Brant Ringler has been involved with the bowl game held in Fort Worth, Texas, ever since its inception in 2003. He was initially second in command under executive director Tom Starr and those two were jointly responsible for a decision that secured the event’s future. Three years in, Starr and Ringler determined the Fort Worth Bowl needed a new name in order to help attract corporate sponsorship. “We wanted to be different in the landscape of college bowl games. We also wanted to honor and recognize something significant,” Ringler recalled. “Tom and I wrote some ideas down separately and No. 1 on both of our lists was to honor the armed forces.” ESPN Events approved changing the name to Armed Forces Bowl and one week later Bell Helicopter came aboard as title sponsor. “It was the best decision we ever made because it gave the game an identity,” said Ringler, who was promoted to executive director when Starr started what is now known as the First Responder Bowl. Those two games are among 17 college football bowl games owned and operated by ESPN Events, based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Every corporate sponsor of the Armed Forces Bowl is required to help underwrite the cost of tickets that enable 20,000 military members to attend the game each year. There are approximately 100,000 veterans residing in the greater Fort Worth area so organizers never have a problem distributing those complimentary tickets. That policy also puts the Armed Forces Bowl well on the way to filling Amon G. Carter Stadium, located on the campus of Texas Christian University. Factor in an attractive matchup like this year’s between Navy (9-3) and Oklahoma (6-6) and the bowl is a financial success. Organizers announced Tuesday that Friday’s Armed Forces Bowl, which kicks off at noon Eastern Daylight Time, was a sellout. That means a record crowd of 46,000 will fill Amon G. Carter Stadium, breaking the previous mark of 44,738 when Army played Houston in 2018. “When this matchup was announced we knew we were in store for a record crowd,” Ringler said. “We are thankful for the passionate Oklahoma and Navy fan bases and our Forth Worth Community for turning out in huge numbers to celebrate these teams and honor our veterans and active-duty service members. Lockheed Martin took over as title sponsor in 2015 and later extended that agreement through 2025. Lockheed Martin is the largest employer in Tarrant County with approximately 18,000 workers at two different facilities. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics manufactures the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. Naturally, a squadron of four F-35s performs the pregame flyover. Each year, organizers distribute tickets to 6,000 Lockheed Martin employees and a contingent of them help hoist the American flag that covers the entire field during the national anthem. It has worked out well for the event dubbed the “Bowl for the Brave” that Ringler has succeeded in landing a service academy in 14 of the last 18 years. This marks the third time Navy has played in the Armed Forces Bowl, while Air Force has participated seven times and Army on four occasions. “Obviously, having a service academy play in the game aligns perfectly with our mission and I commend the leadership at ESPN Events for working behind the scenes to make that happen,” Ringler said. “I think the academies like coming to this game, especially since all three recruit the state of Texas so hard. It’s a great opportunity for the academies to put their brand on display in Texas.” Every element of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl is a tribute to the military. It begins pregame with the Veterans Village, which features 40 non-profits providing free information and services to help veterans. Meanwhile, the CrossCountry Mortgage Tailgate Outpost and Fan Fest features recruiting booths and interactive displays for all branches of the armed forces. There are various tributes throughout the game with each branch of the military being recognized at the end of each quarter. At halftime, organizers present the Great American Patriot Award and this year’s recipient is Admiral Lisa Franchetti, current Chief of Naval Operations. “We identified the award winner before we knew Navy would be playing in the game so it works out very well that we are honoring Admiral Franchetti,” Ringler said. Also during the game, 125 military recruits (25 from all five branches) are inducted during an on-field ceremony, while 100 Purple Heart recipients will be honored. “We pay tribute to all the men and women who have served our country throughout the game,” said Ringler, who grew up in Fort Worth and worked in minor league baseball for many years before returning to his hometown. The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl Trophy is constructed using