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Half-Life 2: Episode 2, the discussioning

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Posts

  • dcleedclee Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Just beat it as well. Loved it so much.
    Thought it was a nice touch that Magnusson was the guy whose food Gordon messes up at Black Mesa if you press the use key on the microwave in the break room.
    Was very stoked when Eli mentioned Aperture Science and the Borealis ship. really looking forward to dealing with that in Ep 3.

    dclee on
  • electricitylikesmeelectricitylikesme Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Could someone explain
    The significance of Borealis? Everyone's talking about it like it had come up before, but I can't recall seeing it previously.

    electricitylikesme on
  • ZzuluZzulu Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Could someone explain
    The significance of Borealis? Everyone's talking about it like it had come up before, but I can't recall seeing it previously.

    I believe it was a cut chapter that was supposed to have gone into previous iterations of Half life 2.

    Zzulu on
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  • SepahSepah Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Half-Life 2 went through a number of forms, and had a lot of content that was planned but never implemented, as they went a whole other direction.
    One such sequence was the ship, the Borealis, controlled by the Resistance. Gordon ended up on it at one point.

    Big spoilers, beat the game first
    Just finished, and damn, what a bittersweet victory. You feel amazingly badass when you destroy the last wave of Striders with the music pumping, then you walk back into the base and the Resistance are cheering for you. That whole ending sequence though, when you go outside to watch the Superportal get denied, I felt really tense, and was looking around the sky, especially after Dog left. Those Advisors terrify me.

    And then... Eli. :(

    An amazing game, from beginning to end. Hahahaha... during the sequence to retrieve the extract, I thought of Pharezon
    and how much he must hate the reason he had to do that entire mission

    Sepah on
  • LaCabraLaCabra MelbourneRegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    It was cut from HL2, where it served an entirely different purpose.

    It is based on
    the Polar Star polarstar.jpg

    controlled by the Resistance.
    actually by the time you got to it it was in fact infested with stalkers, but it had been used to run supplies to Kraken Base which was of course under the arctic sea

    LaCabra on
  • GrimReaperGrimReaper Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Could someone explain
    The significance of Borealis? Everyone's talking about it like it had come up before, but I can't recall seeing it previously.
    Back in the beta days of Half-Life 2 there was a big hoorahrah about the ship, like how valve modeled it on a real ship etc. It has now been changed from just a little thing in HL2 (rebel ship to help Gordon get from point a to point b to this big science experiment. Also, see content cut from HL2

    GrimReaper on
    PSN | Steam
    ---
    I've got a spare copy of Portal, if anyone wants it message me.
  • SepahSepah Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    LaCabra wrote: »
    It was cut from HL2, where it served an entirely different purpose.

    It is based on
    the Polar Star polarstar.jpg

    controlled by the Resistance.
    actually by the time you got to it it was in fact infested with stalkers, but it had been used to run supplies to Kraken Base which was of course under the arctic sea

    Ahh, k. Only read about it once here... stalkers bad. That laser hurts like a bitch.

    Sepah on
  • Ross MillsRoss Mills Mr. California, USARegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Sceptre wrote: »
    Well, just finished it, loved it.

    General Plot spoilers:
    Did anybody else really enjoy the relation between Kleiner and Magunsson? I thought that character was so well done, and it added a lot of well needed relief to the game. I know there was some mention of meeting Magnusson with a microwave and a casserole, but have we seen him anywhere before?

    Also, during the last strider battle, whenever I picked up a magnusson device to attach it to the car, I always found myself thinking the same thing. "I wish I could take more of these babies... But that's alright. I only need one."

    Cue me charging into the car, and turboing into the distance.

    Magnusson
    I would have LOVED just one person to go "He's good at his job" or something. As it currently stands he appears like a useless good-for-nothing in the way I perceive him.

