Half-Life: Alyx review – a spectacular immersive experience

PC (Oculus Rift, Valve Index, HTC Vive); Valve Corporation
The classic shooter series gains a thrilling new perspective, thanks to VR tech that works symbiotically with the narrative

Virtual reality and the Half-Life series have both struggled with the weight of expectations put upon them. Half-Life and its sequel are treasured games that each redefined the first-person shooter in their own ways. Yet developer Valve Software has left Half-Life's story unfinished for 13 years, recently admitting that previous attempts to continue it were, in its own view, not good enough.

VR, meanwhile, offers the promise of unparalleled immersion, the ability to let players perceive virtual environments and touch objects as if they were present in the real world. But factors such as high price points, complex setups and the physical demands of playing have seen the tech struggle to bring that magic to the mainstream.