Half-Life: Alyx

 PC
User Score
9.2

Universal acclaim- based on 2812 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,575 out of 2812
  2. Mixed: 58 out of 2812
  3. Negative: 179 out of 2812

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  1. wiipetsto
    Mar 28, 2020
    10
    OMG Now lets be clear VR has limitations (hardware limitations) But what they did is unbelievable.
    I am playing on a Notebook 1060 and an I7 7700 HQ and even on Low settings the graphics blew me away.
    The Story is great so far and the gameplay really really funny. There is only one negative thing. You will notice that physics were not a high priority in this game. You can not    OMG Now lets be clear VR has limitations (hardware limitations) But what they did is unbelievable.
    I am playing on a Notebook 1060 and an I7 7700 HQ and even on Low settings the graphics blew me away.
    The Story is great so far and the gameplay really really funny.

    There is only one negative thing. You will notice that physics were not a high priority in this game.
    You can not interact with everything. But with most things so most people will not even notice.    … Expand
  2. alpha78
    Mar 27, 2020
    10
    By far the best, most immersive VR game ever. Everything from the visuals, amazing sound design and combat, the only real negative I have is you cant physically damage enemies with melee weapons.
  3. Pasto
    Oct 27, 2020
    10
    Absolute masterpiece. Best VR game and best experience of my gamer life. A new step for video games.
  4. cole21771
    Mar 23, 2020
    10
    Absolutely phenomenal. Significantly better than I had every expected and my expectations were already though the roof!
  5. NekoNicku
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    Currently 4 chapters in and absolutely blown away! Best VR game i've played so far, fantastic controls, sense of scale and gameplay mechanics! Can't wait to play more! Definitely my GOTY so far!
  6. Neptar
    Apr 14, 2021
    10
    Sensational game. Not only is this the best VR game so far. It's up there with the absolute greats. If you have a vr headset that's compatible with this game and you haven't played it, you need to!
  7. Tuskone
    Mar 30, 2020
    10
    This was a masterpiece. I had a blast going through City 17 again. There are games that does more with VR, but even boneworks is generally a clunky experience because of that. Alyx did was over the board with comfort options for beginners, but even that didn't ruin the overall experience for me.
  8. ReviewerPro
    Jun 22, 2020
    10
    Best game I've ever played, nuff said, play it!

    This is one of the best experiences I've have on a videogame.
  9. Mandra
    Mar 28, 2020
    10
    Half-life is back on track with this title and pretty much confims an Half-Life 3 possibility more than ever. What a time to be alive o/
  10. Rstiles7
    Dec 19, 2020
    10
    For the longest time, I have not been on board with virtual reality. The majority of VR games that i've played have either been pretty mediocre or did nothing to convince me that this is a quality way to experience video games. But with that being said, Half-Life Alyx has singled-handedly changed my entire view on VR, as I now see that it can be an incredible way to experience interactiveFor the longest time, I have not been on board with virtual reality. The majority of VR games that i've played have either been pretty mediocre or did nothing to convince me that this is a quality way to experience video games. But with that being said, Half-Life Alyx has singled-handedly changed my entire view on VR, as I now see that it can be an incredible way to experience interactive entertainment.

    From the very beginning, this game blew me away with its gameplay and combat. The way through which the game immerses you within its gunplay is something no other game has accomplished, as it not only feels realistic but also never stops feeling satisfying. In addition, the fact that the game allows you to force any object toward you (as if you are using the "Force") takes the experience to a whole new level, because it truly makes you feel as if you are an unstoppable being. Finally, all the little secrets the levels hide within them made it so exploration was never a chore, while at the same time rewarding players with even more tools to use at their disposal. In terms of pure gameplay, Half-Life Alyx is practically flawless.

    In terms of the game's narrative, I was pleasantly surprised with it. The dialogue always found ways to be entertaining, and the actual story elements felt very memorable. But what I really appreciated was how the gameplay was never interrupted by the dialogue, as the characters simply talk while you make your way through the levels. There are cutscenes here and there, but they never felt overly long and included enough spectacles to make them fun to watch. Also, the ending blew my mind, which only made my entire journey even more memorable. Overall, I would the story is great both for how it is presented and how amazing its elements ended up being.