    Ross Mills on
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  • LaCabraLaCabra MelbourneRegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    i dunno, i thought that was pretty self-evident

    the "thank you" scene was pretty awesome

    LaCabra on
  • nopantsjacknopantsjack Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    I suppose this won't be a popular opinion in a HL2 discussion thread but I dont like half-life that much.
    Don't get me wrong, epic moments, excellent storyline, good dialogue, good characters etc. but I just find the combat so dull.
    None of the guns do very much damage, ammo is low and thats fine, the same can be said of STALKER, but the combat just dosen't feel real. It feels like pumping rounds into some guys face over and over until he falls down after you've changed clips twice, no recoil, no visible damage happening to the enemy in his movements, just red spots appearing. /hyperbole.
    When I'm playing through it I'm thinking "what will happen next?" but also "I wish i didnt have to fight so many of these guys to find out".
    Its also short as hell, according to steam it took me 2 and a half hours to run though it, for an episodic series thats taken over a year to get out thats not fantastic.

    I went crazy about the whole
    Borealis thing, i was all psyched up like "fuck yes lets go to that ship! aw hell yeah i bet portal lady will be running around crazily all obsessed with cake, fucking guys up with the portal gun!" but no, it ends. so the game is basically "Go to White Forest - You got there yay - end"

    Its just a shame, i mean the gameplay is better than HL2, but its still not up there with FEAR or STALKER in my opinion.

    I'm just wondering what people's take on this is? Do you enjoy the gameplay and if so what about it?

    nopantsjack on
  • The_ScarabThe_Scarab Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    When is Eli going to stop alluding to things and just tell Gordon and Alyx to fuck.

    I mean come on. Valve are pushing the innuendo here.

    Also, why did they have to kill off one of the main characters? Thats so sad!

    (Lemarr the headcrab dies)

    The_Scarab on
  • sonictksonictk Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    !!!!!! (Interesting things in the script)
    "ep_02.eli_silo_stoprightthere01"   "<clr:255,208,172>Stop right there, honey."
    "ep_02.eli_silo_stoprightthere02"   "<clr:255,208,172>I'm responsible for putting her close to breen."
    "ep_02.eli_silo_stoprightthere03"   "<clr:255,208,172>She wanted to stay with us but I needed her to keep an eye on him."
    "ep_02.eli_silo_stoprightthere04"   "<clr:255,208,172>my biggest mistake was forgetting how persuasive he can be."
    "ep_02.eli_silo_stoprightthere05"   "<clr:255,208,172>Judith made some terrible choices."
    "ep_02.eli_silo_stoprightthere06"   "<clr:255,208,172>but she's paid the price"
    "ep_02.eli_silo_stoprightthere07"   "<clr:255,208,172>she needs us alyx."
    "ep_02.eli_silo_stoprightthere08"   "<clr:255,208,172>and I need her."
    
    Eli wanted Judith to spy on Breen but she got influenced by him...and later went back to the side of the Resistance? Sorry but when I find her rescue will be the last thing on my mind.
    "ep_02.eli_silo_talk11"   "<clr:255,208,172>The whole world went to hell that day."
    "ep_02.eli_silo_talk12"   "<clr:255,208,172>And now..."
    "ep_02.eli_silo_talk13"   "<clr:255,208,172>Now he's using my little girl."
    "ep_02.eli_silo_talk14"   "<clr:255,208,172>Putting words in her mouth."
    "ep_02.eli_silo_talk15"   "<clr:255,208,172>God damn it!"
    "ep_02.eli_silo_talk16"   "<clr:255,208,172>I should have know when he rescued her it was for his own damn reasons."
    "ep_02.eli_silo_talk17"   "<clr:255,208,172>Gordon... "
    "ep_02.eli_silo_talk18"   "<clr:255,208,172>There's so much I need to tell you."
    "ep_02.eli_silo_talk19"   "<clr:255,208,172>Between us we may finally have a chance to---"
    [B][COLOR="Lime"]"ep_02.eli_silo_talk20"   "<clr:255,208,172>what else was on his agenda."
    "ep_02.eli_silo_talk21"   "<clr:255,208,172>but there's still so much."[/COLOR][/B]
    

    Also:
    "ep_02.eli_launch_gimme03"   "<clr:255,208,172>Come on, come on, give me five."
    "ep_02.eli_launch_holysh"   "<clr:255,208,172>Holy shit!"
    

