Half-Life: Alyx - Review Thread

More_Badass · Mar 23, 2020

snowhite said:
I think the idea that it's okay to bring the pandemic into the review stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of what a review is. A review in a professional publication isn't simply an exploration of the reviewer's mental state or subjective experience of the game. We already have user reviews for that. What do game journalists add then?

A professional review is one that aims to help potential players decide if the game is for them, and if it's good. That's the entire philosophy behind Karak's Buy/Rent/Wait For Sale system. As such, you, as a reviewer, are free to feel whatever you felt when playing the game, but when reviewing it, you have to think of yourself as a service provider to potential buyers. You aren't writing your autobiography.

That's a type of review. A review that is very personal and about why something resonates with that person is just as valid as reviews that are directed at an audience. Reviews that treat games as something to experience rather than purely something to buy are important

I often find that deeply personal impressions are far more informative as to why a game is unique or interesting

samred · Mar 23, 2020

Manfred said:
Is there some accessibility option for the game to be played only on a chair ? Would it be ok for a paraplegic person ?

It works seated *and* includes one-handed mode.

c0Zm1c · Mar 23, 2020

Comrade Crunch said:
I'm both surprised and elated at the lack of "The game is great but does not hold up under 13 years of expectations," reviews. I expected many and for it to really get in the way of giving a clear picture of how people felt about the game.

It kind of dodged that by being VR - I don't think there's really anything else to compare it with in that space.

More_Badass · Mar 23, 2020

snowhite said:
Well, it kinda is the same thing. In both these situations, a factor not in the professional's control has affected the work of that professional. And in both these situations, though this influence is understandable (whether on the game or the review), it can't be argued the influence hasn't spoiled the quality of the work. In the game's case by making it a worse experience for players, and in the review's case by making it a worse guide for potential buyers who are reading to know whether they should buy this game.

Games don't exist in a vacuum. Life, culture, and the world outside all influence how we perceive and resonate with something. Impressions are experience, context, and quality working in concert

KDR_11k · Mar 23, 2020

Farrac said:
Well, that's technically correct.

Not just technically, it's the commercial reality people are looking at when they want to buy a headset. Either you get Astrobot or you get Alyx.

Deleted member 23046 · Mar 23, 2020

samred said:
It works seated *and* includes one-handed mode.

Amazing, thanks.

Trace · Mar 23, 2020

Manfred said:
Is there some accessibility option for the game to be played only on a chair ? Would it be ok for a paraplegic person ?

I believe as long as the person has use of one arm it should be enough.

Galactic Specter · Mar 23, 2020

This is very exciting, Alyx will be the first game I get when getting into VR

Farrac · Mar 23, 2020

KDR_11k said:
Not just technically, it's the commercial reality people are looking at when they want to buy a headset. Either you get Astrobot or you get Alyx.

I know. That's why I'm not getting Alyx, after all.

Odesu · Mar 23, 2020

snowhite said:
Well, it kinda is the same thing. In both these situations, a factor not in the professional's control has affected the work of that professional. And in both these situations, though this influence is understandable (whether on the game or the review), it can't be argued the influence hasn't spoiled the quality of the work. In the game's case by making it a worse experience for players, and in the review's case by making it a worse guide for potential buyers who are reading to know whether they should buy this game.

It's almost like journalism and critique can be an examination of a work's place in the world and the influence it can and can't have on you and others. An examination of a piece of art doesn't have to be a faux-objective amalgamation of "facts" about that game. See also: Austin Walker's review of Daemon X Machina: https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/...with-colorful-and-dynamic-mecha-action-review Reviews don't have to try to be "objective". They don't have to be a buyer's guide. It can be whatever the authors wants it to be.

Nobody of you loses anything by reporters openly talking and writing about their subjective experiences while playing a game. There are still dozens, hundreds of articles not doing that. Since Patrick apologized for it even though I thought he was entirely on point with it i feel like repeating it here: Grow up.

Kaako · Mar 23, 2020

I'm fucking loving this. Look at them glowing reviews for that VR HL game. Glad that the reviewers also had a great time with it overall and didn't throw up all over the place. :::)

Edit: just read the rest of this review thread. *sigh* of course, I don't know why I almost expected otherwise.

Acquiescence · Mar 23, 2020

Game is killing it. I wish I had the means to play this.

