This is wonderful! ... I'm totally not a video game person, but several years ago our man Culp
did the voice for Dr. Wallace Breen in the very successful Half-Life 2.





Dr. Breen is the smooth, sophisticated, super-intelligent, ominous, malevolent, maniacal, sinister, evil, and cunning leader of an enclave city of the future. (I'm sure there are more adjectives around that suit him, but you will discover them for yourselves.)

And like "Big Brother" in 1984 (remember when that WAS the future!!), Dr. Breen is fond of presenting his views in "Breencasts" on large screens.

Well, I just ran across this delightful compilation on YOUTUBE. Someone recently put together snippets of all the assorted "Breencasts" .... I had never even heard of these before.


Here's what he wrote:

"Just thought I'd make a little video about my favourite video-game antagonist - Dr. Wallace Breen. I absolutely Love his incredibly intelligent manner of speech, and his advanced vocabulary. ..... Dr. Breen is voiced by Robert Culp, who does an AMAZING job! Hats off to Valve for choosing him!"

I just love these - and - of course, love that VOICE!!

It's presented in 2 parts. The very first short segment has a background hum. This is because it is in an area called "The Hive." The hum disappears after this first clip.


The BREENCASTS from "HALF-LIFE 2" ...





And the direct link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGZHYut1gik



Part II




The direct link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dbbwrfp9toE



and here's another clip - seeing Dr. Breen in action. The other voice is Robert Guillaume.





The direct link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHFEzlx6tkg



Some links to a Culp interview and more on "Half Life 2" can be found in this past posting ...

http://www.network54.com/Forum/172251/message/1223445060/


Enjoy!! I know you will!!


As always,

Tatia


~ ~

Hello, all,

Thanks for the well wishes. My face is fairly swollen on the left side, which is common after brain surgery, but I'm doing okay at home now.

Tatia, I really loved listening to these Breencasts--I had never done so before. I bet Culp enjoyed reading his role as you wrote, with his articulation and intelligence illustrating the evil intentions of Breen's comments. It's very 1984, how Breen is supposed to be creating some oppressive regime, (I guess--I'm not wholly knowledgeable of the series)--but the words he uses to convince people to follow his laws and directives. The empty, very cold rooms whereby we see some vision of Breen, kind of focuses the emptiness of the soul of most victims, outside of the Freeman character and perhaps others trying to fight against him.

Thanks for bringing this to us. Very enjoyable!

Mona

Hi Mona,

I hope you are resting up and recovering well. We wish you a super speedy recovery!!

So glad you enjoyed the BREENCASTS, too .... so did I!! I had never heard of them before either. Very well done - with a macabre "1984" flavor! And our Mr. Culp certainly was perfect for that role! He sure makes being a collaborator sound like the way to go!!

I am off on assignment in the beautiful state of Maine at the moment. So far it seems I'll be able to connect up to the internet as I travel around to several places. (Even when they promise a connection, you never know what the reception will actually be).


I hope you and Kelly and Winnie all Feel Better Soon !!








All my best,

Tatia




~ ~

I'm sorry I'm so late in giving you my best wishes for a rapid recovery. I've been essentially disconnected from the world for more than a week, but am back now, trying to get used to the glare again. I was aware of your surgery however and sent some positive thoughts your way. I'm glad to hear you are home and doing okay.

Jimmy