Half-Life 2 but the Civilians are Self Aware | Act 1 - Part 1

In this Episode, Michael wakes up and goes on a strenuous, dangerous, and rather infuriating adventure through the inner canals of City 17.
Mods/Addons used:
steamcommunity.com/sharedfile...
----------------------------------------------------------
CREDITS
Wayneradiotv: Literally the entire inspiration for this. Without the HLVRAI series, this one would never have existed. (Watch them before us, they are WAY better!)
The Soup Crater Team: The cast and crew of the whole thing, 8 idiots with a passion and a desire to create a series.
Valve: HALF-LIFE. Also all the music in this video, it's all them. GO PLAY HALF LIFE!
Since it's a Machinima, we consider this whole video and project shaboingery to be under Creative Commons. We're not trying to take credit where it isn't due, so if you see something that should be credited, point it out in the comments!
PS.
My microphone was REALLY sensitive throughout the video, so apologies for the ASMR level breathing in the background, we're working on getting that fixed.
Also, since this is our first video, it's rough. VERY rough. It took about 3 weeks to make due to timing, scheduling, and editing especially.
#hl2civai #halflife2 #garrysmod #source #gaming #acting #actor #valve #improvisation #improv #entertainment #series #vr #garrys_mod #garrysmodgameplay #rp #roleplay #roleplaying #halflife #vrgaming #comedy #comedic #halflife2vr #hl2vrai

[@Pumpkyria]

In another world, these series would’ve been called “Civilian’s mind”

[@SoupCraterProductions]

clever!

[@withthescienceteam]

@@SoupCraterProductionsor it could be called CIVILIAN SQUAD!!!!

[@leomartin7409]

​​@@SoupCraterProductionsa freeman mind reference? :O Edit: Holy shit I hate autocorrect

[@SoupCraterProductions]

Indeed :)

[@based980]

or if it was made 10 years earlyer

[@Gemac09]

I like that we have the vision of just a passer-by, not gordon, just a random guy.

[@SoupCraterProductions]

We wanted to put our own unique spin on Wayne’s series. We’re glad you liked the idea! :)

[@TypicalOnYoutube]

I like to think it's still Wayne playing Freeman. Even though the behavior is different.

[@Coolsupsgamer]

@@SoupCraterProductionsit so happens that in this series freeman got more respect than in hlvrai, he deserves it tho He says valuable information

[@Mcree114]

Keep in mind that from Gordon's perspective he had literally just defeated the Nihilanth probably less than an hour ago and thought he'd be done with all this bs but instead is thrust 20 years into the future during a dystopian alien occupation of Earth with zero warning or context. No wonder he always looks pissed in HL2. Even on the original box cover he has that "I'm so done with this shit" look.

[@nikospace4355]

I like how gordon is the true NPC in this story or, a confused player

[@SoupCraterProductions]

yeah lol

[@user-kp4qu2dd7g]

​​@@SoupCraterProductions player or npc ?

[@SoupCraterProductions]

@@user-kp4qu2dd7g Idk that's for you to find out ;)

[@joshjimmens3215]

I think of it like a little adolescent is playing as gordon freeman

[@squareheadboxhead696]

@@SoupCraterProductions From the confused way he’s acting I think he’s some kid who thought it was some skibidi toilet ripoff. Or he’s just dumbfounded a civilian is sentient. Who knows.

[@JayzzzTV]

4:35 "doctor freeman i presume?" "no :(" fucking lmao

[@SoupCraterProductions]

the FUNNY :)

[@aidsbaker7639]

No way dave strider

[@user-kp4qu2dd7g]

​@@SoupCraterProductions hl2aivr holdover

[@CSharpDCS]

​@@user-kp4qu2dd7ginspiration is a sin

[@kaiser...7514]

holy shit its dave strider?????????????

[@bobrobbinson_thebigheist]

I like how in the very first seconds of the video Gordon already gets called a psychopath

[@SoupCraterProductions]

accurate descriptor!

[@m4a3e83]

Just some poor actually law abiding citizen got mixed with Freeman and became a resistance member by pure accident

[@SoupCraterProductions]

Relatable

[@OverCookedGuy]

literaly the interloper rn : Hmmm Yes Type 5 demo

[@SpamtonG._Spamton]

"So a guy walks into a bar right?" **random pause** "I love that joke!"

[@SoupCraterProductions]

LMAO!

[@Nyat-Nyat]

i really like this spin on the idea, instead of being gordon you're just a normal guy in the city that gets caught in all this

[@SoupCraterProductions]

yup! bro was just trying to take a nap...

