Episode 3 Gameplay footage revealed in documentary

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

While the developers discuss what Episode 3 could have been, the documentary gives us a look at some early gameplay footage. This showcases 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 around 1:53:30, 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 crossing. It can also be used to freeze enemies, to take them down that way instead.

After that, one of the planned enemy types appears: blobs. These are incredibly unique, as their shape constantly changes, allowing them to get around anything that blocks their path, including humans. We're also told that they can split into multiple clumps, which likely makes them a frustrating enemy to face or try to escape from.

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Fingers Crossed Half-Life 3 is not VR

Alyx was good, but I hope the next Half-Life releases the headset.

However, Episode 3 never saw the light of day. Originally scheduled for release in 2007, it kept getting pushed back until Valve eventually confirmed its cancellation.

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

Half-Life 2: Episode 3