Route Kanal

Introduction

Route Kanal is the network of canals leading into and out of City 17. The water is polluted in several places, making it harmful to the player and enemies. There are many rebel strongholds, as the canals are being used as an escape route for many besides Gordon. At one point there is a large dam, where a nearby waterworks facility houses Black Mesa East.

Architecture

Much of the canals are light concrete and water-stained, with interior areas a darker concrete. There are occasional metal pipes the player may be able to enter. The entire area should give a heavy feeling of disuse, but not disrepair- walls should not be crumbling, but can have plenty of graphitti.

The canals are littered with large amounts of trash and debris, much of it metal or rock. Large metal containers could house rebel stations, as can any similarly-designed safehouses. These structures are inconspicuous, and are generally built out of whatever material is already there.

In the latter part of the area, the canals open into an outdoor river. The design here should change to reflect that, with natural barriers instead of concrete. This is also the portion where the airboat is used, so these sections can be wider, longer, and incorporate more interesting traps and tricks (such as jumps).

Environment

Since the canals are, well, canals, areas should feel tight and linear. Although Gordon's passage through them happens during the day, they can be traveled at night with just as good visual effect. However, this may reduce any lighting contrasts between inside areas and open, outdoor areas.

Most of the traps that the player would come across are set up by the Combine, and should deter the player rather than help. There can be an occasional trap set up from a rebel stronghold, but the majority should be set against the player's advancement.

The most common sounds should be sounds of pursuit. The canal levels have a feeling of escape (amplified during the airboat sequences) that is aided by the sound of pursuing helicopters, gunfire, and other hostile noises. The canals themselves produce little noise.

NPCs

The Combine first makes their strike against Gordon in the canals, so a good amount of soldiers should appear throughout. They can appear in the canal itself, on streets above, or dropping in from helicopters. They also use traps when possible, so there is potential for scripted scenes.

Barnacles also appear commonly in the canals, both in tight areas and under bridges. Consider how difficult the barnacles will be to either avoid or defeat when placing them; nobody wants to get sucked up by one in order to kill it.

Rebels have set up an underground railroad throughout the canals, which helps Gordon considerably. Consider creating safe havens where rebels are (or were) stationed to give the player a break from combat.

While no striders appear in the canals in the game, they are not restricted from entering, should they be desired. Antlions simply do not go near the canals. Headcrabs are best limited to tight sections of a Route Kanal map.

See Also

• Route Kanal soundscapes

Reference

File:Location.jpg

Description of location. Click to enlarge.