The need for sleep

[David.Seth2]

It seems people are conflicted as to how episode 3 will start. Some think it will start right where me left off from ep 2. Others think that we will start the game in flight to the Borealis. While both make sense and would satisfy most gamers, there is a problem I have with either scenario: severe sleep deprivation.

Now, I know I'm being a finicky ass. It's not like most video games (or movies and books for that matter) adhere to extreme realism. In fact its the exact opposite for most video games. But since the beginning, Valve has taken huge steps to give realistic characters and worlds for us to explore. And I have enjoyed every moment of it. Maybe It's because I connect a great deal with the characters (thank god for good writers), but I believe Gordon and Alyx need a good rest.

I mean, can you imagine? Lets say we start the game right where we left off and we take off in the helicopter. Would Alyx be flying? I would hope not. If she was then I don't think we would really get shot down by the enemy. No, the helicopter would crash due to Alyx falling asleep at the wheel. Er, I mean, cyclic stick (thanks wikipedia). Think about it. Not only has she just had the emotional gut-punch of watching her father die (especially in that horrific manner), she was on the verge of death herself just earlier the same day. And between her near death and her fathers death, she went through a great deal of stress, including confronting hunters and the advisors. Not to mention the possible side effects the Gman had on her (as can be seen when she appears to get light headed after the "prepare for unforeseen consequences" bit). We could even go back further to the events that took place in episode one as well as Half-life 2. I'm not to sure how many days it has been since we first met up with her in Dr. Kleiner's lab, but it's been long enough that she is running on empty. And thats just Alyx.

What about Gordon? When does he sleep? I know he must have rested well during those many years of stasis. He may have gotten a few winks while under the rubble (before dog found him and woke him up). And who wouldn't get some shut eye in a derailed train car that is teetering on an unstable bridge? More than likely these were not times of great rest. And then there is the fact that this is Gordon Freeman. Not only did he take out the citadel (and then help to stabilize it again) but he has fought off hoards of antlions, combine soldiers and zombies (and every variation of their kind). And every step of the way he watched countless civilians and resistance members die. He also helplessly watched Alyx get ambushed and then later the same day watched Eli die (again helplessly). I know that most MIT graduate theoretical scientists usually show no emotion, but how much can one man take? I think he is due for some R&R. But, being how we are in an interstellar war, the vacation must wait.

But what if in the start of Ep3 Gordon "wakes up" and we are in fact in flight. But looks over and sees that Alyx is asleep. Then you look over to see who is flying and realize that it is Barney. Alyx could wake up and there would be a lot of exposition. lol Ok so the chances of that happening are not good. But at least it would sorta make sense. It would give Alyx and Gordon time to rest up (how many days have they been up?) while bringing back a familiar face (Barney) and would still start the game in a great setting (in flight to the Borealis).

Sound good? Probably not, but its just what I would like to see. Please let me know if I missed something that would contradict this! Or even if you just hate it because of my last thread post, just say so =P


Oh, and when I say "wakes up" I am implying that he most likely blacked out at the end of Ep2 (hence the fade out to credits). Some don't think that he did, but lets check the other endings and beginnings to see how they compare:

HL Ending - Gordon is put into stasis (or chooses death, but if that was so, then that would be the end now wouldn't it :p)

HL2 Beginning - Gordon is pulled out of stasis

HL2 Ending - Gordon is put back into stasis (albeit very temporarily)

Ep1 Beginning - Gordon is pulled out of stasis by vortigaunts and placed in rubble at the base of the citadel

Ep1 Ending - A car gets hurdled at both Gordon and Alyx. I don't know if this is what "knocked him out" or if he is actually knocked out, but I think it is safe to assume so.

Ep2 Beginning - Gordon "wakes up" / becomes conscious.

Ep2 Ending - After being held up by the psychokinetic powers of an advisor, then dropped to the floor moments later, Gordon's view fades to black with the last image being of Alyx crying over Eli.

So all the previous endings and beginnings have been a direct result from either the Gman, Vortigaunts, or a car getting flung to the face. There really hasn't been a beginning that started you right after the previous ending. There have either been black outs or stasis hibernations (and even then Gordon was brought back to a slightly different place and time).


On a totally different note... I didn't know Adam Baldwin lent his voice for Ep2?! Awesome =)


OK enough of this little spiel.

Edit: I just realized the time! 2am! Brings the thread title to a new meaning :)

[Returned3]

The part about Barney driving the copter was unexpected.

Come to think of it, its a really good idea, but didnt Barney leave the citadel 1 episode ago...never to be seen again?

[Azner]

So we bring him back. Fellow Singaporean (:

[lord_raken]

Not bad, well though out and reasonable. but no mater how good the characters and storyline are this IS a video game and "sleeping" really only fits into RPGs. also if you wake up in the helicopter just think of all the deep character building scenes that we would have missed. Gordon and Alyx would be awake for the Ep2 aftermath, the flight/mission prep, and take off. they COULD sleep on the way up if Barny was flying OR if the helicopter had a auto pilot. and the ending does suggest that Gordon did not pass out/fall asleep so we will start right where we left off. but in principle your right even a video game character can only go so long without sleep before it become annoyingly obvious. and if they could work is some sleep for Gordon and Alyx that would be fine.

[Nicky 0123]

As I have said a few times, I think Episode 3 will start off with Gordon slowly waking from his sleep, undressed from his HUV suit which hangs in a cupboard across from his bed. Then Barney, Kleiner or Magnusson (Barney or Magnusson most likely) will enter and explain the situation etc. Then we will leave in the helicopter to fully begin Episode 3.

