The other month, I was asked if I wanted to judge the first ever Half-Life Alyx mapping
The other month, I was asked if I wanted to judge the first ever Half-Life Alyx mapping

competition. My response was: wait, you can MAP for that? And I think I was more inclined
competition. My response was: wait, you can MAP for that? And I think I was more inclined

to enter a map myself than I was to judge it. Besides, I couldn’t guarantee that I’d
to enter a map myself than I was to judge it. Besides, I couldn’t guarantee that I’d

have the time to judge such an unknown entity. If there were 4-5 entries, maybe. But imagine
have the time to judge such an unknown entity. If there were 4-5 entries, maybe. But imagine

if there were a dozen entries that all needed rigorous testing and judging!
if there were a dozen entries that all needed rigorous testing and judging!

…there were 23. The competition has ended, the winners, announced. I was initially only
…there were 23. The competition has ended, the winners, announced. I was initially only

going to play through the winning entries. But then I thought that would be missing what
going to play through the winning entries. But then I thought that would be missing what

we’ve got here. I don’t just want to experience the best of what Source 2 is capable of. I
we’ve got here. I don’t just want to experience the best of what Source 2 is capable of. I

also want to know what an average submission is like. Or even a bad one! What makes for
also want to know what an average submission is like. Or even a bad one! What makes for

a good VR map? And what makes for a bad one? I haven’t played through them all yet. I’m
a good VR map? And what makes for a bad one? I haven’t played through them all yet. I’m

getting there. But in this video I am only going to be covering two of them. Because
getting there. But in this video I am only going to be covering two of them. Because

just from these two, I have learned so much about mapping for Half-Life Alyx.
just from these two, I have learned so much about mapping for Half-Life Alyx.

Bear in mind that the editor wasn’t even out at the time. You had to download custom
Bear in mind that the editor wasn’t even out at the time. You had to download custom

stuff and jump through so many hoops before you could even start mapping that I commend
stuff and jump through so many hoops before you could even start mapping that I commend

all 23 mappers for managing anything what so ever.
all 23 mappers for managing anything what so ever.

I will just say, I use teleport because I find it a lot more comfortable in extended
I will just say, I use teleport because I find it a lot more comfortable in extended

play sessions than smooth move. I don’t know anybody personally who disagrees with
play sessions than smooth move. I don’t know anybody personally who disagrees with

this, but I get a lot of comments hating on teleport. Maybe these people assume that since
this, but I get a lot of comments hating on teleport. Maybe these people assume that since

smooth movement makes for a better youtube video, it must make for a better VR experience
smooth movement makes for a better youtube video, it must make for a better VR experience

as well. But I don’t know. I prefer teleport. Onto the maps!
as well. But I don’t know. I prefer teleport. Onto the maps!

The first one I tried was sox. And it left a great first impression. It’s such a relief
The first one I tried was sox. And it left a great first impression. It’s such a relief

to step out of that first room and to be greeted to an expansive city view and night sky. The
to step out of that first room and to be greeted to an expansive city view and night sky. The

official campaign of Half-Life Alyx was extremely claustrophobic and after a while it made me
official campaign of Half-Life Alyx was extremely claustrophobic and after a while it made me

pine for freedom. So this sort of scale was appreciated.
pine for freedom. So this sort of scale was appreciated.

The quality of this entry was just a tad below the campaign of Half-Life Alyx, but still
The quality of this entry was just a tad below the campaign of Half-Life Alyx, but still

impressively high for such an early community map. Graphically, it looked good, but understandably,
impressively high for such an early community map. Graphically, it looked good, but understandably,

not quite so polished as the official game. And the world was easy to navigate, but at
not quite so polished as the official game. And the world was easy to navigate, but at

times was just a bit less readable. An example of this would be the rubble here. I don’t
times was just a bit less readable. An example of this would be the rubble here. I don’t

look at that and immediately assume I can go there. But I still have to try it, just
look at that and immediately assume I can go there. But I still have to try it, just

to find out. And when I discover an invisible wall, it establishes in my mind that I won’t
to find out. And when I discover an invisible wall, it establishes in my mind that I won’t

be able to traverse other bits of the level like this, teaching me the rules of how this
be able to traverse other bits of the level like this, teaching me the rules of how this

