Modder Turns Drone Into City Scanner From Half-Life 2

Following the recent revelation that the alleged Twitter account of Valve’s Gabe Newell was just a parody account (and that the “it’s confirmed” tweet posted there was therefore unofficial), fans of the Half-Life series may be looking for something to lift their spirits. Fortunately, this just might fit the bill: YouTube user Valplushka posted a video several days ago featuring the drone he modified to resemble the City Scanner from Half-Life 2.

Extensive work was needed to make the Combine machine look-alike a reality, but Valplushka’s creation is practically identical to its source material. The faceplates can move, opening and closing as needed, the red “eye” in the center has a sinister glow, and a flashlight on the top of the drone can illuminate even the darkest hiding spots.

In the above video, Valplushka puts the drone through its paces, flying it through some abandoned buildings and above an open field. In the latter half of the video, he also shares some images of the various stages of the project along with a comparison to the in-game City Scanner. The video is set to “Something Secret Steers Us,” the iconic theme song from Half-Life 2. Valplushka also created a “how-to” video for those interested in making their own City Scanner, but you’ll need to be able to speak Russian to understand it.

Valplushka’s hard work has helped to bring a little piece of the Half-Life world into our own, but it would seem that Combine soldiers or a certain crowbar-wielding scientist come separately.