After all, Half Life: Alyx is a phenomenal game. But because it’s only for VR, a wide range of players simply can’t play it because of the high costs of VR hardware and the computers that support it. To fix this, modders have been working on No VR mods for Alyx, with different levels of success.
Recently SoMNst, a modder from Argentina, posted a video on YouTube highlighting the progress of his No VR mode.
It looks good so far. The camera does not weigh with every movement as we saw in other ways, and Alyx’s hands are controlled with the mouse and keyboard. Her fingers move as one instead of the one-finger movements associated with a player’s hand on a VR controller. The nearly nine-minute video shows mostly fighting, while other videos on SoMNst’s channel show Alyx working with his omni instrument, which moves more naturally now that it’s controlled with the mouse and keyboard instead of someone’s hands.
SoMNst’s goal is to make the game play as close Half life 2 as much as possible. By appearance, not VR Half Life: Alyx looks like a typical first person shooter with the Source engine.
While gamers who don’t own VR may be eager for these modes, others say they pervert the original vision of the game’s developers. SoMNst is well aware that a VR-free mode dilutes some of what Half Life: Alyx special.
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“I played the game in VR and I think the game is a masterpiece. Valve did a wonderful job, “said SoMNst Kotaku by email. But the high cost of VR hardware has created such a barrier to entry that most people will not be able to experience that magic. SoMNst wants to lower this barrier.
“In the current situation of my country (Argentina) it is almost impossible to get a VR headset, even if you try to get the cheapest,” wrote SoMNst. “So, I’m developing this way because of this and because I think it’s a beautiful challenge to work HLA without VR. ”
Currently, only two of the 11 chapters of the game can be played with the mode. SoMNst and two other moderators, Optimus97 and Nicklaus, are working together to create VR-friendly versions of the game’s basic features, such as crafting and navigating the main menu. SoMNst says it prioritizes this before working to restore the game.
A VR-free mode is exactly what I personally expect to experience Half-Life: Alyx. I love Half life games and was thrilled to see that Valve has stormed the series. But my enthusiasm faded a lot, knowing that the game was just VR. I’m interested in VR games, but I can’t justify buying an expensive headset that will no doubt end up being modeled in my closet for use with one or two games. (Even though Oculus Quest is more reasonably priced, I can’t help but think of its mandatory integration on Facebook.) SoMNst’s Half Life: Alyx no-VR mode is not yet available, but when it will be, I will be the first in line to try it.