Action Hero by Fast Travel Games provides an adrenaline-rich, cinematic FPS experience in virtual reality, blending the charm of classic action movies with immersive Superhot-inspired gameplay mechanics. Designed for Meta Quest, the game positions players as the star of five bombastic, genre-spanning films, each packed with slow-motion gunfights, larger-than-life set pieces, and plenty of challenges to overcome. While it mostly delivers on its promise of over-the-top action, some elements leave room for improvement.
The premise is as straightforward as it is appealing: you step into the shoes of a larger-than-life protagonist and need to save the day across five distinct movie-themed adventures. Whether you’re pulling off a heist, engaging in kung-fu battles, or treasure hunting in perilous ruins as if you’re Indiana Jones, Action Hero does an excellent job of transporting players into the heart of their favorite action genres. Each “movie” (or collection of sequences) feels unique thanks to varied environments and gameplay challenges, though the lack of a deeper narrative connecting these experiences may feel superficial to those craving more context or emotional stakes.
At its core, the gameplay revolves around cinematic slow motion, which allows players to stylishly dodge bullets, counter enemy attacks, and land satisfying punches. This mechanic ensures that even the most chaotic firefights are manageable, letting you focus on pulling off heroic moves. However, while the slow-motion combat is thrilling, the repetition of certain enemy patterns and set pieces can lead to moments where the action feels formulaic – especially if you’re very adapt at the Superhot-style of gameplay and breeze through these levels.
One of the standout features of Action Hero is its commitment to accessibility. The game eliminates the motion sickness that often plagues VR titles by avoiding forced locomotion or sudden movements. Instead, players navigate the environment through intuitive mechanics like leaning, dodging, and interacting directly with their surroundings. This design choice makes the game a great entry point for VR newcomers who are still open to something quite ambitious, though VR veterans might find the lack of locomotion slightly restrictive in terms of freedom of movement.
Visually, Action Hero leans into a colorful and exaggerated aesthetic that complements its blockbuster theme. Each level is distinct and detailed, from laser-filled treasure vaults to neon-lit kung-fu arenas. The game’s audio design further enhances the cinematic feel, with an action-packed score and satisfying sound effects for every punch, kick, and explosion. However, some textures lack polish and some environments feel less dynamic than others.
Controls in Action Hero are intuitive and responsive, emphasizing hand-tracking and tactile interactions that make every action feel deliberate. Catching a weapon mid-air or dodging a ninja star at the last second feels immensely satisfying, though some minor tracking hiccups during fast-paced sequences can momentarily disrupt the flow of combat.
Despite its high-octane fun, Action Hero does have a few areas where it stumbles. The absence of more complex mechanics or a deeper progression system may leave some players wishing for more longevity, especially after completing the five movie campaigns – which might not take genre veterans very long. Additionally, while the game excels at delivering short bursts of excitement, its reliance on familiar action tropes might limit its appeal for those seeking innovation in the VR FPS genre. It’s the popcorn movie equivalent for VR fans, which should give you a pretty good idea of how well you’ll like it.
In the end, Action Hero delivers a very entertaining VR experience that captures – more or less – the thrill of being the star in a blockbuster action movie. Its accessible design, engaging slow-motion combat, and genre-varied levels make it a standout choice for Meta Quest owners looking for a fun and cinematic escape. While its simplicity and repetition might limit its replay value, fans of action-packed adventures will find plenty to enjoy in this virtual reality spectacle.
Score: 7.8/10
Press Play Media 