entry should play. It gives me a gun that I must pick up and
entry should play. It gives me a gun that I must pick up and

load. It has those wooden planks you must pull out to get past. And then it’s time
load. It has those wooden planks you must pull out to get past. And then it’s time

for the first enemy. And this is a fine example of a tutorial sequence- the zombie starts
for the first enemy. And this is a fine example of a tutorial sequence- the zombie starts

a long way away, comes towards you slowly and in a straight line, and is easily visible
a long way away, comes towards you slowly and in a straight line, and is easily visible

against the firey background. I’m not sure how I feel about collecting
against the firey background. I’m not sure how I feel about collecting

resin in a custom level. It feels more like something you’d get in a campaign and I’m
resin in a custom level. It feels more like something you’d get in a campaign and I’m

not sure how much time you’d have to use the upgrades in something shorter.
not sure how much time you’d have to use the upgrades in something shorter.

The design of this room is extremely simple, but it holds up to the scrutiny of VR and
The design of this room is extremely simple, but it holds up to the scrutiny of VR and

had enough interactive objects for me to want to mess about with to distract me from what
had enough interactive objects for me to want to mess about with to distract me from what

I was meant to be doing. Leaving the room, I head off, down into an
I was meant to be doing. Leaving the room, I head off, down into an

alley way. And then the first combine fight starts. If
alley way. And then the first combine fight starts. If

I’m honest, their placement wasn’t so immediately apparent- you’re put against
I’m honest, their placement wasn’t so immediately apparent- you’re put against

3 enemies with only a music que to warn you that a fight has begun.
3 enemies with only a music que to warn you that a fight has begun.

Do you remember grenades in Half-Life 2? They would explode far sooner- you’d have to
Do you remember grenades in Half-Life 2? They would explode far sooner- you’d have to

immediately whip out the gravity gun to stand a chance of launching them back at the enemy.
immediately whip out the gravity gun to stand a chance of launching them back at the enemy.

But this game gives you all the time in the world to throw them back, even if you mess
But this game gives you all the time in the world to throw them back, even if you mess

it up several times. I expect VR games to get less forgiving, but right now it encourages
it up several times. I expect VR games to get less forgiving, but right now it encourages

me to interact with this kind of stuff instead of immediately getting out of there because
me to interact with this kind of stuff instead of immediately getting out of there because

it’s overwhelming.
it’s overwhelming.

-and that’s when it crashed. I tried it again and it crashed in the same
-and that’s when it crashed. I tried it again and it crashed in the same

place again, at which point I gave up and assumed the map was broken. What a shame.
place again, at which point I gave up and assumed the map was broken. What a shame.

But from what I saw, this map was excellent.
But from what I saw, this map was excellent.

The second map I’m covering is the main focus of this video. It’s quite long, and
The second map I’m covering is the main focus of this video. It’s quite long, and

attempts many of the gameplay elements found in Half-Life Alyx. But it’s where it goes
attempts many of the gameplay elements found in Half-Life Alyx. But it’s where it goes

wrong, or where deviating from the tried and tested approach backfires, that makes this
wrong, or where deviating from the tried and tested approach backfires, that makes this

such an interesting entry. I’m going to sound very critical of it in this video, but
such an interesting entry. I’m going to sound very critical of it in this video, but

I don’t want you -or its mapper- to take it the wrong way. I’m not trying to tear
I don’t want you -or its mapper- to take it the wrong way. I’m not trying to tear

this entry to shreds, but rather to try and understand what it attempted to do, and how
this entry to shreds, but rather to try and understand what it attempted to do, and how

it could have done it better. And I think anyone interested in mapping for VR needs
it could have done it better. And I think anyone interested in mapping for VR needs

to watch this, as it will save them a lot of time that would otherwise be spent making
to watch this, as it will save them a lot of time that would otherwise be spent making

the same mistakes themselves. The map is called MODBULLDOGG, and compared
the same mistakes themselves. The map is called MODBULLDOGG, and compared

with the first entry I covered, is more like I’d expect from an early map for an experimental
with the first entry I covered, is more like I’d expect from an early map for an experimental

type of game. It’s a good length, with plenty of combat and a few puzzles. But quality throughout
type of game. It’s a good length, with plenty of combat and a few puzzles. But quality throughout

is low. It would take a long time to bring this entry up to a high graphical quality,
is low. It would take a long time to bring this entry up to a high graphical quality,

but gameplay-wise, a few quick adjustments would be able to massively improve it, since
but gameplay-wise, a few quick adjustments would be able to massively improve it, since

I feel it makes some big mistakes which should have been quickly spotted in playtesting.
I feel it makes some big mistakes which should have been quickly spotted in playtesting.

