White Owls Inc.’s new VR title, Death Game Hotel, is out now on Meta Quest 2, 3, and Pro. It presents a unique and dark twist on what’s otherwise a fairly generic gambling title, combining high-stakes betting with survival horror elements. Directed by Hidetaka Suehiro, known for his work on Deadly Premonition, this game plunges players into a perilous world where the cost of losing is disturbingly high. We survived our session on a Meta Quest 3.
Set in a luxurious but somehow ominous seeming hotel, the narrative revolves around Death Game 2000, a sinister competition where players wager not just money or valuables, but their own body parts, and ultimately, their lives. The story, rich with eccentric characters, draws you into an atmosphere-rich setting filled with a cast of intriguing and often unsettling fellow players. The game’s premise stands out as both innovative and unsettling, offering a narrative experience that is as compelling as it is macabre – especially with how immerse VR makes it.
Gameplay in Death Game Hotel is divided into two primary modes: Goblet of the Reaper and Death Poker. Goblet of the Reaper challenges players to drop tiles into a blood-filled goblet without causing it to overflow. This mode combines strategy with tension and suspense, especially when the appearance of the Reaper looms as a deadly consequence of failure. The other mode, Death Poker, introduces a twist to the traditional card game, incorporating a new Death suit that trumps all others and allowing players to bet their body parts. This adds a layer of horror and excitement, as every bet could result in a gruesome outcome.
The controls on the Meta Quest are intuitive, taking full advantage of the VR platform to immerse players deeply in the game’s dark world. However, at times the controls can feel a bit finicky, which can briefly detract from the overall immersion. Despite this minor hiccup, the game generally provides a smooth and engaging experience that keeps you on edge throughout with some solid hand tracking.
Visually, Death Game Hotel features detailed environments and character models to bring its world to life. The hotel itself is rendered with a high degree of realism, yet infused with a surreal, almost dreamlike quality that enhances the eerie atmosphere. The game’s use of lighting and shadow creates a palpable sense of tension and foreboding, making every corner of the hotel feel like a potential threat – despite some anime influences in the character design. The audio further amplifies this experience, with a haunting soundtrack and well-executed voice acting that bring the characters and their background stories to life.
While the game’s unique premise and engaging gameplay mechanics are major strengths, Death Game Hotel is not without its flaws. The difficulty curve can be quite steep, potentially leading to frustration for those new to VR gaming or the gambling genre. This can stand in the way of the game’s strengths: a gripping, innovative, and chilling experience that stands out in the VR landscape with its blend of high-stakes gambling, survival horror, and a rich narrative.
Score: 7.4/10
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