Deleted member 46489 · Mar 23, 2020

More_Badass said:
That's a type of review. A review that is very personal and about why something resonates with that person is just as valid as reviews that are directed at an audience. Reviews that treat games as something to experience rather than purely something to buy are important

I often find that deeply personal impressions are far more informative as to why a game is unique or interesting

Deeply personal experiences can be a part of the review. But they should never overshadow the primary purpose of a professional review, which I have already talked about. I can go to steam reviews for deeply personal reviews. The top reviews there are often more insightful, funny and compelling than what most game journalists deliver. And I don't mean this as a shade on game journalists. Writing talent is everywhere, and some players are really talented at communicating their emotional experience in words.

I believe that in the Venturebeat review, the personal experience overshadows the primary purpose of the review. And as such, it's a poor review. That doesn't mean that the author of the review is a bad writer or even a bad journalist. It simply means that in this instance, for me, this review didn't deliver on its primary purpose.

Couscous · Mar 23, 2020

Seems like I was on point with my 92 prediction. I'm glad that people with a VR headset can play a masterpiece right now. :)

TheSilentCircus · Mar 23, 2020

Galactic Specter said:
This is very exciting, Alyx will be the first game I get when getting into VR

You have set the bar in space, try to play older VR games with compassion haha.

Odesu · Mar 23, 2020

snowhite said:
Deeply personal experiences can be a part of the review. But they should never overshadow the primary purpose of a professional review, which I have already talked about. I can go to steam reviews for deeply personal reviews. The top reviews there are often more insightful, funny and compelling than what most game journalists deliver. And I don't mean this as a shade on game journalists. Writing talent is everywhere, and some players are really talented at communicating their emotional experience in words.

I believe that in the Venturebeat review, the personal experience overshadows the primary purpose of the review. And as such, it's a poor review. That doesn't mean that the author of the review is a bad writer or even a bad journalist. It simply means that in this instance, for me, this review didn't deliver on its primary purpose.

You seem to think you have the authority on what the "main purpose" of a review is. You don't. You know what you want out of a review. That doesn't mean that any other form of review is any less valid, accurate or necessary.

Ringten · Mar 23, 2020

Oh man sounds amazing. As someone who has not played half-life, but heard so much about it. I would love to try this game if it ever came out on next-gen PSVR

WordsintheWater · Mar 23, 2020

Natiko said:
Wow this thread sure is a thing.

All I want to know is if this game does unique, new things for VR to move the medium forward or if it's just that it is a competent narrative game in VR? I don't like the Half Life series at all, so unless it does something truly unique and new I'll probably pass.

From what I've seen, the interactivity with the world is the most interesting thing in this game so far, the number of things you can mess with and use is astounding.

Deleted member 46489 · Mar 23, 2020

SilentRob said:
It's almost like journalism and critique can be an examination of a work's place in the world and the influence it can and can't have on you and others. An examination of a piece of art doesn't have to be a faux-objective amalgamation of "facts" about that game. See also: Austin Walker's review of Daemon X Machina: https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/...with-colorful-and-dynamic-mecha-action-review Reviews don't have to try to be "objective". They don't have to be a buyer's guide. It can be whatever the authors wants it to be.

Nobody of you loses anything by reporters openly talking and writing about their subjective experiences while playing a game. There are still dozens, hundreds of articles not doing that. Since Patrick apologized for it even though I thought he was entirely on point with it i feel like repeating it here: Grow up.

Please. There's no need to be rude. We can discuss an issue without calling each other names or throwing childish insults.

No one's arguing that a review should simply be a buying guide. The idea is a little more nuanced. It's that as a reviewer, you aren't writing the review for yourself. You are writing it for an audience. And that must be considered when the review is being composed. Since the majority of that audience will be reading that review to make a buying decision (whether immediately or in the future), that must serve as a strong consideration in the reviewer's mind. That means, saying - "I dislike this horror game because it involves a character falling down a well and as a kid I fell down a well and it was traumatizing" is not a good review. But saying "I wasn't able to enjoy this game as much as I wanted to due to the fact that it echoes <traumatic childhood experience>, but it's a great horror title and most horror aficionados are really going to enjoy it" is a good review. It acknowledges the quality of the game even while mentioning the personal experience, and doesn't let the personal experience sabotage the primary goal of the review.