    And finally:
    "ep_02.al_launch_copterworking03"   "<clr:255,212,255>I'm afraid we'll need to leave for the Borealis right after the launch."
    
    Speculation: It appears we will be having fun times in Ep 3.



    sonictk on
  • SepahSepah Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    I suppose this won't be a popular opinion in a HL2 discussion thread but I dont like half-life that much.
    Don't get me wrong, epic moments, excellent storyline, good dialogue, good characters etc. but I just find the combat so dull.
    None of the guns do very much damage, ammo is low and thats fine, the same can be said of STALKER, but the combat just dosen't feel real. It feels like pumping rounds into some guys face over and over until he falls down after you've changed clips twice, no recoil, no visible damage happening to the enemy in his movements, just red spots appearing. /hyperbole.
    When I'm playing through it I'm thinking "what will happen next?" but also "I wish i didnt have to fight so many of these guys to find out".
    Its also short as hell, according to steam it took me 2 and a half hours to run though it, for an episodic series thats taken over a year to get out thats not fantastic.

    I went crazy about the whole
    Borealis thing, i was all psyched up like "fuck yes lets go to that ship! aw hell yeah i bet portal lady will be running around crazily all obsessed with cake, fucking guys up with the portal gun!" but no, it ends. so the game is basically "Go to White Forest - You got there yay - end"

    Its just a shame, i mean the gameplay is better than HL2, but its still not up there with FEAR or STALKER in my opinion.

    I'm just wondering what people's take on this is? Do you enjoy the gameplay and if so what about it?

    I gotta disagree with a lot of this.

    The combat is a step up in Episode 2, with zombies, headcrabs, and even armored combine soldiers actually reacting to bullets and projectiles, and hunters even dodging out of the way when you try to run them over. Combine, especially, are noticeably easier to kill, especially with the craptacular smg.

    I had no problems with ammo, in the more intense fights that require more ammo usage, there was almost always stashes shortly after to replenish supplies.

    Fear's combat is pretty intense to start with... but once you get used to bullet time, its more or less jump out of cover, headshot 5 guys as they turn towards you, jump back into cover. Its a good thing I was fucking terrified of Alma, cause the clone soldiers were sheep to the slaughter. Stalker's combat? You mean omg fucking hard for the beginning, omg easy for the middle, and omg headshot everything cause its in an exo or it shotguns you in the face ending?

    And how can you not have loved the 'boss fight?' in Episode 2?

    And for your spoiler, its a good reason to look forward to Episode 3. As satisfying as both Ep 1 and 2 have been, Valve can take their time on Episode 3, as I'd love to see them try to top their performance with the Orange Box.

    Sepah on
  • Tonky DongoTonky Dongo Registered User new member
    edited October 2007
    Did anyone else notice this?
    When you enter the part where you are trying to get to the car (when the Vortigaunt and Alyx are talking ) if you look down at the bridge you can see Gman walking away from the car all the way to the end of the bridge.

    Tonky Dongo on
  • SepahSepah Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    I've always thought of the Gman as the one arranging so many of the odd little coincidences that allow you to proceed. Ensuring that everything falls into place, to allow the right man to arrive in the wrong place, at the right time.

    Sepah on
  • LaCabraLaCabra MelbourneRegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    The_Scarab wrote: »
    When is Eli going to stop alluding to things and just tell Gordon and Alyx to fuck.

    I mean come on. Valve are pushing the innuendo here.


    he's a parent

    LaCabra on
  • electricitylikesmeelectricitylikesme Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    LaCabra wrote: »
    The_Scarab wrote: »
    When is Eli going to stop alluding to things and just tell Gordon and Alyx to fuck.

