JBMod Physics GunThe heart of JBMod is the Physgun, a tool that lets players grab, move, rotate, and manipulate objects at a distance. This functionality, originally seen in Half-Life 2’s E3 demos and cut from the retail release, was restored by JBMod’s creators. The Physgun allows for creative experimentation, players can build contraptions, set up elaborate scenes, or simply play with the game’s physics in ways not possible in vanilla Half-Life 2.
Prop Spawning and Manipulation
JBMod enables users to spawn props into the world, typically via console commands. Unlike Garry’s Mid, which uses a dedicated spawn menu, JBMod’s approach is more direct and hands-on, emphasizing experimentation and discovery. Players can spawn barrels, crates, ragdolls, and other physics objects, then use the Physgun to arrange and interact with them.
Prop Freezing
Introduced in JBMod 0.5.4, prop freezing allows players to lock objects in place by right-clicking while holding them with the Physgun. This feature is essential for building stable structures, setting up scenes, or preventing objects from falling or moving unintentionally. It brings a new level of control and precision to creative projects within the mod.
Welding and Constraints
JBMod allows players to weld objects together, creating complex, interconnected contraptions. This is done by attaching props to each other players have done flying machines by welding objects to explosive canisters, for example. The ability to connect objects physically is a cornerstone of JBMod’s sandbox gameplay, encouraging experimentation with the Source engine’s robust physics system.
Other Features
Multiplayer Support
JBMod 0.5.4 marked the introduction of native multiplayer support, allowing players to join servers and collaborate (or compete) in real-time. Multiplayer brings a new dimension to the JBMod experience, as users can build, experiment, and interact together across classic Half-Life 2 and custom maps. This update has revitalized the community and expanded the possibilities for shared creativity.
Minimalist Interface and Design Philosophy
Unlike Garry’s Mid, JBMod intentionally avoids complex menus, toolguns, or overlays. The interface is minimal, relying on direct interaction and console commands. This design choice keeps the focus on experimentation and creativity within the constraints of the Source engine, offering a purer, more “raw” sandbox experience.
Map and Asset Compatibility
JBMod supports a wide array of maps, including classic Half-Life 2 maps and custom creations. The community has ported popular sandbox maps like gm_construct and bigcity, giving players familiar playgrounds for their experiments. The mod is compatible with both singleplayer and multiplayer modes, ensuring flexibility for different play styles.
Technical Enhancements
JBMod benefits from ongoing technical improvements, such as crash fixes, improved Linux support, and enhanced compatibility with modern hardware and operating systems. The mod supports high resolutions, widescreen and multi-monitor setups, and advanced graphics features like anisotropic filtering and anti-aliasing.(im just typing shi dont mind)Workshop Main Page
Community and Workshop
The JBMod community continues to grow, with users sharing maps, contraptions, and tips. While it does not have as extensive a workshop system as Garry’s Mid, JBMod’s community-driven approach encourages sharing and collaboration, especially with the re-release on Steam.
JBMod’s features are rooted in its original vision: to restore and expand the creative physics manipulation glimpsed in early Half-Life 2 demos. Its minimalist, hands-on approach, now enhanced with prop freezing, rope physics, multiplayer, and more, offers a unique sandbox experience that remains distinct from its successors.
