Episode 3 Gameplay Footage Revealed In Documentary

Valve just celebrated the 20th anniversary of Half-Life 2 with a two-hour documentary on the game, going over its development and legacy. It also touches on the cancelled sequel, Episode 3, after Episode 2 left the story on a cliffhanger.

While the devs discuss what Episode 3 could have been, the documentary gives us a look at some early gameplay footage. This shows off one of its planned weapons in action, as Episode 3 would have given players an incredibly versatile ice gun.

First Ever Look At Half-Life 2: Episode 3 Gameplay Shows Off Planned Ice Gun

This gameplay reveal comes in at around the 1:53:30 mark, so towards the end of the documentary. Here, we can see a demonstration of how the ice gun would have worked. Its primary function was to create shapes, which could be used to take cover from enemies and build platforms for traversal. It could also be used to freeze enemies, to take them down that way instead.

After that, we’re shown one of the planned enemy types: blobs. These are incredibly unique, as their shape is constantly changing, letting them get around anything blocking their path, including people. We’re also told that they could split up into multiple blobs, likely making them a frustrating enemy to go up against or try to flee from.

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However, Episode 3 never saw the light of day. Originally planned to be released in 2007, it kept getting pushed back until Valve eventually confirmed that it was cancelled.

This is separate from the much sought-after Half-Life 3, which for many years, had been more of an internet urban legend. But now, multiple leaks point to Half-Life 3 finally being in development. Valve is yet to confirm this, but for the first time in years, fans have something a bit more concrete to rally around.

Half-Life 2: Episode 3