    One of the other aspects of this game that I loved was the weapons and the upgrades. Throughout the game, you are given three different guns, which may seem small from the outside. Thankfully, the game makes up for this by having each gun be something completely different and allowing them to be upgraded in very meaningful ways. These upgrades include adding a better scope, automatically refilling the magazine, and giving a gun rapid fire. As for the rest of the game, the other great aspects would be the beautifully detailed levels, amazing level of freedom with fighting enemies, and the intuitive puzzle design. In terms of negative aspects, the only ones I could honestly think of would more so be issues with VR in general rather than the game itself. If I did give one complaint, it would be that occasionally the controls will not respond properly when trying to reload a gun, which may end up getting you killed during a critical moment. This is a very small complaint, but it is likely it will happen from time to time.

    At the end of the day, Half-Life Alyx is one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had with a video game. The masterful immersion and mind-blowing gameplay that it provides is something I've never gotten from any other game. Believe me when I say that it is worth buying a VR Headset just to play this game, as it is just that good. Half-Life Alyx is a truly unforgettable experience, which is why I have no problem calling this game a masterpiece.    … Expand
  11. Kveiz
    Mar 25, 2020
    10
    Шикарная, хоть и переделывает историю оригинала,но делает это более-менее связано, жаль что следующую часть мы еще долго не увидим, но радует тот факт что она не забыта самой валв и то что они еще умеют делать качественный продукт тожеШикарная, хоть и переделывает историю оригинала,но делает это более-менее связано, жаль что следующую часть мы еще долго не увидим, но радует тот факт что она не забыта самой валв и то что они еще умеют делать качественный продукт тоже
  12. RatingYoda
    Mar 25, 2020
    10
    Greatest VR Game ever made, one of the best first person shooters of all time.

    As a diehard Half-life fan, I am overwhelmingly happy this game got made. The ending is so special.

    Thank you, Valve
  13. ShadowMan64
    Apr 11, 2020
    10
    This is one of the best VR games out there. Everything about it is incredible. Best of all, it's Valve finally diving back into Half-Life. Play this game if you can. It's amazing. No gameplay videos can do it justice.
  14. Physickl
    Mar 31, 2020
    10
    To good to be true it really is, ground breaking stuff that just kept on amazing me the more I played through it, its hyped and it deserves to be its that good, fantastic revolutionary gaming at its finest!
  15. AnalogousPants5
    Mar 29, 2020
    10
    Half Life is back.

    Make no mistake, this is not Half Life 3, but it is a full-fledged Half Life game, a wonderful addition to the series, and pushes the boundaries of gaming's newest frontier like all major Half Life games should. Some experienced VR users have expressed frustration with some features that Alyx is missing compared to other VR games like H3 and Boneworks. These    Half Life is back.

    Make no mistake, this is not Half Life 3, but it is a full-fledged Half Life game, a wonderful addition to the series, and pushes the boundaries of gaming's newest frontier like all major Half Life games should.

    Some experienced VR users have expressed frustration with some features that Alyx is missing compared to other VR games like H3 and Boneworks. These critiques are valid, but my theory is that this is because Valve has included only the most polished VR interactions and features that they could. It is a solid title for both those new to VR, as well as people who have been escaping meatspace since 2016 or even earlier.

    If you bought a VR headset for this game and are finished with it, don't put that headset away yet, this isn't all VR has to offer. If you want more Half-Life in VR just on an indie budget, pick up Boneworks. If you want more physics-based combat, pick up Blade & Sorcery or GORN. If you want even more intricate and wonderful gunplay, pick up Hot Dogs, Horseshoes, & Hand Grenades. If now you're thinking you'd like to try Counter-Strike in VR, pick up Pavlov. If you want another linear semi-horror, single-player VR FPS, pick up Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners. If you want something completely different, you can't go wrong with Beat Saber.

    Many people have already proclaimed Half Life: Alyx to be VRs "killer app" and that argument certainly has merit, but don't let that trick you into thinking it's all there is worth playing.    … Expand
  16. Hutchi
    Apr 8, 2020
    10
    Masterpiece, ties up everything well and the story leads us to a bright continuity.
  17. CrateDane
    Mar 29, 2020
    10
    With Half-Life Alyx, Valve has set yet another benchmark in the history of PC gaming.
  18. valdabro
    Apr 16, 2020
    10
    I need HL3 in VR!!!!!......................................................
  19. roukillingtime
    Apr 4, 2020
    10
    A groundbreaking VR game, setting a standard in the finest Half-Life tradition. It boggles my mind how many problems they had to solve to make this work in a radically different environment, but they have raised the bar so high that I worry it will take others years to match it.

