Over the years, various unfinished iterations of Half-Life 2 have surfaced, offering a glimpse into the evolution of Valve’s vision for one of PC gaming’s most celebrated titles. A recent video by YouTuber and avid Half-Life 2 enthusiast, CMDR RileySV, explores the 2003 beta, shedding light on a particular enigma from the final game: the mysterious “City 17 river.”
The River’s Role in Gameplay
This river, visible at several points in the finished game, remains unexplored by players. Initially, however, it was meant to play a significant role leading up to the game’s climax. The Uprising section, originally intended to be more extensive, featured the E3 Strider demo fight. Following this encounter, players would navigate further through the streets of City 17, eventually arriving at a park adjacent to the waterway.
In the beta, players would descend into the canals, racing through untextured maps with the scout car, likely encountering challenges along the way before finally emerging at the base of the Citadel. Even in its unfinished form, this segment promised a striking visual reveal of the Citadel, as players would turn a corner and gaze upward, captivated by its towering presence.
Ultimately, the river and canals were intended to serve as the player’s route to the Citadel. While remnants of these elements can still be found in the final version—accessible through scenery clipping or mods—the canal section during the Anticitizen One chapter was repurposed, leading to mixed reactions among players. Nevertheless, many appreciate the final execution.
In a delightful twist, a comment on the YouTube video highlights the intricate details of Half-Life 2. User @FlintExp remarked on the game’s level of detail, noting that despite its Eastern European setting, the city layout draws inspiration from New York City. By inputting specific coordinates into Google Maps, players can pinpoint the exact locations depicted in the game.
FlintExp elaborated on how to reconstruct the game’s imagery, matching bridges, roadways, and landmarks such as Wallabout Bay, suggesting that the Citadel’s location aligns with Prospect Park in NYC. This intriguing connection reveals that the retextured image of City 17, as players ascend the Citadel, is actually an aerial view of a New York neighborhood. The river, glimpsed during the Superportal sequence in Half-Life 2: Episode Two, was once a pivotal aspect of the journey through City 17, guiding players toward the Citadel.
While some may ponder the potential impact of extending the City 17 sections on the game’s pacing, it is evident that Valve made thoughtful decisions in shaping Half-Life 2‘s final form. The 2003 beta closely resembles the retail version, with notable exceptions that reveal the studio’s meticulous editing process right up to the release. For instance, players received the Gravity Gun after Ravenholm in the beta, a detail that further illustrates the game’s development journey.
Kudos to CMDR RileySV for unearthing this fascinating piece of Half-Life 2 history. Their channel serves as a treasure trove for fans seeking deep dives into the series’ lore and intricacies, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts of this iconic franchise.
