10 Things You Didn't Know About Half-Life
8. Barnacle Phobia Is A Very Real Thing
The barnacles are creepy. There's no denying that.
They're big, fleshy mouths with a long dangling appendage that love to hang out in darkened areas, waiting to reel in an unsuspecting scientist or whatever else they can get their tendrils on.
But did you know that some people are so creeped out by Barnacles, they can't play through Half-Life knowing they're there?
Yes, phobia of barnacles is definitely a thing! So much so that a support group was actually set up on Steam for those who fear these horrible creatures.
Someone has even since went on to mod the game, removing all Barnacles from it and allowing barnacle phobics to have a stress-free run through the Black Mesa Research Facility.
It's not hard to see why people don't like them. They're designed to be inherently creepy and slow the pace of the game down while you deal with them.
It also can't be denied that it's terrifying when you're suddenly yanked upwards, then look up and spot that horrible mouth reeling you in...