    I mean come on. Valve are pushing the innuendo here.


    he's a parent

    Let's face it, Gordon is pretty much all the things you could want for your little girl. He's got the brains and the braun to take care of her.

    Also, is anyone else bothered that Alyx doesn't have her own HEV suit by now? I mean, surely they could dig up another one seeing as how she keeps wandering into extreme danger.

    electricitylikesme on
  • autono-wally, erotibot300autono-wally, erotibot300 love machine Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    LaCabra wrote: »
    The_Scarab wrote: »
    When is Eli going to stop alluding to things and just tell Gordon and Alyx to fuck.

    I mean come on. Valve are pushing the innuendo here.


    he's a parent

    also,
    he surely stopped it after episode 2, HO HO
    REAL SPOILER :O

    autono-wally, erotibot300 on
    kFJhXwE.jpgkFJhXwE.jpg
  • ZzuluZzulu Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Its also short as hell, according to steam it took me 2 and a half hours to run

    Man what. It took me 6 hours to go through it, and I died like, twice, and that was at the very end. If it only took you two and a half hours to play episode 2, then I'm afraid you must have missed the essence of the game, and completely failed to absorb your surroundings and appreciate the finer details of the game.

    Perhaps it is not for you, and that is ok.


    On another note, I really like the parts of the game with extensive dialogue in them. That is what Half-Life is for me, ever since I got to walk around freely in Black Mesa and poke around in the original game. The amazingly well done characters with their emotional faces and charasteristics are just fun to be around.

    Zzulu on
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  • CherrnCherrn Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Just completed it. Amazing. I liked it a lot more than Episode 1, which I found to be pretty superfluous and boring overall, with the citadel being the only standout location. I hope they don't take as long to come out with Episode 3 - is it supposed to be the last chapter? I forget.

    Anyway, there were some silly things, though. When wandering around the zombie infested place with the bridge, I went into the room where the light shuts off and zombies start attacking you. I turned on my flashlight and saw them popping into the room out of nowhere; that was kinda sloppy.
    Also, I liked the old Vortigaunt model and voice a lot better. The new model is too smooth and looks weird, and the new voice is less gravely and alien.

    Valve really needs to release a proper soundtrack for HL 2. They already released one as a bonus with the Gold Package purchase back in the day, but there are like 50 tracks on it, so they aren't very long. I really liked the music in Episode 2, so I'd definitely want a soundtrack.

    Cherrn on
    All creature will die and all the things will be broken. That's the law of samurai.
  • The_ScarabThe_Scarab Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    I still have the original HL on CD from its release and it works as a music audio cd in my car stereo. Still damn good music.

    The_Scarab on
  • ZzuluZzulu Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Cherrn wrote: »
    Just completed it. Amazing. I liked it a lot more than Episode 1, which I found to be pretty superfluous and boring overall, with the citadel being the only standout location. I hope they don't take as long to come out with Episode 3 - is it supposed to be the last chapter? I forget.

    Anyway, there were some silly things, though. When wandering around the zombie infested place with the bridge, I went into the room where the light shuts off and zombies start attacking you. I turned on my flashlight and saw them popping into the room out of nowhere; that was kinda sloppy.
    Also, I liked the old Vortigaunt model and voice a lot better. The new model is too smooth and looks weird, and the new voice is less gravely and alien.

    Valve really needs to release a proper soundtrack for HL 2. They already released one as a bonus with the Gold Package purchase back in the day, but there are like 50 tracks on it, so they aren't very long. I really liked the music in Episode 2, so I'd definitely want a soundtrack.


    I think they've said something along the lines of that depending on player feedback, they'll either keep releasing episodes after 3, or stop it and focus full time on whole, longer games. I can't find the quote though

    Zzulu on
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  • ParisInFlamesParisInFlames Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    My one and only gripe with the HL universe. . .can I PLEASE stop running around restoring power everywhere I go?

    Every other aspect was absolutely phenomenal. The last epic fight was so god damn amazing.

