Genre: FPS
Compatibility: Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest Pro, Valve Index, HTC Vive, all Windows Mixed Reality headsets
Platforms: SteamVR
Minimum Requirements: Core i5-7500 / Ryzen 5 1600, 12 GB RAM, GTX 1060 / RX 580
Features: Single-player
Release date: 23.03.2020
Developer: Valve
Price: $59,99
Are you ready for a gaming experience like no other? Half-Life: Alyx is here, and it’s the ultimate VR experience.
Join Alyx Vance on her journey through City 17 and beyond, exploring stunning graphics and visuals, a compelling storyline, and clever game design.
You won’t be disappointed, so get ready to be taken on an unforgettable journey!
Key Takeaways
- The gameplay mechanics are polished and include clever interactions with objects using VR controllers, such as holding hands up when held at gunpoint and covering the mouth to prevent coughing.
- The introduction of gravity gloves adds a new level of immersion, allowing players to pull physics items toward them.
- The game offers a variety of weapons that can be upgraded using resin found in the game world, as well as engaging combat and puzzle-solving gameplay.
- The immersive VR experience, stunning graphics, well-written storyline, and high-quality sound design contribute to the overall positive reception of the game, making it a groundbreaking VR experience that sets a new standard in the industry.
Gameplay Mechanics

The game offers clever interactions with objects and introduces gravity gloves, which allow you to pull physics items towards you.
In terms of weaponry, you’re limited to a pistol, shotgun, and SMG. However, you can upgrade these weapons using resin found in the game world.
Half-Life: Alyx also features interesting gameplay elements, such as tracking wires through solid walls and rotating giant holographic balls.
The game strikes a good balance between puzzles and combat, with a 70/30 ratio. Despite the emphasis on puzzles, the combat remains engaging.
The presence of unique enemy types, including armored headcrabs and electrical dogs, adds an extra layer of challenge and fun.
To be able to cook a grenade and drop it down to some unsuspected zombie is pretty cool, or pick up a marker and write down an important message for other resistance members to decipher.
Also, when you find a liqueur factory, what you’re going to do in the VR world – throwing vodka bottles all around only to find out that later you need them to distract specific enemies that orientate through the noise, and there are just so many details like in the way this world is constructed that it makes it far more compelling than your average VR experience
A minus is that in half of the game, you’re going around shooting headcrabs and headcrab zombies, solving the occasional puzzle here and there to mix things a bit. Later on in the game, you’ll have a few combat sequences that are all over so quickly. The other disappointing thing is that the combine soldiers aren’t really all that mobile or intelligent.
This is still one of the most polished VR game experiences
Immersive VR Experience
You’ll not only appreciate the Half-Life universe and existing lore but you’ll also be amazed at the immersive experience of the game’s VR environment. With its perception of depth and realistic interaction, Half-Life: Alyx draws you in and immerses you in its world.
It’s hard not to be in awe when you play Half-Life: Alyx. With its stunning graphics and immersive VR experience, it’s no wonder the game has been praised by critics.
Clever Game Design
The game subtly teaches mechanics and details through its world construction. For example, you’ll learn through gameplay, such as throwing bottles to distract a blind monster or tracking wires through walls to connect power boxes.
Developers have created detailed environments, such as City 17 and dilapidated hotels. As the game goes on, you will notice the ability to see and interact with objects in a realistic manner more and more. All this, combined with the realistic lighting and effects that enhance the surroundings as well as voice acting that adds to the narrative, you will experience an adventure you haven’t experienced before.
There’s an emotional impact to witnessing the struggles of infected individuals. Additionally, the game introduces a new enemy type that can possess dead bodies, adding depth to the gameplay experience.
You’ll also get to rotate a giant holographic ball and connect nodes, which helps to further immerse you in the world of Half-Life: Alyx.
Graphics and Visuals

From the detailed environments to the realistic lighting and effects, the game offers realism and immersion.
The graphics and visuals in Half-Life: Alyx are some of the best in the industry, giving players an immersive and realistic experience. With its stunning graphics and visuals, Half-Life: Alyx is a must-play for any fan of the franchise. For instance, the way the character models and animations are designed is impressive and breathtaking. In a specific for the Half-life mood, you will be fully absorbed into the Valve’s masterpiece.
Storyline and Narrative
Taking place between Half-Life 1 and 2, the game expands the beloved universe and follows Alyx Vance as the protagonist.
The story is well-written and engaging, with a great amount of depth and character development. You’ll sympathize with characters, uncover secrets, and be immersed in the Half-Life universe. The story also offers a shocking twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
With a focus on Alyx Vance, the story provides a unique look into the Half-Life universe and allows players to experience it in a new way. You’ll be captivated by the engaging narrative and the immersive atmosphere of the world.
Acceptance by the audience
Half-Life: Alyx is an unforgettable VR experience that sets the bar for virtual reality gaming.
It’s an immersive ride with clever interactions, gripping combat, stunning visuals, and an engaging storyline.
You won’t regret joining Alyx Vance on her journey – it’s a must-play for any VR enthusiast.
Public reviews for this game only show how quality this product is. On Steam, from almost 83000 reviews, the overall conclusion for this game is extremely positive.
Author`s verdict:
As a big fan of the Half-Life series and a person who spent hundreds of hours of his childhood playing HL 2 in LAN with friends, I will share my personal opinion and how I felt after I finished Half-Life: Alyx.
The atmosphere, environment, and just the way you feel in the game is amazing. Some parts of the game are a bit tense and just a bit scary, but I liked that.
What I didn`t like is that the game was too short for my taste – the first time, I completed it for 15 hours, including slacking around, and the second replay was done in around 12 hours. It would be nice if it were a longer game. Also, I would enjoy more combat, action, and shooting.
If I go back in time would I buy the game again -Yes, I would, without hesitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Is the Game Updated?
The game is regularly updated, with any bugs or technical issues quickly addressed.
Are There Any Multiplayer Modes?
No, there are no split-screen or online co-op modes in Half-Life: Alyx. It is a single-player experience designed for VR.
How Intuitive Is the Control Scheme?
The control scheme is intuitive and customizable, with alternate controls to suit your playstyle and weapon customization options for added depth.
Are There Any Alternate Endings?
No, there are no alternate endings in Half-Life: Alyx; however, you can explore consequences and replay choices. These features add depth to the game and increase replayable.
Is There a Way to Save Progress?
Yes, you can manually save your progress at any time or enable cloud saves to ensure your progress is always backed up.