The more casual side of VR gaming, which generally relies heavily in motion controls, is still going strong. Battle Bows is a brand new example, offering an enchanting world and accessible gameplay. Set in a far-off land where sentient balloons and elemental powers collide, this game combines virtual reality with cooperative play. And as you might expect from the title, Battle Bows lets you pick up your bow and arrow – this time to defend your realm’s precious resource of Inflatium against a ton of enemies. We did so on a Quest 2.
Developer WIMO Games’ Battle Bows casts you high atop a castle tower, armed with a bow and arrow. The immersive power of virtual reality adds depth and scale, making you feel like an archer defending your realm against these fantastical creatures. While the design leans towards the more cartoony side of things, ensuring good performance on the Quest 2, the attention to detail and fun visuals make it a visually engaging VR experience – especially within the more casual subgenre.
Battle Bows prides itself on its accessibility options. The game ensures that both VR veterans and newcomers can pick it up quickly, with intuitive controls and straightforward mechanics making it easy to grasp. Armed with just a bow and arrow, players shoot and pop oncoming enemy balloons – which is a simple enough concept yet also mildly strategic with the occasional power-ups and explosive barrels that add depth to the gameplay.
Something that’s a bit more rare in the casual realm is support for cooperative gameplay, where players can choose elemental powers to add a twist to their archery skills. Unleash the power of fire, ice, lightning, or the not-so-elemental poison to rain down devastating attacks upon the balloon foes. Strategic trap placement adds another layer of complexity, requiring precise timing to achieve victory and defend the realm against the relentless helium hordes.
As archers defending the realm’s Inflatium in a co-op setting, players must strategize and work as a team to overcome waves of balloons. The emphasis on cooperation and communication creates an immersive, social, and enjoyable experience, making Battle Bows is a great option for those who sometimes play VR in a more social setting.
With multiple difficulty levels and an Endless mode, Battle Bows provides more replayability than most casual VR games. Players can tailor the challenge to suit their preferences and skill level, and customization options even allow personalization of the archer’s appearance. Battle Bows is a more than solid choice for casual VR experiences that are family-friendly. Its vibrant visuals, accessible gameplay, and focus on cooperative play make this worth playing for anyone interested in a bit of virtual archery.
Score: 7.2/10
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