User:Pinsplash/HL2 weapon analysis

For curiosity, I've done playthroughs of HL2 on hard only using one single weapon 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. I'd describe this set of weapons as "a fun challenge only for your millionth playthrough". Problem areas are canals 03, canals 08, the nexus skybridge, and that elevator room in Ravenholm.


 * 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 use the 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 viable. Even the crowbar is a better option against small enemies. The pistol really is meant to be a last resort. 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.