[David.Seth2]

Not bad, well though out and reasonable. but no mater how good the characters and storyline are this IS a video game and "sleeping" really only fits into RPGs. also if you wake up in the helicopter just think of all the deep character building scenes that we would have missed. Gordon and Alyx would be awake for the Ep2 aftermath, the flight/mission prep, and take off. they COULD sleep on the way up if Barny was flying OR if the helicopter had a auto pilot. and the ending does suggest that Gordon did not pass out/fall asleep so we will start right where we left off. but in principle your right even a video game character can only go so long without sleep before it become annoyingly obvious. and if they could work is some sleep for Gordon and Alyx that would be fine.

I do agree that starting right where we left off would make a lot of sense. Plus it would finally be the first time Valve didn't cop out to the gman/stasis/black out option :) But if it does start right where we left off, then how long is the helicopter ride going to be? Are we really going to the arctic? I know we are heading somewhere north that appears to be mostly ice and snow. Maybe a mountain range? But whether its at the arctic or some mountain, how long are we going to be flying in that helicopter? I wouldn't think any longer than 5 to 10 minutes of game play. How far would that really get us to the Borealis? (before we get shot down/crash and lose all our weapons :P ) I guess I came up with my theory since it was a reasonable way to transition from ep 2 to 3, while having the characters already en route to their destination.

[lord_raken]

Gordon could fall asleep for the copter ride and wake up a few times during the ride.

[Nibwoddle]

I do agree that starting right where we left off would make a lot of sense. Plus it would finally be the first time Valve didn't cop out to the gman/stasis/black out option :) But if it does start right where we left off, then how long is the helicopter ride going to be? Are we really going to the arctic? I know we are heading somewhere north that appears to be mostly ice and snow. Maybe a mountain range? But whether its at the arctic or some mountain, how long are we going to be flying in that helicopter? I wouldn't think any longer than 5 to 10 minutes of game play. How far would that really get us to the Borealis? (before we get shot down/crash and lose all our weapons :P ) I guess I came up with my theory since it was a reasonable way to transition from ep 2 to 3, while having the characters already en route to their destination.

You may like to know that the White Forest base isn't at all far from snow. I'll quote myself:

I'd just like to point out that the helicopter ride won't be a very long one. There is one part in Episode Two, Alyx exclaims:

"I know that peak! You can see it from White Forest!"

This "peak" was a huge snowy mountain which didn't appear to be very far away. And it was among other huge snowy mountains.

Possibly the only reason we need a helicopter is that mountains would be too difficult to traverse on foot.

[David.Seth2]

I'd just like to point out that the helicopter ride won't be a very long one. There is one part in Episode Two, Alyx exclaims:

"I know that peak! You can see it from White Forest!"

This "peak" was a huge snowy mountain which didn't appear to be very far away. And it was among other huge snowy mountains.

Possibly the only reason we need a helicopter is that mountains would be too difficult to traverse on foot.
Reply With Quote:

Thank you! I have been wondering why most people think the Borealis is in the Arctic circle. I just sorta assumed that it would be very far away since most people think that it will be. I even thought this myself at first, but after playing ep2 the second time I realized that the mountain that Alyx points out could in fact be where the Borealis is residing. That would make a short helicopter ride from the base to the mountain that could happen in near real time (with plot and character exposition and in-flight battles happening during that time). However, it seems almost too convenient if it was in fact at that mountain. I mean, the White forest base was relatively close to City 17, and now the mountain is relatively close to the White Forest base. And why, out of all the places of the world, would the Borealis get teleported so close to City 17/White Forest? Unless of course the Gman had a hand in that. But thats a matter for a totally different thread all together =)

[David.Seth2]

The part about Barney driving the copter was unexpected.

Come to think of it, its a really good idea, but didnt Barney leave the citadel 1 episode ago...never to be seen again?

Yes, he took a different train, maybe to a different location all together. But I like to think that he was probably on his way to White Forest and got side tracked by some hunters (or something to that effect). He then makes his way to the base just in time to fly Gordon and Alyx to their destination. I mean, how cool would it be to have both Alyx and Barney fighting along side us? Even if it was for just a short battle it would be nice. But this is just what I want and not necessarily something that would/could work within the Half-Life story. But who knows. Valve has probably read enough "wheres Barney" threads and emails that they might add him into ep3, even if it is just a cameo (unless of course they've been planning this from the beginning, which I would not put past them).

[kupocake]

I even thought this myself at first, but after playing ep2 the second time I realized that the mountain that Alyx points out could in fact be where the Borealis is residing.
You don't think it would be unlikely that a Resistance base that can clearly see the mountain peak wouldn't have discovered the Borealis in the (presumed) decades of its disappearance.

People assume it's in the Arctic because that's where the old story drafts said you'd go post-Air Control and AFAIR, because the files associated with the Mossman scene are called 'arctic'.

[David.Seth2]

You don't think it would be unlikely that a Resistance base that can clearly see the mountain peak wouldn't have discovered the Borealis in the (presumed) decades of its disappearance.

People assume it's in the Arctic because that's where the old story drafts said you'd go post-Air Control and AFAIR, because the files associated with the Mossman scene are called 'arctic'.

Very good point. So I guess this and from what others have said in other threads is that the Borealis is most likely in the arctic, or at least, within the arctic circle. If it is in the arctic then this brings me back to the ep3 opening debate (starts in flight vs. starts right where we left off in ep2). It just makes more sense if Gordon passed out at the end of ep2, since if Ep3 started with us back at the White Forest base, wouldn't that be quite a long flight? But if we were to start out Ep3 in flight, we could already be in the arctic circle when we either land at the Borealis or get shot down.

