Half-Life: Alyx - Levitation - What We Know So Far
Valve's "Half-Life: Alyx" is considered a masterpiece by both critics and gamers alike (per Metacritic). Not only was it one of the first AAA VR titles, but its impressive physics and detailed world set "Half-Life: Alyx" apart from the competition. Unfortunately, however, players will likely have to wait a long time for a sequel to "Half-Life Alyx," as Valve is never in a rush to ship out a new game. Sometimes, like in the case of "Half-Life 3," Valve will completely abandon a game if it doesn't meet its standards.
Thankfully, however, the gaming community is full of brilliant modders happy to do Valve's work for them. For example, the impressive Black Mesa mod made by a small group of developers completely remastered the original "Half-Life" for a new generation. Now, CSGO map designer Shawn Snelling and animator Corey Laddo are following in the footsteps of modders before them by creating an ambitious campaign for "Half-Life: Alyx," titled "Half-Life Alyx: Levitation." The project is of such quality it looks like Valve themselves made it. "Half-Life Alyx: Levitation" uses custom animations, voice acting, and maps, culminating in a full campaign. Here's everything we know about "Half-Life Alyx: Levitation."
Half-Life Alyx: Levitation release date and price
Currently, there is no hard release date for "Half-Life Alyx: Levitation." However, CoreLaddo, an animator for the project, recently Tweeted that the team expects to release "Half-Life Alyx: Levitation" in Q3 2022. Because the project consists only of a small team of volunteers, the release window is subject to fluctuation. Still, anyone looking to stay updated on the project should keep their eye out for the mod popping up on the Steam Workshop, in addition to following both Corey Laddo and Shawn Snelling on Twitter.
The good news for any gamer on a budget is that "Half-Life Alyx: Levitation" will be completely free and available to anyone who owns "Half-Life: Alyx." The mod will be listed on the Steam Workshop upon release, and all players need to do is subscribe to the mod through the Steam app to download it. But, of course, like in the case of "Half-Life: Alyx," gamers will need to own a VR headset to play the game.
Half-Life Alyx: Levitation trailer
On June 12th, during the PC Gaming Show 2022, gamers were treated to over seven minutes of uninterrupted gameplay for "Half-Life Alyx: Levitation." Along with showcasing some of the maps available in the campaign, the trailer showcased fully voice-acted characters from "Half-Life: Alyx" making a return. For example, the trailer features the lovable Russell giving Alyx directions. At the same time, the Gman looms in the background in multiple locations. Of course, the trailer shows the player taking on Combine soldiers using all the weapons available to them.
Additionally, the trailer gave gamers a sneak peek of the story of "Half-Life Alyx: Levitation." As further explained by CoreyLaddo on Twitter, "Half-Life Alyx: Levitation" will task the player with "follow[ing] the trail of Maya and Barry, two rebels that have discovered a sinister project buried deep in the Combine's Sector X." From what was seen in the PC Gaming Show trailer, it looks like this sinister project may be nestled inside the massive floating building showcased.
Half-Life Alyx: Levitation gameplay
The gameplay of "Half-Life Alyx: Levitation" looks to be more or less the same as in "Half-Life Alyx." Players will take control of Alyx and blast their way through zombies and — of course — head crabs. Because no new weapons have been shared with the public for "Half-Life Alyx: Levitation," gamers can expect to use the pistol, shotgun, Combine SMG, and grenades from "Half-Life Alyx." First, players will need to salvage these guns and wisp them to Alyx using the Gravity Gloves.
Where "Half-Life Alyx: Levitation" truly separates itself from the original game is in its campaign. As showcased in the PC Gaming Show trailer, players will come across massive set pieces like a mining drill and the floating building, both of which were not present in "Half-Life: Alyx." Although the gameplay isn't new in "Half-Life Alyx: Levitation," the 4-5 hour long free campaign will be more than enough to get many gamers to redownload "Half-Life: Alyx" and head back into City 17.