decommissioned pieces of Lockheed Martin aircraft, spacecraft, and weapons that are field-tested and battle-ready. Representing each of the six branches of the United States Armed Forces, each piece that goes into the trophy is an iconic symbol befitting those who answer the call of duty. Ringler is grateful for the partnership ESPN Events has formed with the government officials in Fort Worth and the administration of Texas Christian University. Studies show the Armed Forces Bowl makes an annual $10 million economic impact on the greater Fort Worth region. Former Fort Worth mayor Betsy Price served as a volunteer for the Armed Forces Bowl and enthusiastically supported the event. Current mayor Mattie Parker worked for Price and called the bowl a “showcase for our city.” Related Articles “Tarrant County is proud to have one of the highest percentages of veterans in the nation and Fort Worth is honored to be home to Lockheed Martin, a company that embodies freedom and service,” Parker said. “The Armed Forces Bowl is one of the best in the country year after year. It’s well-organized, family-friendly and enjoyable for all. At the heart of this game is support for the men and women who serve.” TCU was a member of Conference USA when the Armed Forces Bowl was founded and later joined the Mountain West Conference. Due largely to the national success of its football program, TCU was invited to join the Big 12 Conference in 2012. During the 2022-23 fiscal year, the Big 12 paid TCU $48.3 million in distributions. That dramatically increased annual revenue stream enabled the school to undertake a $250 million renovation of Amon G. Carter Stadium. “TCU Athletics has grown as the bowl game has grown and we have been the beneficiary of that success,” Ringler said. “It’s been a great relationship with TCU, which welcomed the bowl with open arms from the beginning and recognizes what we’re doing for the community is special.” At Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas Friday, noon TV: ESPN Radio: 1430 AM Line: Oklahoma by 3 1/2TMT invests EGP 100m in new customs bonded area at Hossni El-Antably stationNVIDIA says there may be a GPU shortage coming
Sebastian Zapeta, 33, who federal immigration officials said is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the US illegally, was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court. He appeared briefly before a judge and wore a white jumpsuit over a weathered black hooded sweatshirt. He did not speak. He will remain jailed ahead of his next court date on Friday. The apparently random attack occurred on Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Police said on Tuesday that identification of the victim was still “pending at this time”. Authorities say Zapeta approached the woman, who was sitting motionless in the train car and may have been sleeping, and used a lighter to set her clothing on fire. The woman quickly became engulfed in flames, while the suspect then sat at a bench on the subway platform and watched, according to police. Video posted to social media appeared to show the woman standing inside the train ablaze as some people look on from the platform, and at least one officer walks by. NYPD chief of transit Joseph Gulotta said that several officers had responded to the fire and one stayed to keep the crime scene “the way it’s supposed to be” while the others went to get fire extinguishers and transit workers. They were eventually able to douse the fire, but “unfortunately, it was too late”, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said — the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. During Zapeta’s court hearing on Tuesday, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg said Zapeta at one point fanned the flames on the woman using his shirt. He said a 911 call from a subway rider helped identify Zapeta. Mr Rottenberg added that under interrogation Zapeta claimed he did not know what happened, noting that he consumes alcohol. But he alleged that Zapeta identified himself to interrogators in images related to the attack. Zapeta was taken into custody on Sunday afternoon while riding a train on the same subway line after police got a tip from some teenagers who recognised him from images circulated by the police. A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support. The shelter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Federal immigration officials said Zapeta had been previously deported in 2018 but at some point reentered the US illegally. The crime — and the graphic video of it that ricocheted across social media — deepened a growing sense of unease among some New Yorkers about the safety of the subway system in a city where many residents take the subway multiple times each day.