[LackingSaint]

I say they go to the Borealis at least 10 minutes into the game. And then they run out of cake.

[kupocake]

I hope that Episode Three doesn't start with Gordon waking up after being knocked out to find that they've already bundled him onto an aircraft headed for trouble. He's not B.A Baracus.

[David.Seth2]

I hope that Episode Three doesn't start with Gordon waking up after being knocked out to find that they've already bundled him onto an aircraft headed for trouble. He's not B.A Baracus.

Well I for one don't have a problem with starting out the game in flight, nor do I have a problem starting the game right where we left off at the end of Ep2. It just seems logical that it would start in flight (well it does in my logic anyway :cheese:). If we started right where we left off, there would be the whole process of getting onto the helicopter and then the flight to the Borealis. And unless Valve wants to cheat and either have the Borealis close by (ie the peak seen from White forest) or to have a 5 minute helicopter ride and "magically" we are at the arctic, it would seem that the flight would take quite a while. Even if we were to be shot down after 5 or 10 minutes of exposition, wouldn't that still be a hell of a long walk? But if Valve does take a bit of a short cut and do either scenario above it would be fine with me, since it is a video game and therefor realism has to take the backseat to some creative liberties. And if we did start in flight, I personally would love it if the copter was being piloted by Barney. But thats just my lousy 2 cents :)

[Returned3]

What you said was good and made perfect sense, but I dont think gamers would like to wait 10 minutes just to actually start walking around.

Or heck, why not let the helicopter flight be a chapter itself, like Black Mesa East.

[Ss_Bane]

Sleep! What a novel comcept! Seriously, I would like the idea, but I can tell you that many people wouldnt. I dont mean your concept for EP 3, but sleeping in games as a whole, and as a requirement. I wouldnt mind though.
And I want mah Barney back
= (

[Gordonsglasses]

I would think that if valve are determined to bring some sort of realism to the characters, especially shown with Alyx. The helicopter ride would take a fair amount of time to reach it's destination so wherever it's Barney or a rebel piloting the helicopter while Alyx and Gordon are having a rest would make sense because i can't picture Alyx being in the right frame of mind to pilot the helicopter. Therefore opening the potential for sleep and maybe even a encounter with the g-man?

On a side note, being my first post i'd just like to say hi everyone!

[Ss_Bane]

It was my first post as well, and Hi.

[David.Seth2]

Sleep! What a novel comcept! Seriously, I would like the idea, but I can tell you that many people wouldnt. I dont mean your concept for EP 3, but sleeping in games as a whole, and as a requirement. I wouldnt mind though.
And I want mah Barney back
= (

Well I would probably mind if players had to sleep in a game lol. I just thought that sleep would be a good transition from the end of ep2 to the beginning of ep3. You know, the game would start with Gordon waking up after all the emotional and physical stress from the past previous days and see that he is in flight to the Borealis. Barney (because in my vision, Barney would be piloting) would see that he was awake and say something to the affect of "rise and shine Gordon, you've been out for 6 hours! Cant blame you though, seeing all thats happened to you" (or something to that effect). I'm not saying all games need the main player to sleep, but in this instance, it might make the transition to the Borealis quicker and still be logical.

And welcome Gordonsglasses and SS_Bane. As you can see I am fairly new here myself =)

[Ss_Bane]

6 hours! LOL
I can barely wake up in the morning after 9

maybe a bit more...

[lord_raken]

The Helicopter ride would be a great opportunity to fill in some back story, have some character development, g-man scene, and yes some sleep.

[SpectreBlofeld]

Ah, sleep.

Fortunately, we have the trusty HEV suit.

I can hear it now:

FATIGUE DETECTED
ADMINISTERING CAFFEINE
ADMINISTERING NICOTINE
ADMINISTERING RED BULL
ADMINISTERING MILD ELECTRIC SHOCK
BEGIN ANNOYING BEEP SEQUENCE

[Gazork0]

Ah, sleep.

Fortunately, we have the trusty HEV suit.

I can hear it now:

FATIGUE DETECTED
ADMINISTERING CAFFEINE
ADMINISTERING NICOTINE
ADMINISTERING RED BULL
ADMINISTERING MILD ELECTRIC SHOCK
BEGIN ANNOYING BEEP SEQUENCE
Hehe :E

[Van_Halen]

I already posted this in another thread, but it fits here too.

I'd like the episode to open with Gordon fading out of darkness on the bottom bunk of a bed, Alyx next to him, holding his hand, seeing tears on her cheeks. She looks at Gordon as he turns his head to her, the look on her face worth a million words. Excitement, happiness, relief, all that good stuff. Gordon sits up and finds his crowbar and gg on the ground next to his bed.

"I think they put the rest of your weapons in the chopper." Alyx says. "Oh, Gordon, thank god you're okay. I thought I'd lost you too..."

The look on her face shows her embarrassment, and she shyly picks at her locket again. Gordon can tell, after realizing what she was doing, she is overcome by grief. The look on her face changes, she appears to be on the verge of tears. She remembers her dad when she touches it. Bravely, she wipes her eyes with her arm.

"Sorry." she says. "We should probably get going. The sentries said they spotted more combine heading this way. We have to leave before they can get close enough to shoot us down."

As they walk out of the room, in the hallway there are shrieks of pain and grief. The news has just finally reached the ears of the resistance. Alyx appears distant as you walk past a sobbing couple (you know the two I mean.) She seems to walk a bit faster as you pass the garage, into the control room. Kliener looks up as they enter the room. Sitting on the couch he seems to be trying to say something. He can't get the words out, but instead he stands up and walks over to Alyx. He puts his hands on her shoulders, she's still fiddling with her locket. The Doctor gently shakes her. Alyx look up at him from the corner of her eye as he speaks.