You’re immediately greeted to this text. And I love this kind of stuff. It’s clear
You’re immediately greeted to this text. And I love this kind of stuff. It’s clear

we’re in experimental territory and I love how the mapper’s so straight-up and honest
we’re in experimental territory and I love how the mapper’s so straight-up and honest

with the player about it all. It’s all like ‘look, there’s a problem, I’m sorry,
with the player about it all. It’s all like ‘look, there’s a problem, I’m sorry,

and here’s the solution. Have fun!’ I did as I was told and it wasn’t an issue.
and here’s the solution. Have fun!’ I did as I was told and it wasn’t an issue.

So you step out of the truck into a place that looks more like a Half-Life 2 level in
So you step out of the truck into a place that looks more like a Half-Life 2 level in

terms of detail. And then it’s straight off down into the sewers! And then into a
terms of detail. And then it’s straight off down into the sewers! And then into a

multi-storey carpark which also looks like a place straight out from HL2 Episode 1. In
multi-storey carpark which also looks like a place straight out from HL2 Episode 1. In

a game so heavily reliant on props, it’s obvious where the mapper has tried to paint
a game so heavily reliant on props, it’s obvious where the mapper has tried to paint

their own scenery. It’s not so easy to get away with as it was in Half-Life 2. And this
their own scenery. It’s not so easy to get away with as it was in Half-Life 2. And this

ant-lion nest looks like a tarpaulin with a gooey texture over the top. I mean it’s
ant-lion nest looks like a tarpaulin with a gooey texture over the top. I mean it’s

fine, it’s to be expected when the game doesn’t have the assets for what you want
fine, it’s to be expected when the game doesn’t have the assets for what you want

to make. But it immediately highlights that this is a less professional, user-made submission.
to make. But it immediately highlights that this is a less professional, user-made submission.

So these fights against antlions serve as a kind of tutorial, with the difficulty level
So these fights against antlions serve as a kind of tutorial, with the difficulty level

being increased on each floor that you pass up through. That’s cool, and it works well.
being increased on each floor that you pass up through. That’s cool, and it works well.

It’s just unfortunate a multi-storey carpark was chosen for this level, since it causes
It’s just unfortunate a multi-storey carpark was chosen for this level, since it causes

a problem that is quite unique to VR. Turning all these corners is not fun to do-
a problem that is quite unique to VR. Turning all these corners is not fun to do-

either you turn in person, and end up getting tangled in your headset’s cables. OR you
either you turn in person, and end up getting tangled in your headset’s cables. OR you

manually rotate using the joystick, which is what I did. And doing this just feels janky
manually rotate using the joystick, which is what I did. And doing this just feels janky

and fiddly. Add enough corners this close together, connecting enough similar-looking
and fiddly. Add enough corners this close together, connecting enough similar-looking

rooms, all dimly lit and with the tunnel vision from your torch, and it becomes a disorienting
rooms, all dimly lit and with the tunnel vision from your torch, and it becomes a disorienting

experience. It makes you want to get out of there! It takes a level like this to highlight
experience. It makes you want to get out of there! It takes a level like this to highlight

that this is a problem in VR, and it makes you appreciate how few corners you need to
that this is a problem in VR, and it makes you appreciate how few corners you need to

turn in the main campaign for Half-Life Alyx in comparison.
turn in the main campaign for Half-Life Alyx in comparison.

It also highlighted how much space these antlions need to get about! I don’t think the low
It also highlighted how much space these antlions need to get about! I don’t think the low

ceilings of this carpark can be that enjoyable for them either.
ceilings of this carpark can be that enjoyable for them either.

A classic thing in mapping is to light up where you’ve got to go- which you can see
A classic thing in mapping is to light up where you’ve got to go- which you can see

is used to good effect with the doorway here. However, this is when stuff like this ends.
is used to good effect with the doorway here. However, this is when stuff like this ends.

