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[Co-op On] Synergy - Episode 2 is now playable! Not that I can...
Somestickguy
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Wait, that's a lie. That's the title screen of synergy.
This is Synergy.
Excuse my crappy quality.
Care to take a guess at what it is?
A hoverboat racing game? hurr hurr hur-
You feel that bruise on your jaw? That's where I punched you, over the internet.
Synergy is the best co-op mod for Half Life 2. If yo don't know what Half Life 2 is,get out from under that rock, get onto steam, and buy it.
Tragically, I cannot meet the usual "lazy quote from wikipedia" criteria, as there really isn't anything to copy. Well, maybe a sentence or two. So I just copied from the official site:
Official Website wrote:Synergy is a cooperative Half-Life 2 multiplayer modification, also supporting the original Deathmatch and Teamplay game modes.
Get together with your friends and play through individual levels or full campaigns, such as the Half-Life 2 campaign, using a new set of weaponry against new enemies.
If you like Player vs. Player combat, play in the Deathmatch or Teamplay game mode.
In Teamplay mode, you may join a Team (either Combine or Rebels) and fight the other team with friendly players and NPCs to complete map objectives.
We currently have no "story" readily available at this time, however we hope to have an interesting one here soon. If you've got an idea that you believe may fit our situation, post on the forums.
So there you have it.
So is this just Half Life 2 with tacked-on co-op?
In a way, yes. The main game still needs a lot of tweaking, but the glitches are mostly to do with the model poses, and this causes hilarity.
However. This is not only the main game. Many levels have been custom made with co-op in mind. There is even a Fishing level where you can fish up guns, platforms, hoverboats, advisors and even classic half-life enemies. Not to mention Ninjas that attack you.
A lot of these are an absolute blast, and there are even platforming/puzzle maps to test your skills with the grav gun, the crane and more.
How much is it?
Absolutely free. However, you'll need Half-Life 2, Half-Life 2: Deathmatch and Source SDK Base for it to work. If you don't have Half Life 2: deathmatch, it's worth getting just for this game.
Custom levels, huh? Sounds pretty cool. Anything else?
Yes. Feast your eyes on the
New weapons
Fists
Your two most faithful companions that will accompany you throughout most of the game. (I say this because you cannot use them at particular stages of the game when you are meant to be weaponless) Your fists aren't quite the headcrab-dispensing tools that your crowbar is, but they are a lot faster and, more importantly, great for fisticuffing with a chum while you wait for someone or generally just mucking about.
Combine Stun Stick
This baby electrifies whenever it's swung. More powerful than the crowbar, but slower.
Combat Rifle
Quite possibly my favorite weapon. This sucker not only fires accurate pulses at a fast rate while scoped, but it doubles as a pseudo-machine gun when unscoped! Interestingly, This was originally a Combine Sniper Rifle that was scrapped before release. So, someone took the model, completely redid its functions, and gave us this awesome, awesome gun.
MP5
This is basically a less-than-accurate, but huge firing rate machine gun. Up with the Shotgun for close encounters, but unlike the shotgun it's otherwise useless, being nearly unable to hit anything at even medium range. But hey, it reloads fast.
Combine Pulse Rifle X
As the name suggests, this is similar in function to the vanilla Combine Pulse Rifle. Using the same model as those useful unlimited-ammo guns you find rooted to a barricade (I think). A very satisfying weapon to use, but loses points in comparison to vanilla for a slower and decidedly mini-robot-arm-less reload.
SLAM
No, don't worry, that wasn't another punch over the internet.
SLAMs are basically your remote detonators. Great for defending (Nova Prospekt) and room clearing. Verrrry satisfying.
Flare Gun
SMOD players will likely know what this does. An alternative light source that has the potential to turn hapless combine and zombies into other alternative light sources.
Medkits.....?
