Difference between revisions of "Gravity Gun (Evolution)"

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=Physgun=
 
=Physgun=
 +
==Gameplay==
  
The Gravity Gun came in two incarnations: The Physgun and the Physcannon. The former is a physics manipulation tool first and a game mechanic second. It can grab items up to 4096 HU away, can't move fully only very heavy objects, and has a right click that welds items together.  
+
The physcannon in the Leak is identical to the retail version. The physgun is more involved, playing more heavily into being a physics manipulation tool.
  
In order to weld, right click two places or objects, and drag the first "blob" to the second. They will begin aggressively sparking - if you release now, they will be welded together. The ammunition counter, if emptied and reloaded, will destroy all "blobs" and their welds.
+
The left click emits a beam that can manipulate physics objects. It can only grab objects up to 4096 HU away, and its ability to move objects falls off if the object is too heavy.
  
Valve intended to use this in the game by having the player weld items together and create staircases from physics props.  
+
Right click allows you to weld. To do so, right click two places or objects, and drag the first "blob" to the second. They will begin aggressively sparking - if you release now, they will be welded together. The ammunition counter, if emptied and reloaded, will destroy all "blobs" and their welds.
 +
 
 +
Valve intended to use this in the game by having the player weld physics props together to create bridges and staircases.
  
 
It was eventually replaced due to difficulties with integrating it mechanically, leading to the Physcannon succeeding it.  
 
It was eventually replaced due to difficulties with integrating it mechanically, leading to the Physcannon succeeding it.  
  
==Version 1: "Old" Physics gun, January 2000==
+
==Version 1: "Old" Physics gun, March 2000==
 
[[File:Oldggun.png|frameless|thumb]]
 
[[File:Oldggun.png|frameless|thumb]]
The truly original Physgun, created shortly after Valve licensed Ipion Virtual Physics (later bought out by Havok). !! how do we know this date?
+
 
 +
The truly original Physgun, created shortly after Valve licensed Ipion Virtual Physics (later bought out by Havok). The sounds for it were added in March of 2000, thus the date.
  
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
 
=== 3ds Max Files ===
 
=== 3ds Max Files ===
  
3DS Max files often contain an edit history offering insight into how the models were created. There are three distinctive versions of the mesh - an incomplete one with only the metallic materials, another tapered (a common technique used in Half-Life, seen also with [[Heavy_Machine_Gun_(HMG1)#Early_Viewmodel|v_hkgr9]]). While this is clearly been cleaned up, there's some interesting bits of history within. Only the final model has any rigging, implying it was the only used.
+
3DS Max files often contain a modifier stack offering insight into the construction of the models. There are three distinctive layers of the mesh's composition - an incomplete one with only the metallic materials, another tapered (a common technique used in Half-Life, seen also with [[Heavy_Machine_Gun_(HMG1)#Early_Viewmodel|v_hkgr9]]), and the final with the rest of the mesh. Rigging was then added onto this.
  
 
<gallery mode="slideshow" widths=300px>
 
<gallery mode="slideshow" widths=300px>
Line 47: Line 51:
 
* 11-13
 
* 11-13
  
If we split between the two periods of material additions, we get the following result:  
+
Splitting between the two periods of texture additions shows an alternative progression of the model:
  
 
<gallery mode="slideshow">
 
<gallery mode="slideshow">
Line 80: Line 84:
 
=== Black Suit Hands ===
 
=== Black Suit Hands ===
  
When the model was earlier created, it didn't use the Half-Life textures originally. In fact, evidence supports it used the flare gun's hand textures. While the mesh is modified to use the HEV textures, it has numerous leftovers. Why was it changed? Gabe's disliked that incarnation of the suit, and it may have been crudely switched to Hl1 textures before a new, HL1-based HEV suit could be made.
+
When the model was created, it didn't use the Half-Life textures originally. In fact, evidence supports it used the flare gun's hand textures. While the mesh is modified to use the HEV textures, it has numerous leftovers. Why was it changed? Gabe disliked that incarnation of the suit, and it may have been crudely switched to Hl1 textures before a new, HL1-based HEV suit could be made.
  
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Line 86: Line 90:
 
File:Odd_handpak_uvs.png|Ditto
 
File:Odd_handpak_uvs.png|Ditto
 
File:Blender_00277.png| With only scaling, we can naturally fit the glove UVs to this texture.  
 