    ParisInFlames on
    UnderwaterUmbrellaGirlwider.jpg
    Steam id: skoot LoL id: skoot
  • The_ScarabThe_Scarab Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    What they need to do is cash in with Orange Box and Episode 3. Then get stuck into crunch on a proper Half Life 3.

    HL2 was groundbreaking graphically and gameplay wise when it launched. the Episodes are not. Not even TF2 (the real star of the OB) is going to have such an impact.

    I want to see Episode 3 fall 08 then nothing for like 3 years until HL3 demoes at e3, and looks disgustingly good.

    The_Scarab on
  • DrunkMcDrunkMc Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    So much fun so far. I'm not far at all, but I think it has a great humor to it so far. The Vorlon (spelling?) has been hilarious with his observations and one liners.

    The cave textures look amazing too. I felt like I was in Bioshock for a second.

    DrunkMc on
  • nopantsjacknopantsjack Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Zzulu wrote: »
    Its also short as hell, according to steam it took me 2 and a half hours to run

    Man what. It took me 6 hours to go through it, and I died like, twice, and that was at the very end. If it only took you two and a half hours to play episode 2, then I'm afraid you must have missed the essence of the game, and completely failed to absorb your surroundings and appreciate the finer details of the game.

    It's entirely possible that that time is a mistake, but i wouldn't put it above 4 hours. I spent alot of time looking around except the first half of the
    lol antlions fights over and over in a cave lol
    bit when i was running and gunning as fast as possible.

    I guess i just expected more like 8-9 hours for the development time and complaints that episode 1 was too short.

    the ending was totally badass though

    nopantsjack on
  • ZzuluZzulu Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    HL3 is so far into the future that I don't even want to think about it

    Zzulu on
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  • The_ScarabThe_Scarab Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    HL3 had better be fucking good. Its going up against Duke Nukem Forever.

    The_Scarab on
  • AxenAxen My avatar is Excalibur. Yes, the sword.Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Zzulu wrote: »
    HL3 is so far into the future that I don't even want to think about it

    You'll be playing HL3 in a bunker as Alien Overlords ravage the Earth.

    Also I was a bit underwhelmed by the ending.

    Axen on
    A Capellan's favorite sheath for any blade is your back.
  • The_ScarabThe_Scarab Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Episode 2 definetly has an Empire strike Back vibe. Better than the first, darker in mood, stark revelations.

    Awesome is what Im saying.

    The_Scarab on
  • ZzuluZzulu Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Huh, I thought it was great

    Zzulu on
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  • CherrnCherrn Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Yeah, me too. I really liked it.

    Though I do wonder if we get to FINISH THE FIGHT in Episode 3.

    Cherrn on
    All creature will die and all the things will be broken. That's the law of samurai.
  • bloodyroarxxbloodyroarxx Casa GrandeRegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Ok Alyx's animation for getting in the car = AMAZING

    she was on the drivers side when I got in, hopped onto the frame and into the passengers seat through the windshield.

    bloodyroarxx on
  • AthenorAthenor Battle Hardened Optimist The Skies of HiigaraRegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Nah.

    I still maintain that episodes 1-3 are Half Life 3. But because they are set in the same timeframe as HL2, it is easier to identify them as such.

    Also, regarding the HEV suit, I'm willing to bet that it was a piece of superscience that Black Mesa invented for internal use, and wasn't 100% finished. And we all know how that ended up. No, the better question is Shepherd's vest.. but again, being military issue it was probably destroyed, or integrated into the Combine armor.

    Athenor on
    He/Him | "A boat is always safest in the harbor, but that’s not why we build boats." | "If you run, you gain one. If you move forward, you gain two." - Suletta Mercury, G-Witch
  • AthenorAthenor Battle Hardened Optimist The Skies of HiigaraRegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Oh yeah. Anyone else fail (not die) at the final little bit? It's awesome the message it gives you.