The Mohajir Culture Day was celebrated in Karachi and Hyderabad on Tuesday. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) had announced plans to celebrate 'Mouhajir Culture Day' on Dec 24 in an effort to honour the cultural heritage and contributions of the Mohajir community. Urdu speaking youth in traditional kurta pajama took out rallies, while the central event took place at Governor House. Addressing the gathering, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori remarked that, for the first time, Mohajir Culture Day was being celebrated at state level. He said, "Our elders made great sacrifices, leaving behind their homes to migrate to the new country Pakistan." To this day, he said, this community continues to contribute to Pakistan through its sacrifices. "We ask every political party to work together on a single agenda - stabilise Pakistan economically and ensure it stands on its own feet." Governor Tessori emphasised, "The foundation of this movement is built on its martyrs and the missing persons. Our lives and efforts are devoted to Pakistan." MQM-P Chairman Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said "for years, cultural days of Sindhi, Baloch, and other communities have been celebrated at the Governor House. Today, we are celebrating Mohajir Culture Day, which in fact is Pakistan's Culture Day." He said that the Mohajir people are the bearers of the national language and the custodians of the heritage of Pakistan movement. If anyone dares to cast an evil eye on it, they will be dealt with. Let me warn people living in this city along the sea, respect the limits." Siddiqui further declared, "Mohajirs are the true heirs of this nation. We do not need a certificate of loyalty. Our culture is our strength, and we will make it Pakistan's strength. Those who tried to obstruct migrants' progress have now given up." Senior leader Dr Farooq Sattar remarked, "for the first time, Mohajir Culture Day is being celebrated in a state institution. Over 70 years past the formation of Pakistan, the migrants continue to face the issue of identity. Why is it necessary to inquire about their parents' domiciles in addition to their own?" MQM-P leader Anees Qaimkhani shared, "my forefathers came to Pakistan, sacrificing the lives of two million people. They came here at the request of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. I came here to become Pakistani and live in Pakistan. While others take pride in being Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun, or Baloch, my elders taught me to take the greatest pride in being Pakistani. Pakistan runs in my blood." MQM leader Haider Abbas Rizvi said, "There is much to say, but today I thank Allah for the fact that, in prominent state institutions across Pakistan, the slogan of 'Mohajir' is being chanted. As long as migrants are alive, they will give their lives to protect Pakistan." The event concluded with a spectacular display of fireworks, and artists also showcased their talents, adding to the festivities. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see ourICBM was 'NEW type of weapon', Zelensky warns as Russia calls UK 'participant in war' & Starmer blasts 'rec...Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Wednesday said the state, which has been in the grip of ethnic violence since May last year, needs immediate peace and appealed to two communities to reach an understanding. Speaking at the Good Governance Day programme at the state BJP headquarters here, Singh asserted that the saffron party can save the northeastern state as it believes in the idea of living together. ET Year-end Special Reads It's all Gucci for Indians' luxury craving even as economy shows wrinkles Investing in 2025: Will domestic funds continue to counter FPI sell-offs amid rising valuations? 2024 exposed the underbelly of India's Silicon Valley "What is happening in Manipur today has many reasons. Today, those who have been trying to divide the state are asking what the government is doing...they are hungry for power," Singh said. The chief minister said several initiatives such as 'Meeyamgi Numit' (People's Day), which aims at bringing the people and officials closer, have been rolled out. "We are not against any particular community. The stand of the BJP is clear. We believe in the idea of living together. We have already started to build relations between the police and the people," he said. 