Half-Life 2: Raising the Bar

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Half-Life 2: Raising the Bar - A Behind the Scenes Look: Prima's Official Insider's Guide is a coffee table book written by David Hodgson and published by Prima Games in November 2004, in a hardback and paperback cover, comprising a collection of images chronicling the development of Half-Life, Team Fortress, Day of Defeat, Counter-Strike, Counter-Strike: Source and Half-Life 2. Text includes notes on game design, development, cut concepts, information relating to voice actors and other areas.

The book has been discontinued and has thus become a collectible item.

Contents

 * Foreword by Gabe Newell
 * Investigation 1: Anomalous Materials
 * Half-Life: A Nonstandard Specimen
 * Extra Life: The Mod Movement
 * Investigation 2: Unexpected Interference
 * Half-Life 2: Creature Discomforts
 * Half-Life 2: Digital Drama
 * Half-Life 2: Welcome to City 17
 * Half-Life 2: Final Sequence

"Investigation 1: Anomalous Materials" chronicles the evolution of the Half-Life, from Prospero to Quiver, containing much characters, creatures, locations and weapons concept art. It expands on information related to the mod community that developed in the game's wake and the subsequent retail release of iconic mods such as Counter-Strike,Team Fortress and Day of Defeat.

"Investigation 2: Unexpected Interference" deals with the long development of Half-Life 2, containing much characters, creatures, locations and weapons concept art as well. It also contains chapters dealing with the creation and design of the main characters, and their real life counterparts.

The book is also filled with numerous interviews of the Valve staff members.