10 Secrets You Didn't Know About Half-Life: Alyx
5. There Is An Alternate Version Of The Ending
One of the biggest controversies leading into Half-Life: Alyx’s release was the replacement of Alyx Vance’s original voice actor, Merle Dandrige. This was odd, as there were interviews with Merle herself stating she had even recorded lines for the game. This led people to believe two main theories:
1) Valve felt Merle was not a suitable fit due to the difference of Alyx’s age. Going from 24 in Half-Life 2 to 19 in Half-Life: Alyx.
2) The development of Half-Life: Alyx took so long that Valve changed direction distinctly enough that it would warrant a new voice actor in Ozioma Akagha.
With video footage released of an earlier Half-Life: Alyx build, we now know that the reason for a change in actress was undoubtedly the first. Listening to original VA Merle Dandridge voice the same lines as Ozioma’s final take isn't as impactful.
There’s less young, naïve emotion and more anger, even theatricality. The older Merle seems like she’s acting. Her rendition almost comically asks the G-Man, “Just… stop. There was supposed to be a weapon. Where is it? Is it in the briefcase? Are you the weapon?”
The footage is an interesting watch, as janky as the build is. However, it really showcases how great of a job Ozioma did, even if we only get to witness just a small slither of Merle’s attempt at a younger Alyx Vance.