Valve’s upcoming VR-exclusiveHalf-Life: Alyxwill mark the first time in thirteen years that an officialHalf-Lifegame will be released by the developer. The creators of the historic first-person shooter have been extremely cagey about the possibility ofHalf-Life 3,with the lastHalf-Life 2writer on the Valve team’s departure from the company in 2017 signaling that the fabled game may never come to be. But as the new game’s release draws closer, a faint glimmer of hope for a third numbered entry in the series has returned.
Half-Life: Alyxwill follow Alyx Vance, a major player in theHalf-Life 2games, as she and her father battle the alien Combine forces that have taken over Earth. While little is known about the game’s story beyond that, players will be able to take control of Alyx using VR to shoot, smash, and solve their way through the familiarHalf-Lifephysics mechanics. Although the game takes place in betweenHalf-Lifes1and2, the focus on Alyx and Eli in particular are enough to stir speculation.
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How Half-Life: Alyx Can Tie in to the Future
Half-Life 2: Episode 2ended with the now-infamous cliffhanger of Eli being attacked and seemingly killed by a Combine Advisor as Alyx weeps over his body. Besides building the hype forHalf-Life 3, this cliffhanger left many questions regarding Eli’s past wide open, particularly regarding his relationship with the mysterious G Man. Toward the end ofEpisode 2, Eli reveals to Gordon Freeman that he knows G Man (someone who it was previously assumed only Gordon could see) and that G Man had given him the sample that led to the cataclysmic Black Mesa incident. Before he can explain the rest to Gordon, however, he is killed. Now that players know thatG Man will appear inHalf-Life: Alyx,it can only be expected that his relationship with Eli will be explored further.
Eli and G Man notwithstanding, there’s plenty of potential forHalf-Life: Alyxto delve into other loose plot threads. The relationship betweenBlack Mesa and Aperture Science,and the rival company’s mysterious research vessel known as the Borealis could be further explained in the game. Not much is known right now regarding what will make up the entirety of the game’s plot, but it’s unlike Valve to retread old ground, so allusions to the series that may set up the long-awaitedHalf-Life 3are well within the realm of possibility.
Of course, any plot points revealed during the story ofHalf-Life: Alyxmay not be considered canon by some fans, considering the absence of the series' original writers. One formerHalf-Lifewriter has already revealed the originaloutline forHalf-Life 3that never came to be, after al. Despite the disappointing signs that the last few years have shownHalf-Lifefans, though, the new game has potential to sow the seeds that could foreshadow the arrival of the much-anticipated third entry.
Why Half-Life 3 is Possible
Valve has confirmed thatHalf-Life: Alyxwill be a full-fledged gamein theHalf-Lifeseries, as opposed to an episode or spin-off, stating that it’s length will rival that ofHalf-Life 2. Considering the developer’s insistence that the game will be its “flagship” VR project, a successful launch would spell good news for futureHalf-Lifegames. IfHalf-Life: Alyxsells well, there’s the proof of continuing interest in the series, which could prompt the developer to work on future entries.
That being said, the developer has already shown major interest incontinuing theHalf-Lifesaga afterAlyx, so it may not take much to convince Vave. Citing the importance of theHalf-Lifeseries to the team and the enjoyment that came with developing the new game, Valve’s Robin Walker stated, “We absolutely seeHalf-Life: Alyxas our return to this world, not the end of it.” The optimism for the series' future surrounding the team creating the new game is sure to be a good sign for players hoping thatHalf-Life: Alyxwill lead to something even bigger for the beloved franchise.