    It looks and sounds great, and tells a Valve story in their unique way. Voice performances are spot on. It    A groundbreaking VR game, setting a standard in the finest Half-Life tradition. It boggles my mind how many problems they had to solve to make this work in a radically different environment, but they have raised the bar so high that I worry it will take others years to match it.

    It looks and sounds great, and tells a Valve story in their unique way. Voice performances are spot on. It respects the canon and adds significantly to it. It’s fantastic.    … Expand
  20. Axilley
    Jul 22, 2021
    10
    very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good very good
  21. anibal_spain
    Mar 29, 2020
    10
    Es una jodida maravilla, mira que tenía las expectativas altas pero pffff, las ha superado, y la optimización es brutal, hasta con una GTX 1650 se puede jugar.
  22. successus
    Mar 30, 2020
    10
    Just a master piece of video game in all plat form.

    The game is very funny and absolutly immersive, for me is the best game of this VR generation and more!
  23. bubbagamer
    Mar 27, 2020
    10
    I dont write many game reviews but this one deserve it , my mind is blown away.
  24. shanef111
    Mar 29, 2020
    10
    Played the whole game, took about 12 hours to complete. In terms of gameplay it's not going to blow your mind but it's not intended to. It feels incredibly natural, what you think should happen will usually happen. Make sure you avoid spoilers because the game has a great story which you will want to earn. I see a lot of people saying the game is disappointing compared to Boneworks butPlayed the whole game, took about 12 hours to complete. In terms of gameplay it's not going to blow your mind but it's not intended to. It feels incredibly natural, what you think should happen will usually happen. Make sure you avoid spoilers because the game has a great story which you will want to earn. I see a lot of people saying the game is disappointing compared to Boneworks but everything I disliked about Boneworks wasn't in this game. Platforming in Boneworks was irritating. The thumbstick movement in Boneworks made me feel really sick but with Alyx I didn't feel anything with the blink motion enabled. The action with guns felt incredibly similar but Half Life had the added great scripting of the enemies and each big fight felt like you were fighting for your life.

    The short review is it's amazing and it is an instant VR classic.

    Notes for people who are on the fence:

    1. You don't need to buy the Valve Index
    2. It's a prequel but it definitely adds to the story of the original games
    3. It isn't Half Life 3 but uses the Half Life universe correctly and treats the lore well
    4. The game really wouldn't be the same with a mouse and keyboard, people will complain but the game would be so easy with a mouse a keyboard but the added complexity of VR IS the game.
    5. If you are interested in VR and just are waiting for an opportunity this is definitely the opportunity but if you aren't interested that is fine
    6. There is no need to spam 0/10 ratings on a game you never played    … Expand
  25. Godryc_
    Apr 12, 2020
    10
    I've been playing PC games since 1989 and Alyx easily rankes among my top 5 best games ever played. Half-Life has always been on the forefront of what is technologically possible on PC and Alyx is no exception. With Alyx Valve has set a new standard for VR.

    Unfortunately there are a lot of haters out there that are review bombing this game. It isn't that they don't like the game. They    I've been playing PC games since 1989 and Alyx easily rankes among my top 5 best games ever played. Half-Life has always been on the forefront of what is technologically possible on PC and Alyx is no exception. With Alyx Valve has set a new standard for VR.

    Unfortunately there are a lot of haters out there that are review bombing this game. It isn't that they don't like the game. They would like it if they were able to play it. They are just mad that they can't play because they don't have a VR headset. Exclusives have always existed on any platform, but not being able to play an exclusive is no reason to dislike the game.    … Expand
  26. gab754
    Mar 25, 2020
    10
    Best VR game available.

    Very well polished and the most immersed I have ever been.

    Yes, some things could be improved (see the negative comments), but these are minor when compared to the whole.

    This game is a masterpiece.

