Ah, On A Rail - despised by some members of the Half-Life community due to its maze-like tunnels, length and overall confusing layout, loved by the others for those same reasons. I'm in the latter camp; On A Rail has always been memorable for me because of how long it was. It made Freeman's journey to the rocket have much more weight. As well, I loved the escalation in the encounters with the HECU. You really got a sense of how much they want Freeman dead for killing their buddies, via graffiti painted with blood, the increasingly elaborate traps they set, and the conversation between the two grunts at the launchpad. Black Mesa greatly reduces the length of this chapter, which will please those who found it too long. For myself, I do miss the setpieces and maps that were cut out, but absolutely love the new lighting, ambience, and revisions to the rocket silo and launchpad fight. Emerging from the tunnels to a moonlit night sky was incredible, as was hearing the muffled sounds of explosions alongside the crickets. That final fight at the launchpad is, similar to the final lobby fight in QE, a much needed action setpiece for the end of the chapter. Luckily, for those of us who want the length of the chapter restored, there are a couple of mods on the workshop that do exactly that* Chon Kemp's "On A Rail Uncut:" steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=608116737 Sunset Shimmer's "OaR - Loop Mod" steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=442778286 Both the above mods can be installed as one complete package by downloading "The Definitive On a Rail" mod by Sunset Shimmer: steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1425916593
Disagree about the lighting. The yellow/orange warm lights look boring and less atmospheric compared with the cold white/blue/green color scheme in the original OaR lighting. The BM version also lose some sequences of collapse in the stage, which highlighted the poor condition of the tunnels. And more importantly, there's no _haunted sounds_
I do miss those horror sounds. The one that eventually was used as the L4D horde alert sound scared the hell out of me the first time. I can understand your feelings about the lighting. For me its the other way around, I thought the original OAR was much too grey and drab looking. To each their own though! :)
I like to imagine that the group of security guards and scientists that you left back in the cafeteria were one of the first groups to make it to safety
I'd like to think so too, because the lead security guard says something along the lines of "Don't you forget about us now, you hear me?" and you never run into them again :(
16:04 I think this could be like a point of no return for Gordon. He's not only going to the Lambda Complex to escape Black Mesa, but to put an end to the Xenian invasion once and for all, and take down every HECU he sees. Here, finally, he looks out for the world's safety rather than his own. I don't know, I like to humanize Gordon more.
21:57 Somehow this was very cinematic and somewhat 'in-universe'. As if Freeman is becoming much more impassive and stoic after killing so many human beings and seeing so many friends killed by them.
Here’s what I love about the guard you can take to the rocket, when you find his body lying there next to the control panel it really makes you take a minute to look back and reflect on all the corpses you find throughout the rest of the game, how they were probably just like that guard: good folks mercilessly offed in a disaster they had no say in and an even smaller say in surviving, for me it made more determined than ever to send that rocket up and Gib the ever living hell out of those soldiers who DARED to slaughter my friends
I love the Guard you take with you through the chapter. He's such a good man, and his death has so much impact, especially considering the stinger from Resonance that plays upon his death. It's just an emotional moment, and the fact that his death meant something made it all that more powerful. I miss him to this day. May he rest in peace.
I felt the same way, when he died I fired off a few shotgun shells into the air before proceeding. I felt bad just leaving him there to be incinerated by the coming rocket launch and needed some form of send off.
Oh shiet, I never knew I could take the guard with me on the train. Well, I guess he might've survived in my every playthrough. I always leave him in his small armoury :)
For some reason the elevator sequence in this with the guard reminds me of the elevator ride with Alyx from HL2: Ep1, witnessing various fights between the Marines and the Xen creatures as you ride up only to fight through whatever is left.
I know I'm going to get asked this, this version of On A Rail does not have the Uncut mod installed; I do plan on covering the Uncut mod separately once I wrap up this playthrough. It is currently incompatible with 1.5 anyways.
I dont usually comment on videos, but I just like to show my appreciation for your videos. Showing hidden secret locations and the immersion you brought, by playing properly and try keeping friendly apcs alive are incredible. I was quite amazed that BM dev team actually programmed AI to get on the rail car with you and even have a comment for two during the 'tour'. I never seen anyone showcase that. Salut to you my good sir. :)
Thank you - it's reassuring to read comments like these because I always go 100% on making these videos without knowing if what I'm doing is actually entertaining. As for bringing the guard with me, I wasn't aware of it at first until a couple of people commented on my older video of this chapter. There are a couple of videos that predate mines where they show the interaction with the Guard :)
@@Sexy_Nutella I do believe OaR Uncut was compatible last time I played the game. Then again it might not have been updated at the time when you were making this playthrough.
16:36 I like that CC added the detail of the radio callout to "Rocket Team Red". It somewhat foreshadows the fight on the launchpad and it sounds like it could be a real commander calling out to a squad.
21:50 "I didn't sign on for this shit.. Monsters? hell yeah but.. civilians? Who ordered this damn operation anyway?" Honestly that's one of the lines were one of the HECU soldiers shown some concern or sympathy on why they're attacking black mesa personnel
Yeah, and it's in the first game too - nice to know that the devs did bring attention to the fact that some of these soldiers are NOT happy with their orders
It's not often i comment on stuff but your work on this series is astounding and i really appreciate watching you going through this game, it gives the vibes of how someone actually is interested in the game and i like it.
Thank you - I am glad that you are enjoying this series. I know I upload very slowly, but I do take a ton of time to make sure every chapter is presented as perfectly as possible. I'm always happy to see comments like yours because I'm always doubting myself and my gameplays haha
I don't know about you, but god damn that beginning segment. The guard helps you at the beginning, sends you a message, then lets you set off. The music, the slow descent, the *ON A RAIL* that comes up once the elevator stops. Everything about it is so grand and I love it so.
Superlative as always, Sexy. OAR was one of my favorite levels in HL1. Games of that era rarely had opposing NPC factions fighting with each other, and I loved seeing that in this level.