The way this next room is designed, it draws your eyes to the partially open lift shaft
The way this next room is designed, it draws your eyes to the partially open lift shaft

and implies you’re supposed to get through here somehow. Especially since you can see
and implies you’re supposed to get through here somehow. Especially since you can see

the shotgun on the other side. You can even reach through and pick up the ammunition for
the shotgun on the other side. You can even reach through and pick up the ammunition for

it. But despite all this, you’re not meant to get to it just yet. But as I left this
it. But despite all this, you’re not meant to get to it just yet. But as I left this

room I couldn’t help but think I had left behind a weapon I was supposed to have picked
room I couldn’t help but think I had left behind a weapon I was supposed to have picked

up. And then it’s onto another stairwell you
up. And then it’s onto another stairwell you

have to go around and round and round, getting tangled up in cables as you go.
have to go around and round and round, getting tangled up in cables as you go.

There’s something thrilling about eerie stuff like this in VR. I’m kind of half
There’s something thrilling about eerie stuff like this in VR. I’m kind of half

expecting him to blink or to jolted to life. But thankfully, he didn’t. Cos I would have
expecting him to blink or to jolted to life. But thankfully, he didn’t. Cos I would have

probably shat myself. And then guess what! It’s around and round
probably shat myself. And then guess what! It’s around and round

and round again, only this time, leaping between spikey, low-detail user-generated surfaces.
and round again, only this time, leaping between spikey, low-detail user-generated surfaces.

To give it credit, it’s actually pretty fun. It’s just a weird mix of cutting edge,
To give it credit, it’s actually pretty fun. It’s just a weird mix of cutting edge,

and the kind of mapping techniques I remember seeing 15 years ago.
and the kind of mapping techniques I remember seeing 15 years ago.

Then you go through a series of apartments. And they’re much darker than they need to
Then you go through a series of apartments. And they’re much darker than they need to

be. Remember, it’s daylight outside! And yet I’m stuck in here, using my torch to
be. Remember, it’s daylight outside! And yet I’m stuck in here, using my torch to

find my way. There was some fun gameplay through these sections as I used the shotgun to blast
find my way. There was some fun gameplay through these sections as I used the shotgun to blast

zombies and headcrabs. But I think what happened here was that the
zombies and headcrabs. But I think what happened here was that the

mapper designed an apartment, then to save time, copy-pasted it 4 or 5 times to extend
mapper designed an apartment, then to save time, copy-pasted it 4 or 5 times to extend

the length of the level. It’s just that he didn’t bother adding unique stuff to
the length of the level. It’s just that he didn’t bother adding unique stuff to

find in each, so it ended up feeling like wasted space. Plus, with the number of enemies
find in each, so it ended up feeling like wasted space. Plus, with the number of enemies

here, I got dangerously close to running out of ammunition. Half-Life Alyx itself is a
here, I got dangerously close to running out of ammunition. Half-Life Alyx itself is a

game about scavenging, I’m used to being low on ammunition. But normally, you can find
game about scavenging, I’m used to being low on ammunition. But normally, you can find

at least something to use if you take the time to search drawers and the like. But there
at least something to use if you take the time to search drawers and the like. But there

was nothing to find here- aside from some extremely dodgy clipping on these fridges.
was nothing to find here- aside from some extremely dodgy clipping on these fridges.

Having your hand pass through a handle in VR is a SIN!
Having your hand pass through a handle in VR is a SIN!

Any way, you reach this laser wall and it’s quite obvious you need to follow the wiring
Any way, you reach this laser wall and it’s quite obvious you need to follow the wiring

back around to a control panel. I was surprised when the door opened to reveal an enemy…
back around to a control panel. I was surprised when the door opened to reveal an enemy…

but I think for once, he was even more surprised than I was!
but I think for once, he was even more surprised than I was!

So here’s something that’s SIMPLE, but not exactly intuitive or obvious the first
So here’s something that’s SIMPLE, but not exactly intuitive or obvious the first

time you see it. It’s clear the cable goes into this control panel. Normally in the game
time you see it. It’s clear the cable goes into this control panel. Normally in the game

you can hack this kind of thing on the end. But not in this example.
you can hack this kind of thing on the end. But not in this example.

