Tiger Blade, a brand new Meta Quest release from Ikimasho and published by Big Sugar, throws players into a high-octane, action-packed virtual reality experience reminiscent of classic arcade shooters like Time Crisis. Set in an alternate Korea, the game thrusts players into the role of an assassin who’s embroiled in the power struggles of the nation’s most formidable gang. With its promise of intense combat and immersive gameplay, Tiger Blade sets out to make players feel like unstoppable killing machines in a neo-noir world – and it’s one of the better VR takes on the genre yet.
One of the standout features of Tiger Blade is its innovative blend of melee and gun combat, offering players a refreshing take on the traditional shooter genre that makes more use of motion controls than just using them to fire guns. Armed with a katana and a pistol, players must strategically switch between slashing through hordes of ninjas and taking down distant foes with well-placed shots. The intuitive controls, coupled with the immersive feedback provided by the Sense controllers, make for a satisfying and responsive combat experience. However, while the gameplay mechanics are solid, the game’s difficulty curve can be punishing at times, with some encounters feeling extremely challenging due to unexpected enemy placements and surprise attacks on your first playthrough.
Visually, Tiger Blade delivers a polished and stylized aesthetic that isn’t too unlike classic arcade shooters like Virtua Cop that first added a true 3D element to shooters after games like Operation Wolf first popularized the genre. The character designs are clear and distinct, allowing players to easily identify threats even in scenes where there’s a lot going on. And while the graphics may not impress compared to games like Switchback VR, they provide a stable and consistent experience without any noticeable dips in performance.
In terms of audio, Tiger Blade excels with a soundtrack that perfectly complements the fast-paced action on screen. The Korean hip-hop beats add to the adrenaline-fueled atmosphere, while the sound effects deliver crisp and impactful feedback during combat encounters. However, the repetitive nature of some boss fights can detract from the overall enjoyment of the experience, leading to moments of frustration and tedium as they embrace their bullet sponge personas.
Despite its flaws, Tiger Blade offers an exciting VR experience that will definitely appeal to fans of arcade-style shooters. With its blend of intense combat, stylish visuals, and immersive motion-based gameplay, it succeeds in delivering on its promise of making players feel like action heroes in a virtual world. While it may not be without its rough edges, Tiger Blade ultimately proves to be a fun and worthwhile addition to our VR library.
Score: 7.8/10
Press Play Media 