The Orange Box

[The_YongGrand]

Hey there,

I've already acquired Orange Box (finally!) and in the midst of opening the package and prepare to install.

However, I already have a Steam user account with my HL2 and the Deathmatch package, and I have to re-register again or just install over it?

Also, my Steam browser is a little bit freaky nowadays, it slows down, and I couldn't connect to anything.

[blue60007]

I'm not sure exactly how installing from a CD works as I have downloaded everything I own in Steam. There is an "Activate a product on Steam" button in My Games. I think you run the CD, and then go through that menu where you punch in your CD Key. I'm thinking you don't have to enter the CD Key during installation but you just can't play the game till you activate and punch it in. You don't have to create a new account - I would just make sure you are logged in when you install. If you already have HL2 you get a gift (copy of HL2) you can give to a friend Not sure what's wrong with Steam but I tend to re-install stuff when it doesn't work right (a bit overkill...) but then you'd probably have reinstall your games...

The Orange Box is a crapload of deal, eh?

[juppy]

It's been awhile since I installed Episode 1, but I think I just installed it right over the existing install of HL2. I would imagine Episode 2 would do the same. I know I didn't have to re-register though, for sure. I don't remember it asking for any account information even.....but yeah, you will have to log on to activate it. There shouldn't be any reason for re-registering or totally reinstalling it though.....just put the CD in and the autorun should take over and tell you what to do.

[Jester]

I bought the OB on steam. I already had HL2 and HL2 EP1. I have "1 Gift" next to them. I can gift the keys to a friend with a steam account. Also. You can put the key in and activate or you can install have the game then and not wait for the DL and it will still activate.

[tigstah]

i have the boxed retail of ob, and i chose not to install hl2 and ep1 since i already had them. just unchecked the box next to them.

[blue60007]

Wow...just finished EP2. Don't want to spoil nothin...but wow.

[tigstah]

that good huh. i'm still trying to get thru portal.
i might try to tackle ep2 this weekend.

[Jester]

I am in still making my way through EP2 the graphics are INCREDIBLE. Portal is next. TF2 is my new favorite MP game.

[backithink]

just purchased ob on steam.... cant wait for it to download

[blue60007]

Been playing thru Portal. Wow, definitely different but very fun!

[The_YongGrand]

Originally Posted by juppy It's been awhile since I installed Episode 1, but I think I just installed it right over the existing install of HL2. I would imagine Episode 2 would do the same. I know I didn't have to re-register though, for sure. I don't remember it asking for any account information even.....but yeah, you will have to log on to activate it. There shouldn't be any reason for re-registering or totally reinstalling it though.....just put the CD in and the autorun should take over and tell you what to do.

Hey, I just installed over it, and entered the key. Looks like I need not register it twice anymore.

Ep2 has a very cool story. The forest are nice too. With the other games, it's worth every cent!

[backithink]

i neva played hl2 so its been a trip.... havent tried portal yet... my only question is what order should i play them in.... i know hl2 but then what i have episode 1 and lost coast and episode 2... obviously episode 2 comes after 1 But should i play lost coast before 1 between 1 and 2 or after 2?

[sdkfz]

Lost coast came out as a demo of some new visual effects , it fits in before EP1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Half-Life_2:_Lost_Coast
http://www.bit-tech.net/gaming/2005/...oast_screens/1

[blue60007]

Lost Coast doesn't really do anything for progressing the story line. It was more of a showcase for new fancy effects after HL2. Also...Portal can be played at any time really - it fits into the HL world but doesn't mean a whole lot just yet.

[The_YongGrand]

Is there bots for Team Fortress 2? I can't even add it - they have the options but I suspect they have disabled it...

[shadowpr]

Just found this, not sure if anyone would care, but I'll share in case you do: http://www.tweakguides.com/HL2_1.html

I think around page 7 of the guide, it starts to have some nice little commands to help the game run better.

[juppy]

Originally Posted by The_YongGrand Hey, I just installed over it, and entered the key. Looks like I need not register it twice anymore. Ep2 has a very cool story. The forest are nice too. With the other games, it's worth every cent!

Cool. Sounds like it went easy enough then. I guess I'm gonna have to save up some extra cash and get this one pretty soon. All this talk about it is getting my HL2 urges going again.

[The_YongGrand]

Originally Posted by juppy Cool. Sounds like it went easy enough then. I guess I'm gonna have to save up some extra cash and get this one pretty soon. All this talk about it is getting my HL2 urges going again.

Yeah, the installation is pretty easy. I need not register twice, and just entered the key.

I got that right on the release date of 10/10/2007 (America: 9/10/2007) TF2, Ep1 and HL2 are already unlocked on the day of installation, but the timezones are different - I assume that the release date is based in America so I couldn't activate it only until tomorrow.

Fortunately, i finished my HL2 and Ep1 together again, so I killed some time playing TF2 and got it unlocked later. Funny eh?

edit: Strange, the Orange Boxes arrived in Malaysia on 8/10, but the release date of Ep2 and Portal are all in 10/10.

[backithink]

ok so i am addicted..... tf2 is a blast and hl2.... how the hell did i miss that one.... portal has been a blast too.... tempted to take vacation time to keep playin..... then again my trip to maui depends on all three weeks of vacation oh well there is always the weekends

[backithink]

oops double post

[vetta2000]

Backithink go to maui, when you get back tf2 will still be there., waiting. It is way too addicting. Anyways, back to sappin' them sentries. meheheh.

[Jester]

So you are the guy sappin my sentry. I have a nice wrench for ya' For those of you looking for a good server my clan has one up. 67.106.81.94

[The_YongGrand]

TF2's really cool and strong - even newbies are attracted by the gameplay as well.

Also, the Portal is a really good thinking game - the Challenge and extra levels extends the playing time, and, the ending theme music is really nice!

[blue60007]

Originally Posted by The_YongGrand the ending theme music is really nice!

Haha! Oh so true. Boy, that cake I had for dessert was good.

[backithink]

what the heck.... is there an episode 3.....they cant leave me hangin like this

[TwoRails]

OK, I'm behind here... Orange Box is $45 on newegg. Episode 2 is $10. What does OB have that makes it $35 more??

[backithink]

hl2 hl2:ep1 hl2:2 hl2: lost coast team fortress 2 and portal... i know portal is around $30 alone....... if you have most of these its not worth it..... but if you are like me and didnt have them then its a steal

[TwoRails]

Is portal any good? I just watched a you-tube video on it and it was mostly showing how to use the portal gun.

[blue60007]

Yes...it's fun as heck! Definitely worth a try.

[juppy]

Originally Posted by backithink if you have most of these its not worth it..... but if you are like me and didnt have them then its a steal

That's sort of what's been keeping me from just up and getting the Orange Box.....I saw it for like $49 at Wally World last week, but I really only want Episode 2 and Portal, because I've already got/played HL2, EP1, and Lost Coast. And I don't play Team Fortress at all (dialup isn't exactly good for online multiplayer you know). So I'm still trying to decide if Portal is THAT important to warrant getting the OB or just going with EP2 alone and saying "good enough".