The warmth of the summer may not be the most comfortable time of the year to put on a VR headset, but that didn’t stop us from checking out a trio of new games – here are reviews of On Point and Hello Cruel World, as well as a preview for Dig VR.
On Point review (Quest)
On Point, developed by Actuator Digital for PCVR and the Meta Quest, aims to bring players back to the 90s arcade era of lightgun shooters with a modern twist with its fully immersive VR shooting gallery approach. As such, the game’s premise is quite simple, but it’s effective: you get a collection of over 90 fast-paced minigames that challenge your speed, accuracy, and reaction time, and for most of them it’s “aim and shoot”. The game’s nostalgic appeal is undeniable, capturing the essence of classic light-gun shooters while adding the depth and immersion only VR can provide.
Unsurprisingly, the gameplay is the element where the developers of On Point have focused, with a diverse range of minigames that keep the experience fresh and engaging. Whether you’re a VR newcomer or a seasoned player, the game offers something for everyone, thanks to its adjustable difficulty levels. The Newcomer mode is particularly welcome for those new to VR, offering a low-intensity introduction that eases players into the mechanics. Meanwhile, Hardcore mode cranks up the challenge, making it a perfect test for players looking to get those high scores. However, some might find the repetitive nature of the minigames (and shooting gallery gameplay in general) to be a drawback, especially during extended play sessions.
Visually, On Point embraces its arcade roots with colorful environments that really pop in VR. The graphics are sharp, and the attention to detail in the various game worlds adds to the immersive experience. The sound design also contributes to the nostalgic vibe, with catchy tunes and satisfying sound effects that enhance the gameplay. That said, the visual style might feel a bit too simplistic for those expecting cutting-edge VR graphics, as you won’t see anything you didn’t see during the first generation of Quest games.
In summary, On Point is a love letter to the arcade gameplay of the 90s, reimagined for the VR era. While it may not be the most visually sophisticated VR title, its fun and varied gameplay, coupled with its broad appeal across different skill levels, make it a solid choice – especially if you’re looking with VR novices. For those looking to relive the days of light gun shooters or simply seeking a fun, accessible VR experience, On Point is well worth checking out.
Hello Cruel World review (Quest)
Hello Cruel World, developed by Akupara Games for the Meta Quest, is a VR puzzle game that mixes psychological horror elements with puzzle gameplay mechanics. You play as a content creator exploring an eerie, abandoned seafood restaurant, which hides a darker, more sinister underground lab. The narrative, enhanced by an AI companion and a live chat feature, is intriguing and unsettling, though the chat’s role often feels more like a (somewhat underdeveloped) gimmick than a crucial part of the experience.
The core of the game lies in its challenging circuit-based puzzles, which grow increasingly complex as you progress. And while these puzzles are initially rewarding to solve, they can also become repetitive and frustrating, especially when they get increasingly difficult and you’re stuck staring at them for long periods of time. The introduction of an artificial hand that detects electrical currents adds a helpful twist, but it doesn’t fully alleviate the repetitiveness of the gameplay.
Visually, Hello Cruel World is one of the better-looking titles on the Meta Quest in recent months, with detailed environments and effective lighting that create a tense atmosphere. However, minor graphical issues like pop-ins can disrupt the immersion. Despite these flaws, the overall performance remains solid, and the game’s aesthetic is certainly one of its highlights.
The audio design is another high point, with minimalistic yet effective soundscapes that heighten the suspense. The game’s ambient noises and occasional musical cues contribute to the eerie atmosphere as well, making the journey through the dark corridors feel genuinely unnerving – with VR being used to great effect. As such, Hello Cruel World is a visually impressive and challenging game, but its difficulty and occasional design quirks may limit its appeal to only the most dedicated puzzle and horror fans.
Dig VR preview (Quest)
Dig VR, developed by Just Add Water and published by Wired Productions, is an upcoming VR title that offers an engaging blend of light simulation and arcade-style gameplay. Set in the quirky fictional town of Diglington, the game invites players to step into the boots of a digger operator, handling a variety of jobs ranging from traditional construction work to more unconventional requests. We got to play a preview build on the Meta Quest, providing a two-level glimpse into what might very well turn out to be a fun and engaging experience, with a promising mix of realism and accessibility.
The first two levels of Dig VR introduce the core mechanics, where the game’s control scheme, tailored specifically for VR, shines. The sensation of operating heavy machinery is impressively authentic (I’ve gotten to do this a few years ago), yet the controls remain approachable for those new to the genre. This balance between realism and ease-of-use is one of the game’s strengths, though it remains to be seen how it will hold up as the complexity of tasks increases. At least it’s good to know that you can’t actually destroy anything with your digger in VR.
Visually, Dig VR uses a bright, colorful aesthetic that portrays the town of Diglington without overwhelming the player with unnecessary detail. The graphics don’t exactly push the boundaries of VR, but they suit the game’s light-hearted (sim-lite) tone well. The audio design, including the in-game radio station DIG FM, adds a pleasant layer of immersion, offering a diverse selection of tracks to listen to while you’re playing.
In our preview session, Dig VR showed a lot of potential but also had some areas for growth. We’ll have to see how much the gameplay expands to include more variety as players progress through the levels, as simply replaying the early tasks can feel repetitive even though it’s fun to operate a digger in VR. Still, for those looking for a unique VR experience that blends simulation with a casual arcade feel, Dig VR is shaping up to be one to watch.
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