J2d · Mar 23, 2020

Really looking forward to playing this one day, glad they decided to go the VR route.

jaymzi · Mar 23, 2020

Couldn't even be the highest rated game of the month. Why did they even bother. What a disappointment. /s

In all seriousness, I'm jealous of those that get to play it right now. Will be a while before I get a VR set for my PC.

Deleted member 46489 · Mar 23, 2020

SilentRob said:
You seem to think you have the authority on what the "main purpose" of a review is. You don't. You know what you want out of a review. That doesn't mean that any other form of review is any less valid, accurate or necessary.

I never said I had any sort of authority. We are all sharing our opinions. At the end of the day, you're free to disagree with anything I say (as you do here). We'll just amicably agree to disagree.

EscoBlades · Mar 23, 2020

finalflame said:
I did have the pleasure of working on and doing quite a bit of testing back when it was only known as "HL: VR" . It was nearly 3 years ago. Things came a long way :)

Congrats, to you and the team (past and present) it looks amazing!

Dreams-Visions · Mar 23, 2020

hngggggg

Quample · Mar 23, 2020

Dreams-Visions said:
hngggggg

Get ready for the tingles ;)

Gravity Insanity · Mar 23, 2020

Dreams-Visions said:
hngggggg

Me watching everyone play this game:

Deleted member 56306 · Mar 23, 2020

snowhite said:
Please. There's no need to be rude. We can discuss an issue without calling each other names or throwing childish insults.

No one's arguing that a review should simply be a buying guide. The idea is a little more nuanced. It's that as a reviewer, you aren't writing the review for yourself. You are writing it for an audience. And that must be considered when the review is being composed. Since the majority of that audience will be reading that review to make a buying decision (whether immediately or in the future), that must serve as a strong consideration in the reviewer's mind. That means, saying - "I dislike this horror game because it involves a character falling down a well and as a kid I fell down a well and it was traumatizing" is not a good review. But saying "I wasn't able to enjoy this game as much as I wanted to due to the fact that it echoes <traumatic childhood experience>, but it's a great horror title and most horror aficionados are really going to enjoy it" is a good review. It acknowledges the quality of the game even while mentioning the personal experience, and doesn't let the personal experience sabotage the primary goal of the review.

So two things, the review in question is an 8/10. There are more things than just the virus that are in that review - notably things that broke the reviewers immersion (hands getting stuck on things - using teleportation). So describing it as sabotage is... interesting. Was it a part of it? Sure but people are acting like that is all the review contains and seem to be ignoring that the review does in fact contain a lot of praise for the game.

Secondly, your example of "good reviews" doesn't seem to take into account that perhaps the audience that the writer was going for are people who may have similar views to themselves.

Deleted member 56306 · Mar 23, 2020

Dreams-Visions said:
hngggggg

Looking at my Quest like

ShutterMunster · Mar 23, 2020

Got my work machine in the house and this joint is kitted out.

"Man, maybe I should grab an Index and play some HALF LIFEL: ALYX..."
*Checks Valve site*
"EIGHT WEEK BACKORDER?!!!"

TaterTots · Mar 23, 2020

Score is at a 93 on metacritic. Most games drop a point or 2 after a couple of days. Safe to say this is going to finish in the 90's. I'm enjoying it a lot so far and I'm impressed. Valve still got it.

Syriel · Mar 23, 2020

I will say that Half-Life: Alyx is perhaps the first VR game that gets close to making the player feel like they are a tangible part of the world. It represents some of the absolute best that VR technology can offer right now, and I would point to this particular game for anyone who wants to decide for themselves if VR is "worth it."

WorthPlaying - 9.8/10

PC Review - 'Half-Life: Alyx'

Set between the events of Half-Life and Half-Life 2, Half-Life: Alyx features Alyx Vance and her father Eli secretly mounting the resistance to the brutal occupation of Earth by an alien race known as The Combine.

www.worthplaying.com

thatmustbyogurt · Mar 23, 2020

I am happy it's being reviewed so favourably. They took a risk!

TaterTots · Mar 23, 2020

ShutterMunster said:
Got my work machine in the house and this joint is kitted out.