Yes and no. Y'see, you get these at random intervals an they are possibly the best addition for teamwork. This is because you cannot use them on yourself. They are specifically for healing fellow players. If your teammates are fresh out, do not fret- you can just give one to them, to give to you.:)
I'm still not convinced.....
Endgame through the eyes of Grimreaper part 1
This one's pretty funny on its own, but
Endgame through the eyes of Grimreaper part 2
In this one, you're going to have to imagine the hilarious NPC weirdness that somehow magically didn't occur in the demo. Otherwise our comments won't make a whole lot of sense.
If you don't know how to work demos, heres how:
Extract the .dem files to C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\SourceMods\synergy
Open synergy.
Go into the console and type "playdemo demoname", for example "playdemo synergy5_7.dem"
That was awesome/funny/ok! Where do I get it?
The official site, of course. The latest version is 1.1, don't be fooled by those higher numbers! Remember to download to your sourcemod folder.
What if I want to start up my own server?
(credit goes to Grimreaper for this awesome guide!)
Synergy server configuration options:
1. Quick start game
Advantages:
Easy to set up
Forward port 27015/udp
Disadvantages:
Is entirely dependant on the game client, so if his game crashes or slows down. So does everyone elses.
Won't run as smoothly as a dedicated server
2. Dedicated server
Advantages:
Stable and not reliant on the game client
Forward port 27015/udp
If the game client messes up the server continues running smoothly thereby not messing it up for everyone else.
As a seperate process you can dedicate it to a seperate core from the game ensuring it gets enough processor time
Disadvantages:
Not easy to set-up for people unfamiliar with dedicated games servers
Pointless using it if you have a single core processor.
Forwarding the correct port:
Pretty simple really, you need to make sure to forward port 27015 with the UDP protocol to your computer if you use a router. If you have some kind of modem instead and are connected directly to the internet then you need to open port 27015 with the UDP protocol on your firewall.
There is a fairly easy way to do this if your router is UPNP capable, if you're using windows xp you can go into your network connections. In there under Internet Gateway should be a connection. The name may vary on yours but on mine it's DSL PPPoA Connection on Router.
Go into its properties, select settings. From here you can add a rule, take for example this:
Essentially this is saying forward the port to a specific machine on the network, in this case 192.168.1.3. You'll need to find out your own machines IP address, starting cmd from the start menu and then ipconfig. It will give you your IP address.
Do not put in 127.0.0.1, that is the localhost address and utterly pointless to be entering.
DO NOT FORWARD OR OPEN PORT 27015 WITH THE TCP PROTOCOL, THIS IS USED FOR RCON. (remote console)
Only do that if you feel you need to remotely administer the server.
How to; quick start game:
To have a quick start game, simply select Quick Start Game, select what you want to play and press Start Game. Assuming you have correctly got port forwarding working people should be able to connect just fine.
How to; Source Dedicated Server:
First of all fire up steam, go to Tools and install/download Source Dedicated Server not Dedicated Server.
Once installed you will have to copy the synergy directory to the source dedicated server directory. You will need to go to your sourcemods directory and copy the synergy directory over to the source dedicated server directory.
For example: copy c:\program files\steam\steamapps\sourcemods\synergy to c:\program files\steam\steamapps\steam_username_here\source dedicated server\synergy.
Now upon starting up the server you will be able to select synergy from the games list as shown below:
You may want to empty the map list, to prevent any unwanted map loading. You can do this by selecting the Main tab and double clicking on the Map Cycle. Simply highlight everything in the right hand list and click on the left arrow.
You will also probably want to select a password of your choice and other settings, see below for useful settings.
If you have a dual core or better processor:
I recommend going into task manager, and setting the srcds.exe process to abovenormal priority and assigning it to its own core. I also recommend doing the same for the game client (not changing the priority though) this way you have both programs running on separate cores and not likely to interfere should either have high processor usage.
Settings to be aware of that you should probably use:
If you're using a dedicated server and the fps_max command then you have to get a media player like media player classic, windows media player playing say a windows media video file for a second (any arbitrary time will do) then pause or stop it. However leave it running, this sets the windows kernel into a high speed timer which is what fps_max is used for. Otherwise it will go to the default.
