I've recently been playing around with some of the HL2 npcs in my maps, and, although they have some problems, I can see a few cool uses for them.

My question is, do these npcs only work for people who have all the games installed, or will people who only bought Portal still be able to see them in maps?

Also, along the same lines, can I use any of the textures I see in hammer, or should I just stick to the ones used in portal, and self-created ones? In other words, if I use a hl2 texture, will it work for everyone who just has Portal?

Sorry if this has already been covered elsewhere.

Portal itself uses a number of base HL2 textures to begin with, I believe...

BMZ (Bullshit Map Zips) aside, it shouldn't be that tough to toss the models into your zip and/or use PakRat to include them so that even a Portal-only owner could have G-Mans ugly mug in their grill.

I considered that, and using pakrat would be fine (aside from any legal problems distributing valve models),for things like g-man, as he has no real AI, so everything he does can be scripted.

However, for things like headcrabs etc, there would be more at work than just the models. If I put one in a map now, it will attack me, and behave like a normal headcrab, although it behaves badly with respect to portals.

I am curious if this AI behaviour would still exist for people who only own Portal.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could remove all your HL2 game files and try again. Pretend like all you own is Portal and see.

I tried using rollermines, they're fun.

I know a cool purpose for Gman, put him in one of those observation rooms, so you see a figure in the room watching you.

I think everyone's had that idea as soon as they first saw an observation chamber. I know I did.

After hearing GLaDOS I thought there might be some tie-in with the G-Man due to the way they both talk.

I'd like to see some of the HL2 puzzle objects in Portal...like the giant power plugs and a magnetic crane rather than just buttons and pellet catchers.