User:Pinsplash/HL2 weapon analysis

For curiosity, I've done playthroughs of HL2 on hard only using one single weapon each time. These are my thoughts after completing the game each time.


 * Crowbar & Grenades: Melee enemies are simply a matter of timing inputs right. Hitscan enemies are easy to manipulate into your range with some tricks. Enemies will always try to make sure you have a good LOS on them to keep things fair, so running around a corner will force them to follow you around it. Enemies also try to not shoot through their friends, so you can isolate targets by making the most ridiculous-looking movements to use an NPC as a shield in combat against pairs or even trios of enemies. Also, metrocops can go completely stupid in melee range, and soldiers have a bug where if they're hurt while doing their melee attack, they start their attack again, which means you can crowbar them to death while taking ZERO damage. Even with all this, some larger groups of enemies are just impossible to overcome. Grenades help, but even they can't carry you through everything. I have 2000 hours on this game and obviously a newer player wouldn't know any of this junk. Manhacks are terrible to fight. Hoppers are fun! I'd describe this set of weapons as "a fun challenge only for your millionth playthrough". Problem areas are frequent.


 * Gravity Gun: Most of the game is doable with the gravity gun, and it should be! There isn't much to say about this weapon which hasn't already been said.


 * Pistol: I never want to do that again. I used to think the amount of reserve ammo on the pistol was ludicrous. I was half right. You can go pistol only for very long stretches of time if you so desire, but the DPS is so bad it's just not very enjoyable or relatively viable. You will run out of ammo at times, as you should. Even the crowbar is a better option against small enemies. The pistol really is meant to be a last resort and even then, the gravity gun kinda overshadows it. Some people call it the sniper rifle, but you should see the shotgun. Still can't justify how this weapon can be quicker and more accurate when firing manually.