Down and Out, developed by India-based studio Zatun, brings a rarely seen twist to the fighting game genre, immersing players in a first-person VR experience set in the perilous yet captivating streets of Grande City. This open-world streetfighting sim offers a VR take on the popular genre, combining freestyle combat with seamless exploration. As players step into the shoes of a street brawler, they’re tasked with climbing the ranks, amassing wealth and power in the heart of a vibrant and dangerous urban landscape. We played it on a Quest 2 headset.
The game’s visuals are a blend of realism and comic book-inspired cel-shaded graphics, creating a unique and eye-catching atmosphere. Grande City feels alive, drawing inspiration from real-world megacities, and is populated with diverse and distinctive NPCs, each ready to engage players in fierce battles.
Down and Out’s combat system is tailored for VR, allowing players to unleash their own movements in a dynamic fighting experience while also getting a bit of a workout. Whether it’s delivering powerful blows or striking quickly with precision, you can let your hands fly. It’s worth noting that AI adversaries also adapt to your style, requiring a strategic approach to every encounter rather than just spamming attacks. This dynamic AI keeps fights engaging, ensuring that no battle feels the same.
The open world of Grande City is a treasure trove of hidden secrets and activities, providing players with a variety of options beyond street combat. From playing mini-games to exploring every nook and cranny, there’s quite a bit to do here. The addition of side activities like basketball and graffiti also allows players to make their mark on the city, and are good ways to mix up the action while still making great use of motion controls.
While Down and Out looks great on paper and makes a decent first impression, there are definitely areas of improvement. The controls, though functional, could benefit from refinement, as the motion controls for certain actions aren’t always intuitive, leading to occasional frustrations. And while the enemies do change their behavior, the fighting mechanics still tend to feel monotonous after a while, as attack patterns become predictable.
In terms of playtime, Down and Out offers a relatively short experience despite its ambitious scope. We completed the game in just over an hour, which considering the side activities and open world exploration felt on the short side. The inclusion of mini-games, while adding variety, extends the gameplay a bit, but spend too long with them and they’ll feel repetitive.
Despite these drawbacks, Down and Out is an ambitious VR title that offers a unique experience in the fighting game genre. The combination of immersive visuals, interesting gameplay and a richly designed world make it a title that should at least invoke some curiosity. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in refining controls and combat depth, Down and Out is an interesting option for VR enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline-fueled street brawl.
Score: 6.8/10
Press Play Media 