases, you'll need your wits rather than brute force to overcome them.
Many of the puzzles have already been seen in Half-Life 2 and Episode 2, but the author also introduces entirely new elements. One of the most striking is the armored glass, which you can pick up and which will save your life more than once.
Towards the end of the game, the author has prepared a ride on a new vehicle—something between a harvester and an airboat. Before you can ride it, you'll have to assemble this marvelous machine from various parts. And the final battle involving this vehicle will also leave no one indifferent.
Pros:
- Excellent execution;
- An engaging game with challenging, logical, and varied puzzles;
Cons:
- Some areas may be challenging for shooter fans. If you're not a fan of these types of puzzles, don't worry. The mod's page at www.planetphillip.com features links to six YouTube videos with full walkthroughs. If you're having trouble, you can check out the solution to each puzzle in these videos.
- The mod also features several moments that will challenge even a shooter fan. For me, these moments included the minecart ride, where you have to demonstrate your agility, and the battle with flying vehicles, where you have to shoot down an Alliance attack aircraft with balls falling from a helicopter.
However, it's quite possible that these aspects won't pose any difficulties for you.
Bottom line: A superb mod that lets you stretch your brain between shooting sessions in other mods. Fans of good Half-Life 2 mods shouldn't miss this one!
PS: Don't forget that this mod requires Episode Two.
Source: hl.loess.ru.