3:22 - fun fact: in older versions of Black Mesa there used to be a maintenance catwalk under these outlets. The funny thing is, you could drop the plug on that catwalk, turn the power back on, and the water would still be electrified, as if the plug was still in the water. It would become safe to swim only after you put the plug in the outlet. Me (and, I think, other people) reported this minor issue to the devs, so they just outright removed the catwalk. But they forgot to limit how far the cord can stretch, so you can still take the plug out of the water, drop it elsewhere, turn the power back on, and the water will *_still_* be electrified. If you're interested, I could give links to a couple of videos demonstrating this
Sorry in advance for choppy framerate tho. First one from 2018 - ua-cam.com/video/4SFOtgxxUEc/v-deo.html Version 1.0 (nothing changed since then) - ua-cam.com/video/N3sFmkVeYd8/v-deo.html
I've always played this with the Uncut and Loop mods. I'm with you that I like OAR being a long, difficult chapter. It fits with wrapping up the first act of the game. It's even longer than the original and probably rivals Surface Tension in length. There's an especially tense ambush encounter with the HECU just after raising the rocket, and more areas on the surface where you have to deal with snipers and some huge HECU squads. Some areas are completely new. There are some warehouses where you'll have to use a crane to move some crates out of the way of the tracks, an office floor, and a huge train yard towards the end. I really like the difference in tone with the uncut mod as well. At first it seems like the HECU have total control, but soon you get the sense that the tide of the battle is turning. The HECU is still in control of the surface, but the Xenians are winning most of the underground battles and starting to push the HECU back. Even though the Grunts and Controllers haven't started teleporting in yet, you get a sense the the Vortigaunts are more than a match for the HECU. There's even one Vort who seems to help Gordon - remember the missile turrets from the original? This time the gunner gets taken out by a Vortigaunt, and unless you actually stop the train the Vort will usually not attack you afterwards. I also have to say that the security guard is an absolute badass now. Seriously, he's taken by surprise by HECU Marines who outnumber him at least 4 or 5 to 1 and have superior firepower. He kills them all anyway. I actually was a bit sad when he died. Like I said in another video, BM really does a good job of capturing the tragedy of the whole disaster.
Yeah, I plan on revisting OAR uncut - it was so well made (same dev as the last third of Surface Tension). Like you, I prefer a longer OAR as it has a story arc of its own with escalating HECU ambushes and their troubles dealing with the Vorts.
@@Sexy_Nutella if you ever revisit Black Mesa for an updated modded playthrough with OaR Uncut, I would suggest the "Extra Definitive" version along with the Staff/Level Overhaul mods for each chapter along with BMCE to make it more diverse since they say they updated them for 1.5 now. EDIT: No wait, Fallen Foggy is already doing something like that. Dammit.
Dr. Horn is mentioned in a phone recording that Barney makes that you can find in Xen. Dr. Horn believes that some of the Black mesa staff are stealing his pizza slices while he isn't looking. Additionally, "Dr. Horn, your pizza is ready in the break room" can be seen on some information monitors in Questionable Ethics.
- If noclip is used to enter the room at 19:02, a wall with the logo of the Advanced Biological Research Lab (where Chapter 11 - Questionable Ethics takes place) can be seen, with a row of neatly arranged pizzas in front of it This is also a part of unsloved Pizza ARG.
I like how badass they made the Security Guards in Black Mesa. Yeah, they're not all killing machines, plenty end up as fodder. But they've got character, they're not complete morons, and some of them can fight like demons.
@@Sexy_Nutella Hey nutella I have a post on my channel about an army of allies I made in hl1 office complex, can you look at it and make a vid maybe? just maybe?
I recently played the original On a rail. And it's still just as good for me if not even better. People say they get lost, but I never got lost, not even on a first playthrough. Love all the cool setpiece with the traps the HECU have, the fights with the vortigaunts and all of that. But I do like the fight with the HECU at the end better in Black Mesa, that's for sure.
Yeah the main gripe I have with BM's OAR is its length and how it cut out a lot of those interesting HECU encounters. I agree that the launchpad fight to cap off the chapter is cool though. Loved the nighttime skybox.
So, I forgot to mention: there’s also the EXTRA definitive On A Rail, which enhances the Black Mesa Character Expansion usage for the Definitive OAR bundle.
Maybe the original On a Rail was too drawn out. But this version on the other hand feels too short. Like, the train feels pointless, there's not that much distance you have to travel.
I do agree that it's too short; I would have liked to see more of the HECU ambushes and traps from the original. I mean, Black Mesa already reimagines so many of the other chapters in the game, I'm sure they could have reenvisioned all the old areas in a way that would work. That being said we do have the Uncut mod that alleviates the short length of this chapter.
Although, you're gonna want to wait for the Uncut expansion to be updated for the latest version. But it's worth it. The mod is created and maintained by the current lead level designer, so the maps are official quality.
One thing I can say about Black Mesa: They sure keep the light bulbs working. Even in places it makes no sense to have working lights, places no human was ever meant to go or places no human has visited for decades. Guess the devs didn't want you to have to rely on the flashlight too much.
I really like that fight on the launch site, its pretty fun when you run a lap around the rocket exchanging bullets with the soldiers, being left one hit away from death but finding your way to a nearby medkit and somehow surviving, its pretty fun
You know, I feel sorry for them. If in Half-Life 1, when you killed them, you knew you were killing brutal men who kicked ass, and it made you feel even cooler. Here in Black Mesa though marines have very good AI (they can take out a column of aliens by platoon) and can kick ass, still feel sorry for them, feel like you're killing normal guys, some of them waited by their parents (family), maybe. Some of them didn't want to kill civilian personnel. I never preferred gibbing them because it's really fucked up. It's too cruel for normal young guys. Just imagine that you have dreamed all your life of getting into the army (marines), they send you to a special unit, you're happy about it, but where they send you and with what orders... To be honest I feel more sorry for the firewatch Marines on the surface, because they were the ones who had to fight the alien hordes, and they didn't kill civilians.
@@lyokianhitchhiker I do think I'm going to finish Black Mesa before revisiting On A Rail though. After countless reloads of each map for this video, I've played enough of it for now lol
Damn this is really good. I've been binging your playthrough of this game because it's just so beautiful the way you make it look so cinematic. Any chance you'll do a video on the definitive OaR mod?
