Half-Life Alyx: 13 Biggest Questions Answered For New Fans
5. Why Do Valve Recommend I Play Half-Life 2 And The Episodes?
While it’s unlikely that Half-Life: Alyx will reach the present day of the overarching Half-Life story (where we left off at the White Forest facility), anything is possible.
However, this probably isn’t why Valve have suggested that those interested in Alyx play Half-Life 2 and the Episodes beforehand. This is likely to make sure everyone is caught up on what happened between Alyx, Gordon and the G-Man, as aforementioned.
A cut-scene occurs in which the G-Man monologues:
"When I plucked her from Black Mesa... haha. I acted in the face of objections that she was a 'mere child' and of no practical use to anyone."
The gist is that, like Freeman, Alyx was an investment of the G-Man's.
However, she hadn't been used yet or, for quite some time since he saved her. In light of this, my assumption would lead me to believe that Valve wants you to be aware of Alyx and the G-Man’s relationship, as opposed to implying that Half-Life: Alyx will lead past the events of Half-Life 2, Episode 2.