Huge titles like Resident Evil and Ghostbusters may not come around as often as VR gamers would like, but the Quest library in particular is still growing very quickly. Here’s a look at three new titles, with reviews of Titanic: A Space Between, Under Cover and Border Bots VR.
Titanic: A Space Between review (Quest)
Titanic: A Space Between on the Oculus Quest invites players to embark on a haunting time-travel adventure amidst the chaos of the sinking Titanic. Developed by Globiss Interactive and published by BoomBox Games, this VR experience plunges players into a gripping narrative as they unravel the mystery of a fellow time traveler’s disappearance. Set against the backdrop of the doomed vessel’s final hours, the game delivers an interesting blend of horror, suspense, and puzzle-solving set against a historic backdrop.
As players assume the role of Hendrik van Eden, a time-travel investigator, they navigate the Titanic’s intricately recreated interiors, solving puzzles and uncovering clues to piece together the truth behind the disappearance of Diana, who time-traveled here before you did. The game’s atmospheric tension and interdimensional threats heighten the sense of immersion, offering a compelling experience for fans of time-travel narratives and VR adventures.
Titanic: A Space Between is visually stunning for a smaller VR title and impresses with its attention to detail and atmospheric design. From dark hallways to ominous lighting on a ship that’s bound for disaster, the game captures the grandeur and devastation of the Titanic’s demise, immersing players in an eerily authentic recreation of the doomed vessel. However, it’s worth pointing out that occasional technical issues and small gameplay quirks may impact the overall experience.
Despite its shortcomings, Titanic: A Space Between remains a must-play for those seeking an immersive and terrifying journey through one of history’s most infamous disasters. With its engaging narrative, designed-for-VR gameplay and atmospheric design, the game offers a memorable exploration of the Titanic’s tragic voyage, making it a standout title despite a few rough edges.
Under Cover review (Quest)
Under Cover for the Meta Quest is a nostalgic-fueled blast from the past, drawing inspiration from classic light gun shooters like Time Crisis – and it’s not shy about it either. Developed by Sigtrap and published by Coatsink, this arcade-style shooter plunges players into a high-octane campaign set against the backdrop of an evil company’s sinister plot.
Set in a game world that’s reminiscent of classic lightgun shooters, Under Cover follows the adventures of undercover agents Magnum and Redeye as they infiltrate the evil Infinidyne corporation. The storyline is as cheesy as the ones in these arcade shooters always were, full of cliches, but it adds to the game’s retro charm as a throwback to when you used to have an arcade nearby.
Gameplay, as you’d expect, mostly features on-rails shooting mechanics, with players moving through predetermined paths while taking out waves of enemies. The Active Cover System adds depth to the gameplay, requiring players to physically duck for cover to reload, enhancing immersion and adding a layer of strategy to combat through clever use of VR.
The game’s arsenal of weapons, from machine guns to rocket launchers, offers satisfying variety, though enemy diversity could be improved. Boss encounters, while repetitive, provide engaging challenges, and the scoring system encourages replayability by rewarding skillful play and quick reflexes – giving you a reason to revisit the campaign after you complete it though it would be a nice touch for competitive gamers to have online leaderboards as well.
Visually, Under Cover has a vibrant low-poly art style and detailed environments, though it’s pretty far removed from the likes of Switchback VR. Despite its shortcomings, Under Cover is a love letter to classic light gun shooters, offering a fun and experience for fans of the genre.
Border Bots VR review (Quest)
Border Bots VR offers a unique blend of puzzle-solving and border control simulation set in a future Earth dominated by AI. As a human border agent, you’re tasked with scrutinizing robots seeking entry, going through their documents for any discrepancies, contraband, and unauthorized modifications. What initially seems like routine checks quickly evolves into a frenetic race against time as the complexity of inspections increases. And if that sounds a bit like the excellent Papers, Please (but in VR) to you, you’d be right.
The game gives you a variety of tools at your disposal, from 3D printers to contraband detectors, each adding layers to the gameplay experience. But although you’re competing against other booth operators for efficiency and accuracy, one of the game’s strengths lies in its humorous approach, evident in the quirky robot interactions you’ll have. The cartoonish art style and vibrant colors create a visually appealing world, while the voice acting adds to the immersion, with solid performances that lean into the comedic undertone of the game.
However, Border Bots VR isn’t without its flaws. While the gameplay mechanics are engaging, some design choices hinder the overall experience. The inability to restart missions easily or revisit previous levels dampens the sense of achievement and urgency. Additionally, the mandatory downtime between levels and unskippable dialogue scenes disrupt the flow of gameplay, especially in VR when it feels like you’re just “standing around”.
Despite these small drawbacks, Border Bots VR succeeds in delivering a light-hearted and entertaining VR experience. Its mix of puzzle-solving, time management, and humor ensures an addictive gameplay loop that will keep players engaged. While not groundbreaking if you’re played something like Papers, Please before, the game offers a refreshing twist on the genre, making it a worthwhile addition to any VR library.
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