When I remember palying On a Rail in Half-Life, I never remember riding the train. I remember the Ambushes and Traps from the Soldiers. So many of them are cut now. In Half-Life and Black Mesa, once I get the chance, I immediatly abandon the train. The fundamental problem with the Chapter is the whole Train Riding mechanic not fitting the gameplay. The train fixes the speed/movement you want to explore these maps but it just feels unsafe exploring The Black Mesa Facility that way. The 2nd criticism is the Maze - it kills this chapter with the movement limitations. You want to explore everything but the train prohibits this approach. So both unique features of this chapter completely work against each other. Some people go as far and say Mazes always suck in games. I would agree here if not for "The Deapths" chapter in Dark Souls. Mazes in games are harder to navigate than in real life, so when designing a Maze, most Devs seem to design Mazes that would challenge you IRL and rebuild them in their games. "The Deapths" actually works and the reason behind it seems to be that it's a very simple Maze. 2 Entries, 1 Exit, 2 Layers with 3 connections between the layers, 4-5 Dead Ends and 1 Loop. That's enough to challenge you while not overloading your brain with information to process. So Black Mesa adressed these problems by cutting time spend on Train down and removing the maze at all. Now Black Mesa as a whole feels smaller and we loose those HECU encounters. But at least we get the new Rocket Silo that kicks ass. I think this chapter needs the Xen treatment. Complete redesign with the Rocket Silo as a creshendo. My Approach would be some sort of Dead Space Ishimura in those caverns. There is a Rail system that connects different, maybe even visually distinct parts of Black Mesa, but Aliens/Soldiers already occupy them and Gordon needs to stop and reactivate the rail system in order to proceed. Maybe you even revisit some section from the Black Mesa Inbound chapter - a missed opportunity by Valve back then. I don't know how you bring the Maze back since it's kinda unrealistic for Rail System anyway.
I suggest trying the "On a Rail Uncut" workshop mod for Black Mesa if you haven't already - it was made by one of the Black Mesa devs and restores OaR's full length, with much of its notable HECU and Vort encounters. I really enjoyed it.
Funny how you can ignore the zombies and killing them by folding the floor at 15:00. Although I kinda hate how scripted black mesa is in a few scenes, I really like it when we are given choices not to follow it.
To be fair, the Half-Life games have always been very on the rails and scripted in nature, but I do see what you mean. Having a choice in this linear game makes it that much sweeter
@@Sexy_Nutella I think questionable ethics in half life is a good example for how half life 1 formula gives more freedom than half life 2's. You are given a goal at the start of the chapter; you need one scientist to open the door to the next chapter. On your way there are more than one way to deal with the enemies. You can even lure them to fight each other unlike in black mesa they only fight when they are spawnd to fight. Due to the maze nature of the original the escorting part may still hides danger. You only need one scientist. No matter how many die on the way, as long as one survives you win. And the dam fight is a part when the original gives you more freedom when they treat the helicopter like just another enemy type than a boss fight. The helicopter serves similar role to a grunt. It fights the xen creatures and the black mesa staffs. You will usually find the blind spots when encounter one, except for the time rocket launcher is introduced. It was one of my best memory I have with half life when I jumped into the water to evade the helicopter only to find two ichthyosaurs waiting for me. And it’s kinda lame that the water can’t hide you from the bird in black mesa In black mesa definition edition, the level design encourages the player to move more, but it gives a path they hint you, making a fight dynamic yet always feels the same. Still it’s a huge step forward from 1.0 or older
Had a glitch happen at the 12:30 mark for my game, wherein the rail cart refuses to budge past the halfway point of the gate. Had to skip finishing this chapter and load straight into Apprehension to progress.
@@aareaja783 I've played a grand total of 760 hours according to Steam. But these videos are a result of me just going through the encounters again and again until I get something I like, so I have a lot of time to practice them haha
Oh man, to be honest it's dropped off my radar. Unfortunately it's probably going to take a backseat to the other things that I have on my bucket list to play through :(
@@orionsred I know a lot of fans who do. Same issues as On a Rail for them. I personally love it because of its length. Also that sunset in the last two maps are amazing.
Unfortunately I don't think so - I think he is scripted to die regardless of if the player tries to intervene. I don't think soldiers actually spawn on the side where he's shot from.
Once again, a great work lol, On a Rail is one of the worst chapters imo but not because the layout, but because its lenght, although I quite enjoyed it last time I play the OG Half Life for 1090129201892834th time, lol, even with all those playthroughs and actually getting to enjoy On A Rail, I still hate that chapter.... Interloper, didnt played the Black Mesa version yet lol but I'll for sure this weekend, anyway, great work again dude, looking forward to watch the next ones ;D
Oh believe me, Black Mesa's version of On a Rail is LEAGUES better than the original version. And surprisingly, the On a Rail Uncut expansion (which adds back the cut sections) is just as much fun.
Se nota el stuttering en la parte donde vas con el guardia a preparar el cohete y en la superficie, también tiene problemas de rendimiento en otros sitios, aún falta pulir el juego, espero lo solucionen con futuras actualizaciones.
Desafortunadamente, es muy difícil optimizar este juego. Creo que hicieron todo lo posible, pero sí, ¡espero que el rendimiento mejore en futuras actualizaciones!
Yep. I haven't played it in ages but off the top of my head the sequences that are reintroduced in the Uncut mod include: - Elevator rigged with explosives and having to use the Satchel to blow them up - The HECU/Vort fight where Freeman can observe from underneath a vent system - The turntable ambush - The room with all the moving containers - The HECU using a TOW launcher
Wait, wait, wait did I see that right? Shouldn't the tracks be like the source of power for the train? Why doesn't the water conduct eletricity then? I remember that is how they worked in HalfLife. Maybe that was changed, but then it doesn't make sense to me... am I missing something?
"Modern tram systems with street-running avoid the risk of electrocution by the exposed electric rail by implementing a segmented ground-level power supply, where each segment is electrified only while covered by a vehicle which is using its power." Given how old the tram system is supposed to be in this area, I doubt that would qualify, but this is a possible explanation.