Advantages:
Easy to set up
Forward port 27015/udp
Disadvantages:
Is entirely dependant on the game client, so if his game crashes or slows down. So does everyone elses.
Won't run as smoothly as a dedicated server
2. Dedicated server
Advantages:
Stable and not reliant on the game client
Forward port 27015/udp
If the game client messes up the server continues running smoothly thereby not messing it up for everyone else.
As a seperate process you can dedicate it to a seperate core from the game ensuring it gets enough processor time
Disadvantages:
Not easy to set-up for people unfamiliar with dedicated games servers
Pointless using it if you have a single core processor.
Forwarding the correct port:
Pretty simple really, you need to make sure to forward port 27015 with the UDP protocol to your computer if you use a router. If you have some kind of modem instead and are connected directly to the internet then you need to open port 27015 with the UDP protocol on your firewall.
There is a fairly easy way to do this if your router is UPNP capable, if you're using windows xp you can go into your network connections. In there under Internet Gateway should be a connection. The name may vary on yours but on mine it's DSL PPPoA Connection on Router.
Go into its properties, select settings. From here you can add a rule, take for example this:
Essentially this is saying forward the port to a specific machine on the network, in this case 192.168.1.3. You'll need to find out your own machines IP address, starting cmd from the start menu and then ipconfig. It will give you your IP address.
Do not put in 127.0.0.1, that is the localhost address and utterly pointless to be entering.
DO NOT FORWARD OR OPEN PORT 27015 WITH THE TCP PROTOCOL, THIS IS USED FOR RCON. (remote console)
Only do that if you feel you need to remotely administer the server.
How to; quick start game:
To have a quick start game, simply select Quick Start Game, select what you want to play and press Start Game. Assuming you have correctly got port forwarding working people should be able to connect just fine.
How to; Source Dedicated Server:
First of all fire up steam, go to Tools and install/download Source Dedicated Server not Dedicated Server.
Once installed you will have to copy the synergy directory to the source dedicated server directory. You will need to go to your sourcemods directory and copy the synergy directory over to the source dedicated server directory.
For example: copy c:\program files\steam\steamapps\sourcemods\synergy to c:\program files\steam\steamapps\steam_username_here\source dedicated server\synergy.
Now upon starting up the server you will be able to select synergy from the games list as shown below:
You may want to empty the map list, to prevent any unwanted map loading. You can do this by selecting the Main tab and double clicking on the Map Cycle. Simply highlight everything in the right hand list and click on the left arrow.
You will also probably want to select a password of your choice and other settings, see below for useful settings.
If you have a dual core or better processor:
I recommend going into task manager, and setting the srcds.exe process to abovenormal priority and assigning it to its own core. I also recommend doing the same for the game client (not changing the priority though) this way you have both programs running on separate cores and not likely to interfere should either have high processor usage.
Settings to be aware of that you should probably use:
If you're using a dedicated server and the fps_max command then you have to get a media player like media player classic, windows media player playing say a windows media video file for a second (any arbitrary time will do) then pause or stop it. However leave it running, this sets the windows kernel into a high speed timer which is what fps_max is used for. Otherwise it will go to the default.
Console commands:
sv_password my_password_here - Sets your server password
sv_cheats 1 - Enables cheats, comes in handy to use noclip. Not all the levels in HL2 co-op can be finished conventionally
fps_max 400 - Helps reduce lag for the clients
synergy_max_weaponsize 500 - If you don't like the weapon limit you can up it
sv_voiceenable 0 - It helps to reduce lag, by disabling voice people are no longer eating up precious bandwidth
sv_maxrate 10000 - It sets the limit how much much data a client is allowed to send/receive, in areas of heavy physics or action this helps everyone out. Otherwise the rate is set to an unlimited value and will swamp your connection. You can set it to higher values like 25000 if you've got a really beefy connection or if it's just 1 or 2 people connected.
