G-Man
Some information on this page may contain plot spoilers. Continue reading at your own risk.
About G-Man
G-Man is a very mysterious man with very remarkable powers; he's employed by an unrevealed party, apparently with the task of recruiting and managing other, useful lifeforms for an unknown purpose (and possibly for the highest bidder).
Gordon can catch glimpses of the G-Man throughout Half-Life and Half-Life 2, supervising Gordon's progress and talking to the rebels in Half-Life 2.
Speeches
Half-Life
Gordon Freeman in the flesh, or rather in the hazard suit. I took the liberty of relieving you of your weapons, most of them were government property. As for the suit, I think you've earned it.
The border world, Xen is in our control, for the time being, thanks to you. Quite a nasty piece of work you managed over there. I am impressed.
That's why I'm here, Mr. Freeman. I have recommended your services to my employers, and they have authorized me to offer you a job. They agree with me that you have limitless potential.
You've proved yourself a decisive man so I don't expect you'll have any trouble deciding what to do. If you're interested, just step into the portal and I will take that as a yes. Otherwise ...well... I can offer you a battle you have no chance of winning. Rather an anticlimax after what you've just survived.
Offer rejected
Well... it looks like we won't be working together; no regrets, Mr. Freeman, but there are a few survivors of your personal holocaust who would like the chance to meet the man responsible for the total annihilation of their race.
Offer accepted
Wisely done! I will see you up ahead.
Opposing Force
Concluding Speech
So, Corporal Shephard, we meet at last. Please don't think that I've been avoiding you. A great many matters require my attention in these... troubled times. I do hope you understand. And now I require a further indulgence on your part. I cannot close my report until every loose end has been tied up. The biggest embarrassment has been [the] Black Mesa facility, but I think that's finally taken care of itself...
[Flash of nuclear explosion]
Quite so.
But there is still the lingering matter of witnesses. I admit I have a fascination with those who adapt and survive against all odds. They rather remind me of myself. If for no other reason, I have argued to preserve you for a time.
While I believe a civil servant like yourself understands the importance of... discretion, my employers are not quite so trusting, and rather than continually subject you to the irresistible human temptation of telling all, we have decided to convey you to somewhere where you can do no possible harm, and where no harm can come to you. I'm sure you can imagine there are worse alternatives.
Blue Shift
Gman does not speak in Half-Life: Blue shift, but is seen.
Half-Life 2
Introduction
Rise and shine, Mr. Freeman. Rise and shine. Not that I wish to imply you have been sleeping on the job. No one is more deserving of a rest. And all the effort in the world would have gone to waste until... well, let's just say your hour has come again. The right man in the wrong place can make all the difference in the world. So, wake up, Mr. Freeman. Wake up and.. smell the ashes.
Ending
Time, Dr. Freeman?
Is it really that time again? It seems as if you only just arrived. You've done a great deal in a small timespan. You've done so well, in fact, that I've received some interesting offers for your services. Ordinarily, I wouldn't contemplate them, but these are extraordinary times, hmm?
Rather than offer you the illusion of free choice, I will take the liberty of choosing for you... if and when your time comes round again.
I do apologize for what must seem to you an arbitrary imposition, Dr. Freeman. I trust it will all make sense to you in the course of... well... I'm really not at liberty to say. In the meantime... This is where I get off.
Half-Life 2: Episode One
[As vortigaunts separate him and Freeman] We'll see about that.
Half-Life 2: Episode Two
Doctor Freeman. I realize this moment may not be the most convenient for a heart-to-heart, but I had to wait until your... friends were otherwise occupied.
Hm. There was a time they cared nothing for Miss Vance... When their only experience of humanity was a crowbar coming at them down a steel corridor.
When I plucked her from Black Mesa, I acted in the face of objections that she was a mere child and of no practical use to anyone. I have learned to ignore such naysayers when... quelling them... was out of the question.
Still, I am not one to squander my investments, and I remain confident she was worth far more than the initial... appraisal.
That's why I must now extract from you some small repayment owed for your own survival. See her safely to White Forest, Doctor Freeman. I wish I could do more than keep an eye on you, but I have agreed to abide by certain... restrictions.
[Addressing Alyx] Mmm. Well... now... listen carefully, my dear. When you see your... father, relay these words: 'Prepare for unforeseen consequences.'
Half-Life: Alyx
Note:Unlike in other games, Alyx directly speaks to G-Man during his speech. Alyx's voicelines are not included hereImpressive work, Ms. Vance.
Gordon… Freeman? [Chuckles] Ms Vance. You wouldn't need all that to imprison Gordon Freeman.
Perhaps what I am is not as important as what I can offer you in exchange for coming all this way. Some believe the fate of our worlds is inflexible. My employers disagree. They authorize me to… nudge things in a particular direction from time to time. What would YOU want nudged, Ms. Vance?
Ahhh. That would be a considerably large nudge. Too large, given the interests of my employers. What if I could offer you something you don't know you want?
We are in the future. This is the moment where you watch your father die. Unless…
Unless you were to take matters into your own hands. Release your father, Ms. Vance.
Good. As a consequence of your action, this entity will continue. And this entity will not.
You ARE aware that you've proven yourself to be of extraordinary value.
A previous hire has been unable — or unwilling — to perform the tasks laid before him. We have struggled to find a suitable replacement. Until now.
I'm afraid you misunderstand the situation, Ms. Vance.