[@Inventure751]

There was a "Mind" spinoff called "Steven's Mind" with a similar premise for HL2 episode 2, though unfortunately that series was lost to unexplained dmca takedown

[@dylanzlol7293]

Iirc, there was a mod where you played as a citizen who had to escape after the Combine raided a building

[@Beltboy]

Really love the whole backwards concept of this one, from sane player with a group of insane ai to sane ai with an insane player And other equally insane ai Also I think it'd be super funny if this Gordon is experiencing the game for the first time ever ans just thought this was all part of the game

[@SoupCraterProductions]

that WOULD be funny! Thank you! :D

[@Incognito4]

3:48 This is Oscar awarding, that was the best acting for falling down the stairs.

[@fridaymonke5723]

Creative put your own spin on the VRAI self aware idea

[@SoupCraterProductions]

We tried lol!

[@BOLARPEAR25]

I'm surprised more people haven't watched this, this series definitely deserves more love.

[@SoupCraterProductions]

We’re glad you think so! :)

[@SilverGeFer]

That’s because we want the real Wayneradiotv version

[@switched395]

@@SilverGeFer shut up, this is a fan version not a knock off. The premise is different as instead of a sane player and insane ai, its a insane player with a sane ai with other insane ai, its different and a inspired version.

[@koishgaming]

i love how gordon doent talks, literally gordon freeman from half life

[@SoupCraterProductions]

'twas the idea! Glad that you like it! :D

[@Bonnie-cv5jx]

It seems like gordon is the most sentient behind michael as seems to actually wait and respond to Michael and seem to actually care about him

[@SoupCraterProductions]

interesting theory!

[@Interlopers-random-posts]

Bobs mostly sane

[@D-class93fart1]

@@Interlopers-random-posts exactly!

[@moronichybrid]

This reminds me of a mod that made you capable of playing through the Half-Life 2 campaign in TF2. Alyx: "Doctor Freeman, I presume?" Heavy: "Is not possible!"

[@chenn2749]

Its lambda fortress!

[@SoupCraterProductions]

lambda fortress, one of our favorites!

[@chenn2749]

@@SoupCraterProductions Id love to see a dream sequence where civs and gordon were just tf2 characters lmao

[@SemperSmash]

I love the blind praise for Doctor Freeman. Guy in blue is sickening.

[@HistoryOnPaper]

This is actually good. I love it how you aren’t the main character and you were just in the wrong place at the wrong time

[@SoupCraterProductions]

absolutely! glad we hit the mark we were shooting for! :D

[@queenjames04]

8:34 “did I just hear a stinger?” 🤣🤣

[@Leolanding]

14:09 THE NAME CHANGE GOT ME CRYIGN DUDE LMAOOOOOO]

[@SoupCraterProductions]

LMAO

[@cornishpasty7853]

i hope that hl2vrai is like this because this is actually hilarious

[@SoupCraterProductions]

This is... genuinely the highest praise we can think of. Thank you!!!!!!

[@zmuptv6000]

Basically, the interlope but the NPC does not get teleported out of bound and D I E

[@BeanyBeans]

7:13 "I'm gonna go give this guy a gift because I feel bad for him" "Please don't give me a broken nose"

[@SoupCraterProductions]

it really did look like he was gonna wack michael lol

[@demonswillgames]

I like to think Mike is an abnormality. So other abnormalities and the player can see him and converse with him but not Working NPC's.

[@SoupCraterProductions]

good theory!

[@party4lifedude]

The perspective of a confused civilian as Gordon Freeman wordlessly tears through the apartment and smashes the TV out the window is the best start to this lmao. That's something that no one can ever resist doing on this level when playing the campaign normally, unless they are a really disciplined speedrunner or they found a level skip and never passed it. lol

[@elijahbrown3096]

interesting take on hlvrai's concept I love just how fucking bewildered the guy is for the first few minutes of the video

[@SoupCraterProductions]

bamboozled, even!

[@sergiobread1844]

This series is going to be great for filling in my hlvrai hole and the wait for hl2vrai. I am loving this. also, I have marked out the characters. Micheal- The Main character, currently suffering from everything and everyone Charles- the unmedicated insane doctor Johnathan John/Kaleb? (idk what his true name is)- The guy who screams out threats and goes through genuine suffering. Jack- Genuine Old man (I'm still not fully sure on his character) Bob Bob- The only other sane person Rob Bob (what I'm calling Bob's brother)- The Gorden Freeman praiser. Gorden Freeman- Gorden Feetman

[@SoupCraterProductions]

Glad you’re here to tag along for the ride :)

[@wiktorstaniszewski3034]

the part where he goes to the Kliner's lab reminds me of The amazing digital circus like he don't know what's happening he wants's to leave but he can't

[@SoupCraterProductions]

oh, most certainly! michael was... discombobulated

[@wrath4452]

Amazing take on the HLVRAI thing, seeing from the perspective of just some Joe Schmo civilian being dragged along on an adventure by a confused yet insane player!

