Metal: Hellsinger VR brings the brutal, rhythm-based shooter with a metal soundtrack from the flatscreen to virtual reality, placing players directly into the depths of Hell. Stepping into the shoes of The Unknown, a half-demon driven by a quest for vengeance, the VR adaptation turns the original game’s intense, beat-driven action into an even more immersive experience. With a unique soundtrack blaring in the background and fast-paced action sequences, the premise of Metal: Hellsinger VR feels like an engaging fit for the VR format that should engage the senses.
Narratively, Metal: Hellsinger VR sticks with the original’s revenge-driven story. The Red Judge has stolen your voice, and this sets the stage for a journey across the Eight Hells. Each level is infused with a thematic design that resonates with the game’s metal soundtrack, making the campaign feel like an interactive metal album. Featuring voice talents like Troy Baker and Jennifer Hale, the story is compelling enough to keep players engaged, though its straightforward approach doesn’t add any major narrative layers.
In terms of gameplay, Metal: Hellsinger VR retains the core concept of shooting to the rhythm of the music, which is both challenging and rewarding. Matching your attacks to the beat amplifies your damage output and increases the intensity of the background music, creating a highly engaging flow. The added immersion of VR makes this rhythmic focus even more visceral, as you aim, dash, and shoot enemies while being surrounded by hellish landscapes. However, syncing to the beat in VR can occasionally feel more difficult than on a traditional screen, making for a bit of a learning curve.
As you’d expect, one of the standout elements of Metal: Hellsinger VR is its audio design, which is as integral to the gameplay as any of the weapons. The original score, featuring metal artists like Serj Tankian and Alissa White-Gluz, is more than just background music – it actively shapes the flow of combat. The soundtrack builds and crescendos based on how well you sync your actions to the beat, and this reactive nature makes each battle pulse with energy. The spatial audio in VR enhances your sense of immersion, as you feel completely surrounded by the game’s music and sound effects.
Visually, the VR version captures the infernal environments with a good level of detail, although the graphical downgrade from traditional platforms is noticeable in certain areas. While it’s clear that some visual sacrifices had to be made for the VR adaptation, the game still manages to deliver striking environments that align well with the game’s aesthetic. That being said, performance on platforms like the Meta Quest aren’t as polished as on higher-end systems, but the art style still shines through, adding to the overall atmosphere. Still, if you have the choice, we suggest playing this on a PCVR setup.
The controls have been well-adapted to VR, giving players a good sense of freedom and movement. The ability to physically aim and shoot adds a layer of engagement that flat-screen versions can’t match, although players will need to get accustomed to balancing fast-paced movement and rhythm-based shooting. For players who find the rhythm aspect challenging, Beat Assist Mode is a useful addition, allowing a more forgiving experience while still keeping the intensity intact. However, some encounters might still feel overwhelming, especially for players new to rhythm-based shooters.
Overall, Metal: Hellsinger VR is an exhilarating and intense addition to the VR gaming landscape. It builds on the success of the original game by adding a more immersive layer to the experience, even if the transition to VR comes with some visual compromises. The powerful soundtrack and unique gameplay mechanics make it a standout rhythm shooter, especially for those who want to experience it in virtual reality. However, the steep difficulty curve and the clear visual downgrades on the Quest may be points of contention for some players. Still, for fans of the genre and VR enthusiasts, Metal: Hellsinger VR is an interesting title to dive into.
Score: 7.2/10
Press Play Media 