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View Program MORE STORIES FOR YOU ✕ « Back to recommendation stories I don't want to see these stories because They are not relevant to me They disrupt the reading flow Others SUBMIT Singh said the state government is working hard to meet the requirements of internally displaced people by making committees at several layers of the administration. He also claimed that the administration is providing immediate solutions to the displaced people in education and agriculture. "We have never committed any wrong. We only wanted to save future generations. The two communities need to be calm. Instead of looking at the past, we need to focus on the upcoming NRC process, capturing biometrics and 1961 as the base year of the Inner Line Permit. "We will continue our work democratically and constitutionally. This will take time. What we need now is immediate peace and reach an understanding between the two communities which have misunderstood each other," Singh said. More than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups in Manipur since May last year. "Only BJP can save Manipur...BJP leaders have a high sense of nationalism and social justice. They do reality-based politics in the interests of the nation....if I am not given a ticket by the BJP, I will remain with the party," Singh added. He also mentioned a few unity-themed projects of the BJP government, and said, "The Unity Mall will include stalls of all the ethnics of the state and will be built at the cost of more than Rs 140 crores". (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
‘Escape From Tarkov’ Fire Sale Event Kicks Off, Signalling Wipe SoonThe Pittsburgh Steelers had a strong start to the season. When Russell Wilson took over for Justin Fields in Week 7, they were 4-2, which was better than most expected. Fields performed so well that most analysts and fans felt the team was making a mistake by setting him aside for Wilson, who felt like an uncertainty. However, the former Super Bowl winner proved all his doubters wrong, going 6-1 in his first seven games. This led many doubters to admit they had been wrong about Wilson. Under the nine-time Pro Bowler , the offense looked better -- crisper and sharper. They were moving the ball down the field and scoring more touchdowns than they had under Fields, and everyone rejoiced. Even the loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 12 felt like a temporary blip rather than an actual concern. They bounced back and won their next two games, only to drop the two games following that. You’ll find out a lot about the #Steelers this week Arthur Smith pic.twitter.com/cQ9UdGNqK0 The recent losses to the Philadelphia Eagles and the Baltimore Ravens have raised red flags, particularly about the offense. In the past, they got off to some slow starts, but Wilson was able to lead them back to win. According to a video from 93.7 The Fan on X , Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith acknowledged to the media that the two losses changed the tone surrounding the team. "It's easy for everybody to be great vibes and everybody smiling when you're winning, but you're going to find out a lot about us in how we respond," said Smith. During the recent loss to the Ravens, Wilson had an inconsistent performance. He completed 22 of 33 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns. However, he also had an interception and a lost fumble. They were both very costly, leading to 14 points for the Ravens. Those two turnovers led to Wilson receiving a lot of criticism from the fan base. However, the fault was not all on him. They had several key defenders out with injuries, including Larry Ogunjobi , DeShon Elliott , and Donte Jackson . In addition to those, they were also missing Fields and George Pickens from the offense. Joey Porter Jr went out during the game and could not return due to a knee injury. The missing players and the inconsistencies from the offense and defense cost the Steelers and made Wilson's overall 2024 record 6-3 . They have two games left against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals, and they need to win both to win the AFC North, although they have already secured a playoff spot. Steelers' Russell Wilson Spoke Up About His Fumble If the Steelers had beaten the Ravens, they would have locked up the AFC North. Wilson took the brunt of the blame because of his turnovers. The Steelers have been winning the turnover battle all season, but could not do that in the two most recent losses. While the defense has been able to force turnovers, the offense hasn't been able to capitalize on them consistently. Wilson spoke to the media after the game about that devastating fumble. He told them he thought he would be able to get it in the end zone and spark some life into the offense. Unfortunately, the opposite occurred, and the momentum stayed with Baltimore. In watching the play, it is obvious that Wilson is just trying to make something happen. He has not displayed a tendency to fumble or turn the ball over in his first nine games in black and gold very much, so the assessment by many fans that he was reckless seems unfair. So far this season, Wilson has thrown 15 touchdowns and only had four interceptions. Do you agree with Smith that how the team responds to these losses will show a lot about who they actually are? Click to This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.In other region/state news, Old Dominion guard Robert Davis Jr. has been selected as the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Police identify Hampton man found dead at Great Dismal Swamp Police identify Hampton man found dead at Great Dismal Swamp Hitman who killed Navy officer in Newport News among 37 death row inmates commuted by Biden Hitman who killed Navy officer in Newport News among 37 death row inmates commuted by Biden 45 years ago, a Virginia Beach woman was killed. Her family is still waiting for answers. 