File:Blender_00277.png| With only scaling, we can naturally fit the glove UVs to this texture.  
File:Blender_00276.png| With custom UVs, the geometry of the arm fits well to this texture.
+
File:Xinus_newuvs2.png| From top-down, the geometry of the arm fits well.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
==Version 2: Icon Physics Gun==
 
==Version 2: Icon Physics Gun==
 +
 
[[File:Iconresize.png|frameless|left]]
 
[[File:Iconresize.png|frameless|left]]
  
This appears in the Leak in <code>materials/sprites/w_icons4b.vtf</code>. No model for this version exists, although since mostly everything else in these icon sheets has a model it likely existed.  
+
This appears in the Leak in <code>materials/sprites/w_icons4b.vtf</code>. No model for this version exists, however since the items in these sheets were modelled it likely existed at one point.
 +
 
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
 
==Version 3: "New" Physics Gun==
 
==Version 3: "New" Physics Gun==
 +
 
<!-- Why recompile it when you can make the rotators transparent? -->
 
<!-- Why recompile it when you can make the rotators transparent? -->
[[File:V2grav_other.png|frameless|left]]
+
[[File:Less_old_physgun.png|frameless|left]]
  
!! quote exchange here
+
This is the "new" physgun replacing the "old" version. This physgun, while otherwise identical to the Leak one, has the red rotators occupy nearly the entirety of the barrel's length, making it overall much shorter.
  
Reportedly, this is the replacing version of the Physgun. It again eschews the details on the barrel before re-adding them to the final version.
 
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
 
==Version 4: Leak==
 
==Version 4: Leak==
 +
 
[[File:Physgun_sidepic.png|frameless|left]]
 
[[File:Physgun_sidepic.png|frameless|left]]
  
This is the final model made for the Physgun before it was scrapped. It adds the red rotators.
+
This is the final model made for the Physgun before it was scrapped. This was featured in E3 2003, and is the version present in the game files.  
 +
 
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
 
===Textures===
 
===Textures===
Line 120: Line 128:
 
File:Tube.png|"tube.vtf"
 
File:Tube.png|"tube.vtf"
 
File:Redrotater.png|"redrotator.vtf"
 
File:Redrotater.png|"redrotator.vtf"
File:Tube.png|"tube.vtf"
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
 
=Gravity Gun=
 
=Gravity Gun=
 +
 +
According to the sounds, the weapon was first made in late 2001, and sporadically worked on since.
  
 
==Version 1: 2002==
 
==Version 1: 2002==
Line 131: Line 141:
 
This is the earliest iteration of the physcannon. Although its current texture is in the Leak, Pelpix's render of it used a different earlier texture<ref>Remnants of the older tan texture can be seen at the bottom of ours.</ref>.
 
This is the earliest iteration of the physcannon. Although its current texture is in the Leak, Pelpix's render of it used a different earlier texture<ref>Remnants of the older tan texture can be seen at the bottom of ours.</ref>.
  
It was first shown off in the Steam Developer Conference in 2006. In the [[Timeline_of_Leaks_(Facepunch-Era) | 2016 leaks]] The model was initially shown by Pelpix, and the compiled model released later by the bean stealer. The sources appeared at a later unknown point.  
+
It was first shown off in the Steam Developer Conference in 2006. In the [[Timeline_of_Leaks_(Facepunch-Era) | 2016 leaks]], the model was initially shown by Pelpix, and the compiled model released later by the bean stealer. The sources appeared at a later unknown point.  
  
 
It uses a very different mesh than what is seen in future iterations, resembling more of a rusted metal contraption provocative of the more dirty aesthetic seen in most beta weapons and concept art.
 
It uses a very different mesh than what is seen in future iterations, resembling more of a rusted metal contraption provocative of the more dirty aesthetic seen in most beta weapons and concept art.
  
 
The texture used for this version is most likely made using the same method used for most [[Leak_Age_Identification_Techniques#Half-Life_1-esque_.22side-by-side.22_Texturing | Half-Life 1]] weapons.
 
The texture used for this version is most likely made using the same method used for most [[Leak_Age_Identification_Techniques#Half-Life_1-esque_.22side-by-side.22_Texturing | Half-Life 1]] weapons.
<!--
+
 
 
===Steam Developer Conference Images===
 
===Steam Developer Conference Images===
  
 
<gallery mode="slideshow" widths="300" position="center">
 
<gallery mode="slideshow" widths="300" position="center">
2006dev_conference_1.jpg
+
File:Ry3Gf sPnLY.jpg
2006dev_conference_2.jpg
+
File:MY01Nv8SsTo.jpg
2006dev_conference_3.jpg
+
File:MvqmgqRY xY.jpg
2006dev_conference_4.jpg
+
File:MJAb6UP2Kvs.jpg
2006dev_conference_5.jpg
+
File:J40pqTNtbLw.jpg
2006dev_conference_6.jpg
+
File:Imageiamge.jpg
2006dev_conference_7.jpg
+
File:4685hXuFj1U.jpg
 +
File:9eKhw67ZOOY.jpg
 +
File:5UCCncKcYYE.jpg
 +
File:3aTItGpp7U8.jpg
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
-->
+
 