[@KalebTheDuck]

I actually love the route you went with this, rather than being gordon, you're one of the self aware AIS, good series to tide me over until the real half life 2 ai comes out! Wait, why am i in this video?

[@SoupCraterProductions]

part of the plan! W h Ere

[@KalebTheDuck]

@@SoupCraterProductions My name was in the video lol, it threw me off because of how uncommon of a name it is!

[@thracian]

never imagined we'd see footage like this back in mid 2000s.

[@barkthespark6076]

7:53 *”you ain’t going anywhere”*

[@SoupCraterProductions]

gordon is a menace

[@cloakergaming6439]

4:44 Mr half life turned sv_cheats on

[@SoupCraterProductions]

MISSS INPUUTTTTT, MISSS INPUUTTTTT

[@fbi4189]

No way, I just had the realization that you’re not Gordon… But one of the self aware AI… That’s so fucking dope.

[@SoupCraterProductions]

thank you!

[@SomeGuy_Somewhere]

I think Johnson Kroaker Fbob is my favorite so far, he's like an NCP with a limited dialog pool so he just repeats things in the same tone and does unnecessary combat call outs every second or something

[@SomeGuy_Somewhere]

also who is the blue guy? Is that an AI because he sounds like he actually just part of the game.

[@SoupCraterProductions]

Nope, that is just a fella who goes by killertalent online :)

[@Speakerwoman_Official.]

Bro only in city 17 💀💀💀

[@manhoovy193]

I like that gordon checks up on michael

[@SoupCraterProductions]

for his own reasons lol...

[@manhoovy193]

@@SoupCraterProductions I dare to disagree

[@Rebelwill74]

I like the dynamic of you, not being the main character… I think this could make for very interesting concepts in media.

[@VibeNumber9467]

Ah.. yes… skibidi-bop (and not, dop.)

[@mr.smashbrick3081]

we were first! RRAAGGGHH

[@VibeNumber9467]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@mr.smashbrick3081HHGGGAARr…

[@SoupCraterProductions]

We did infact, say it first. >:)

[@Weldedhodag]

finally, its nice to see the perspective of Gordon's trusty sidekick Phil Cletusson. People don't talk about him much anymore

[@BL4MEY3LL0W]

"Hey what's the acronym for Radio TV?" 1:12

[@SoupCraterProductions]

good one!

[@boredralsei7786]

bro said "fine i'll do it myself"

[@SoupCraterProductions]

Correct!

[@boredralsei7786]

@@SoupCraterProductions well damn I didn’t expect you to comment

[@the-guy-beyond-the-socket]

dr freeman i presume? actually no

[@SoupCraterProductions]

yeah lol

[@ringpop6482]

The beginning was a bit rough, but once a groove got going it all fell into place I think. Certain details were a bit strange, such as this guy seemingly being a regular citizen, yet he seemingly doesn't recognize the Citadel initially since he is surprised by its size. This doesn't really make sense since the Citadel should be a normal part of life for him by now. Other than that, very funny.

[@SoupCraterProductions]

YES, the first episode was thankfully we figured everything out by the second episode!

[@ringpop6482]

@@SoupCraterProductions Something I think people like you that make these amazing projects would likely benefit from doing more often is to just simply play all the games once or twice again just to refresh your memory. Make sure all the little details are fresh in your memory, that way it will make the project as a whole much more faithful to the source material, and in the opinions of most, generally improving the quality. I'm really enjoying how this series is going, and the speed at which you're uploading these is remarkable. I do hope that some of the more serious lore-heavy stuff can still retain their weight and impact, but the humor is definitely important as well. I think you guys are doing pretty well, just keep up the good work!

[@TranscorpHR]

well this is certainly somethin' to find on christmas day.

[@SoupCraterProductions]

Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@TranscorpHR]

@@SoupCraterProductions merry christmas.

[@aidanfreienmuth006]

Dang. Pretty good first episode. I look forward to seeing how it turns out

[@SoupCraterProductions]

it sure do be goin lol

[@Pine-ms6xs]

It’s cool how the colors of the captions match the color of the persons shirt!

[@beggarsbazooka9517]

"It was just a matter of time"

[@SoupCraterProductions]

"time... doctor freeman? Is it really that... time again...?"