I like both versions for different reasons :P Loved OAR1 for its more survival horror feel (that chapter starting off with the song "Sirens in the Distance" always makes me feel super apprehensive)
![Black Mesa: Definitive Edition - 09 - Apprehension [Hard]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/G6E3n37BWEU/mqdefault.jpg)
![Black Mesa: Definitive Edition - 09 - Apprehension [Hard]](/img/tr.png)
Ah, On A Rail - despised by some members of the Half-Life community due to its maze-like tunnels, length and overall confusing layout, loved by the others for those same reasons. I'm in the latter camp; On A Rail has always been memorable for me because of how long it was. It made Freeman's journey to the rocket have much more weight. As well, I loved the escalation in the encounters with the HECU. You really got a sense of how much they want Freeman dead for killing their buddies, via graffiti painted with blood, the increasingly elaborate traps they set, and the conversation between the two grunts at the launchpad.
Black Mesa greatly reduces the length of this chapter, which will please those who found it too long. For myself, I do miss the setpieces and maps that were cut out, but absolutely love the new lighting, ambience, and revisions to the rocket silo and launchpad fight. Emerging from the tunnels to a moonlit night sky was incredible, as was hearing the muffled sounds of explosions alongside the crickets. That final fight at the launchpad is, similar to the final lobby fight in QE, a much needed action setpiece for the end of the chapter.
Luckily, for those of us who want the length of the chapter restored, there are a couple of mods on the workshop that do exactly that*
Chon Kemp's "On A Rail Uncut:"
steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=608116737
Sunset Shimmer's "OaR - Loop Mod"
steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=442778286
Both the above mods can be installed as one complete package by downloading "The Definitive On a Rail" mod by Sunset Shimmer:
steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1425916593
F for the guard :(
Disagree about the lighting. The yellow/orange warm lights look boring and less atmospheric compared with the cold white/blue/green color scheme in the original OaR lighting.
The BM version also lose some sequences of collapse in the stage, which highlighted the poor condition of the tunnels. And more importantly, there's no _haunted sounds_
F :(
I do miss those horror sounds. The one that eventually was used as the L4D horde alert sound scared the hell out of me the first time.
I can understand your feelings about the lighting. For me its the other way around, I thought the original OAR was much too grey and drab looking. To each their own though! :)
I always liked the chapter due to the trains and the atmosphere, black mesa's soundtrack only improves on it tbh
I like to imagine that the group of security guards and scientists that you left back in the cafeteria were one of the first groups to make it to safety
I'd like to think so too, because the lead security guard says something along the lines of "Don't you forget about us now, you hear me?" and you never run into them again :(
OR they either died to the black ops nuke or a Xen ambush?
@@mdd767 no shut up
@@mdd767 no don’t say that they must have survived
@@mdd767 They must've made since Eli was there and he's in the sequel.
16:13 Rest in peace, unknown security guard. Went out like a boss
Yup, he was a badass
Ma guy got shredded to pieces on ma playthrough right at the HECU encounter lol,I didn't go through the vent 😢
I feel very sorry for him 😢
16:13 RIP Mr. mustache.😭
He was a good soldier :(
@@Sexy_Nutella He was.😢
@@Sexy_Nutella 😥
@@Sexy_Nutella He was the second best soldier, 'cause we go Freeman.
19:43 “All I know for sure is that he’s been killing marines.” “Oh yeah he’ll pay, he’ll definitely pay.” *calmly tosses satchel*
As it turned out, the Marines were the one who paid the price ;)
@@Sexy_Nutella "Do you accept this satchel charge as a payment? I'll even bundle the activation of detonator with it!"
Years later:
“WHO HAS HIS WEAPONS?!”
(Calhoun fires a grenade launcher)
Rip bozos 🤡
16:04
I think this could be like a point of no return for Gordon. He's not only going to the Lambda Complex to escape Black Mesa, but to put an end to the Xenian invasion once and for all, and take down every HECU he sees. Here, finally, he looks out for the world's safety rather than his own.
I don't know, I like to humanize Gordon more.
I do imagine Gordon being hit hard by that death, which further motivates him to press on.
Rest in peace security guard Frank. I don't know if the developers gave you a name, but for your sacrifice, you've earned one in my book.
RIP
14:07 that guard is kicking ass!
With a shotgun at long range too. What a badass
Yeah but he died :(
@@minus6246 he took out an entire squad of HECU with a shotgun and while taunting them. Badass death
@@TheGringuish12 yes
Salute to that guard. We'll never forget him.
21:57 Somehow this was very cinematic and somewhat 'in-universe'. As if Freeman is becoming much more impassive and stoic after killing so many human beings and seeing so many friends killed by them.
You can tell why G-man was interested in him. He had...limitless potential
Here’s what I love about the guard you can take to the rocket, when you find his body lying there next to the control panel it really makes you take a minute to look back and reflect on all the corpses you find throughout the rest of the game, how they were probably just like that guard: good folks mercilessly offed in a disaster they had no say in and an even smaller say in surviving, for me it made more determined than ever to send that rocket up and Gib the ever living hell out of those soldiers who DARED to slaughter my friends
I envisioned Freeman's fight with the HECU on the launchpad to be a sort of revenge-fueled attack for that exact reason. Great analysis!
I love the Guard you take with you through the chapter. He's such a good man, and his death has so much impact, especially considering the stinger from Resonance that plays upon his death. It's just an emotional moment, and the fact that his death meant something made it all that more powerful. I miss him to this day. May he rest in peace.
Yeah, to be honest all the Barneys in this game seem like cool guys that I'd absolutely have a beer with hahaha
I felt the same way, when he died I fired off a few shotgun shells into the air before proceeding. I felt bad just leaving him there to be incinerated by the coming rocket launch and needed some form of send off.
Oh shiet, I never knew I could take the guard with me on the train.
Well, I guess he might've survived in my every playthrough. I always leave him in his small armoury :)
This was only added in the Definitive Edition playthru :) Looks like leaving him in the armory was the right call after all!
good ending
That one security guard may be almost as brave as Gordon himself.
