Fast Travel’s Mannequin recently launched out of Early Access and brings a novel twist to the multiplayer VR scene with its hide-and-seek mechanics and intense cat-and-mouse gameplay. Set in a world where aliens have invaded and time has mysteriously frozen, players are thrust into a game of deception, blending stealth and action as they take on the roles of either elite Agents or the shape-shifting alien Mannequins. The premise is simple: Agents hunt Mannequins hiding in plain sight, while the Mannequins must cleverly pose as human statues to avoid detection. What unfolds is a game of strategy, detection, patience, and sudden ambushes, keeping players constantly on edge.
The dynamic between the Mannequins and Agents creates a tense and exciting experience, where agents are equipped with technology to scan for Mannequins. The challenge lies in determining which statues are actual players though, as a wrong shot can jam your gun, leaving you vulnerable to attack from a shapeshifting Mannequin nearby. This makes the hunt thrilling, but also nerve-wracking, as every shot needs to be calculated and you only have a single beacon that will expose nearby Mannequins. For the Mannequins, the ability to freeze Agents with a touch keeps the game unpredictable, as the hunted can become the hunters in an instant – especially when the number of active players changes to their advantage. The balance between the two sides makes each round feel fresh, though some players may find that the Mannequins have a slight edge when it comes to pulling off successful ambushes – certain strategies seem extremely hard for Agents to beat.
The controls in Mannequin are fairly simple and intuitive, which is crucial in a game that requires quick reactions and precision. Whether you’re an Agent scanning the environment or a Mannequin trying to blend in, the game’s mechanics are responsive, making the overall experience smooth. Smooth locomotion is the way to go here because things get frantic once someone is spotted, and perhaps that makes this one a bit less newcomer-friendly. However, there are several ways to play and win, and you can gain an advantage by capturing control points without getting caught as well.
Visually, the game leans into its sci-fi atmosphere with environments that are frozen in time, providing a fitting backdrop for the tension-filled encounters. The eerie stillness of the world contrasts sharply with the frantic action that can erupt at any moment, creating a unique mood. The environments, which are varied and include plenty of verticality, are well-designed, though they lack some of the fine details seen in other high-end VR titles. It works for Mannequin though, as there are few visual distractions when hunting Mannequins. On the audio front, the game’s sound design plays a key role in heightening the tension. Subtle cues alert players to nearby movement, and the sound of a gun jamming or a Mannequin’s sudden dash towards your teammate adds to the suspense.
Mannequin thrives in its multiplayer setting, where teamwork and communication are essential. Agents need to coordinate to cover ground effectively, while Mannequins must work together to pull off well-timed ambushes. The cooperative element enhances the game’s replayability, but there’s a bit of a learning curve and playing with a less coordinated team can lead to a somewhat frustrating experience. Solo play doesn’t quite capture the same level of excitement as when you’re strategizing with friends, so we’re hoping the community stays active for this game.
In conclusion, Mannequin is a refreshing addition to the VR multiplayer genre. Its blend of hide-and-seek mechanics with fast-paced FPS elements creates a thrilling experience that feels both unique and engaging. While there are small issues with balance depending on who you’re playing with, the game’s core mechanics and atmosphere are strong enough to keep players interested and coming back for more. If you’re a fan of tense, strategic multiplayer games, Mannequin is worth checking out.
Score: 7.6/10
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