Virtual reality continues to deliver dynamic and immersive experiences, and Action Hero is Fast Travel Games’ own engaging take on the Superhot formula. Drawing on the excitement of blockbuster action films, it places you in the shoes of the ultimate action hero, letting you punch dinosaurs, take down ninjas, and chase villains on speeding trains. After going hands-on with the Quest version of the game at Gamescom, we got a good sense of how Action Hero combines explosive set pieces with stylish, slow-motion combat for an experience that’s sure to please fans of cinematic VR. Here’s a closer look.
What We Know
Action Hero is a first-person action game designed specifically for VR, where players fight their way through five distinct action-packed movie scenarios. Each “film” represents a different genre, ranging from classic heists and kung-fu showdowns to treasure hunts and sci-fi escapades, with clean inspirations from the likes of Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park. The gameplay unfolds in slow motion whenever the player is stationary, allowing for tactical thinking and stylish combat. However, the action speeds up as the player moves, creating a dynamic tension between movement and combat.
The game is designed to be accessible to both VR newcomers and veterans, with physical interactions taking center stage. Players can dodge bullets, catch weapons mid-air, and unleash acrobatic attacks on enemies, all while immersing themselves in the cinematic flair of each level. With no artificial movement, Action Hero aims to deliver an experience that’s smooth and comfortable, letting players lean into its action-heavy sequences with ease. The game will be available on multiple VR platforms, including the Meta Quest, and it promises a compact but intense journey through its five mini-movies.
What We Saw
At Gamescom, we had the opportunity to try out an early build of Action Hero. During our session with Fast Travel Games, we played through several scenes across different genres, each showcasing unique gameplay mechanics. Between the various “movie scenes”, the game demonstrated its varied approach to VR combat and storytelling, as well as how it puts a new spin on a familiar formula.
What We Thought
Action Hero immediately grabbed our attention with its over-the-top action sequences and stylish presentation. The game wears its cinematic influences on its sleeve, delivering a satisfying mix of tactical slow-motion combat and fast-paced movement. Fans of Superhot VR will immediately recognize the familiar formula here, but Action Hero adds its own spin by incorporating more body movement and a diverse range of environments and enemies. Whether you’re ducking under boulders or dodging bullets, the sense of satisfaction that comes from pulling off precise maneuvers is undeniable.
That being said, while Action Hero shines with its slick presentation and adrenaline-pumping action, it might feel a little too similar to Superhot for some players. The core mechanic of slow-motion combat is a near mirror image, though the ability to move freely and switch up the action with different set pieces does help the game carve out its own identity. Still, fans of this type of gameplay likely won’t mind the comparisons, as Action Hero builds on the formula with more bombastic, movie-like scenarios.
One potential drawback is the game’s relatively short campaign. With only five movies to play through, some players might find the experience a bit too brief, even if each film is split into multiple acts. However, the sheer variety in each setting – ranging from secret labs to ancient temples – helps mitigate this by keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting throughout. We hope that Fast Travel Games might consider post-launch content to expand on what’s already a fun and engaging package.
Visually, Action Hero looks impressive for a Quest title, with vibrant environments that complement its action-heavy design. The sound design, from the punchy sound effects to the fitting music for each movie genre, further enhances the immersive experience. The physicality of VR really shines here, as you dodge, shoot, and perform acrobatic feats that make you feel like you’re starring in a classic action flick. However, a downside was that you might quickly find yourself stepping out of bounds – the level resets nearly instantly when you die, so if you sidestepped you won’t be in the same spot where you started last time. Die and restart a few times, and here comes your wall. Luckily, the game is still in development and a ‘move back to your position’ feature should be easy enough to implement.
Overall, Action Hero offers an entertaining and adrenaline-filled VR experience that fans of action games will appreciate. While it may not break entirely new ground, its unique blend of fast-paced movement and cinematic flair ensures that it stands out in the VR landscape, and we’re looking forward to playing the full game.
Press Play Media 