Recent reviews by oOOOoeAaaAAaAAaaAAAhHHHhhHhee...

While maybe not the VR revolution it was being hyped up to be Half-Life: Alyx is a fantastic experience that represents many of the best elements that current gen VR has to offer.

I think it is very helpful to compare Half-Life: Alyx with Boneworks to understand where VR is at the moment.
Boneworks remains more innovative in its mechanics due to their design philosophy of pushing the limits and ignoring industry norms, but it is hard to ignore how rough (or even splintered) its edges can be. Alyx on the other hand, while still pushing forward, dials things back from the limit. Ultimately this delivers a safer, more comfortable take on VR action.

Limits on free movement, an over reliance on teleporting and a sub par inventory system are going to leave a bad taste in your mouth if coming directly from Boneworks but the environments are interesting and detailed enough that you will most likely not get bored with their slow and grounded traversal. I cant help but notice sections of the game that suffer from the theatre-like stage exposition that have been a big problem in other story heavy VR titles (Vader Immortal). These usually amount to "stand here, watch this" and I don't think they play to the interactive strengths at all. I believe these are one of the main tells that VR is still in its relative youth and Alyx hasn't quite ascended from that.

All in all, Half-Life: Alyx does a great job of story telling, with a fantastic cast of characters and unparalleled atmosphere. And with its solid but safe mechanics it guarantees accessibility for this unmissable experience.

Mayhem, madness and Beauty all in one!

Great game!

With a fantastic atmosphere all the way through and a story that kept me engaged throughout.

Improving upon many of the issues of 2033, it was exactly what I wanted out of a metro sequel (except for the ranger mode controversy...).

Still hoping for a STALKER-Metro open world mashup at some point.