The original Arizona Sunshine was one of the first ‘traditional’ first person VR shooters to make a splash in the VR gaming scene back in 2016, doing more than simple shooting gallery stuff, and its new remake aims to elevate that experience for modern VR platforms. Built from the ground up with new visuals and combat mechanics, the Arizona Sunshine Remake for Meta Quest offers a solid mix of VR nostalgia and fresh improvements. However, despite these enhancements, the game doesn’t entirely escape the limitations of its roots. Time for a closer look.
The premise remains the same: you’re a survivor in the scorched, post-apocalyptic landscapes of Arizona, on a mission to find other survivors after hearing a voice on the radio. As you traverse the desert, mining towns, and eerie valleys, you’ll face hordes of zombies, which are referred to humorously as “Freds” in the game. The familiar setting and straightforward zombie survival plot don’t break new ground, but they provide a solid backdrop for the action that fans of the genre will appreciate.
One of the key selling points of this remake is the improved visuals, which are notably more detailed and immersive than the original game. The environments in Arizona Sunshine now feature high-resolution textures and better lighting effects, making the dusty desert feel more alive. The upgraded gore system is another highlight, with zombies now reacting to damage in gruesome ways, adding a new layer of visceral satisfaction (and creativity!) to each encounter. However, while the overall visual improvements are clear, the Quest’s hardware does show some limitations, particularly when compared to more powerful VR platforms, with certain textures occasionally lacking sharpness.
When it comes to gameplay mechanics, the Arizona Sunshine Remake sticks close to the formula that made the original so popular, with some notable improvements. The combat feels tighter, with next-gen motion controls allowing for more precise aiming and melee attacks. Whether you’re blasting away at zombies with shotguns or taking them down with a machete, the physicality of the combat feels impactful. Yet, there are moments where the controls can feel a bit clunky, especially when juggling multiple weapons or items in tense situations where you’re suddenly swarmed by enemies. The scarcity of ammo and consumables also adds to the intensity, keeping you on edge as you scavenge for supplies while fending off waves of the undead – hitting that barrel will suddenly seem like a resource-saving strategy rather than a fun way to create an explosion.
One area where the game shines is its cooperative multiplayer. The remake retains the ability to join forces with a friend in both campaign mode and Horde mode, making the zombie-slaying experience even more chaotic and fun. Playing with others heightens the challenge, as more players means more zombies, which keeps things exciting. However, it’s worth noting that while the multiplayer experience is fun, it doesn’t introduce anything significantly new or innovative beyond what fans of co-op shooters would expect.
In terms of audio, the Arizona Sunshine Remake delivers an effective soundscape that immerses you in the tension of its world. The moans and growls of zombies are appropriately unsettling, and the ambient sounds of the environment enhance the feeling of isolation as you explore abandoned areas. The voice acting, while intentionally lighthearted and self-aware, can sometimes feel at odds with the more intense moments of the game, but it fits the overall tone of a somewhat campy, b-movie like zombie shooter.
In conclusion, Arizona Sunshine Remake does an admirable job of updating a VR classic for modern hardware, bringing improved visuals, better combat mechanics, and the same enjoyable multiplayer modes. However, its foundation is still rooted in the original 2016 release, and while that nostalgia will appeal to long-time fans, the game may feel a bit dated to newcomers. For those looking for a refined version of an old favorite, this remake certainly delivers, but it doesn’t push the genre forward in the way that other recent VR titles have.
Score: 7.8/10
Press Play Media 