Xen: Difference between revisions

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==Introduction==
==Introduction==
Xen is an alternate dimension discovered by Black Mesa [[monster_scientist|scientists]] prior to the original [[Half-Life]]. Black Mesa sent expedition teams into Xen to collect alien samples, and is the source of the crystal that triggers the resonance cascade early on in the game.
Xen is an alternate dimension discovered by Black Mesa [[monster_scientist|scientists]] prior to the original [[Half-Life]]. Black Mesa sent expedition teams into Xen to collect alien samples, and is the source of the crystal that triggers the resonance cascade early on in the game.


==Architecture==
==Architecture==
Xen consists mostly of organic, spongelike platforms floating in a nebulous void. Various energy spires and other organic growths are commonplace. Xen occasionally features larger cave systems underground. The gravity on Xen is lower than on Earth.


Xen consists mostly of organic, spongelike platforms floating in a nebulous void. Various energy sprires, sphincters, and other organic growths are relatively commonplace. Deep inside some or the larger "asteroids" would be extensive cavern systems, rivers, and resevoirs. The gravity in [[Xen]] is relatively lower than the rest of the Half-Life world.
Xen was often criticized for its frustrating "jumping puzzles". Therefore, it is best to relegate moving platforms to an atmospheric role rather than a gameplay mechanic.
 
Xen was often criticised for its frustrating "jumping puzzles" - jumping from platform to platform, or jumping off of giant manta-rays, etc. Therefore, it is best to relegate moving platforms to an atmospheric role rather than a gameplay mechanic.


==Environment==
==Environment==
 
Xen's lighting consists mainly of glowing crystals and bio-luminescent tubes. Odd fungi and pillars and can be seen spread around in areas.
Being an alien dimension, Xen lighting was often very bright and saturated. Crystals and bioluminscent "tubelights" would provide neon lighting in most Xen levels, generally being the only source of lighting aside from a sun-like entity in the distance.
 
Obviously, a Xen level should feel alien. However, mods such as [[Point Of View]] have proven that man-made architecture can be integrated with Xen, if done properly.


==NPCs==
==NPCs==


Xen is the home of various organisms such as the [[npc_headcrab|headcrab]], the [[npc_barnacle|barnacle]], and the [[npc_vortigaunt|vortigaunt]] (aka Alien Slave). No humans are present except dead expedition members, which creates a desolate feeling for the player and evokes heroic tones, similar to the [[Citadel]].
No humans should ever be seen in a Xen level. Occasional dead expedition members can create a disturbing and desolate atmosphere, however.


In general, no human or humanoid enemies should be seen in a Xen level. This would include both [[npc_combine_s|Combine soldiers]] as well as [[npc_zombie|zombies]]. However, dead human scientists in [[item_suit|HEV suits]] are seen scattered throughout Xen.
Aliens should include [[monster_headcrab|headcrab]], the [[monster_barnacle|barnacle]], and the [[monster_alien_slave|vortigaunt]].  


==See Also==
==See Also==
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==References==
==References==
Notice how similar the indoor architecture of Xen is to the indoor architecture of the Combine [[Citadel]].


<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:C4a1 teleporter.jpg|Xen Teleporter
Image:C4a1 teleporter.jpg|Xen teleporter
Image:C4a1 mist.jpg|Xen uses a strange purple fog in some areas
</gallery>
</gallery>


[[Category:Regions & Atmospheres]][[Category:Half-Life Continuity]]
[[Category:Regions & Atmospheres]][[Category:Half-Life Continuity]]

Revision as of 18:19, 28 December 2013

Introduction

Xen is an alternate dimension discovered by Black Mesa scientists prior to the original Half-Life. Black Mesa sent expedition teams into Xen to collect alien samples, and is the source of the crystal that triggers the resonance cascade early on in the game.

Architecture

Xen consists mostly of organic, spongelike platforms floating in a nebulous void. Various energy spires and other organic growths are commonplace. Xen occasionally features larger cave systems underground. The gravity on Xen is lower than on Earth.

Xen was often criticized for its frustrating "jumping puzzles". Therefore, it is best to relegate moving platforms to an atmospheric role rather than a gameplay mechanic.

Environment

Xen's lighting consists mainly of glowing crystals and bio-luminescent tubes. Odd fungi and pillars and can be seen spread around in areas.

NPCs

No humans should ever be seen in a Xen level. Occasional dead expedition members can create a disturbing and desolate atmosphere, however.

Aliens should include headcrab, the barnacle, and the vortigaunt.

See Also

Wikipedia:Xen (Half-Life)

References

  • Xen teleporter

    Xen teleporter

  • Xen uses a strange purple fog in some areas

    Xen uses a strange purple fog in some areas

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