"Alyx, are you ready?" he asks (Something along those lines, I've never been good with dialogue."
"Yes..." She says, quietly. "We're ready."
"Then you must go, now, quickly. There is no telling how much time we have."

Alyx and Gordon say goodbye and head back to the hangar. On their way they are passed by a group of people who seem to be carrying something. they cannot see what it is, but many are sobbing. It could only be a stretcher with his body on it. Alyx turns to the opposite wall, and tries her best to keep from looking at her father. Gordon can't control himself, he puts an arm around her. She hugs him, sobbing, he seems to consul her quickly, she isn't used to getting much attention from him. Amazingly, she smiles at him, for the first time in the last few hours she really looks happy. Tears in her eyes, she turns and continues to walk with Gordon. On their way, Magnussen passes by. He is hanging his head, and looks over to Alyx. He remains silent, he just keeps walking, and turns away. This seems to not effect Alyx now. She is only concerned with the task ahead. When they reach the hangar, there are many resistance members gathered around in a circle at the bottom of the elevator. They appear to be there to aid in the takeoff, yet their presence couldn't hope to keep onlookers from seeing the pools of blood on the floor. Some of it yellow, most of it Maroon. Alyx is fiddling with her locket again. She looks to the ground as if there is something there for her.

"You ready to go?" says one of the men.

There isn't a response.

"Well... The chopper's ready for you. Freeman, your weapons are in the back. I still can't tell how you carry all of them at once... you would have been good at smuggling."

Not realizing the bad timing, the man's joke was ignored. Taken aback, he carries on.

"Right... Well, Alyx, I'm not sure how much experience you have in the sky, but you'll be flying. You'll only be in for 2 hours, so you've got plenty of gas. Good luck to you both, and... Miss Vance... I'm sorry..."

Slowly, Alyx climbs in the chopper, Gordon close behind her. The chopper blades fire up as Gordon grabs his gear. He goes to sit in the cockpit with Alyx, as he peeks his head in he hears a sob. He sits down next to Alyx, and trying to be tough, she wipes her eyes and smiles at Gordon. The chopper lifts off, and as the hanger draws farther away, the blood seems to disappear. It's behind them now. The real fight has just begun.

[yuccabug]

Does anyone think that this is the last episode (EP3) and than HL3 or its all over forever? (Reply Plzz)

[Van_Halen]

Does anyone think that this is the last episode (EP3) and than HL3 or its all over forever? (Reply Plzz)

No. There will be more to come, definitely. Too much story has been left untold for this to end in the next two games.

[krazyfragger]

Does anyone think that this is the last episode (EP3) and than HL3 or its all over forever? (Reply Plzz)

I think there will be HL3
good things come in trilogies, anyway

[LackingSaint]

I really don't feel like thinking about something that probably won't happen for about 10 years (the end of HL3).

[elkaebee]

good things come in trilogies, anyway

Is a Halo reference justified here?

[LackingSaint]

The series so far as announced-

The Resonance Cascade -
Half Life 1
Opposing Force
Blue Shift

Combine War -
Half Life 2
Half Life 2: Episode 1
Half Life 2: Episode 2
Half Life 2: Episode 3

Next HL Story -
Half Life 3
(?)


Most series never get this many full games which all have relevance to just one overall story, so consider HL a llucky exception.

[Syme]

gordan didn't black out at the end of epi2. he just straight up fell asleep. he was like **** this shit and hit the sack right then and there.

[FISHY CRACKERS]

gordan didn't black out at the end of epi2. he just straight up fell asleep. he was like **** this shit and hit the sack right then and there.

Well... i guess he needed to get some rest somehow.

[Returned3]

What are you guys talking about?

Gordon had 10 years to sleep....

[FISHY CRACKERS]

What are you guys talking about?

Gordon had 10 years to sleep....

If your talking about the original stasis he was in then that was 20, and i doubt that was anything close to rest unless you've tried it then look me up and tell me about it sometime. No really i'd love to talk 20 years of total nothingness with you because i obviously have nothing better to do. Also i think president bush is our best yet and that the world is going to end in 2012! Ok maybe not. Wow this is quite a rant isn't it? Anyway back to reality, i do not believe those last two statements were true, but i also don't think that anything, sleep included into the 'anything' category unless you want to include it in the more important 'everything' category, NO! BAD FISHY! but i also don't think that anything, sleep included into the 'anything' category, happens during statis. I can just imagine it now...

"Rise and shine... Mr. Freeman... Rise and shi-"

"Five more minutes..."

[Returned3]

If your talking about the original stasis he was in then that was 20, and i doubt that was anything close to rest unless you've tried it then look me up and tell me about it sometime. No really i'd love to talk 20 years of total nothingness with you because i obviously have nothing better to do. Also i think president bush is our best yet and that the world is going to end in 2012! Ok maybe not. Wow this is quite a rant isn't it? Anyway back to reality, i do not believe those last two statements were true, but i also don't think that anything, sleep included into the 'anything' category unless you want to include it in the more important 'everything' category, NO! BAD FISHY! but i also don't think that anything, sleep included into the 'anything' category, happens during statis. I can just imagine it now...

"Rise and shine... Mr. Freeman... Rise and shi-"

"Five more minutes..."

My apologies but I couldnt tell if you were "scolding" me for my post or giving me some friendly criticism. But I'd imagine it to be EXTREMELY boring to do nothing but float in total darkness for 20 years, I'd assume that Gordon used those time to rest as well... he couldnt do anything else.