So I was close to retracing my steps, but decided to take a closer look at the control
So I was close to retracing my steps, but decided to take a closer look at the control

panel to see if there was something to pull or press, even though I couldn’t see anything
panel to see if there was something to pull or press, even though I couldn’t see anything

lit up. And it turns out the hacking minigame carries on through this thing.
lit up. And it turns out the hacking minigame carries on through this thing.

And I’m not stupid- I still remember that blue laser grid and that this has something
And I’m not stupid- I still remember that blue laser grid and that this has something

to do with it. But when you complete a puzzle and it isn’t made immediately obvious what
to do with it. But when you complete a puzzle and it isn’t made immediately obvious what

has changed, you do begin to question yourself. Is there another bit of the puzzle? Is there
has changed, you do begin to question yourself. Is there another bit of the puzzle? Is there

something else to press in this room before moving on? And so on. I returned to the laser
something else to press in this room before moving on? And so on. I returned to the laser

grid and fortunately, had managed to turn it off.
grid and fortunately, had managed to turn it off.

I’ll tell you what- it was a relief to get my hands on some more ammunition! And so much
I’ll tell you what- it was a relief to get my hands on some more ammunition! And so much

at that. What wasn’t so needed was this weapon upgrade
at that. What wasn’t so needed was this weapon upgrade

station. There just hasn’t been enough resin in this level to be able to afford anything
station. There just hasn’t been enough resin in this level to be able to afford anything

decent. The pistol came with the laser sight. Had there been a spare 40 resin or so lying
decent. The pistol came with the laser sight. Had there been a spare 40 resin or so lying

about I’d have appreciated the opportunity to choose the upgrades I cared most about,
about I’d have appreciated the opportunity to choose the upgrades I cared most about,

like the automatic reloaders or something. But as it was, this was a missed opportunity.
like the automatic reloaders or something. But as it was, this was a missed opportunity.

In fact, maybe I was the one missing the opportunities. Maybe I was supposed to have found a way to
In fact, maybe I was the one missing the opportunities. Maybe I was supposed to have found a way to

get these gun turrets. And maybe had I pulled these levers in this dark corner here, there
get these gun turrets. And maybe had I pulled these levers in this dark corner here, there

might have been a load of resin inside. In which case… my bad.
might have been a load of resin inside. In which case… my bad.

As it was I just headed through to the next stage of the level.
As it was I just headed through to the next stage of the level.

Now THIS was a fight! In Half-Life Alyx you typically only fight 2-3 enemies at once.
Now THIS was a fight! In Half-Life Alyx you typically only fight 2-3 enemies at once.

But there are about 6 of them here. And you don’t have that much ammunition. And they’re
But there are about 6 of them here. And you don’t have that much ammunition. And they’re

such bullet sponges. Still, there was a good amount of cover and space to run about and
such bullet sponges. Still, there was a good amount of cover and space to run about and

I had a good time in this fight. The pathfinding seemed a bit broken, as enemies
I had a good time in this fight. The pathfinding seemed a bit broken, as enemies

didn’t want to move that much. So I’m not sure how one had apparently managed to
didn’t want to move that much. So I’m not sure how one had apparently managed to

get around behind me like this. Manhacks are the one time I consider broken
get around behind me like this. Manhacks are the one time I consider broken

pathfinding to be an improvement! Even with Source 2 and its highly detailed
pathfinding to be an improvement! Even with Source 2 and its highly detailed

props, glitches can happen. I currently have no experience with mapping for it so am unable
props, glitches can happen. I currently have no experience with mapping for it so am unable

to say how easy it is to avoid stuff like this. But it’s highly distracting in VR
to say how easy it is to avoid stuff like this. But it’s highly distracting in VR

and a sign that it’s an amateurish level. I appreciate the occasional puzzle that’s
and a sign that it’s an amateurish level. I appreciate the occasional puzzle that’s

thrown in as it helps add variety to the experience and to slow the pace down after periods of
thrown in as it helps add variety to the experience and to slow the pace down after periods of

running and shooting. VR needs breaks such as these. And I’m beginning to imagine that
running and shooting. VR needs breaks such as these. And I’m beginning to imagine that

viewing a shaky VR video like this, you’re happy to view a slower paced section like
viewing a shaky VR video like this, you’re happy to view a slower paced section like

this once in a while as well! You know something’s got to happen in a
this once in a while as well! You know something’s got to happen in a

room as elaborate as this- it doesn’t immediately drop you in a fight, but instead lets you
room as elaborate as this- it doesn’t immediately drop you in a fight, but instead lets you

explore it and learn what it’s all about first.
explore it and learn what it’s all about first.

