Half-Life: Alyx

Half-Life: Alyx was the first AAA game made specifically for virtual reality. You can complete it on a computer only with a VR helmet and related devices. Virtuality here is not a decoration, but a basis: the scale of rooms and objects is designed for human movement, so movement is felt differently than at the keyboard. The plot of the project is a spin-off: the events unfold between the first and second parts, and Alix Vance becomes the main character. Together with her father, she participates in the resistance and tries to steal important information from the Alliance. The resistance lives underground: the heroes have a base, plans and allies, and tasks alternate with quiet conversations. Some scenes explain what happened between the events of famous games. Controls are built around the hands: objects are picked up and rearranged manually, doors are opened with gestures, and reloading requires real movements. Because of this, even quiet episodes are kept in suspense. The world is full of details: locked cabinets, drawers and shelves that you want to search manually. Puzzles are based on physics and interaction with objects. Opponents and puzzles are adjusted to the new format: in some places it’s enough to move a box, but in others you have to fight off a whole crowd. The game received high praise and is considered an example of how VR can work with story. Technically, the project became a benchmark for VR: optimization and comfort were adjusted so that you could play for a long time. Critics noted that this is a full game and not a short demo. For players who are ready to put on a helmet, this story provides one of the best reasons to buy.