Dosent Episode 1 - Episode 2 last for about only a few days or 1 week at most? I'd imagine someone that has slept for 10-20 years be able to stay awake for 1 week.

I apologize for my lack of knowledge.

[Van_Halen]

as far as that goes, I've slept for almost 2 days before, and even then I stayed awake for about the length of another day. More sleep doesn't mean you can stay awake longer. It's not like charging a battery, at least, as far as I know. The mind can stay in a conscious state for only so long before becoming woozy and needing rest. Even if Gordon doesn't need sleep, how about Alyx? She's had a rough damn week. her home was destroyed, her father was captured, she tried o save him, but then her "friend" betrayed her, taking her father to the citadel, then she gets captured herself, citadel goes boom because Gordon saved her... (Lost train of thought for a second.) and on top of that she now has to make it out of the damn overrun city, fighting her way through every block, fighting in an abandoned parking garage where the only reason she can see is Gordon's light, and sometimes it doesn't even work right. And then the train she takes to escape it caught in the explosion. She thinks that Gordon was dead, but she continues to look for her crush for hours, finally finding him, then learns that the main force of the combine is coming back to earth, just to get attacked by a hunter put on the brink of death. She is saved of course, and we all know that now she has to deal with her father's death... she's earned a good 16 or 18 hours of sleep.

That took a lot longer to type out than it did to think it...

[FISHY CRACKERS]

My apologies but I couldnt tell if you were "scolding" me for my post or giving me some friendly criticism. But I'd imagine it to be EXTREMELY boring to do nothing but float in total darkness for 20 years, I'd assume that Gordon used those time to rest as well... he couldnt do anything else.

Dosent Episode 1 - Episode 2 last for about only a few days or 1 week at most? I'd imagine someone that has slept for 10-20 years be able to stay awake for 1 week.

I apologize for my lack of knowledge.

Actually i was attempting to make it just friendly criticism but my lost my train of thought several time and wrote down whatever came to mind, usually resulting in me getting overactive.

[nipples]

I could see Gordon falling asleep on the helicopter ride for a bit.

[mikeecm]

enough about sleep... when was the last time gordon had food or water? before the resonance cascade? where does that man get all that energy?!


but yeah, if he is sleeping in the next one, the gman will most likely haunt those dreams... or actually try to communicate with him.

[Returned3]

If you're talking about realistic terms, Gordon is being controlled by either a keyboard or a controller.

If you're talking game terms, I think it has something to do with the HEV suit that gives him the extra power.

[Mikael Grizzly]

enough about sleep... when was the last time gordon had food or water? before the resonance cascade? where does that man get all that energy?!

Behind the scenes.

[Syme]

or bathed..... alyx as well. i kno they're supposed to make those grandkids for eli, but i imagine they both reak of filth.

[Przemek]

enough about sleep... when was the last time gordon had food or water? before the resonance cascade? where does that man get all that energy?!
Gordon sleeps, drinks, eats and performs other types of physiological activities when you're away from keyboard :dork:

[Maestro]

Well as for food energy input you can go 3 weeks without food just living off existing fat stores, and if it comes down to it, existing muscle mass. I would, however, imagine the HEV suit has an intravenous feed of some high-calorie slurry inject right into his bloodstream.
On the subject of sleep, after the first 96 consecutive hours awake your brain starts to incur permanent brain damage (not sure how severe it is). After about 24 your performance lags considerably (speaking from experience here), it's a pretty rapid drop-off actually. As for sleep 20 years and waking up, do you seriously think that it works like that? An automatic linear sleep system? You need about a 2:1 ratio of awake to sleep to be fully functional. 16 hours awake, 8 hours asleep. As for Gordon? Pretty much he's a badass and that's why he doesn't need it. I don't know if being unconscious works as a resting period for you brain to essentially do the system reboot it does in your sleep.
And let's not forget, this is all real time. How many hours of gameplay is HL2 w/ episodes? Like 35 total? 25 for HL2, 4 for Ep1. and 6 for Ep2? So not including the times your KO'd which are indeterminate periods the fact is you're not awake straight a very long time relatively speaking. If the Unconscious periods count as rest times then it's a pretty doable affair if you ask me.
Also, the stasis in which Gordon was placed would basically be his life-signs slowing to almost nil and there would be no actual 'sleeping' as we term it. G-Man may also have put him in an accelerated time cycle to where he essentially is in an area of space where time moves much slower.

[chimpmunk]

A boat on a mountain makes a lot of sense.

[Maestro]

A boat on a mountain makes a lot of sense.
Yeah, so a boat on a mountain totally works. *coughcough* It's got to be in the arctic circle somewhere, it's the only place salt-water freezes over like that. Considering that we're in Russia or somewhere similar then I'd guess it would be a long ride but not more than 12 hours at most.

[FISHY CRACKERS]

or bathed..... alyx as well. i kno they're supposed to make those grandkids for eli, but i imagine they both reak of filth.

As long as we're on the topic of personal hygene, how about a change of clothing for Alyx? I'm sure Gordon would rather keep his H.E.V. suit on but i doubt a jacket with two holes torn in the back of it, the rim of which are covered in blood, along with every-day jeans and finerless gloves are the best thing's to choose for a trip to the Arctic. I know this is supposed to be one of the (or just THE) most realistic games of all time so come on Valve, as long as we have the chance at White Forest let's get Alyx into something less blood stained.

[Absinthe]

Half-Life isn't really realistic, nor does it necessarily aim to be.

