IMPORTANT NOTICE
This is specifically for content creators and interested individuals alike - lore production will be postponed temporarily until we get full clarification from the new Half Life game. Considering the trailer has already impacted much of the infrastructure already built, it's imperative and most unfortunate that we are at a halt until possibly December this year, all the way up to March 2020 (but I doubt that very much) that we may hold production until everything is clarified. These can be changed depending on what information is available.
If you post anything from this point on wards, they will have to be left untouched even after thorough examination. Even my own work requires fixing and some of it was based on player feedback. While I understand where some of you come from in regards to your understanding, Valve overshadows this completely.
EVERYTHING BELOW IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND DOES NOT REPRESENT THE ORIGINAL HALF LIFE 2 RELEASE.
So what does this mean?
- This means that we can keep track of everything that's been changing / kept the same since the revealing of Half Life: Alyx.
- It allows us to maintain an open mind - considering we are only a few years into the occupation in our lore, we will have to seriously reconsider where we are standing. The timeline will have to be pushed forward.
- Finally give leeway to some questions that have been left unanswered for weeks, months or even years.
What do we currently know?
- Main Details -
Citadel was built on Earth - This means that the Citadel in full was not warped onto the planet’s surface during the Seven Hour War like many people believe. A combination of the two involving the core of the Citadel being warped in and the rest being constructed planet-side was confirmed by the writers. Floating bastions or warships capable of spacial travel were presumed used as the powerhouse of the main occupation force until its completion.
Earth-Xenian Landscapes - The world seems to have been Xenoformed rather heavily in some places. Points out the fact that hostile alien creatures have made their home in large numbers on the planet. Mostly within sewers or other underground areas.
Lenin Statues - City Seventeen is definitely located somewhere in Eastern Europe.
Biogel / Medigel - Substances drained from miniature antlion grubs are utilised as the main source of the healing gel.
And no, it doesn’t cause cancer. Stop saying that. It's literally alien gel.
Weapons - All weapons seem to be the same, other than the fact that the Combine seem to have implemented their own technology with standard human weapons. Why this was done, we do not know. Combine Soldiers appear to be holding prototypes of the Pulse Rifle. If I am mistaken, they may be something else instead.
"The Vault" - Firstly, we do know that Vaults always hold something very valuable. What it contains however is currently unknown and in relation to the Combine, it could be anything.
Propaganda - The Combine use a lot of propaganda to achieve their aims. Broadcasting screens don't appear to be pointing down on the populace, but rather facing upright.
Portal Storms - They are still ongoing in Half Life: Alyx and the Combine did not have full control over everything just yet. It's a perpetual state of chaos between Xenian creatures constantly flooding the world along with the buildup of potential resistance. The Combine might be harnessing power from them, somehow.
'Universal Union' - The UU is
not an official name. Everything is practically "The Combine".
- Minor Details -
Hunter Choppers - Used in very high numbers and utilised as back-and-forth construction lifters and legislative supply runners. This does not mean it was their original purpose or intent.
Headcrabs & Zombies -
Not to be fucked with or underestimated, it seems. They have larger claws or pincers and appear to be very sneaky. During the first
Half Life game, their levels of aggression and danger were seriously high. It may appear that these headcrabs are still adapting to Earth's biosphere. Expect them to be more intelligent than their Earth-bred counterparts as what the trailer suggests.
Dropships - Not high in number, still in use during the early phase of the occupation.
Strider Watchtowers / Constructors - Think of the game
Dishonoured. It has either binoculars or a camera on the top of its compartment, or the same can be said about it being a form of building unit with a form of welding module. The Beta concept of Half Life 2 had crab synths being used as builders with welding lasers. We could see a combination of both.
Poison Headcrabs - They do not have hair on top of them, they have spikes. They appear red in colour. This settles that debate.
Conceptbine - Combine soldiers in relation to behaviours and appearance to be that of earlier concepts. Whether or not they are the first versions of their "future selves", it's a certain possibility.
Overwatch & Civil Protection - Both appeared to be working together a LOT. Even the art includes Combine Soldiers being posted with Civil Protection and they appear to be more aggressive than previously thought during the early phases of the occupation. They may also have a humane behavioural side to them before their humanity is wiped out.
Scanners - There is no doubt that the Overwatch AI is active in some way, shape or form. The artificial intelligence is online somewhere early in this timeline.
New Xenians - Small critter appears to resemble that of a stingray during the opening phases of the trailer.
Vortigaunts - The Combine openly use propaganda against Vortigaunts and openly call them "Vorts" within the posters. This may change.
Combine Language - Written vocalisation suggests the Universal Union does indeed have a form of communication method involving a language based system. This in turn suggests that the annexation process of humankind being integrated into the Combine is hastily approaching.
Combine APC's - Newly outfitted vehicles appear to be some form of converted SWAT van.