Yeah - all the Barneys in this game seem to be very brave. I like that about them
For some reason the elevator sequence in this with the guard reminds me of the elevator ride with Alyx from HL2: Ep1, witnessing various fights between the Marines and the Xen creatures as you ride up only to fight through whatever is left.
Now that you mention it, it does give off a similar vibe!
Omg! I thought the exact same! Feels intentional to me
I know I'm going to get asked this, this version of On A Rail does not have the Uncut mod installed; I do plan on covering the Uncut mod separately once I wrap up this playthrough. It is currently incompatible with 1.5 anyways.
I dont usually comment on videos, but I just like to show my appreciation for your videos. Showing hidden secret locations and the immersion you brought, by playing properly and try keeping friendly apcs alive are incredible. I was quite amazed that BM dev team actually programmed AI to get on the rail car with you and even have a comment for two during the 'tour'. I never seen anyone showcase that.
Salut to you my good sir. :)
Thank you - it's reassuring to read comments like these because I always go 100% on making these videos without knowing if what I'm doing is actually entertaining.
As for bringing the guard with me, I wasn't aware of it at first until a couple of people commented on my older video of this chapter. There are a couple of videos that predate mines where they show the interaction with the Guard :)
@@Sexy_Nutella I do believe OaR Uncut was compatible last time I played the game. Then again it might not have been updated at the time when you were making this playthrough.
@@EnclaveSOC-102 Yeah I think Digital Sports updated it for compatibility with DE.
16:36 I like that CC added the detail of the radio callout to "Rocket Team Red". It somewhat foreshadows the fight on the launchpad and it sounds like it could be a real commander calling out to a squad.
21:50
"I didn't sign on for this shit.. Monsters? hell yeah but.. civilians?
Who ordered this damn operation anyway?"
Honestly that's one of the lines were one of the HECU soldiers shown some concern or sympathy on why they're attacking black mesa personnel
Yeah, and it's in the first game too - nice to know that the devs did bring attention to the fact that some of these soldiers are NOT happy with their orders
And from Opposing Force, you know that the majority of them didn't know their orders until they were on the ground. @@Sexy_Nutella
It's not often i comment on stuff but your work on this series is astounding and i really appreciate watching you going through this game, it gives the vibes of how someone actually is interested in the game and i like it.
Thank you - I am glad that you are enjoying this series. I know I upload very slowly, but I do take a ton of time to make sure every chapter is presented as perfectly as possible. I'm always happy to see comments like yours because I'm always doubting myself and my gameplays haha
I don't know about you, but god damn that beginning segment. The guard helps you at the beginning, sends you a message, then lets you set off.
The music, the slow descent, the *ON A RAIL* that comes up once the elevator stops. Everything about it is so grand and I love it so.
Yah, the intro is a mood. I liked how the title crawl occurs right when the turnstile stops
Superlative as always, Sexy. OAR was one of my favorite levels in HL1. Games of that era rarely had opposing NPC factions fighting with each other, and I loved seeing that in this level.
Yeah, I too always loved the HECU and Xen fights in HL1. In my opinion they made them even better in Black Mesa, particularly during Surface Tension.
Those zombies waking up behind the HECU guy and him later screaming in the background at 12:50 reminds me of The Walking Dead, I love that.
3:22 - fun fact: in older versions of Black Mesa there used to be a maintenance catwalk under these outlets. The funny thing is, you could drop the plug on that catwalk, turn the power back on, and the water would still be electrified, as if the plug was still in the water. It would become safe to swim only after you put the plug in the outlet.
Me (and, I think, other people) reported this minor issue to the devs, so they just outright removed the catwalk. But they forgot to limit how far the cord can stretch, so you can still take the plug out of the water, drop it elsewhere, turn the power back on, and the water will *_still_* be electrified.
If you're interested, I could give links to a couple of videos demonstrating this
>> If you're interested, I could give links to a couple of videos demonstrating this
Yes, please.
I second that. This is very interesting.
Sorry in advance for choppy framerate tho.
First one from 2018 - ua-cam.com/video/4SFOtgxxUEc/v-deo.html
Version 1.0 (nothing changed since then) - ua-cam.com/video/N3sFmkVeYd8/v-deo.html
@@MaximG. now that you've shown me, I do recall there being a catwalk there in older versions. Thanks for sharing!
I believe "The pizza is a lie" is a reference to "The cake is a lie" from Portal
Haha, probably! Damn that was a good game
Lol
Ain't no way
damn, thats cool, playing black mesa since his 2012 version and i didn't know you could bring the guard with you to the rocket, also RIP! good video
Bringing the guard with you on the cart is a new feature to the Definitive Edition :) I really liked that they added it hahaha
I've always played this with the Uncut and Loop mods. I'm with you that I like OAR being a long, difficult chapter. It fits with wrapping up the first act of the game. It's even longer than the original and probably rivals Surface Tension in length. There's an especially tense ambush encounter with the HECU just after raising the rocket, and more areas on the surface where you have to deal with snipers and some huge HECU squads. Some areas are completely new. There are some warehouses where you'll have to use a crane to move some crates out of the way of the tracks, an office floor, and a huge train yard towards the end.
I really like the difference in tone with the uncut mod as well. At first it seems like the HECU have total control, but soon you get the sense that the tide of the battle is turning. The HECU is still in control of the surface, but the Xenians are winning most of the underground battles and starting to push the HECU back. Even though the Grunts and Controllers haven't started teleporting in yet, you get a sense the the Vortigaunts are more than a match for the HECU. There's even one Vort who seems to help Gordon - remember the missile turrets from the original? This time the gunner gets taken out by a Vortigaunt, and unless you actually stop the train the Vort will usually not attack you afterwards.
I also have to say that the security guard is an absolute badass now. Seriously, he's taken by surprise by HECU Marines who outnumber him at least 4 or 5 to 1 and have superior firepower. He kills them all anyway. I actually was a bit sad when he died. Like I said in another video, BM really does a good job of capturing the tragedy of the whole disaster.
Yeah, I plan on revisting OAR uncut - it was so well made (same dev as the last third of Surface Tension). Like you, I prefer a longer OAR as it has a story arc of its own with escalating HECU ambushes and their troubles dealing with the Vorts.
