9 Video Game Sequels That Took Away Your Favourite Character
3. Half-Life: Alyx - Gordon Freeman
To some he's a hero; a watchful protector; a silent guardian, and the one Half-Life needs right now.
To others, Gordan "Never said a word" Freeman is the embodiment of the silent protagonist cliché - a trope that makes every cutscene interaction excruciatingly awkward.
For Half-Life: Alyx though, Freeman was swapped for plucky, confident fan favourite tech genius Alyx.
Did It Work?
In so many ways, yes.
Alyx has been beloved since her first appearance in Half-Life 2. If there was any other character to embody in this fiction it would be her, and not to mention, this meant Half-Life Alyx was the first Half-Life with a voiced protagonist.
Coupled with the increased immersion given from VR and all those environmental interactions, hearing yourself talk back to the Combine or have a conversation with G-Man felt like the next step for such a beloved mythos.
Gameplay-wise, Half-Life Alyx sets a benchmark for virtual reality, but also sews the seeds for a future where the character herself is just as important as "Mr. Freeman".