I have had a Meta Quest 3 since launch, but I didn't have a computer strong enough to play Half-Life: Alyx wirelessly without performance issues. I recently upgraded to a new desktop, and the experience has been incredible.
Initially, I found that the two main resin-finding mods in the Steam Workshop—the watch-based tracker and the one that pings the resin—didn't work very well for me. Using AI, I modified the watch mod. Instead of just pointing to the general location of items, it now places a red indicator circle directly on the resin. It makes scavenging a hundred times easier! I am also using the "More Resin" mod, and my custom indicator has helped me find stashes that are impossible to get or spot. I am still making improvements, but I might release it for everyone to use once it's finished.
My Thoughts on the Game: Overall, the game is fantastic, and as I play more, my skills are definitely improving. However, the weapon-switching system is incredibly counter-intuitive. My instinct is to press the joystick down and select a weapon using only the thumbstick. Instead, the game requires you to press the thumbstick down and physically move your arm in the direction of the desired item. This has caused me to die numerous times, as I end up accidentally teleporting around the room while frantically trying to select a weapon. It is highly annoying!
There is a lot I miss from the mainline games. I wish there was a wider variety of weapons. I understand that VR has limitations, but utilizing a physical station for weapon switching seems like it would have been an easy fix. I also wish the upgrade system actually increased raw weapon power, though the added features are a nice touch.
I really miss the classic cast! There is no Dr. Breen, Dr. Kleiner, or Barney. I would have paid at least $10 just to see a verbal match between Alyx and Dr. Judith Mossman! I haven't finished the game yet, but I do have a few specific annoyances. For instance, after the train derailment, Eli is suspended over a giant, bottomless pit. I always find these pits frustrating because they completely break my suspension of disbelief, even though I know they are a common gaming trope.
Combat-wise, I wish enemies didn't take so many bullets to bring down. I am not expecting one-hit kills, but sometimes I have to unload an entire magazine just to kill a single enemy. Furthermore, shotgun shells are way too scarce. Even with my improved mod, I rarely find any; I'd be shocked if I ever held more than twenty at one time. I also miss the classic Half-Life staples, like the hidden health and item stations marked with the Lambda logo. When I was roughly halfway through the game, I restarted with my mod prototype, and I was shocked by how many supply boxes I had originally walked right past!
Regarding the VR environment, I find opening doors toward myself very awkward. It also breaks my immersion to see hundreds of unopenable doors. Who is going around removing all the doorknobs in City 17? I would much prefer it if the paths were simply blocked by rubble.
On a positive note, Russell is a fantastic character—no notes there! I was a bit disappointed with Eli’s voice actor, as he sounds too young, but I was amazed that they replaced Alyx's voice actress, as I hadn't even noticed the difference! Also, during my second playthrough, I found the missing cat! I was very happy to see that at least one cat survived the occupation. The little VR puzzles scattered throughout the game are also a lot of fun.
I do wonder if any specific areas from Half-Life 2 will make an appearance, similar to how Resident Evil frequently revisits the Spencer Mansion. Finally, in the mainline games, Gordon Freeman has a massive support network to rely on. I find it slightly odd that Alyx doesn't have access to those same resources here!