[FISHY CRACKERS]

Half-Life isn't really realistic, nor does it necessarily aim to be.

I just believe that since the physics are near perfect it would be aiming for realistic instead of when firing a tire with the gravity gun it goes over the entire city before it decides that gravity should get it's turn.

[Sledgehammer]

But, you know, the gravity gun is quite possibly one of the most unrealistic video game weapons ever.

[ChiliFan]

The series is realistic in that it implements implausible ideas (like the Gravity Gun) is a somewhat plausible manner, if you get what I mean. Also little details like those newspaper cuttings about the 7 Hour War, they make the world seem more real.

[Maestro]

It's a Zero Point Field Manipulator Gun...Zero Point referring to the quantum physics theory that matter is created an destroyed. So I guess if it takes advantage of Zero Point Energy it has an enormous amount of energy to tap into to manipulate gravitational fields.
Again, that's just making an excuse for a theoretically implausible weapon.

[kupocake]

Half-Life isn't really realistic, nor does it necessarily aim to be.
True, but it's odd when you consider that back when HL1 was released, its modern-day 'average-workday gone wrong' feel was what made it stand out in a sea of supernaturally themed FPS games.

And everyone knows that Hannibal will put sleeping pills into Gordon's drink to get him on the plane.

[Absinthe]

I think "believable" is a more appropriate term to use. The Half-Life series itself employs a lot of things that are unrealistic. But it implements and exposes them to you in a way that the player accepts without questioning. It's immersing and engrossing, so much so that it renders the idea of one man fighting through City 17 against hordes of aliens while chucking toilets at them rather convincingly.

I think of games like OpFlash when I think of realism.

[Syme]

As long as we're on the topic of personal hygene, how about a change of clothing for Alyx? I'm sure Gordon would rather keep his H.E.V. suit on but i doubt a jacket with two holes torn in the back of it, the rim of which are covered in blood, along with every-day jeans and finerless gloves are the best thing's to choose for a trip to the Arctic. I know this is supposed to be one of the (or just THE) most realistic games of all time so come on Valve, as long as we have the chance at White Forest let's get Alyx into something less blood stained.

yea agreed. if they dont change her clothes for epi 3 while in the artic i will be upset. but half life 2 and the 2 episodes take place in like 3 days.... assuming u dont take into consideration the week long time laps with the combine portal. so its really only 3 days. so i suppose for rebel fighters thats not bad. i mean they are probably still dirty as hell. but for fighting off the combine they can catch a brake.

and as for a realistic game, it is in the future, and with the introduction of the vorts and other alien life forms I'm sure they had some what of a technological jump. and who knows what technology the govt already holds in secret, or privately funded labs. and yea valve displays it in a way that makes it seem acceptable and realistic.

[Jonathan Strange]

I should certainly imagine that they'll be a fairly substantial time delay between the end of ep2 and the the beginning of ep3, since ep2 ended on such an emotional note. Might begin with Gordon waking up to begin his travels to the Borealis, or like you said, in-flight.

I'd be suprised if we don't see Barney again- hes a staple of the series, but I imagine he'll be bought back as a suprise, mid game, be it in ep3 of Half Life 3, rather than being right there at the beginning.

[alien3]

I think it should start out right where episode 2 left off. Like this, Alyx picks up her father and asks DOG to pick up gordon. Then they go back to Dr.Kleiner, during the walk there, Gordon randomly shuts his eyes at moments. When they get there, Dr.Kleiner takes Eli's body somewhere safe, and you go on the helicopter.

[lord_raken]

It should start right where ep2 left off... but it would be better if you wake up and you have a few moments of watching Alyx cry over Eli and then some one runs in and discovers you and runs to get help, a few minuets latter during which you could have some Alyx character development, a sentamental moment where Alyx and Gordon (you) become closer, or you could be visited by the G-man or someone else (BUT WHO?) then a whole buch of people run in and well a shole bunch of stuff chould happen after that....... oh and there is a whole thread dedicated to this. http://www.halflife2.net/forums/showthread.php?t=141473

[David.Seth2]

I think it should start out right where episode 2 left off. Like this, Alyx picks up her father and asks DOG to pick up gordon. Then they go back to Dr.Kleiner, during the walk there, Gordon randomly shuts his eyes at moments. When they get there, Dr.Kleiner takes Eli's body somewhere safe, and you go on the helicopter.

This sounds good too, but how long do you think the helicopter ride would be then? Would we flying for only five minutes (during which we would have some exposition) and then get shot down/land?

[Sledgehammer]

We'll land for whatever reason and fight Ep. 3's Ravenholm (and possibly something else as well). Then we'll proceed to the Borealis. That's what I think anyway.

[Atomic_Piggy]

I'm thinking it will start out with you seeing the Alyx crying over Eli, as we left. Think about it, all of the HL2 have started where the last one ended. HL1 ended on a train, HL2 begins on a train and ends in the citadel, Episode One begins in the citadel, ends on the train, Episode two begins on the train, etc.

Kliener, Magnusson and Labby will likely come in, as they (at least the first two) have promised to say goodbye, and I just love Labby so he gets to be there. I doubt we will hang around for Eli's funeral, thats the last thing he would have wanted when the whole freakin' world is about to get raped. Again.

[Van_Halen]

I'm thinking it will start out with you seeing the Alyx crying over Eli, as we left. Think about it, all of the HL2 have started where the last one ended. HL1 ended on a train, HL2 begins on a train and ends in the citadel, Episode One begins in the citadel, ends on the train, Episode two begins on the train, etc.

