Ricochet (Half-Life)

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Ricochet is a multiplayer mod of the popular first-person shooter, Half-Life. It was developed by Valve Software and released with the 1.1.1.0 patch of the game on June 12, 2002. It is an official mod, and is available free through Steam to anyone who owns Half-Life.

Gameplay

A screenshot of Ricochet on map rc_arena.

Ricochet is a deathmatch game notable for its apparent simplicity, inspired by arcade games and platform games in both concept and design. Players jump between neon-lit platforms suspended above an abyss, and shoot disks at one another, trying to push the opponent off the platform and into the depths.

There are also horizontal barriers which the disks can bounce off (hence the name Ricochet); a direct hit resulting in a fall scores 1 point, a single-bounced hit scores 2 points, double-bounced 3 points, and so on. Ricochet also features a second attack (done by the alternate fire key) which cuts off the head of your opponent. The decapitation attack (as it is called) uses all three of your discs, but recharges all of them at once quickly.

Unlike in other Half-Life mods, the number of player deaths is not shown on the scoreboard, only the number of kill points. The aiming is effectively two-dimensional, and the movement is reduced to automated jumping between the platforms, though some manoeuvering can be performed in mid-air by advanced players.

Three maps come with the mod, two for deathmatch and one for duel combat. Custom Ricochet maps are rare. The most popular map is rc_deathmatch.

Powerups

There are four kinds of temporary bonuses to pick up: "power shot", "freeze shot", "fast shot", and "triple shot". The "power shot" powerup changes your primary attack to the decapation attack. It does not use all three of your discs to fire though, it only uses one. The "freeze shot" slows your opponent down significantly and makes him or her glow blue. The "fast shot" speeds up your rate of fire and allows you to shoot more discs for the discs you have. The "triple shot" shoots three discs at once that spread out while being fired.

These powerups remain even after you have died, but have limited use. Furthermore, you can pick up more than one powerup. You don't lose the powerup you currently have though, the effects are combined.

Ricochet (Half-Life)

Gameplay

Powerups

See also