    Athenor on
    He/Him | "A boat is always safest in the harbor, but that’s not why we build boats." | "If you run, you gain one. If you move forward, you gain two." - Suletta Mercury, G-Witch
  • tyrannustyrannus i am not fat Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Athenor wrote: »
    Oh yeah. Anyone else fail (not die) at the final little bit? It's awesome the message it gives you.

    what does it say?

    tyrannus on
  • Undead ScottsmanUndead Scottsman Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Ross Mills wrote: »
    Sceptre wrote: »
    Well, just finished it, loved it.

    General Plot spoilers:
    Did anybody else really enjoy the relation between Kleiner and Magunsson? I thought that character was so well done, and it added a lot of well needed relief to the game. I know there was some mention of meeting Magnusson with a microwave and a casserole, but have we seen him anywhere before?

    Also, during the last strider battle, whenever I picked up a magnusson device to attach it to the car, I always found myself thinking the same thing. "I wish I could take more of these babies... But that's alright. I only need one."

    Cue me charging into the car, and turboing into the distance.

    Magnusson
    I would have LOVED just one person to go "He's good at his job" or something. As it currently stands he appears like a useless good-for-nothing in the way I perceive him.
    When he mentioned that they're calling the Strider-Busters "magnusson devices" I totally thought he was an ego-slut. Then when I saw how well they worked, I pretty much decided they could be called the Magnusson Rimjob Deluxe for all I care; they work fucking fantastic!
    Zzulu wrote: »
    I think they've said something along the lines of that depending on player feedback, they'll either keep releasing episodes after 3, or stop it and focus full time on whole, longer games. I can't find the quote though

    Though awhile back they mentioned that there would be an Episode 4 that would be made by a third party. Dunno if that even still exists as the last time I heard about it is when Gabe reconfirmed it in an e-mail a year ago.

    Athenor wrote: »
    Nah.

    I still maintain that episodes 1-3 are Half Life 3. But because they are set in the same timeframe as HL2, it is easier to identify them as such.

    Honestly, the episodes feel like the missing chunks (at least plot-wise) of Half-Life 2, IMO.
    Athenor wrote: »
    Oh yeah. Anyone else fail (not die) at the final little bit? It's awesome the message it gives you.

    That reminds me; all of the previous "SUbject: Freeman" stuff when you die has been replaced by Vortigaunts discussing how the freeman is now dead and doom clouds the vortessence. It's pretty awesome. :D

    Undead Scottsman on
  • VeritasVeritas Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Hmm. I'm a bit stuck but I'm not sure if its a bug or if I'm actually stuck.

    I'm at the part where you kill the 2 Ant lion guardians, they're dead and I need to move forward. I'm assuming you need to make it up to the top of the canyon by way of the elevator looking thing. I figured the Vort would power it up or something but he doesn't move away from the antlion pulse thing. Am I suppose to do something here or is he stuck?

    Veritas on
  • M0rphM0rph Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Veritas wrote: »
    Hmm. I'm a bit stuck but I'm not sure if its a bug or if I'm actually stuck.

    I'm at the part where you kill the 2 Ant lion guardians, they're dead and I need to move forward. I'm assuming you need to make it up to the top of the canyon by way of the elevator looking thing. I figured the Vort would power it up or something but he doesn't move away from the antlion pulse thing. Am I suppose to do something here or is he stuck?
    You need to climb up the ladder nearby and unjam the lift so it can head back down to pick Alyx and the Vort up.

    M0rph on
  • AthenorAthenor Battle Hardened Optimist The Skies of HiigaraRegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Rentilius wrote: »
    Athenor wrote: »
    Oh yeah. Anyone else fail (not die) at the final little bit? It's awesome the message it gives you.

    what does it say?
    Dr. Magnusson's lack of faith in you was completely justified.

    Athenor on
    He/Him | "A boat is always safest in the harbor, but that’s not why we build boats." | "If you run, you gain one. If you move forward, you gain two." - Suletta Mercury, G-Witch
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