45 years ago, a Virginia Beach woman was killed. Her family is still waiting for answers. Man sentenced to life in prison for drug-robbery slaying of popular skateboarder Man sentenced to life in prison for drug-robbery slaying of popular skateboarder Hampton considers accessory dwelling units as solution to housing shortage Hampton considers accessory dwelling units as solution to housing shortage David Teel: Why Norfolk State? For Michael Vick, the 757 is home David Teel: Why Norfolk State? For Michael Vick, the 757 is home Seven Poquoson football players take Class 2 all-state honors Seven Poquoson football players take Class 2 all-state honors Public records: Hampton EDA buys Kelly’s Tavern building, restaurants and retailers sign leases Public records: Hampton EDA buys Kelly’s Tavern building, restaurants and retailers sign leases Williamsburg regional sports complex gets new name Williamsburg regional sports complex gets new name Live: Michael Vick introduced as Norfolk State’s coach Live: Michael Vick introduced as Norfolk State’s coach Trending Nationally
In the rapidly evolving world of virtual reality (VR), the unveiling of the MetaQuest 3 Pico4 Ultra marks a significant leap forward. This groundbreaking technology is touted to redefine how gamers immerse themselves in digital universes. While its predecessors have laid down a strong foundation, this new device sets a new standard in the VR space. At the heart of the MetaQuest 3 Pico4 Ultra is its next-gen processor, offering unprecedented speed and responsiveness. Gamers can expect smoother frame rates, drastically reduced latency, and enhanced AI capabilities that bring a new degree of realism to interactive experiences. The device is also equipped with an innovative adaptive GPU architecture, allowing dynamic adjustment to the rendering needs of different games automatically. One of the most talked-about features is the hybrid display, which uses advanced micro-LED technology to deliver astounding clarity and vibrant colors. This, combined with a 4K resolution, draws players deeper into the game’s scenery, blurring the line between virtual and reality. Additionally, its ergonomically designed gear ensures comfort during extended sessions, a boon for dedicated gamers. However, what sets the MetaQuest 3 Pico4 Ultra apart is its revolutionary haptic feedback system. This feature promises a new sensation for VR enthusiasts, allowing users to feel and interact with the digital environment as never before. Imagine feeling a raindrop or the rumble of an explosion through a nuanced feedback mechanism, adding layers to the sensory experience. The future looks bright for enthusiasts, as the MetaQuest 3 Pico4 Ultra paves the way for a heightened, immersive experience that isn’t just about playing games but living them. The Future of Virtual Reality: Exploring the Innovations of the MetaQuest 3 Pico4 Ultra The virtual reality landscape is constantly morphing, and the introduction of the MetaQuest 3 Pico4 Ultra is set to outshine its contemporaries with groundbreaking features and promises of unmatched immersive experiences. Here, we delve into new insights and trends within this VR game-changer, offering an in-depth analysis of what makes it special. Revolutionary Performance Capabilities Specifications and Performance The MetaQuest 3 Pico4 Ultra is equipped with a next-gen processor and an advanced adaptive GPU architecture. These components promise buttery-smooth frame rates and minimized latency, ensuring every interaction is as lifelike and seamless as possible. The device is purpose-built to accommodate dynamic rendering needs, tailoring its performance to match the demands of each game. Cutting-Edge Display and Graphics Hybrid Display Technology The VR headset’s hybrid display technology leverages state-of-the-art micro-LEDs to deliver exceptional clarity and color accuracy. Coupled with a stunning 4K resolution, this technology enhances the visual aspect of gaming, blurring the boundaries between virtual environments and the real world. Sensory Immersion Redefined Haptic Feedback Innovations One of the standout features of the MetaQuest 3 Pico4 Ultra is its advanced haptic