@@Sexy_Nutella if you ever revisit Black Mesa for an updated modded playthrough with OaR Uncut, I would suggest the "Extra Definitive" version along with the Staff/Level Overhaul mods for each chapter along with BMCE to make it more diverse since they say they updated them for 1.5 now.
EDIT: No wait, Fallen Foggy is already doing something like that. Dammit.
@@EnclaveSOC-102 Probably won't redo this playthrough, though I may cover OAR uncut (+the loop mod) at some point!
I love this game, and also deep underground military constructions .
Yeah. I think Black Mesa nailed the aesthetics and overall feel of the facility.
The concept is deep underground military bases
Dr. Horn is mentioned in a phone recording that Barney makes that you can find in Xen. Dr. Horn believes that some of the Black mesa staff are stealing his pizza slices while he isn't looking. Additionally, "Dr. Horn, your pizza is ready in the break room" can be seen on some information monitors in Questionable Ethics.
I love that the pizzas actually have "lore" behind their seemingly random appearances in the game haha.
Moment of silence for the marine throwing plastic explosive around next to a TITAN MISSILE FULL OF FUCKING HYDRAZINE AND KEROSENE
Definitely no fucks given
That shit would obliterate the entire place
- If noclip is used to enter the room at 19:02, a wall with the logo of the Advanced Biological Research Lab (where Chapter 11 - Questionable Ethics takes place) can be seen, with a row of neatly arranged pizzas in front of it
This is also a part of unsloved Pizza ARG.
This is a good channel. Gotta thank Soup for sending me here. You do great gameplay, and hit the good bits. Pure and solid!
Glad you enjoy the content! :)
19:55 Grunt: Is that all you got!? *Gets shot by a magnum in the face* 😂
I has forgotten how good the lighting in this game is!
I loved the orange glow of the rail tunnels!
we learn that freeman has the power to look directly into the flash of rocket exhaust without so much as being blinded
Lmao! Those sure are some high-tech glasses ;)
I like how badass they made the Security Guards in Black Mesa. Yeah, they're not all killing machines, plenty end up as fodder. But they've got character, they're not complete morons, and some of them can fight like demons.
Why do I need to be doing online school when I can watch Nutella
Now i feel guilty bahaha
God damn camera movement is impressive very cinematic!
Glad you think so, I put a lot of time into making my mouse movements smooth to present the gameplay cinematically :)
16:13 Rest now hero, You have done well, I like to think that after Gordon leaves that the GMAN takes him
G-man: "Damn, this guy's too badass. He has limitless potential"
@@Sexy_Nutella omg limitless potential nutella
@@Sexy_Nutella Hey nutella I have a post on my channel about an army of allies I made in hl1 office complex, can you look at it and make a vid maybe? just maybe?
8:35 I haven't played or watched much of this game, so I didn't know you could drink it or that sound effect existed.
I recently played the original On a rail. And it's still just as good for me if not even better.
People say they get lost, but I never got lost, not even on a first playthrough. Love all the cool setpiece with the traps the HECU have, the fights with the vortigaunts and all of that. But I do like the fight with the HECU at the end better in Black Mesa, that's for sure.
Yeah the main gripe I have with BM's OAR is its length and how it cut out a lot of those interesting HECU encounters. I agree that the launchpad fight to cap off the chapter is cool though. Loved the nighttime skybox.
21:48 I almost wish I could spare that soldier...
...almost
So, I forgot to mention: there’s also the EXTRA definitive On A Rail, which enhances the Black Mesa Character Expansion usage for the Definitive OAR bundle.
Interesting, I'll keep that in mind when I (eventually) play it hahaha
@@Sexy_Nutella If you think about it, On A Rail's length wasn’t the issue in the original. It was the lack of signposting.
Damn I thought I recognized the Marines voice actor it’s the same guy who voice acted for Insurgency.
Yup! His voice is perfect for this role where the devs needed to humanize the HECUs more haha
As always, great video! Keep going on the right rails! (Hehe)
I will! Apprehension will hopefully take less time than this to record haha. The hardest part I foresee is the assasin fight at the end.
Maybe the original On a Rail was too drawn out. But this version on the other hand feels too short. Like, the train feels pointless, there's not that much distance you have to travel.
I do agree that it's too short; I would have liked to see more of the HECU ambushes and traps from the original. I mean, Black Mesa already reimagines so many of the other chapters in the game, I'm sure they could have reenvisioned all the old areas in a way that would work. That being said we do have the Uncut mod that alleviates the short length of this chapter.
Although, you're gonna want to wait for the Uncut expansion to be updated for the latest version. But it's worth it. The mod is created and maintained by the current lead level designer, so the maps are official quality.
20:18 no me esperaba q el guardia iba acompañar a Gordon! Buena jugada Sexy Nutella ;)
Gracias :)
@@Sexy_Nutella no hay problema jeje
One thing I can say about Black Mesa: They sure keep the light bulbs working. Even in places it makes no sense to have working lights, places no human was ever meant to go or places no human has visited for decades. Guess the devs didn't want you to have to rely on the flashlight too much.
RIP Mr. Guard
Yeah, all the guards in this game seem like great people to grab a beer with
20:51 is where the fight begun
Oh wow,
I had no idea the one guard was scripted to be able to get on the train with you.
I was never able to keep him alive that long.
I really like that fight on the launch site, its pretty fun when you run a lap around the rocket exchanging bullets with the soldiers, being left one hit away from death but finding your way to a nearby medkit and somehow surviving, its pretty fun
In my personal opinion, I think CC might've cut out a bit too much of OAR. It only lasts for a couple of maps but it's still good
Yeah, I do wish they utilized those exterior portions of the chapter more. Luckily we have OAR Uncut :)
You know, I feel sorry for them. If in Half-Life 1, when you killed them, you knew you were killing brutal men who kicked ass, and it made you feel even cooler. Here in Black Mesa though marines have very good AI (they can take out a column of aliens by platoon) and can kick ass, still feel sorry for them, feel like you're killing normal guys, some of them waited by their parents (family), maybe. Some of them didn't want to kill civilian personnel. I never preferred gibbing them because it's really fucked up. It's too cruel for normal young guys.
