When comparing BlazeRush vs Half-Life 2 (and episodes), the Slant community recommends Half-Life 2 (and episodes) for most people. In the question“What are the best Oculus Rift games?” Half-Life 2 (and episodes) is ranked 1st while BlazeRush is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Half-Life 2 (and episodes) is:
When Half Life 2 came out it set the bar super high for character animation that still rivals some games today.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Great VR implementation thanks to quality optimization
This game provides excellent immersion with a VR headset. There's no lag, the user interface elements are curved making them comfortable to read, and the visual effects work really well within the virtual world.
Pro Excellent as a pick-up-and-play game thanks to thegames straightforward arcade racing
The very straightforward arcade-racing-with-guns-gameplay and quick races make it a great game to play in-between other things, or at a casual get-together (if you have friends cool enough to also have the Rift).
Pro Well designed UI for VR allows the game to be easily interfaced with
The developers clearly thought about their UI supporting VR from early on, and the subtle touches they've added really help. The menus are projected into the 3D world on a concave surface, rather than a flat one, making it easier to read stuff on the far edges. The pause menu allows exploring the details of in-game action by projecting the menu behind the action, and allowing positional tracking to continue working. Also screens and videos completely surrounding the viewer on the main menu is a nice touch.
Pro Good local and online multiplayer support allows the game to be easily played online with friends
The game supports up to 4 player local and up to 8 player online multiplayer. This allows you to play with friends, or online with randoms. Either way, it makes the game feel unique each time which helps keep the game from getting predictable or boring.
Pro Amazing character animation
When Half Life 2 came out it set the bar super high for character animation that still rivals some games today.
Pro Guns are varied and interesting
Almost every gun is fun to shoot and is distinct. The crossbow is super awesome for it’s power and the gravity gun offers variety in puzzles and what you can shoot with. Want to hit someone with an explosive barrel? Pick it up and throw it with the gravity gun!
Pro Great Sci-Fi story
Aliens, portals to other dimensions, oppressive regimes, oh my! This game brings a great flavor of dystopian sci-fi as you fight part of the rebel cause to deliver justice with your Gravity Gun to the many species afflicted by the evil Combine. Also Half Life ties in somehow with the Portal series which makes it even more awesome.
Pro Commentaries
Hear from the creators about the making of Half Life 2 Ep1 and 2. Everything from level design to technical details are discussed. More developers need to use this.
Pro Very moddable
Entire games have been made from Half Life (such as Counter Strike) and the tradition continues with it’s sequel! In fact there’s a game essentially about making your own things made from a modded Half Life 2 and that game is called Garry’s Mod.
Cons
Con Can get repetitive
The game can seem very hum drum after spending a good amount of time with it. While this may be true of most racers, this one stands out as repetitive after a while.
Con Continuous D-pad input can strain your thumb
Unlike most racing games, there is no dedicated acceleration button. So, in order to go forwards, you need to push the d-pad in the desired direction - even when just going forward. After a couple games, this can add significant strain to your thumb.