Flashlight
| |
| Flashlight | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Faction | |
| Usage | |
| Used by | |
| Game information | |
| Entity |
N/A |
- "We've really got to talk to Dr. Kleiner about getting a new battery for that flashlight."
- ― Alyx Vance[src]
The Flashlight is a portable light source used throughout the Half-Life series appearing in a variety of shapes and forms. It is standard equipment for the Black Mesa Security Force and a built-in feature of the HEV Suit.
Contents
Overview[edit]
First formally introduced during the Hazard Course training, the flashlight is a tool used to illuminate dark areas, such as through Black Mesa's numerous ventilation ducts. The HEV Suit includes a built-in flashlight[1] that runs on an auxiliary source independent of the suit's power supply, allowing it to be used even if the suit is fully drained.[2] The flashlight slowly drains its energy supply while in use and recharges when turned off. If kept on for too long, the flashlight will automatically shut off once it depletes its available power. Black Mesa security guards carry handheld flashlights that function in the same manner. The science personnel in the facility are also seen wielding a variety of portable light devices. However, the invading HECU and Black Ops forces instead opt for night vision goggles, the former as a part of their Powered Combat Vest outfit.
Half-Life 2: Episode One features a segment in which Gordon and Alyx must travel through pitch-black underground tunnels overrun with Zombies using only his suit's flashlight and flares for illumination. Zombies hidden in darkness are instantly attracted to the light source, and Fast Headcrabs clinging to the ceiling in ambush will immediately strike if a light shines upon them. In Half-Life 2: Episode Two, the flashlight was given a separate power source that had previously been shared with the sprinting and oxygen meters.
In Portal 2, the Aperture Science Personality Constructs are shown to have built-in flashlights projected from their eyes. This is demonstrated by Wheatley in Turret Manufacturing when the power to the wing is shut off. He states that he was told he would die if he were ever to turn his flashlight on.
In Half-Life: Alyx, Alyx Vance acquires a flashlight from the corpse of a Combine Worker while in the Quarantine Zone. The name on it indicates its brand is PocketFLASH. She attaches this flashlight to her Gravity Gloves, and Russell informs her that it's sensitive to darkness and will automatically turn on in low light environments. Combine Ordinals also carry flashlights as part of their gear. Additionally, Combine Grunts can be seen using flashlights when investigating the ruins of the Vault's crash.
Behind the scenes[edit]
In the Half-Life Alpha, the HEV Suit's flashlight acts in a different manner. Rather than projecting a point of light, it simply illuminates a limited area around the player, similar to how the night vision functions in Half-Life: Opposing Force. In an early Half-Life: Blue Shift trailer, a handheld version of flashlight acting as a unique weapon slot item can be seen.[3] This feature was cut from the final game, instead retaining the same flashlight mechanics used for the HEV Suit in Half-Life. The leftover flashlight worldmodel was kept as a decorative map object.
According to Valve's Aaron Seeler, the reason why the flashlight was given a separate power source in Episode Two is related to the Antlion Guardian chase sequences. Playtesters were unable to outrun the creature because they constantly left their flashlight on while escaping, leaving no energy left to sprint. The development team didn't want to force the players to not illuminate their surroundings, so they decided to alter the mechanic. Seeler notes that this change might be explained in-universe as being the result of damage sustained in the train crash.[4]
Gallery[edit]
Pre-release[edit]
HECU Marines shine a spotlight on a Panthereye.
The flashlight being used as a weapon slot item in an early Blue Shift trailer.
A flashlight in a security guard's locker.
Ditto, the final release version of the trailer.
Retail[edit]
HUD icons of flashlight in Half-Life and its expansions.
An example of using a flashlight in Half-Life.
Barney Calhoun holding a flashlight while trying to enter Area 3 Security Facilities.
A fallen security guard clutches onto a flashlight.
A wounded scientist turns on the flashlight beside him.
A flashlight lying on the ground near a scientist performing repair work.
A flashlight lights up a scientist's hiding spot.
Spotting a Zombine with the HEV Suit's flashlight.
Alyx shielding her eyes from Gordon's flashlight.
The flashlight casting a dynamic shadow in Episode Two.
Wheatley using his flashlight to guide Chell through darkness.
A corrupted core lights up the other cores with its flashlight.
The flashlight used by Alyx.
A dead Combine Worker carrying the flashlight taken by Alyx.
A Combine Ordinal pulls out a flashlight.
The Ordinal checks if the room is clear.
List of appearances[edit]
Main games[edit]
- Half-Life
- Half-Life: Blue Shift
- Half-Life: Decay
- Half-Life 2
- Half-Life 2: Deathmatch (Non-canonical appearance)
- Half-Life 2: Episode One
- Half-Life 2: Episode Two
- Portal 2
- Half-Life: Alyx
Other[edit]
- Half-Life: Day One (First appearance)
- Half-Life: Uplink (Non-canonical appearance)
- Half-Life 2: Lost Coast (Non-canonical appearance)
- Source Particle Benchmark (Non-canonical appearance)
References[edit]
- ↑ Half-Life 2 Prima Guide
- ↑ Half-Life Prima Guide
- ↑
Early Half-Life: Blue Shift trailer on YouTube
- ↑ Half-Life 2: Episode Two commentary