Just imagine that you have dreamed all your life of getting into the army (marines), they send you to a special unit, you're happy about it, but where they send you and with what orders... To be honest I feel more sorry for the firewatch Marines on the surface, because they were the ones who had to fight the alien hordes, and they didn't kill civilians.
Yeah, one of the things I appreciated about Black Mesa is there interpretation of the HECU for the reasons you stated above
I once used noclip to get on top of the rocket and rode it to the heavens.
At first I thought that's the actual rocket (10:19) and I thought "That's so not practical."
lmao!
I had no idea you could take the guard with you. I'll try that next time!
This was added in for the Definitive Edition, another great touch from the devs :)
If it helps, the Definitive On A Rail is compatible with the Definitive Edition of BMS. It’s both extensions in 1.
So OAR Uncut works with 1.5 now? Or only with the Definitive OAR bundle? I was under the impression that it wouldn't work regardless
@@Sexy_Nutella The Definitive OAR bundle - which is both the base uncut & the Loop Mod in 1 VPK - was updated to be compatible with BMS 1.5
@@lyokianhitchhiker perfect! I'll have to give that a download
@@Sexy_Nutella good. There is a BMCE version, but that hasn’t been updated yet.
@@lyokianhitchhiker I do think I'm going to finish Black Mesa before revisiting On A Rail though. After countless reloads of each map for this video, I've played enough of it for now lol
Damn this is really good. I've been binging your playthrough of this game because it's just so beautiful the way you make it look so cinematic. Any chance you'll do a video on the definitive OaR mod?
Thanks for the kind words! Definitive OaR is definitely still on the menu, though I'll need to have time to properly go over that mod haha
@@Sexy_Nutella that's true. With how long and complex that mod is, it must take a ton of work to record everything just right the way you do
Top 5 sad deaths of anime 16:06
That security guard got more emotion out of me in ways that entire billion dollar triple A productions absolutely cannot
20:05 Sorry to CC but that's the most unrealistic moon I've seen. How can the moon be so large far away?
haha perhaps it's an artistic thing. I personally liked how it complemented the skybox
When I remember palying On a Rail in Half-Life, I never remember riding the train. I remember the Ambushes and Traps from the Soldiers. So many of them are cut now.
In Half-Life and Black Mesa, once I get the chance, I immediatly abandon the train. The fundamental problem with the Chapter is the whole Train Riding mechanic not fitting the gameplay. The train fixes the speed/movement you want to explore these maps but it just feels unsafe exploring The Black Mesa Facility that way.
The 2nd criticism is the Maze - it kills this chapter with the movement limitations. You want to explore everything but the train prohibits this approach. So both unique features of this chapter completely work against each other.
Some people go as far and say Mazes always suck in games. I would agree here if not for "The Deapths" chapter in Dark Souls. Mazes in games are harder to navigate than in real life, so when designing a Maze, most Devs seem to design Mazes that would challenge you IRL and rebuild them in their games. "The Deapths" actually works and the reason behind it seems to be that it's a very simple Maze. 2 Entries, 1 Exit, 2 Layers with 3 connections between the layers, 4-5 Dead Ends and 1 Loop. That's enough to challenge you while not overloading your brain with information to process.
So Black Mesa adressed these problems by cutting time spend on Train down and removing the maze at all. Now Black Mesa as a whole feels smaller and we loose those HECU encounters. But at least we get the new Rocket Silo that kicks ass.
I think this chapter needs the Xen treatment. Complete redesign with the Rocket Silo as a creshendo. My Approach would be some sort of Dead Space Ishimura in those caverns. There is a Rail system that connects different, maybe even visually distinct parts of Black Mesa, but Aliens/Soldiers already occupy them and Gordon needs to stop and reactivate the rail system in order to proceed. Maybe you even revisit some section from the Black Mesa Inbound chapter - a missed opportunity by Valve back then. I don't know how you bring the Maze back since it's kinda unrealistic for Rail System anyway.
I suggest trying the "On a Rail Uncut" workshop mod for Black Mesa if you haven't already - it was made by one of the Black Mesa devs and restores OaR's full length, with much of its notable HECU and Vort encounters. I really enjoyed it.
Nice video!
Thanks for the comment :)
@@Sexy_Nutella thanks to you!!! For doing this great video
👍👍😃
@@killerrabbit0134 Anytime! Onto the next one
16:05 TOP 10 SADDEST ANIME DEATHS
Guy went out like a badass
You should play the Definitive On a Rail.
the fact that the guards assist you was the truely purpose of guard😭gordom freeman the best😭
I'm so glad I watched this. I've been stuck on the beginning puzzle forever and it's apparently because the second cable didn't spawn. :/
No problem!
9:45
“Shit, I gotta piss.”
Funny how you can ignore the zombies and killing them by folding the floor at 15:00.
Although I kinda hate how scripted black mesa is in a few scenes, I really like it when we are given choices not to follow it.
To be fair, the Half-Life games have always been very on the rails and scripted in nature, but I do see what you mean. Having a choice in this linear game makes it that much sweeter
@@Sexy_Nutella I think questionable ethics in half life is a good example for how half life 1 formula gives more freedom than half life 2's. You are given a goal at the start of the chapter; you need one scientist to open the door to the next chapter. On your way there are more than one way to deal with the enemies. You can even lure them to fight each other unlike in black mesa they only fight when they are spawnd to fight. Due to the maze nature of the original the escorting part may still hides danger. You only need one scientist. No matter how many die on the way, as long as one survives you win.
And the dam fight is a part when the original gives you more freedom when they treat the helicopter like just another enemy type than a boss fight. The helicopter serves similar role to a grunt. It fights the xen creatures and the black mesa staffs. You will usually find the blind spots when encounter one, except for the time rocket launcher is introduced.
It was one of my best memory I have with half life when I jumped into the water to evade the helicopter only to find two ichthyosaurs waiting for me. And it’s kinda lame that the water can’t hide you from the bird in black mesa
In black mesa definition edition, the level design encourages the player to move more, but it gives a path they hint you, making a fight dynamic yet always feels the same. Still it’s a huge step forward from 1.0 or older
i think the 2024 nov map is not the same, after 6:22 the map got a huge extend, and there is an extra part before the 2 marines
16:04 I don't remember there being a guard when I was at this part.
