It’s been a while since we did a VR spotlight feature, and with the recently released Quest 3 we thought it’d be a good time to check out a few new releases for the platform. Here are reviews of Gazzlers, The Light Brigade, Genotype and a brand new Halloween-themed course for Walkabout Mini Golf.
Gazzlers review (Quest)
Gazzlers, a new VR offering from Odders Lab and Bolt Blaster Games, invites players on a journey through the fictional lands of Ginkgo. As a gunner tasked with protecting your locomotive from the relentless Gazzlers, your mission is to reach the elusive Temple of the Machine God. The premise is refreshingly clear-cut, offering an on-rails shooting experience with a side of roguelike mechanics. You’ll find yourself fending off waves of eccentric creatures riding mechanical contraptions in a complete frenzy of chaos. Your arsenal for doing so includes a basic firearm and a shield for defense, adding an element of strategy as you balance offense and protection – you can’t just fire away and forget about your health.
Initially, the control layout may feel slightly awkward, and the reloading mechanic can occasionally be finicky, leading to moments of frustration. But once you get past the learning curve, the action becomes quite satisfying. The frantic pace keeps you engaged, especially as the challenge escalates with the introduction of new enemy types and boss encounters. The game’s roguelike mechanics feature mid-run upgrades, providing a welcome layer of variety. These upgrades significantly impact your playstyle as well, allowing you to customize your approach. However, each choice comes with its own trade-offs, requiring careful consideration.
Visually, Gazzlers opts for a chunky, easily discernible cartoon art style somewhat reminiscent of Borderlands – which works well in VR. But while Gazzlers excels in delivering arcade-style shooting thrills, it remains fundamentally an on-rails shooter. The repetitive nature of the gameplay may limit its longevity for some players – despite the roguelike mechanics that are meant to encourage replay value.
In terms of balance, Gazzlers poses a significant challenge, with some players finding certain sections to be a bit heavy on the grinding. Permanent upgrades eventually become crucial for progression, enhancing health, damage, and luck, providing a sense of meaningful progression once you get there. In summary, Gazzlers offers a nice little arcade experience for VR enthusiasts. Its straightforward yet engaging gameplay, paired with the charming visual style, provides an enjoyable way to unwind in short bursts. While it may not be an overly complex gaming experience, it serves as an excellent source of endorphin-boosting entertainment.
The Light Brigade review (Quest)
In The Light Brigade, Funktronic Labs delivers a virtual reality experience that seamlessly blends roguelike elements with immersive combat mechanics. Set in a world shrouded in eternal darkness, players take on the role of valiant soldiers armed with historically-inspired weaponry and powerful spells. Traversing procedurally-generated battlegrounds, you engage in intense battles against a variety of adversaries, all while unraveling the mysteries of this strange realm. The Light Brigade came out on Steam earlier, but recently launched on the Quest as well.
The game’s combat system excels in providing a tactile and immersive experience. From bolt-action rifles to machine guns and pistols, the historically-inspired weaponry feels both accurate and responsive. The inclusion of powerful light magic adds an extra layer of strategic depth as well as fantasy, allowing players to infuse their bullets or unleash devastating spells. The controls are intuitive, ensuring players are fully immersed in the action.
The Light Brigade features a dynamic class system, with each class offering unique playstyles that also evolve as players progress. You might start as a sniper, or a rifleman, and each class has its own set of challenges and rewards. The progression system, based on gathering souls from fallen enemies and comrades, allows for meaningful upgrades, unlocking new abilities and enhancing the chosen class.
Visually, The Light Brigade strikes a balance between atmospheric design and detailed environments. The restrained, cartoon-adjacent art style effectively conveys the grim atmosphere of a world ensnared in darkness. While the environments are procedurally generated, they showcase thoughtful design work, each biome presenting unique challenges and surprises.
In conclusion, The Light Brigade expertly melds roguelike elements with captivating combat mechanics. With its engaging class system, dynamic progression, and enthralling combat encounters, it offers a world full of both mystery and challenge – and the Quest conversion has been well done.
Genotype review (Quest)
Genotype, developed by Bolverk VR Games and available on the Meta Quest platform, is an ambitious foray into the sci-fi shooter genre. The game draws clear inspiration from classics like Metroid Prime, offering a unique take on combat by replacing traditional firearms with bio-printed creatures. Set in an Antarctic research facility, players assume the role of Evely, navigating a perilous environment with the guidance of the enigmatic survivor, William.
The narrative unfolds gradually, immersing players in a world of scientific intrigue and survival. The voice acting, a standout feature in the game, effectively bridges the gap between story and environment. And while the atmosphere and story are engaging, the game’s non-linear structure, which is somewhat akin to Metroid Prime, grants players freedom in exploration.
The innovative bio-printing system, a core mechanic, adds a layer of depth to combat and puzzle-solving. Players can summon an array of creatures, each with distinct abilities, offering a refreshing departure from the conventional weapons used in games. Unfortunately combat patterns still become somewhat repetitive, and the control scheme can be unwieldy in the heat of battle.
The visuals are impressive, showcasing a well-crafted, tension-filled environment. Genotype’s audio design also effectively complements the atmosphere, with stellar voice acting and sound effects that add weight and realism to the experience. However, some sections lean too heavily on silence, and could’ve used more ambient sound effects.
In conclusion, Genotype presents a solid sci-fi adventure with a polished execution. Its unique approach to combat and well-crafted narrative provide an intriguing spin on the classic sci-fi shooter. However, limitations in combat variety prevent it from reaching its full potential.
Note: since the game’s release, the developers have added a lot of features and content to Genotype. You can read more about that here.
Walkabout Mini Golf – Widow’s Walkabout DLC review (Quest)
Mighty Coconut’s latest addition to Walkabout Mini Golf, the Widow’s Walkabout DLC, invites players to explore a haunted mansion while enjoying a challenging mini golf experience – just in time for Halloween. The course not only offers engaging gameplay but also weaves a mysterious narrative through Foxhunt clues, immersing players in a dark and captivating environment. The intricate lighting design enhances the atmospheric experience, showcasing the team’s attention to detail in creating a visually stunning course that has a different vibe from previous DLCs. The diverse hole designs, both inside and outside the mansion, contribute to an engaging playthrough, adding another gem to the game’s already impressive roster of courses.
The DLC introduces eighteen new balls hidden within the mansion, each with its own unique design. While some designs may be subjective, there are standout favorites that add to the course’s appeal. The Foxhunt for the new club is one of the best yet, combining an intriguing storyline with well-crafted puzzles. For existing players of Walkabout Mini Golf, the Widow’s Walkabout DLC is a must-have, seamlessly integrating with the existing content and showcasing the team’s continued dedication to delivering exceptional courses.
For experienced players, the easy course may prove a bit too forgiving, but taking time to appreciate the intricate details in each room elevates the experience – and there’s plenty to enjoy here, with an intriguing layer of mystery that permeates the course. Overall, the Widow’s Walkabout DLC offers another excellent course with fresh twists, making it a valuable addition for fans of Walkabout Mini Golf.
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