    People comparing this negatively to Boneworks and WD:S&S are delusional. These two games are also great in their own right, but HL:A is on another level.
  27. Solsta
    Mar 25, 2020
    10
    I've been playing video games beginning with Pong in the 70s and subsequently: all the early arcade games (Space Invaders, Galaxian, Defender, Scramble etc); the early 80s home PC games (Manic Miner, Atic Atac, Elite etc); console games (from the early days of Nintendo and Sega up to the present day consoles); PC gaming (I have a huge library of Steam games which i still play); and now VR.I've been playing video games beginning with Pong in the 70s and subsequently: all the early arcade games (Space Invaders, Galaxian, Defender, Scramble etc); the early 80s home PC games (Manic Miner, Atic Atac, Elite etc); console games (from the early days of Nintendo and Sega up to the present day consoles); PC gaming (I have a huge library of Steam games which i still play); and now VR.

    Thus I've witnessed all the giant leaps in gaming over the years and make no mistake this game is indicative why VR is one of them. Anyone who is giving it a low score clearly hasn't played it and is salty that it's a VR exclusive game or has played it and is blind to the significance of this game. Tech moves on and you can now buy low priced VR headsets and you don't need a PC that costs the earth. And to those moaning about the cost of entry, many of you will spend roughly the cost of an Index upgrading your phone every 12-18 months for an incrementally improved phone that is super iterative.

    And to those moaning about spending a lot of money just for one game, there are numerous amazing games to suit every taste such as: Beat Saber, Super Hot, Lone Echo, Robo Recall, Asgard’s Wrath, Skyrim VR, GTA V (modded), Moss, Gorn, Subnautica, Project Cars 2, Dirt Rally, Tetris Effect, Batman Arkham VR, Pinball FX2 VR, Eleven Table Tennis, Ghost Giant, I Expect You to Die, Battlezone, Rez Infinite, Thumper, Polybius, Star Trek Bridge Crew, Accounting+, Trover Saves the Universe, the Serious Sam games, Sairento, A Fisherman’s Tale, Doom 3 (modded), Bow to Blood, Elven Assassin, Virtual Virtual Reality, Transpose, Fujii, A Chair In a Room etc (I could carry on and on).

    Then there's the amazing experiences with many being free: Google Earth VR, VRChat, Rec Room, Daft Punk – One More Time, Museum of Other Realities, Museum of Fine Art, The Scream, Dreams of Dali, Mona Lisa Beyond the Glass, 1943 Berlin Blitz, Apollo 11, Anne Frank House, Dear Angelica, Bonfire, Nefetari, The Body VR: Journey Inside a Cell, The Wolves in the Walls, Crow: The Legend (to name but a few).

    If you're a non-VR gamer, do yourself a favour and take the leap in order to experience this incredible game and many others!    … Expand
  28. VladFox
    Mar 23, 2020
    10
    Не зря ради неё купил ВР! Графика - изумительная! Геимплей - разнообразный! Оптимизация - огонь
  29. MaxPowerx
    Apr 2, 2020
    10
    de lo mejor que hay este año espero que lo saquen oficialmente sin VR para que los que no lo tienen el VR lo puedan disfrutar y no sean usuarios avanzados
  30. lemagicien98
    Mar 23, 2020
    10
    Congratulations, Valve!!! Best game ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    10/10
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best PC Game of 2020
9
#9 Most Discussed PC Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
93

Universal acclaim - based on 69 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 67 out of 69
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 69
  3. Negative: 0 out of 69
  1. Areajugones
    Dec 21, 2020
    95
    Half-Life Alyx is proof that Valve is still at its best creatively. This emblematic franchise has been brought to virtual reality; in Alyx we enjoy an immersion never seen before, with comfortable and intuitive mechanics as well as excellent visuals and atmosphere that accompany this interesting adventure within the iconic saga.
    Read full review
  2. Game World Navigator Magazine
    May 21, 2020
    92
    It’s a good thing that Valve didn’t add a digit to the title: from Half-Life 3 we expect nothing short of revolution, while Alyx is “merely” an amazing game. [Issue#245, p.50]
  3. Screen Rant
    May 15, 2020
    100
    A special mention should be made of the game's dialog, mainly consisting of Alyx herself and Russel, a scientist who Alex remains in constant communication with throughout the game. Their relationship feels genuine, the conversations between them are enjoyable, and almost all of the intended comedic moments land perfectly, which is something most video games seem to have trouble with.
    Read full review
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