Just started playing through this extremely well made HL2 single player mod. The basic idea behind it is as follows:

Research and Development is a puzzle-centric mod for Half-Life 2: Episode Two featuring an unarmed player but plenty of violent mayhem.

There is fighting in it but its always done through less direct methods than usual. Not only is the mapping very well done

eg.

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/1283/bg0003.jpg

but so far, the puzzles are actually quite imaginative and enjoyable. (not just based on boring s*** like counter weighting which is all valve can manage) Highly recommend you check it out.

Grab it here: http://www.moddb.com/mods/research-and-development/downloads/research-and-development-exe (54.57mb only)

looks interesting, shall investigate

Don't have Ep2 or else I would play this for sure. Big fan of puzzle games

Don't have Ep2 or else I would play this for sure. Big fan of puzzle games

bummer.

Just finished. Not particularly long but its good fun and valve would be mad not to hire the guy - in fact I would be surprised if the author of this wasn't a pro. Some of the game play elements of this mod are a big part of what was missing from HL2 compared to HL1. Non-combative problem solving but with enough variety to make it enjoyable and not a chore like valves attempts. Getting the guy to inject the same stuff into episode 3 would improve the game IMO.

last edited by qmass at 10:44:23 22/Jul/09

Does this work with Steam HL2?

I had to install Episode 2. In other news I am stuck at the part where your monster friend dies and you have to (i think) crush the enemy APC with the crane and shipping container. I am bad.

OMG figured it out finally.

Good game so far, especially for a mod.

last edited by ctd at 12:58:55 22/Jul/09

played a little bit of the first level. wont get a chance to play it again until friday.

Just finished the game and I am thoroughly pleased with the mod. It's puzzles are far more interesting then the ones valve ships. Some are extremely difficult to figure out. Good length and excellent design with few to no bugs.
10/10, one of the best mods I have played.

I haven't played this one, but Minerva: Metastasis was an awesome mod for hl2, and valve actually hired that guy.

Finished it just before. Probably the best single player mod I have played. Made Valve's puzzles in HL2 look tame.

That Mr.Twirly thing at the end where you put together the recking car was awesome. At only 50-60megs this is a great way to kill 1-2 hours.

Few bugs and dodgy looking stuff but it is a 3rd party mod. Recommend this for anyone with HL2:Ep2. Steve would give this 100% I bet.

Mod of the year!

I'm sold, downloading now. Seems like a winner qmass, good find :)