Death and video games go together like a big heart attack-baiting burger and an extra five slices of cheddar. But just because they’re the best of mates, it doesn’t mean certain characters should go looking for the Grim Reaper through their own reckless actions. Sadly, that’s exactly want the following group of death-wishers all do. And whether it’s through their own stupidity, being huge wimps or just dying in embarrassing fashion, these guys ... » Read More

15 Sep 2009

Keyboard Cat plays off videogames

PC Feature | Half-Life 2: Episode Two

Keyboard Cat makes his videogame debut this week in Scribblenauts on DS. To celebrate, we’ve pitted the feisty feline against clips from some of our favorite games. Play them off, Keyboard Cat! ... » Read More

1 May 2009

Video game villains who got away with it

PC Feature | Half-Life 2: Episode Two

People like to see good triumph over evil. It's the reason Superman always wins despite getting stabbed in the face with shards of Kryptonite. Why John McClane beats a skyscraper full of heavily-armed terrorists with nothing but a string vest. And why those pesky S.T.A.R.S. agents always get the better of the T-virus. Sometimes, though, there are games brave enough to spit in the face of convention and let their no gooders go ... » Read More

24 Feb 2009

Gaming's most murdered characters

PC Feature | Half-Life 2: Episode Two

Some characters are just doomed to die in games. It seems the Nazis were born to wear sharp uniforms and chow down on your bullets like a tasty bratwurst. Cops are always destined to get blown up by your rocket launcher a day before retirement. And the sole purpose of videogame zombies is to have Piñata-style heads that explode with the slightest contact – just replace the tasty treats with festering bits of frontal ... » Read More

28 Aug 2008

Leipzig: The real-life Half-Life 2

PC Feature | Half-Life 2: Episode Two

When we went to the Leipzig GC this year, we found ourselves in strangely familiar surroundings. Strangely, disturbingly familiar surroundings. Gravity guns at the ready... ... » Read More

15 Aug 2008

Seinfeld recreated in Garry's Mod

PC Feature | Half-Life 2: Episode Two

We’re big fans of dicking around, so when someone suggested that we attempt to reproduce a classic sitcom in Half-Life 2’s Garry’s Mod, we cited the “why the hell not” clause of our operating procedures and immediately began violating ragdolls. While our interpretation of the greatest nihilist sitcom ever may not win us any awards at machinima festivals, it can at least inspire some ironic ... » Read More

27 Mar 2008

The world's best counterfeit games

PC Feature | Half-Life 2: Episode Two

Not happy with what the devs are doing with your favourite games? Then let the gamers take over production. ... » Read More

17 Jan 2008

Interview: Half-life 2's David Speyrer

PC Feature | Half-Life 2: Episode Two

David Speyrer was interviewed for his job at Valve on the day the original Half-Life went gold in late 1998. He started working there soon after, just as Half-Life 2 began its lengthy development. Since then, hes risen through the ranks from programmer to project lead. Now, David talks us through some of the processes that led to Half-Life 2: Episode Two being the remarkable game it is. Warning: if you havent played Episode Two yet, there are spoilers ahead. Has Episode Two taken you anywhere ... » Read More

1 Nov 2007

Alyx vs Lara

PC Feature | Half-Life 2: Episode Two

Nov 1, 2007 According to Rule 34, if it exists, there is porn of it. There are some exceptions of course. For example, we're glad there aren't any nude Little Sister mods for BioShock. However, for some characters, it's only a matter of time until nakedness strikes in the form of a nude mod or patch. But really, how much time are we talking about? If you've never wondered if Alyx Vance kept her clothes on longer than Lara Croft, it's probably for the best. Otherwise, see the video, download ... » Read More

18 May 2007

Valve's industrial revolution

PC Feature | Half-Life 2: Episode Two

Back in 1996, two Microsoft executives quit their spectacularly high-paid jobs, formed a games company and made the best game ever. Twice. They didnt like the way retailers were throttling the industrys creativity, so they cut them out. They did what a lot of mod teams were doing, they hired them. They published any game they liked through their digital distribution network, however commercially risky, and saved several independent developers in the process. Their revolution was so successful ... » Read More

16 Feb 2007

Episodic gaming: Do we want it?

PC Feature | Half-Life 2: Episode Two

This week's bombshell dropped by Valve delaying Half-Life 2: Episode Two AGAIN has kicked off renewed discussion on episodic gaming. Is it working and is it a good idea to release games in this format? Lost would have been canned long ago if the ABC couldn't get its episodes out on time. It all hangs, of course, on the developer. When a major studio like Valve leaves us waiting 18 months between episodes, you'd be excused for reacting negatively to episodic gaming. But then take a look at ... » Read More

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