Here’s something I almost missed- a machine gun’s waiting for you inside that box. If
Here’s something I almost missed- a machine gun’s waiting for you inside that box. If

it hadn’t been for the machine gun ammunition sat around it I don’t think I’d have noticed
it hadn’t been for the machine gun ammunition sat around it I don’t think I’d have noticed

it sat inside. And maybe this map’s maker is just very tall, because this box is up
it sat inside. And maybe this map’s maker is just very tall, because this box is up

so high, if I was 5 foot 6 I wouldn’t have been able to see inside it.
so high, if I was 5 foot 6 I wouldn’t have been able to see inside it.

Here’s an example of unintuitive placement. Connecting the battery in here, it activates
Here’s an example of unintuitive placement. Connecting the battery in here, it activates

the lever to the right of it that I tried earlier. But since there are cables trailing
the lever to the right of it that I tried earlier. But since there are cables trailing

out to the left, I assume it has something to do with that and it leads me off on a hunt
out to the left, I assume it has something to do with that and it leads me off on a hunt

for something that doesn’t exist. Had the battery panel been put on the OTHER side of
for something that doesn’t exist. Had the battery panel been put on the OTHER side of

the lever, with nothing else that side of it, it would have been more natural to check
the lever, with nothing else that side of it, it would have been more natural to check

the lever. Sure, it’s got a green light next to it to show you can pull it now. But
the lever. Sure, it’s got a green light next to it to show you can pull it now. But

it wasn’t visible, nor my focus, when placing the battery in the first place.
it wasn’t visible, nor my focus, when placing the battery in the first place.

Pulling this activated some kind of animation in the far corner of the room, which I noticed.
Pulling this activated some kind of animation in the far corner of the room, which I noticed.

So I walked towards it AND STRAIGHT INTO A TRAP!
So I walked towards it AND STRAIGHT INTO A TRAP!

This section made me realise that the Valve-made levels for Half-Life Alyx would always have
This section made me realise that the Valve-made levels for Half-Life Alyx would always have

you in a position with good cover before getting into a fight. This is more important in VR
you in a position with good cover before getting into a fight. This is more important in VR

than it is in normal games because moving about in VR takes more effort. If you’re
than it is in normal games because moving about in VR takes more effort. If you’re

trying to get to cover, you’re not too interested in shooting back at the enemies- because you’re
trying to get to cover, you’re not too interested in shooting back at the enemies- because you’re

trying to get to cover! Which, in this case, involves sprinting back to the control panels
trying to get to cover! Which, in this case, involves sprinting back to the control panels

again. And then, just when I think it’s safe, another
again. And then, just when I think it’s safe, another

door opens and a huge super-armoured combine steps out and it’s back to the control panels
door opens and a huge super-armoured combine steps out and it’s back to the control panels

again.
again.

And then it’s onto the roof top. A fitting scene for the finale to take place. And how
And then it’s onto the roof top. A fitting scene for the finale to take place. And how

nice it is to be somewhere that’s well-lit! And it’s weird to see the Citadel with so
nice it is to be somewhere that’s well-lit! And it’s weird to see the Citadel with so

little haze shrouding its lower levels.
little haze shrouding its lower levels.

It’s quite nice to mix the combat up by placing lots of thin beams between you and
It’s quite nice to mix the combat up by placing lots of thin beams between you and

the enemies. Combine in Half-Life Alyx deal huge damage so fights generally comprise of
the enemies. Combine in Half-Life Alyx deal huge damage so fights generally comprise of

90% hiding away, and 10% pumping bullets into them before they open fire again. But you
90% hiding away, and 10% pumping bullets into them before they open fire again. But you

can’t open fire when you’ve got to carefully aim between cracks to conserve ammunition.
can’t open fire when you’ve got to carefully aim between cracks to conserve ammunition.

Like I said before, it’s amazing, the difference this open area makes. It feels like this map’s
Like I said before, it’s amazing, the difference this open area makes. It feels like this map’s

‘budget’ went into this final sequence and placing all the distant details. I can
‘budget’ went into this final sequence and placing all the distant details. I can

even see the playground from the start down there, which helps me to get my bearings.
even see the playground from the start down there, which helps me to get my bearings.

