Xen

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Introduction

Xen, or the "borderworld", is an alien dimension accessible through high levels of energy channeled within teleportation devices. It is revealed in Half-Life that Black Mesa scientists sent expedition teams into Xen to collect alien samples, most notably the orange crystal that triggers the disaster. Half-Life ends with the player travelling to Xen and defeating the Nihilanth.

Architecture

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.

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

Being an alien dimension, Xen lighting was often very bright and saturated. Crystals and bioluminscent "tubelights" would provide neon lighting in most Xen levels.

NPCs

Xen is the native home of various organisms such as the headcrab and the barnacle, among others. No humans are present except dead expedition members, which creates a desolate feeling for the player and evokes heroic tones, similar to the Citadel.