"Man, maybe I should grab an Index and play some HALF LIFEL: ALYX..."
*Checks Valve site*
"EIGHT WEEK BACKORDER?!!!"

It's a mix of Alyx and sadly Coronavirus.

Bruceleeroy · Mar 23, 2020

Gravity Insanity said:
Me watching everyone play this game:

Hahahaha this is the best

Gold Arsene · Mar 23, 2020

I am glad it's reviewing well even if I'll never play it myself. Bittersweet but at least the franchise is continuing and having success.

Elodes · Mar 23, 2020

snowhite said:
Please. There's no need to be rude. We can discuss an issue without calling each other names or throwing childish insults.

No one's arguing that a review should simply be a buying guide. The idea is a little more nuanced. It's that as a reviewer, you aren't writing the review for yourself. You are writing it for an audience. And that must be considered when the review is being composed. Since the majority of that audience will be reading that review to make a buying decision (whether immediately or in the future), that must serve as a strong consideration in the reviewer's mind. That means, saying - "I dislike this horror game because it involves a character falling down a well and as a kid I fell down a well and it was traumatizing" is not a good review. But saying "I wasn't able to enjoy this game as much as I wanted to due to the fact that it echoes <traumatic childhood experience>, but it's a great horror title and most horror aficionados are really going to enjoy it" is a good review. It acknowledges the quality of the game even while mentioning the personal experience, and doesn't let the personal experience sabotage the primary goal of the review.

Just wanted to say that this is a good post, agreeably written. Thanks for writing it.

Kaako · Mar 23, 2020

ShutterMunster said:
Got my work machine in the house and this joint is kitted out.

"Man, maybe I should grab an Index and play some HALF LIFEL: ALYX..."
*Checks Valve site*
"EIGHT WEEK BACKORDER?!!!"

Godspeed on the Index situation if you don't have yours by now.

N.Domixis · Mar 23, 2020

Holy shot Sony needs to lock this down for PS5 PSVR!

DoradoWinston · Mar 23, 2020

mfw i have 3 more hours of class before i get to play D:

hope everyone is having a blast, these reviews are fantastic

ratcliffja · Mar 23, 2020

Patrick Klepek said:
Alright, I'm bailing. Enjoy the game.

I appreciate your humanity and willingness to be vulnerable. You're a good dude, Patrick.

Natiko · Mar 23, 2020

WordsintheWater said:
From what I've seen, the interactivity with the world is the most interesting thing in this game so far, the number of things you can mess with and use is astounding.

That could be interesting then, maybe I'll check it out despite the franchise not being of interest to me. Wish we got a Portal VR game instead lol

nullZr0 · Mar 23, 2020

If they can port this to PSVR, I can see it being a killer app for that platform especially if it's a lowest cost of entry for most people.

Glassboy · Mar 23, 2020

nullZr0 said:
If they can port this to PSVR, I can see it being a killer app for that platform especially if it's a lowest cost of entry for most people.

I don't think it's gonna happen for ps4 vr. Likely for ps5 VR and whatever their next control scheme is.

Defect · Mar 23, 2020

How scary is this and are there any jump scares?

Deleted member 22585 · Mar 23, 2020

Wow very good scores, better than expected. Happy for Valve, would love to play it.

Werd · Mar 23, 2020

samred said:
It works seated *and* includes one-handed mode.

One-handed you say...
I've been waiting on my left touch controller RMA for over a month, but it finally shipped today. Should probably just wait 2-3 days at this point but that's good to know.

Kalentan · Mar 23, 2020

ShutterMunster said:
Got my work machine in the house and this joint is kitted out.

"Man, maybe I should grab an Index and play some HALF LIFEL: ALYX..."
*Checks Valve site*
"EIGHT WEEK BACKORDER?!!!"

Likely only going to get worse sadly.

aerts1js · Mar 23, 2020

damn. reviewed better than I expected. I'll get this someday when it's released on consoles.

N.47H.4N · Mar 23, 2020

Great scores as expected,this year started slow,but now in an incredible streak,unfortunately I will not play.

AshenOne · Mar 23, 2020

MC(24 reviews) now 93 and OC(23 reviews) now 92

And I suspect these 10/10 reviews weren't posted here as of yet...

Half-Life: Alyx - Review Thread

Final predictions?

100

95-99

90-94

85-89

80-84

75-79

<75

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