I'm too lazy/my computer sucks too much to start a server, and these pubs suck!
That's where we can help out. Right now we have 3 servers (grim, me and urahonky). Feel free to create a server and give me the info to put in the OP! (especially if you happen to be a Yank.)
Somestickguy's server
Name: Let's have another go at the HL2 campaign [penny arcade]
Password: wang
IP: 88.104.209.2:27015
Urahonky's server
IP:71.67.138.29:27015
more coming soon(?)......
Friends to add
Me!
LewieP
Randombattle
Ampix
Impersonator
trus
zimfan
DualEdge
MiSTieOtaku
Hylianbunny
darunia106
BernardBernoulli
Now, feel free to dicuss, set up games, contribute to the OP, comment on the crappiness of the OP, completely ignore the thread or whatever.
'Cos hey. It's your life.
Somestickguy on
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Posts
Post away. I'll be off to bed soon.
When I wake up I'd better see this thread full of Poasts!
Just downloaded it about a half-hour before this topic went up, so I haven't played it yet, but I expect many co-op shenanigans to ensue soon enough.
XBL/PSN-Polaris314/Twitter/DJ P0LARI5
Nope, it's as-is, though of course the host can up the difficulty.
but H&K already had another Combine weapon anyway (the SMG); for some reason they work together well.
Good to see you guys maed poast. I've noticed some huge flaws in the OP so I'm editing it now.
By the way this isn't the only coop mod out there for hl2.
I never asked for this!
HL2 is so dissapointing in Co-op... too many level changes and not enough enemies.
Because I've been wanting a game like that for fucking ever.
Switch: 6200-8149-0919 / Wii U: maximumzero / 3DS: 0860-3352-3335 / eBay Shop
Oh?
Care to elaborate?
And I know pubs generally suck. That's why we need to get a PA community going.
Well, that depends.
What is the counter-operative mode in Perfect Dark?
Switch: 6200-8149-0919 / Wii U: maximumzero / 3DS: 0860-3352-3335 / eBay Shop
Off the top of my head theres this Synergy, HL2 COOP MOD, Follow Freeman, Obsidian Conflict, and Sven Coop 2.
But I dunno how many of these are still in development. Synergy, Obsidian Conflict, and Sven Coop 2 were the major ones If i recall.
I never asked for this!
Just like you.. from the closet.
I think Sven coop 2 will come out...
I never asked for this!
But seriously, how long ago was Sven Co-op 2 announced?
Before Half-life 2 was even released. I think they saw the amount of level swaps and loading that takes place in the game and just decided it was more than they could really deal with.
Shows you how to (relatively) quickly get your own server up and running.
---
I've got a spare copy of Portal, if anyone wants it message me.
Also: Breaking news! A thread made by Somestickguy actually reaches the second page! News at 11
How do I forward ports on my firewall?
Is it a router you use or are you connected directly up to the internet via some kind of modem? If so what firewall are you using?
---
I've got a spare copy of Portal, if anyone wants it message me.
The big plus to that is whilst there are physics, they are significantly reduced from HL2 and Ep1. Thereby reducing the lag.
Also, I think i've found a way to temporarily increase the size of the in-game fonts. So it looks like i'll be able to record the demos at 320x240 whilst keeping the text readable.
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I've got a spare copy of Portal, if anyone wants it message me.
That depends. Did you install one yourself? If so, then you should know which it is
Huh.
Recommend any good firewalls?
Battlenet: Judgement#1243
psn: KupoZero
They have.
Unfortunately, it doesn't work.
I will check this out later I think.
Although that's a good idea, I have to say that steam is already very supportive of mods. They have their own place on the list and everything.
Well I think Valve handpicks the really developed mods because so many mods just flicker out and die. The ones with dedicated teams tend to have their mod advertised on steam.
Battlenet: Judgement#1243
psn: KupoZero