[@beggarsbazooka9517]

@@SoupCraterProductions oh yeah btw guys wayne already announced that they're making oficial HL2 Self-Aware AI

[@SoupCraterProductions]

@@beggarsbazooka9517 We've seen, and we're SUPER exited!

[@green_lettuce]

@@beggarsbazooka9517I’m pretty sure that teaser was for a troll stream of them doing breaking bad but the Ai is self aware 😭😭

[@youraouibe]

yup spending the next hours of my life binging what there it is i especially love that you guys kept breaking the map and used bullshit magic to make things work again. it adds so much random comedy that makes it 10X more enjoyable

[@SoupCraterProductions]

Glad you’re enjoying it so far! We knew going into this that a lot of scripted scenes would just stop working cause the game felt like it so we mentally prepared ourselves for random bullshit. Have a good time and have some good laughs! 😄

[@CL3NRcProductions]

"We have been moving so fast that we created a devide in the world"

[@lecoyoshiki3613]

I love how gordon throwing a prop at him

[@cheeseaxe]

this is great is like HL VRAI but instead of the player getting confused by the npcs, the npcs get confused by the player

[@SoupCraterProductions]

FOR REAL!

[@cornishpasty7853]

7:59 man behind the slaughter transformation is complete

[@SoupCraterProductions]

It's been so long...

[@2b2tcommunityrule1nopersonalin]

Since the last I've seen my son lost to this monster

[@A_sentient_Rubiks_cube]

I love how he went to "Who's Gordon Freeman?" then to "There's no way that's Gordon Freeman."

[@SoupCraterProductions]

yeah lol... silly michael!

[@superdinogamer9466]

20:50 Michael has a strong plot armor because he survived a fists fight against Charles and survived...

[@Real_Gordon_Freeman]

I can't believe dr freeman has already gotten a team.

[@mr.smashbrick3081]

it's the man himself

[@Mitchell184]

Breen needs some grammar man, things haven’t been the same since he took over

[@Real_Gordon_Freeman]

@@Mitchell184 there we go i fixed it.

[@Mitchell184]

@@Real_Gordon_Freeman The true citizen knows to follow Dr. Breen and the Combine forces

[@SoupCraterProductions]

That lambda grindset

[@funnyhevman]

At first I assumed you were just tryna create what RTV haven't done, but wow this is amazing 🔥🔥

[@infernal_eternal]

7:58 THE MAN BEHIND THE SLAUGHTER

[@jendouglas9781]

"That dude's a psychopath!" Well, when you fight a horde of aliens, get kidnapped by the military, get sucked into anothet dimension, and get put in a 20 year stasus by a guy in a suit, you go just a tiny bit crazy

[@mr.smashbrick3081]

TRUE!

[@Tygermite]

Love the guy playing the POV. He's keeping me engaged with how confused and concerned he's acting. Can't wait to watch the rest of this series!

[@SoupCraterProductions]

AWESOME! Glad to hear it!

[@theshadows1416]

*THE SEQUEL OF HALF LIFE BUT THE NPCS ARE SELF AWARE SERIES WE NEEDED*

[@SoupCraterProductions]

THANK YOU!

[@XG417]

This is by far the craziest Type-5 Demo I've seen yet

[@SoupCraterProductions]

ikr?

[@Froggediah]

yeah it's crazy

[@Awesomium3]

finally. HL2 but vr, multiplayer. edit: i also like the way you fell down the stairs at 3:48

[@SoupCraterProductions]

thank you very much! (it was fun)

[@Awesomium3]

@@SoupCraterProductions np

[@OneEpicProtogen]

The sequel to half life but the ai is self aware

[@SoupCraterProductions]

Wellll I don't know ifff I would sayyyy that (but thank you for thinking we're even possibly on the same level as HLAI)

[@Bowiggie-unfunny645]

I like how Gordon is in the action most of the time, but when we are looking through the eyes of the civilian, the civilian is usually looking away from all of the crazy shenanigans so we can't see what's happening and in my opinion that makes the civilian less special, and it shows that he really is just a background character even if everything is from his view.

[@jalugamer3515]

for a sec i was exited.. thought this was hlvrai 2. at the 24 minute mark the song evasion and apprehension i recognize that remix i love by the way that the others are kinda braindead as well as self aware as they keep putting gordon in the spotlight for something he didnt do

[@SoupCraterProductions]

thank you! (apprehension and evasion is one of our personal favorites in the half-life ost)

[@dylanzlol7293]

Imagine an alyx version of this where a sane self-aware alyx has to deal with an insane player

[@SoupCraterProductions]

that would be interesting!

[@Ragsimier]

Only after watching half of this i realized this isnt official HL2VRAI Well done!

