November 23, 2004

An OT post about half life 2

Since everybody else seems to be posting about it I thought I'd post too :)

This game is absolutely insane. I have doom3 as well but it doesn't even compare to half life 2 in graphics or story. The one thing that irks me about doom is that everything is extremely dark and all you really have to do is make sure to shoot enough and you are through everything. I've found that in half life you actually have to think a bit on how to get around things or on to a new area. That part I really liked. Also the physics engine they put in it is amazing... but does get a bit weird when you're carrying around a big crate or something and it gets all wiggy on ya when something else is in the way.. at least it makes you drop it though.. I guess.

The sound is absolutely amazing too. I have 7.1 surround sound hooked up to my pc and all the sounds come from exactly where they should come from. Especially when people are talking and you turn around and stuff... Really makes me realize how important sound is to a game or application.

But the one thing that I need some help with is the motion sickness. I've seen some posters saying that they have played it to the end and I'm still getting through the canal!! I can't play the game for more than 2 hours a day, and sometimes the motion sickness carries on till the next day.. I don't generally get motion sickness at all really. On planes or trains or automobiles. Is it because the screen is big? 19" or graphics are set too big? 800x600. What causes it? and how can I stop it so I can actually play more?

Funny thing, and a quick note, I have found that playing games improves my application des/dev abilities. I'm sure others have already mentioned or thought this too but I definitely see quite a few areas in a game, mainly ideas or concepts, that I can carry into my apps. Study and have fun all in one :D

Posted by Graeme at November 23, 2004 05:01 PM
　



Comments

I have found a few answers out on the forums:

http://www.forumplanet.com/planethalflife/topic.asp?fid=2348&tid=1533915&p=1

There are a bunch of people there with the same problem.. whew. thank goodness it's not just me.

On another note.. the loading times drive me nuts. In the beginning it's like you run around for about 5 minutes and then have to sit around for another 5 while it loads up the next section... boooo

Posted by: Graeme Bull at November 23, 2004 05:55 PM

Brandy got sick too when she played, but not when she watched because half of her attention was devoted to knitting. I know you probably don't knit, but the point is, your not alone plus per your forum post.

Couple things you can additionally do:
- if you can stand it, lower your mouse sensitivity
- toggle Mouse Filter. Usually, if it's off, you won't get a high refresh rate. However, if you still feel sick, try turning it on. I don't see how having it on would help as it merely makes the game redraw every frame so it's smoother, but maybe that'll compensate.

Posted by: JesterXL at November 23, 2004 11:24 PM

Thanks Jesse, I only had time for a short test today and I turned down some settings and set my monitor near the back of my desk so I couldn't get close to it and it helped a bit. I've only just made it to the boat so we'll see.. Everybody says this is the worst part.

I really like the game but I'm so sick of feeling sick while playing it. just thinking about it now makes me feel ill.. ah well :D

Posted by: Graeme at November 24, 2004 10:46 PM