Action-packed shooters have been a staple of gaming for decades, but Vendetta Forever aims to take that experience to the next level. Published by nDreams and developed with a clear love for action cinema, the game fuses intense gunplay with acrobatic flair in a way that puts you right in the center of your own action movie. After going hands-on with the game at Gamescom, we’ve seen firsthand how it delivers non-stop thrills and an exciting mix of strategic combat and style.
What We Know
Vendetta Forever is described as a high-octane blend of tactical shooting and rapid movement, drawing clear inspiration from cult action films – as well as the VR classic that is Superhot. The game offers over 60 compact yet thrilling levels where players take down enemies in a stylish, almost cinematic fashion. Key to the gameplay is its Lo-Kill-Motion mechanic, where killing enemies not only eliminates threats but also propels you forward as you grab their weapon, allowing for fluid movement and seamless transitions between combat scenes. The action is non-stop, and every level is designed to encourage both strategic thinking and lightning-fast reactions.
The game is set to launch later this year, and players will be able to wield over 50 different weapons – from silenced pistols to improvised tools like a pencil, echoing famous movie moments. Each level offers a range of modifiers to enhance replayability, alongside online leaderboards that challenge players to master each scenario and compete globally for high scores. With a synthetic soundtrack complementing the mayhem, Vendetta Forever aims to be a love letter to action aficionados.
What We Saw
During our half-hour hands-on session with the game at Gamescom, we had the chance to experience several of the game’s unique mechanics. We tested its fluid movement system, chaining kills together to advance through the level while dispatching enemies with various weapons. The fast-paced, kinetic gameplay left a strong impression, as we witnessed how strategic shooting and acrobatic movement work hand-in-hand.
What We Thought
One of the most striking aspects of Vendetta Forever is its stylish presentation. From the neon-soaked visuals to the synth-heavy soundtrack, the game captures the essence of high-energy, adrenaline-fueled action movies. It blends the tactical approach of games like Superhot with the momentum-driven combat of Pistol Whip, creating a unique gameplay loop that feels fresh even within a familiar genre. The challenge of chaining kills while moving through levels at breakneck speed creates a constant sense of urgency, pushing you to stay on your toes – even when it’s sometimes better to go slow and make use of the “Superhot mechanics” where things stand still as long as you do.
The game’s reliance on fast reflexes and movement can be overwhelming at times, especially during prolonged play. While the Lo-Kill-Motion mechanic keeps things engaging, it also encourages a relentless pace that makes it difficult to slow down and assess the situation – something that may make it harder for newcomers to ease into the experience. As such, the learning curve might be steep for players unfamiliar with this blend of action and strategy.
That said, Vendetta Forever offers plenty of replay value, thanks to its diverse modifiers and online leaderboards. The inclusion of over 50 weapons and 20 gameplay modifiers ensures that no two runs feel the same, and the bite-sized nature of the levels makes the game highly replayable. The ability to approach each level in multiple ways adds depth, inviting players to experiment with different strategies to climb the global rankings.
In the end, Vendetta Forever is shaping up to be a pulse-pounding action experience that fans of the genre will appreciate. Its unique combination of strategic shooting and fast-paced movement sets it apart from other VR action titles, and we’re excited to see how the full game will push players to live out their ultimate action movie fantasies. Based on our preview session, this could very well be one of 2024’s must-play VR titles.
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