 
===Other Images===
 
===Other Images===
  
Line 158: Line 171:
 
===Textures===
 
===Textures===
  
<gallery widths="100" position="center" spacing="small" bordersize="none" captionsize="medium" captionposition="below" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
+
<gallery widths="150" position="center" spacing="small" bordersize="none" captionsize="medium" captionposition="below" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
Physcannon_temp.jpg|"physcannon_temp.vtf"
+
Physcannon_temp_materialsrc.png|"physcannon_temp.vtf"
 +
Physcannon_temp_source.png|"physcannon_temp.tga" found in the "Source" folder within V_Physcannon model sources.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
==Version 2: Leak==
 
==Version 2: Leak==
 +
 
[[File:Leak_physcannon.png|frameless|thumb|left|300px]]
 
[[File:Leak_physcannon.png|frameless|thumb|left|300px]]
  
This version of the Gravity Gun is the one present in the [[The_2003_Leak | Leak]]. It changes from the entirely separate model used to a mixture of the older physcannon with newer work on top of it.
+
This version of the Gravity Gun is the one present in the [[The_2003_Leak | Leak]]. It changes from the entirely separate model used to a mixture of the older Physcannon with newer work on top of it.
  
This version is when the weapon took the shape of the Gravity Gun that we know and love and much like other weapons in the leak, has a higher resolution texture than that present in retail but unlike other leaked weapons, the higher-res texture is actually used.
+
Much like other weapons in the leak, it has a higher resolution texture but unlike other leaked weapons, the higher-res texture is actually used.
  
===Physgun similarities===
+
===Physgun Recycling===
  
<gallery widths="100" position="center" spacing="small" bordersize="none" captionsize="medium" captionposition="below" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
+
<gallery mode="slideshow">
V_physcannon_sheet_leak.png|"v_physcannon_sheet.vtf"
+
File:Recycled_physsheet2.png
File:Recycled_physsheet.png
+
File:Recycled_physsheet22.png
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
===Texture Reference===
 
===Texture Reference===
  
The orange area of the Physcannon is based on a stock photo of a jet engine. We don't have the exact image, but a very close one:  
+
The orange area of the Physcannon is based on a stock photo of a jet engine. The exact image is unknown, but a very close one has been found:  
  
 
[[File:J79-jet-engine-5639803 1.jpg|thumb]]
 
[[File:J79-jet-engine-5639803 1.jpg|thumb]]
Line 187: Line 202:
  
 
==Version 3: Final==
 
==Version 3: Final==
[[File:Retail_grav.png|Frameless|thumb|left|300px]]
+
[[File:Retail_grav.png|frameless|thumb|left|300px]]
  
 
This is the final iteration of the Physcannon, used in Half-Life 2 and its episodes. The texture is unchanged, but like all weapons appearing in retail is made 512x from 1024x.
 
This is the final iteration of the Physcannon, used in Half-Life 2 and its episodes. The texture is unchanged, but like all weapons appearing in retail is made 512x from 1024x.
 
{{stub-evolution}}
 
  
 
===Textures===
 
===Textures===
  
<gallery widths="100" position="center" spacing="small" bordersize="none" captionsize="medium" captionposition="below" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
+
<gallery widths="150" position="center" spacing="small" bordersize="none" captionsize="medium" captionposition="below" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
 
V_physcannon_sheet_2004.png|"v_physcannon_sheet.vtf"
 
V_physcannon_sheet_2004.png|"v_physcannon_sheet.vtf"
 +
V_superphyscannon_sheet.png|"V_superphyscannon_sheet.vtf"
 +
V_physcannon_mask.png|"V_physcannon_mask.vtf"
 +
V_physcannon_normal.png|"V_physcannon_normal.vtf" added in Episode 1.
 +
V_physcannon_sheet_source.png|"v_physcannon_sheet.tga" found in the "Source" folder within V_Physcannon model sources.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 204: Line 221:
 
V_physcannon_sheet_leak.png
 
V_physcannon_sheet_leak.png
 
File:2004_gravity_gun_final_resize2x.png
 
File:2004_gravity_gun_final_resize2x.png
 +
File:V_superphyscannon_sheet_resize2x.png
 +
File:V_physcannon_sheet_source.png
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  

Latest revision as of 16:14, 17 August 2023

Physgun

Gameplay

The physcannon in the Leak is identical to the retail version. The physgun is more involved, playing more heavily into being a physics manipulation tool.