But what a missed opportunity!
But what a missed opportunity!

Stepping out of the truck at the start, you’re looking the wrong way and have no need to
Stepping out of the truck at the start, you’re looking the wrong way and have no need to

look back at the building behind you. Had you started THIS side of the park, you would
look back at the building behind you. Had you started THIS side of the park, you would

have begun facing this building you ultimately reach, which tells a coherent story. OR, better
have begun facing this building you ultimately reach, which tells a coherent story. OR, better

still, if this building and the citadel had been visible and in the same direction and
still, if this building and the citadel had been visible and in the same direction and

there would have been no confusion as to the direction you were meant to be headed. And
there would have been no confusion as to the direction you were meant to be headed. And

it makes the level into a story, rather than just a series of disconnected rooms you have
it makes the level into a story, rather than just a series of disconnected rooms you have

to navigate.
to navigate.

So it took me a while to figure out what to do here. It’s a multitool puzzle which involves
So it took me a while to figure out what to do here. It’s a multitool puzzle which involves

stooping over and running it along the ground. Which is more effort than it looks in VR!
stooping over and running it along the ground. Which is more effort than it looks in VR!

This would be a criticism I have with the game’s mechanics- it would be nice if you
This would be a criticism I have with the game’s mechanics- it would be nice if you

didn’t have to get quite so close to surfaces you’re trying to scan, which I guess is
didn’t have to get quite so close to surfaces you’re trying to scan, which I guess is

why they’re usually within arm’s reach without having to stoop over.
why they’re usually within arm’s reach without having to stoop over.

And then, again, it isn’t obvious what you’re supposed to do since you’ve just been lead
And then, again, it isn’t obvious what you’re supposed to do since you’ve just been lead

towards these control panels. But you’re actually meant to return back to the start
towards these control panels. But you’re actually meant to return back to the start

of the puzzle and to twist this thing. At which point I was like ‘oh I’m meant
of the puzzle and to twist this thing. At which point I was like ‘oh I’m meant

to shoot these!’ …but apparently not.
to shoot these!’ …but apparently not.

But you are! It just takes 3 shots each. Again, a bit unintuitive in a game that forces you
But you are! It just takes 3 shots each. Again, a bit unintuitive in a game that forces you

to conserve your ammunition. And then, in another cruel twist, after the
to conserve your ammunition. And then, in another cruel twist, after the

last of these is destroyed, without warning it spawns a load of enemies behind you. You
last of these is destroyed, without warning it spawns a load of enemies behind you. You

have good cover but they quickly encroach on your position from several angles.
have good cover but they quickly encroach on your position from several angles.

And then I was instakilled by a setpiece.
And then I was instakilled by a setpiece.

And then I had to replay this whole section from this point.
And then I had to replay this whole section from this point.

The second time I was killed by an enemy with an endless magazine.
The second time I was killed by an enemy with an endless magazine.

But the third time, I did it!
But the third time, I did it!

It looked like it formed a bridge across to the next building, but I couldn’t figure
It looked like it formed a bridge across to the next building, but I couldn’t figure

out how to get up there. Or even if all of the enemies had been killed.
out how to get up there. Or even if all of the enemies had been killed.

And that was the end.
And that was the end.

…OR IS IT?!
…OR IS IT?!

No, definitely the end.
No, definitely the end.

So a very interesting dive into workshop content for Half-Life Alyx. Even though I’ve pointed
So a very interesting dive into workshop content for Half-Life Alyx. Even though I’ve pointed

out its many flaws, this map was an enjoyable experience. It makes me excited to dabble
out its many flaws, this map was an enjoyable experience. It makes me excited to dabble

with my own creations, since now I think I appreciate interesting cover and fight locations
with my own creations, since now I think I appreciate interesting cover and fight locations

a lot more, knowing what works and- more importantly- what doesn’t. Thank you to the mappers involved
a lot more, knowing what works and- more importantly- what doesn’t. Thank you to the mappers involved

in this competition. And from how critical I’ve been in this video… maybe it’s
in this competition. And from how critical I’ve been in this video… maybe it’s

just as well that I wasn’t a judge.
just as well that I wasn’t a judge.