[@hollismcc96]

this is cool omg!! I love this take on the hlvrai idea it’s so fun

[@Kill_dozer]

30:15 I like how Gordon does somewhat care for the citizens, then resuming to doing whatever after Michael states "I'm fine"

[@josethebioform7519]

Wow cant wait to see the descent into madness . Lol this is awesome reminds me of freemans mind.

[@SoupCraterProductions]

Freeman's mind is entertainment!

[@Loch_Ness_Lachster]

“Dr. freeman I presume” “No”

[@yougnomed630]

citizens in release hl2: oof, aahh, aa,, HELP! citizens in hl2 beta: Ok, im ready... LETS GO!

[@laketoriver]

violet infant clapping in approval

[@noobzinSUPERPRO]

Pov: your playing a half life mod where some NPCs thinks you are not the leader and freeman is just another NPC that sucks bullets for the entirety of the save game and only dies if you decide to do nothing

[@noobzinSUPERPRO]

literally sucks bullets and only grunts and doesn't care about explosion, and michael was like acting very hurt and carefully trying not to explode like the others, and the rest is like *explodes everyone except michael* one of the say "ow, it's a flesh wound!", also im thinking the red male 7 is getting self aware too like michael

[@SoupCraterProductions]

r e a l

[@user-drrl325]

MC: "Let's just let them go first, they seem to know what they're doing." Them: 29:00

[@idk_.457]

11:03 This part definitely killed me HAHAHA absolutely this series is incredible bro good job this deserves more support!

[@space_catt111]

This is now my second favorite series next to HLVRAI its amazing lmaoo You definitely deserve a sub bro

[@Mihacappy]

10:28 You wouldn't get electrocuted unless you have a complete circuit, ot you're grounded (aka you;re touching something that completes a circuit) Also i would definitely love to see more!

[@SoupCraterProductions]

ah, a fellow SCIENCE enjoyer! charles would like you lol

[@Duckieman644]

20:50 I’m watching the series again and this might be one of the best moments because how realistic it is, no music just the grunts and punches with the “break it up” in the background

[@zion6680]

What a nice little series to tide us over til the next Self Aware series lol

[@killertalent282]

It's weird . . . Cool, but weird

[@CL3NRcProductions]

Hey... Don't forget to reload

[@killertalent282]

@@CL3NRcProductions no

[@nathanthefed9917]

Half life 2 but the ai is self aware

[@hydrolus3460]

Just found this series and absolutely love this! I really like the unique twist of the person we're seeing this series through not being a main character. Looking forward to more!

[@pom_eu]

how am i only now seeing this? this is amazing!

[@SleepyCatOfficial]

i'd like to vision this as hl2vrai but if the roles were reversed

[@DisBuilder]

LMAO THE PART WHERE THEY ALL SLEPT GOT ME

[@SoupCraterProductions]

the eepers

[@venomasmark154]

just finished binging HLVRAI, so while we all wait for HL2VRAI this can tide me over pretty well, I think.

[@DahPeppin0]

8:00 CIVILIAN BEHIND DA SLAUGHTER

[@SoupCraterProductions]

michael... afton?

[@Guywhocantthinkofaname]

I thought this was gonna be in the perspective of a vr freeman with some other guys playing the civilians but this is also really cool, I’ll definitely watch the full series

[@SoupCraterProductions]

thank you very much!

[@Cowboysnake-mb9qf]

(turns purple) "what the-" (turns normal then to golden)

[@matthewcopeland9509]

37:17 Gordon is just sitting there ... menacingly

[@galacticstevetherealdeal]

I love how gordon looks like he's just dead inside

[@abiandjohn7507]

How did I go six months without seeing this!

[@SoupCraterProductions]

KZbin went 6 months without recommending us sadly, but thankfully we’re starting to get on the algorithm’s good side :)

[@abiandjohn7507]

@@SoupCraterProductions That’s great, this series really needs views and more support

[@snowguy]

just remember, gordon is watching michael's civilian animation, gordon believes michael's a random civilian that comes with him

[@syncdi3221]

im 7 months late to this masterpiece but i can tell it's definitely in a great direction

[@Ribbons0121R121]

dont worr mike they have the aim of stormtroopers

[@SoupCraterProductions]

they aren't short either lol

[@Bot-zx3ox]

I HAVE BEEN WAITING THIS FOR SO LONG

[@SoupCraterProductions]

glad you enjoy it!

[@no_physics]

not perfect enough. no subtitles for non-english people, but at least everyone tried to make an best entire series! keep it up, y'all!

[@SoupCraterProductions]

thank you!

[@grimwheel4791]

37:15 i almost fell out of my chair by laughing from that snore