Kliener, Magnusson and Labby will likely come in, as they (at least the first two) have promised to say goodbye, and I just love Labby so he gets to be there. I doubt we will hang around for Eli's funeral, thats the last thing he would have wanted when the whole freakin' world is about to get raped. Again.

It's a pattern! EP2 ended in a garage, EP3 begins at the citadel.

[Maestro]

I must question where this thread made a shift from a discussion about Gordon's sleep to "OMG WHEREZ EP3 GONNA START?!".

[lord_raken]

this happens a lot. normally it will go back to the original topic after a while or it just dies.

[poll]

It'll probably start off right where EP2 left off. However, remember that in every episode, there needs to be a time allocated for new players to practice with weapons and be comfortable with the elements in the game.

So the question, how do you start off EP3 after such a climatic scene in EP2 and still let new players to adjust themselves to the game?

Also HL series starts the game with the player being weaponless. That's another factor we have to look into before coming up with predictions of how to start off EP3.

I could somehow sense that lord_raken has some ideas because he writes some amazingly good stories in posts around the forum. :) But I could be wrong...

[lord_raken]

It'll probably start off right where EP2 left off. However, remember that in every episode, there needs to be a time allocated for new players to practice with weapons and be comfortable with the elements in the game.

So the question, how do you start off EP3 after such a climatic scene in EP2 and still let new players to adjust themselves to the game?

Also HL series starts the game with the player being weaponless. That's another factor we have to look into before coming up with predictions of how to start off EP3.

I could somehow sense that lord_raken has some ideas because he writes some amazingly good stories in posts around the forum. :) But I could be wrong...

:) actually I do have an idea or two. Thanks for your confidence. Taking what you said in mind I came up with this.

It will start with a recap/trailer of the events of ep1 and ep2 like ep2 did. But this will be different. For one, all the shots will be from Gordon's perspective. To those who pay attention it will be clear that that this recap is Gordon's memory of the last few days. When it gets to the last scene in ep2 (Alxy crying over dead Eli) it will fade to black and then more images will appear. The same scene in the hangar but when Dr. Kliener and Magnuson run in to witness the tragedy. Break, medics are working over you. One of them says ?he looks unhurt, but he is going to have one major head ache? his joke is without humor. You look over to see Alyx cradling Eli's body crying with dog standing over her. A bunch of Medics are trying to assist her but he shrugs them off. You get up shoving the medics out of the way and walk over to Alyx (Dog lets you get close). You crouch down and your hand extends to touch her on the shoulder. She looks at you and slowly lets Eli go ( Dog steps back and medics come in to take Eli away) suddenly she launches herself into your arms and you embrace her. She begins to cry anew and sobs something like ?I can't believe he is gone... don't leave me too.?

Break, your on a hilltop outside White Forrest. Many others are gathered around a platform on which is Eli (in a coffin or draped in some cloth) you are next to it with Alyx, Dr. Kliener, and Dr. Magnuson. Kliener is giving a elegy. Break, some type of ritual is being preformed over Eli by to Vorts, Alyx and several other cry soflty.

Break, your back in White Forest in the room where you watched the Borrialis tape. Magnuson, Kliener, and Alyx are there. The tape plays on the screens. Alyx is siting on the couch looking at the picture of her mother and father. Magnuson it talking in his regular 'you must be an idiot voice'.?I understand you desire to honor Eli's wishes, Alyx, but what is on that ship could give us and invaluable advantage against the Combine.? Alxy looks you and Magnuson, puts the picture aside, stands up and advances on Magnuson. Eh says something like ?My Dad knew more about this than you do or ever will!? he voice in a mixture and anger and grief. Kliener steps up and places a reassuring arm on Alyx and tries to console her and suggests that they do not have enough information to make an informed decision.

Your siting in a bedroom with Alyx talking. She talks about how much she misses Eli
and how glad she it to still have you. Also about he uncertainty of your mission and Exe. this scene ends with her hugging you once again.

Everything goes dark for a moment. Then a series of images (like at the beginning of HL2) flash before your eyes except instead of the citadel its the Borrialis. The G-man appears and starts talking to you with his usual speech about usefulness and necessity and eludes to some task he wants you to do. Then he is interrupted by the Vorts who tell of a great task ahead and its importance to the future of all. This ends with The G-man saying something like ?Wake up, Dr. Freman. I am confident that you will not disappoint me? (he does not sound confident but threatening) and then the Vort also says something like ?The Free-man must awake an arduous take awaits.?

The screen goes dark and ?Half Life 2: Episode 3? marches out of the black.
Your eyes open and you are in a room lying on a bed. There is a bed across from yours and there is a brown Jacket with two bloody holes hanging from a coat rack. You get up from the bed and the basic movement prompts pop up on the screen. On the bedside table of the bed across from you ther is the picture of Eli, Azian, and Alyx. Someone outside pounds of the metal door. A familiar voice comes from the other side.
?Hey Gordon open up!? the ?press 'E' to open door prompt appears on the screen and when you open the door you find Barny standing there. ?Gordon. Glad to see your up. Man, you slept enough for a whole army... i guess you kind-a are one hu.? (you know Barny should be included in one of the scenes above). Barny will make some comments about Eli and what a terrible thing it was both personally and for the resistance. He is silent for a moment then continues more brightly (Barny seems like the kind of guy who wouldn't lose his bright personality or sense of humor even during the darkest of times. Pleas correct me if i am wrong). They're about to start the final briefing before we move out. Come on.? you move through the White Forrest facility and Barny talks about that happened to him during Ep2. You com to a door and you can hear some voices inside. Barny turns to you and makes a comment about how he is concerned at the long term effect this will have of Alyx and asks Gordon to watch out for her.
The door opens and you walk into a room with Kliener, Magnuson, Alyx and a Vort. You are then briefed about ?what we know?, the rough location of the ship and a few other tidbits of info. You will then be taken to ?suit up? where you are once again reunited with your old friend. But there has been some modifications to the suit. Something functional like some sort of sensor array to gather the needed info and transmit it back to Kleiner (this would be interesting but break from the ?cut off from everyone? feeling that is so prized in the other games) or it could just be a flashlight/sprint upgrade, or something that will protect you from extreme cold. Also you are given the Gravity gun.
Three things could happen: one your given all the weapons or most of them and you lose them latter in the helicopter crash, two your given the basics Gav-gun, crow bar, pistol, and smg, and then the base is attacked and you have to fight your way to the helicopter. The attack would not be a frontal assault but a small group of combine special forces sent to sabotage things (or a squad or two that got left behind after the big battle), maybe gather information on the satellite White Forrest launched. And you mut clear them out. Nothing too hard
Then you get in the helicopter a fly off. The flight could be dealt with by another sleep or a G-man/ Vort vision.
Then you get attacked the helicopter crashes and you got the rest of the way on the ground.