feedback system. By allowing users to physically experience digital elements, such as feeling raindrops or sensing the tremors of an explosion, the headset takes sensory engagement to unprecedented levels, creating a truly interactive virtual world. Practical Use Cases and Advantages Pros and Usability – Immersive Experiences : With its cutting-edge visuals and haptic feedback, the device offers deeply engaging experiences that extend beyond traditional gaming. – Comfort and Ergonomics : The ergonomic design enhances comfort, making it ideal for long gaming sessions without physical strain. Considerations and Limitations Cons – Potential Adaptability Challenges : As with any new technology, users may require time to adapt to the full scope of its innovative features. – Cost Factor : While pricing details are yet to be disclosed, the advanced technology may command a premium price point in the market. Market Trends and Predictions Sustainability and Future Outlook As VR technology continues to evolve, sustainability becomes a focal point. Future iterations may focus on eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs. With the MetaQuest 3 Pico4 Ultra, expect the VR landscape to pivot towards more sustainably conscious production models. Security and Compatibility Security Aspects Ensuring user data protection and secure connectivity will be paramount. The device is anticipated to include robust security features, aligning with contemporary privacy standards. Compatibility with Existing Tech With advanced hardware, the MetaQuest 3 Pico4 Ultra is expected to be backward-compatible with existing VR platforms, making it an attractive prospect for those who wish to seamlessly integrate it into their current setup. For more information on the latest innovations in VR, visit the Meta site.
It’s hard to even comprehend how much PC gaming has changed in the past 20 years. But it was the classic FPS Half-Life 2 that convinced people to install this weird military-green launcher app named Steam and take the plunge on digital distribution. Not only was it a fantastic game, it built on Valve’s established track record of mod support, providing creators with the tools to create their own levels, campaigns and total conversions, even if the studio's own plans could be a bit of an inscrutable black box. Smash-cut to two decades later. We’re still waiting for an official reveal of Half-Life 3 , but at least we’ve had plenty to chew on in the meantime. While never quite as explosively popular to remix as Doom (largely due to much more demanding mod tools), Half-Life 2 has maintained an active community of creators, mappers and modders since day one. Some went on to create fully standalone games like No More Room In Hell , or G String , Black Mesa or Infra , but plenty more kept hammering away at free goodies for us all to gorge on. After installing many, many Half-Life 2 mods, here are my choice picks from recent years to get you up to speed with Gordon and pals. How to install Half-Life 2 mods Despite a steady drip-feed of small updates over the years, it wasn’t until this 20th anniversary weekend that Valve finally made it easier to install Half-Life 2 mods. The game now has integrated Steam Workshop support , but at the time of writing, only a handful of items are available there, so to access some of the best mods you’re going to have to shuffle some files around for yourself. Not a huge hassle, but it could be easier. You will, of course, need to own Half-Life 2, along with its expansions. To install stuff not on the Steam Workshop, you should follow each mod’s individual installation instructions, but the most common first step is to have either the Source SDK Base 2013 Singleplayer or the Source SDK Base 2013 Multiplayer packages installed on Steam, from the Tools section of your Steam library. If you own Half-Life 2, both of these should be accessible. You should also right-click on either/both, go into Properties/Betas and select the ‘upcoming’ branch for Singleplayer, and ‘prerelease’ branch for Multiplayer. This’ll ensure that you’re using the very latest build, which most mods require. Once you’ve got that downloaded and updated, all you need to do is drop any unzipped mod folders into your Steam\steamapps\sourcemods directory (usually starting with C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\ ). If all’s in working order, close and re-launch Steam to have the mods pop up in Steam itself as part of your library. If they don’t, double-check to make sure everything has been unzipped to the right place. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team. Fortunately you won't need to go through these steps for some of my picks. As while Valve haven’t made mod distribution especially easy for Half-Life 2 until just recently, it has approved a large assortment of fan-made adventures and more polished mods to be released directly on the Steam storefront. Here’s some easy-to-install must-plays: The best Half-Life 2 mods on Steam Workshop Half-Life 2: Update by Filip Victor Available: Direct on Steam No longer quite as essential, but still an important community favorite, released around HL2’s 10 year anniversary. Until the impressive Half-Life 2 RTX drops, this subtle community-produced remaster is worth using. For the most part this is Half-Life 2 just as you remember, albeit with slightly better lighting and effects, and a lot of old outstanding bugs (many spawned by Valve themselves while updating the engine) crowbarred into submission. It’s Half-Life 2 as nostalgia tells you it was, not as it actually was. While this mod does only cover the original Half-Life 2 and neither of its expansions, it’s a polished and smart enough production to be worth installing. Especially if you turn on the optional Community Commentary mode, featuring anecdotes, insights and reminiscing from an assortment of avid Half-Life 2 fans, YouTubers and streamers. While that might sound like torture to some (and admittedly not quite as impressive as Valve’s own commentary), they’ve got some fun insights, and if you’d still rather not hear it, it’s entirely optional. In a similar vein, those lucky enough to own a pair of high-tech goggles should check out Half-Life 2 VR (including Episode 1 & Episode 2 ) to experience the classic campaign from a fresh new perspective. Entropy : Zero 2 by Breadmen Available: Direct on Steam Still one of the biggest and best. Sequel to the solid but slightly rough-hewn Entropy : Zero , this campaign puts you in the alien jackboots of ‘Bad Cop’, who is a bit of an arsehole even by Combine police standards. But evil alien governments being what they are, he’s marked as expendable before long, sending him on a shockingly well-written adventure through the bowels of an old Aperture Labs (yes, from Portal) research facility, where he teams up with Wilson, a sapient gun turret, for some buddy-action comedy hijinks. It’s just top notch Half-Life, and explores new and interesting sides to the setting without feeling too much like overwrought fanfic. And there’s still plenty more Entropy : Zero on the horizon, too. There’s two expansions in the works, one continuing Bad Cop’s story following EZ2’s good ending, and one prequel campaign putting you in the shoes of a Combine assassin shortly after the alien takeover. On top of that, the third-party expansion Entropy : Zero - Uprising is still chugging along, with its first chapter available now. And to top it all off? Entropy Zero 2 has its own Steam Workshop page , packed with community-made maps and mods. Swelter by SDE Development Team Available: Direct on Steam Another excellent singleplayer campaign. Experience a day in the life of a regular Resistance grunt, sent on a diplomatic mission to Combine-held Central Asia (most likely former Kazakhstan) in this sunny, chaotic little campaign. It’s a full self-contained three-act adventure. Only a few hours long, but never a dull moment as you bounce between setpiece after setpiece, gunfight after gunfight, and some gorgeously detailed environments. Day turns to night turns to dawn as your mission progresses, keeping the atmosphere fresh as you travel across the country. As well as the usual horrors of Combine occupation, the formerly Soviet state is full of sun-bleached structures emblazoned with fading red stars, as well as local art and architecture. It’s nice to see another culture and part of the world through the lens of Half-Life 2’s sci-fi war for survival. But also you probably won’t have long to appreciate the sights because there’s a whole lot of shooting to be done using an assortment of HL2 staples and a stack of cold war hand-me-downs. Can’t go wrong with an AK at least! Jabroni Brawl: Episode 3 by Team Jabroni Available: Direct on Steam A rare multiplayer pick, but a fantastic time if you bring the right people to the party. Jabroni Brawl: Episode 3 is an anarchic, enormous collection of competitive multiplayer maps and modes, and spiritual successor to the deeply chaotic Jaykin’ Bacon: Source . The tagline ‘For idiots, by idiots’ isn’t messing around. Over 130 maps and 150 player models (many borrowed from other games) and 80 weapons (including a dubstep cannon, an AK with an axe-bayonet and the classic Rocket Crowbar) spice up 14 game modes including ‘Sneaks vs Mallcops’ and ‘The Shidden’. On a server with game modes set to shuffle and all the maps in rotation, you won’t be bored. Sadly, despite Jabroni Brawl being actively supported and still getting regular updates with new maps, modes and features, there’s not many people playing it. And those that do frequent the game’s public servers tend to be a raucous and abrasive lot. Our advice is