You're not crazy, that one sewer puzzle in Half-Life 2 really did used to be harder
A YouTube analysis by Ocelot highlights that a specific buoyancy puzzle in Half-Life 2's Route Kanal level was indeed made easier over the game's 20-year history. Earlier versions required more attempts to use floating objects as platforms to reach dry land after raising the water level. The video also touches on differences in console ports and a rare Japanese arcade version.
PC Gamer
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