This is in the newest version of the game if you bring the guard to the silo
@@Sexy_Nutella Is it in a newer branch?
@@TheKingofBunga2912 well he did say the newest version..
@@robowisanveithasung6022 Yeah. I figured how do it a while ago.
Yes
This gameplay is soooo smoth
Glad you enjoyed :)
Had a glitch happen at the 12:30 mark for my game, wherein the rail cart refuses to budge past the halfway point of the gate. Had to skip finishing this chapter and load straight into Apprehension to progress.
Interesting. Perhaps you can also reload the map itself to progress?
@@Sexy_Nutella That might help. I already just decided to skip the level out of frustration, but hopefully if I ever replay it the bug won't reoccur.
@@Sexy_Nutella Are you alive?
11:53 i had no idea you could do this...
I only noticed after the devs themselves told people to try it. Super cool that they included this haha
I love the story of this game
Same here. The environmental storytelling is amazing.
Btw , how long have u been playing black mesa , ur shooting is on point hahaha
@@aareaja783 I've played a grand total of 760 hours according to Steam. But these videos are a result of me just going through the encounters again and again until I get something I like, so I have a lot of time to practice them haha
You planning on playing the uncut version of this? No rush or anything- but I’d love to see you tackle it.
Oh man, to be honest it's dropped off my radar. Unfortunately it's probably going to take a backseat to the other things that I have on my bucket list to play through :(
@@Sexy_Nutella
No worries! Looking forward to seeing some of the stuff you’ve got planned, anyway!
@@swatchbox6789 Appreciate the kind words!
Im sad that number 479 barney died.
He was a good barney :(
Yeah, when I hear Half-life I remember rails. But I don't agree this was a bad or annoying level.
Yeah. Same with Water hazard in HL2 - a lot of people didn't like it but it's one of my favourite chapters in that game
@@orionsred I know a lot of fans who do. Same issues as On a Rail for them. I personally love it because of its length. Also that sunset in the last two maps are amazing.
Still a bit sad that they cut most of it
At least we have OAR Uncut!
What's cut exactly?
@@babblebabble I can't remember off the top of my head but I remember it being much longer and more maze-like in Half-Life
Curious as to how you get steady fps in the launch pad part. I always get a huge dip. Its still playable, but its no where close to ideal.
16:04
Can you save him by laying c4 before the soldiers arrive?
Unfortunately I don't think so - I think he is scripted to die regardless of if the player tries to intervene. I don't think soldiers actually spawn on the side where he's shot from.
@@Sexy_NutellaI confirm. He dies anyway ;(
Once again, a great work lol, On a Rail is one of the worst chapters imo but not because the layout, but because its lenght, although I quite enjoyed it last time I play the OG Half Life for 1090129201892834th time, lol, even with all those playthroughs and actually getting to enjoy On A Rail, I still hate that chapter.... Interloper, didnt played the Black Mesa version yet lol but I'll for sure this weekend, anyway, great work again dude, looking forward to watch the next ones ;D
Thank you! I haven't played HL1 OAR in a while so I'm definitely going to revisit it sometime after I finish Black Mesa haha
Oh believe me, Black Mesa's version of On a Rail is LEAGUES better than the original version. And surprisingly, the On a Rail Uncut expansion (which adds back the cut sections) is just as much fun.
@@themindfulmoron3790 I think the electrified rails and train not stopping if you fall out really impacted the quality of the original
Se nota el stuttering en la parte donde vas con el guardia a preparar el cohete y en la superficie, también tiene problemas de rendimiento en otros sitios, aún falta pulir el juego, espero lo solucionen con futuras actualizaciones.
Desafortunadamente, es muy difícil optimizar este juego. Creo que hicieron todo lo posible, pero sí, ¡espero que el rendimiento mejore en futuras actualizaciones!
was the cut stuff also reworked for the uncut version
Yep. I haven't played it in ages but off the top of my head the sequences that are reintroduced in the Uncut mod include:
- Elevator rigged with explosives and having to use the Satchel to blow them up
- The HECU/Vort fight where Freeman can observe from underneath a vent system
- The turntable ambush
- The room with all the moving containers
- The HECU using a TOW launcher
Relaxing
That intro song does put me in a somewhat relaxed mood haha
Wait, wait, wait did I see that right? Shouldn't the tracks be like the source of power for the train? Why doesn't the water conduct eletricity then? I remember that is how they worked in HalfLife. Maybe that was changed, but then it doesn't make sense to me... am I missing something?
"Modern tram systems with street-running avoid the risk of electrocution by the exposed electric rail by implementing a segmented ground-level power supply, where each segment is electrified only while covered by a vehicle which is using its power."
Given how old the tram system is supposed to be in this area, I doubt that would qualify, but this is a possible explanation.
What happened to the sniper outside the missile silo?
Omitted in Black Mesa. First sniper shows up in Surface Tension instead
@@Sexy_Nutella Well, that´s a shame since it was very memorable moment to me.
@@capscaps04 Same here!
20:53
Another resonance 16:16
How did he pick up a suit battery under three feet of water without getting shocked? 🔋
Perhaps the case is sealed or waterproof haha idk
how did you get the lights to work? its so dark with my game
Perhaps you have a conflicting mod or older version of the game? This is the most recent version and your game should automatically update to it.
Press F...of...guard...i...i...i...no comments.
F.
F
They should add me into the game through a mod weapons pack :)
And no scary sound
Are you talking about the scream/wailing sound that was re-used as the horde sound in Left4Dead? Yeah that was spooky.
I like the original On a rail better tbh.
I like both versions for different reasons :P Loved OAR1 for its more survival horror feel (that chapter starting off with the song "Sirens in the Distance" always makes me feel super apprehensive)
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Whut
That computerized announcer voice is weird..
It's the Military VOX from Chapter 5!
the chapter noone likes
I liked this chapter, just wished it was longer. The devs cut out too much in my opinion