The left click emits a beam that can manipulate physics objects. It can only grab objects up to 4096 HU away, and its ability to move objects falls off if the object is too heavy.

Right click allows you to weld. To do so, right click two places or objects, and drag the first "blob" to the second. They will begin aggressively sparking - if you release now, they will be welded together. The ammunition counter, if emptied and reloaded, will destroy all "blobs" and their welds.

Valve intended to use this in the game by having the player weld physics props together to create bridges and staircases.

It was eventually replaced due to difficulties with integrating it mechanically, leading to the Physcannon succeeding it.

Version 1: "Old" Physics gun, March 2000

thumb

The truly original Physgun, created shortly after Valve licensed Ipion Virtual Physics (later bought out by Havok). The sounds for it were added in March of 2000, thus the date.

3ds Max Files

3DS Max files often contain a modifier stack offering insight into the construction of the models. There are three distinctive layers of the mesh's composition - an incomplete one with only the metallic materials, another tapered (a common technique used in Half-Life, seen also with v_hkgr9), and the final with the rest of the mesh. Rigging was then added onto this.

Texture Number Anomalies

The following materials are in use in the file (their textures included alongside the captions):

However, this leaves the following maps nonexistent:

  • 3
  • 5-8
  • 11-13

Splitting between the two periods of texture additions shows an alternative progression of the model:

The third texture is missing, and the fourth is the view-projected back of the Physgun. This implies the third might have been the original metallic material, which was replaced once the view-projection was done.

High Resolution Half-Life Hand Textures

Although other high quality Half-Life textures have been found, these commonly reused hand textures have never been seen before. They are compared with normal (SDK) examples. The glove chrome texture is the same as normal, although it doesn't have the 8-bit compression.

The HL1 hand textures are the very last textures added to the model, and the texture gaps above could have easily contained these two (or more) textures.

Concept Art Usage

A concept art piece released with Raising The Bar in 2004 is based on this model.

Black Suit Hands

When the model was created, it didn't use the Half-Life textures originally. In fact, evidence supports it used the flare gun's hand textures. While the mesh is modified to use the HEV textures, it has numerous leftovers. Why was it changed? Gabe disliked that incarnation of the suit, and it may have been crudely switched to Hl1 textures before a new, HL1-based HEV suit could be made.

Version 2: Icon Physics Gun

Iconresize.png

This appears in the Leak in materials/sprites/w_icons4b.vtf. No model for this version exists, however since the items in these sheets were modelled it likely existed at one point.

Version 3: "New" Physics Gun

Less old physgun.png

This is the "new" physgun replacing the "old" version. This physgun, while otherwise identical to the Leak one, has the red rotators occupy nearly the entirety of the barrel's length, making it overall much shorter.

Version 4: Leak

Physgun sidepic.png

This is the final model made for the Physgun before it was scrapped. This was featured in E3 2003, and is the version present in the game files.

Textures

Gravity Gun

According to the sounds, the weapon was first made in late 2001, and sporadically worked on since.

Version 1: 2002

Physcannon temp render.png

This is the earliest iteration of the physcannon. Although its current texture is in the Leak, Pelpix's render of it used a different earlier texture[2].

It was first shown off in the Steam Developer Conference in 2006. In the 2016 leaks, the model was initially shown by Pelpix, and the compiled model released later by the bean stealer. The sources appeared at a later unknown point.

It uses a very different mesh than what is seen in future iterations, resembling more of a rusted metal contraption provocative of the more dirty aesthetic seen in most beta weapons and concept art.

The texture used for this version is most likely made using the same method used for most Half-Life 1 weapons.

Steam Developer Conference Images

Other Images

Textures

Version 2: Leak

thumb

This version of the Gravity Gun is the one present in the Leak. It changes from the entirely separate model used to a mixture of the older Physcannon with newer work on top of it.

Much like other weapons in the leak, it has a higher resolution texture but unlike other leaked weapons, the higher-res texture is actually used.

Physgun Recycling

Texture Reference

The orange area of the Physcannon is based on a stock photo of a jet engine. The exact image is unknown, but a very close one has been found:

J79-jet-engine-5639803 1.jpg

Version 3: Final

thumb

This is the final iteration of the Physcannon, used in Half-Life 2 and its episodes. The texture is unchanged, but like all weapons appearing in retail is made 512x from 1024x.

Textures

Physcannon Sheet Comparison

References

  1. Just the same texture in a different plug.
    3dsmax 00279.png
  2. Remnants of the older tan texture can be seen at the bottom of ours.