to BYOB (Bring Your Own Buddies) and convince your favorite gaming Discord community to install it, set up a password-locked server of your own and jump in with a bunch of people you know. Half-Life 2 mods from the border worlds (not Steam) Half-Life 2: MMod by Gunship_Mark_II Available: On ModDB If HL2 Update was giving the game an oil change, a wash and a wax, then MMod blesses Half-Life 2 with a full engine tune-up, a flashy new spoiler and a fresh decal kit. Sequel to a similarly impressive overhaul for Half-Life 1 , MMod aims to tune up Half-Life 2’s core gunplay and visual effects, with more particles, dynamic lighting, much slicker weapon animations and some minor balance tweaks. No massive or sweeping changes to gameplay, but a subtle shift towards modernity, buffing out some of the worst scuff marks that HL2 has picked up over the years. It’s a neat way to replay Half-Life 2 and its expansions. It’s impressive enough in action, with the now-bassy SMG spitting out smoking brass and the shotgun putting the fear of Gord into the Combine, but where MMod shines brightest is in its portability. The Addons page on ModDB for it contains a vast library of compatibility patches, letting you apply MMod’s enhancements to dozens upon dozens of other campaigns, maps and mods. Some of these patches are for older, slightly less polished versions of MMod, but it’s still a fantastic excuse to dive into the Half-Life extended universe, including some of the RTSL campaigns below! Run. Think. Shoot. Live. Available: On the RTSL Site Not a single mod recommendation, but rather a community, and one at the heart of Half-Life 2 modding to this day. While big projects like Entropy : Zero 2 are the tips of the iceberg, this is where you’ll find the deepest, purest and coolest ice. RTSL organizes, hosts and distributes a constant, steady drip feed of interesting Half-Life collaboration projects, usually built around themes, challenges or restrictions for their community of mappers and modders, like a Doom-inspired all-action level pack or a set of high-verticality maps where backtracking is part of the fun . I'm hoping to see some of these uploaded to the Steam Workshop soon! It’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet. Maybe not the most professional and polished productions, but endlessly varied flavors and textures to experience. With around 1600 hosted projects, you’ll have a nearly endless supply of HL2 to dive into here, but for starters, check out the recent TWHL Tower: Source . The latest in a series of Exquisite Corpse collaborations, a creative community patchwork campaign built around a simple concept: The player is storming a Combine-held tower, starting on the bottom floor. Each staircase introduces a new mapper, and often a completely different brand of gameplay. Expect claustrophobic, densely packed encounters and some very creative levels (of wildly varying quality—be warned) as you ascend, including (among other things) a System Shock 2-themed escape room. SourceWorld (Demo) by Bronco Development Available: On ModDB Last, but by no means least is one of HL2’s most mechanically ambitious mods to date, turning the game into a fully procedurally generated dungeon crawl. Set long after the Combine have been driven from Earth, you’re an unfortunate agent trying to pay off a massive debt by running smash-and-grab raids on parallel dimensions. It’s classic Half-Life 2 combat, but with escalating stakes. There’s even a little bit of Hades in here, with a story that unfolds over the course of multiple runs, with more equipment and even a persistent character skill tree giving you long-term progression options. The combat has been re-tuned somewhat to make even overly familiar threats menacing again. Don’t go underestimating the zombies, as they’re faster and more aggressive than you remember. Even if the current version of the mod is just the demo (featuring a limited range of map tile-sets and story events in the lab), it’s an astounding technological feat, and hints at Half-Life 2 still having some real life in it as a modding platform even as we hurtle into the very futuristic-sounding year of 2025. Here’s hoping for a bit more verticality in the maps come the final release, though. While Half-Life 2’s modding scene may not be buzzing with energy, it’s still producing some interesting and surprising projects. With SourceWorld pushing the engine to its limits (it was REALLY not built for procedural generation and I dare not peek at the nightmare spaghetti-code underpinning it all), perhaps this is the beginning of a grand resurgence, combined with the launch of Workshop support and expanded map size limit. Will we meet back here in another decade? Probably not, unless the editors lock me in the PC Gamer basement. But the right man in the wrong place can make all the difference.