Ricochet (2000 video game)

Infobox VG| title = Ricochet


caption = A screenshot of Ricochet on map rc_arena
developer = Valve Software
released = November 1, 2000
genre = Action
modes = Deathmatch, Tournament
platforms = Windows(98/ME/2000/XP)
requirements = Minimum: 500 MHz processor, 96MB RAM, 16MB video card, Windows 2000/XP/ME/SE, Internet Connection

Recommended: 800 MHz processor, 128MB RAM, 32MB+ video card, Windows 2000/XP, Internet Connection
input = Keyboard, Mouse, Joystick

"Ricochet" is a multiplayer mod of the popular first-person shooter "Half-Life". It was developed by Valve Software and originally released on November 1, 2000.The 1.1.1.0 patch of the game on was later released on June 12, 2002. It is an official mod, and is available through Steam for purchase; however, it is free for those who purchased the retail version of Half-Life prior to the release of Steam.

Gameplay

Ricochet is a deathmatch game notable for its apparent simplicity, inspired by arcade games and platform games in both concept and design. One of its main sources of inspiration is the film "Tron" in which a similar game is played. Players jump between neon-lit platforms suspended above an abyss, and shoot disks at one another, trying to push the opponent off the platform and into the depths.

There are also horizontal barriers which the disks can bounce off (hence the name Ricochet); a direct hit resulting in a fall scores 1 point, a single-bounced hit scores 2 points, double-bounced 3 points, and so on. Ricochet also features a second attack (done by the alternate fire key) which cuts off the head of your opponent. The decapitation attack (as it is called) uses all three of your discs, but recharges all of them at once quickly.

Unlike in other Half-Life mods, the number of player deaths is not shown on the scoreboard, only the number of kill points. The aiming is effectively two-dimensional, and the movement is reduced to automated jumping between the platforms, though some maneuvering can be performed in mid-air by advanced players.

Three maps come with the mod, two for deathmatch and one for duel combat. Maps for Ricochet use the prefix "rc". Custom Ricochet maps are rare, but a few can be found. cite web | last=The VadaVaka gaming community | title=Ricochet Maps | url=http://www.vadavaka.com/?page=rc_maps ]

Powerups

There are four kinds of temporary bonuses to pick up: "power shot", "freeze shot", "fast shot", and "triple shot". The "power shot" powerup changes your primary attack to the decapitation attack. It does not use all three of your discs to fire though, it only uses one. The "freeze shot" slows your opponent down significantly and makes him or her glow blue. The "fast shot" speeds up your rate of fire and allows you to shoot more discs for the discs you have. The "triple shot" shoots three discs at once that spread out while being fired.

These powerups remain even after you have died, but have limited use; however, some independent developers have modified the source code so powerups are lost when death occurs. cite web | last=The VadaVaka gaming community | title=VadaVaka Ricochet Community Patch Information | url=http://www.vadavaka.com/?page=patchinfo ]

It is possible to combine the effects of the bonuses by picking up multiple powerups.

References