So, did I cover it all? By using ?memories/dreams? to illustrate the aftermath of the events in Ep2 I was able deliver those scenes more effectively that forcing the player to play though, what would probably be, an hour of no action (lots of walking). Instead all the scenes were displayed in maybe a 5 to 10 min cinematic that could be made more engaging by the method of display.
Okay, by having Gordon wake up a few days latter and having to go through the briefing and suit up basic controls are learned and solves "the need for sleep" problem.
Having the base being attacked provides a basic combat course and the first few weapons.

Sorry if I concentrated too much on one thing or the other I am very biased in my idea on how things should go and what the main point of the game is.

[Van_Halen]

Wall of text...

tl;dr;tucg

(Too long, didn't read, try using correct grammar.)

[lord_raken]

Look. i know it is long so if you don't want to read thats fine. but it really annoys me when people take the time to announce their disinterest.
and I know my grammar is bad... probably because i did no bother to check it...

[Van_Halen]

Well that's too bad...

But I'm not reading it. I'd rather be a sissy and bitch about how long it is. :D

[undertone]

good lord we were blessed with the return key for a reason. and its not to return anywhere.

[poll]

:) actually I do have an idea or two. Thanks for your confidence. Taking what you said in mind I came up with this.

It will start with a recap/trailer of the events of ep...........................................

Well, that's a great script but the cinematic for the whole scene would be like 10-12mins. However I do see the need to elaborate on Eli's death and expand Alyx's character. And the introduction of Barney is a nice touch since the scene was very dramatic and he provides the much needed comic relief.

[lord_raken]

yea it would be really long but much shorter than playing though those events yourself. and they might be able to make in under 10min if they knew what they were doing. even if it was 15min long I would still watch it :D

[Norman Frohman]

uber to the max

[riomhaire]

Look. i know it is long so if you don't want to read thats fine. but it really annoys me when people take the time to announce their disinterest.
and I know my grammar is bad... probably because i did no bother to check it...
Tip: Most people hate reading poor grammar and reading it for large amounts of text is simply torturous for pedants. People are less likely to respect or even read you ideas if they are pressented with poor grammar.

[Sledgehammer]

Post-apocalypse heroes don't sleep. They reload.

[scotland1]

He takes caffeine pills.

[coheedswicked]

biggest problem with lord raken's idea is that valve doesnt do long cutescenes... or cutescenes at all for that matter...(exepting the ep 1 recap in the begining of 2)
but the point is that they purposely never advance the story using cutscenes because it takes away from the immersion so dont see something like that happening

as for the sleep thing lets review the series real quick:
half-life 1: gordon wakes up and goes to work and this is when the game starts... that morning. now run through black mesa all day and that night we launch the satellite (at the end of on a rail) so we know at this point he's been up all day but by the end of the next chapter gordon is knocked unconscious some soldiers (so theres some sleep). when he wakes up hes in the trash compactor escapes out into daylight so we can assume its the next moring. we make it to the lambda complex that same day and are teleported to xen and its hard to tell exactly how long we are there but we are there for like four chapters i think so probably just about to the end of that 2nd day.

stasis
20 yrs later

on a train inbound to C17 and it appears to be morning, we reach black mesa east that evening and are in ravenholm all night with no rest. We exit the mines to find daylight and get on highway 17 towards Nova Prospeckt which we reach that night and we end up there all night and we teleport out

one week later but no rest because we dont perceive any difference in time (as shown by alyx)

so we join up with the rebelion and by the time we are blowing up breen atop the citadel its evening... so basically in HL2 gordon is awake for just about 3 straight days before being put (almost) back into stasis

we dont know exactly how long its been when he awakes from the rubble because eli, kleiner, and mosman all appear to have left C17 but the sun is still setting (24hrs later or 24 secs later?)
anyways we stop the citadel from vaporizing us real quick then we start to head out of the city. when we get out of the lowlife chapter its daylight so we can assume weve been underground all night and the remainder of the episode takes place that day and it is late afternoon/ evening when we get on the train at the end so there 24hrs of being awake when we lose consciousness

we wake up in the train and its the next day. and by the time eli dies its evening so were awake less than a day before we blackout? or maybe not.

so basically the only time were awake for an extended period of time is in HL2 so i dont see sleep as an issue but as for alyx... who knows what shes doing when were not with her

[coheedswicked]

sorry for the double post but gordon could just be an insomniac?

[Pyroxic]

Gordon doesn't need sleep.

Real men don't sleep.