It’s been a while since we did a VR roundup, but with the recent PSVR2 release Ancient Dungeon VR, the Quest release of Ashen Arrows and the upcoming launch of Balls to the Wall, it’s high time we did it again. Read on to find out more.
Ancient Dungeon VR review (PSVR2)
Ancient Dungeon VR brings classic rogue-lite dungeon crawling (with a retro look and feel) into virtual reality, delivering an engaging mix of exploration, combat, and procedural level design. As an adventurer delving into the ever-shifting dungeon, each run offers a fresh layout filled with secrets, loot, and increasingly dangerous enemies. The sense of immersion is strong thanks to the use of motion controls, with physics-based combat that lets players swing swords, throw knives, and fire crossbows in a satisfying, weighty way. The procedural generation keeps things unpredictable, but some room layouts and enemy encounters still start feeling familiar over time.
Gameplay revolves around risk and reward, as deeper levels introduce deadlier foes but also more powerful upgrades. Players can enhance their weapons and abilities, leading to powerful synergies that make each run unique. However, progression outside of individual runs is fairly limited, relying mostly on unlocking new features for future attempts. The PlayStation VR2’s tracking and motion controls make combat feel responsive, though throwing mechanics can be a bit inconsistent, especially when aiming at fast-moving enemies.
Visually, the game uses a minimalist voxel art style that works well in VR, with bright, readable environments that make it easy to spot enemies and hazards. Each dungeon theme, from overgrown ruins to arcane libraries, has a distinct atmosphere, though the overall visual variety is somewhat limited. The soundtrack and ambient audio effectively build tension, making the dungeons feel mysterious and dangerous, though the enemy sound effects can get repetitive over time.
Despite some minor issues with repetition and tracking, Ancient Dungeon VR is an enjoyable and well-executed dungeon crawler that thrives in VR. The physics-driven combat, procedurally generated levels, and rewarding upgrade system make each run exciting, even if long-term progression could be deeper. With its mix of challenging gameplay and immersive mechanics, it’s a solid addition to the PlayStation VR2 library for fans of rogue-lites and dungeon crawlers.
Ashen Arrows review (Quest)
Ashen Arrows brings Norse mythology into the VR roguelike space, putting players in the role of a skilled archer fighting to prevent Ragnarök. With both a narrative-driven Saga mode and an endlessly replayable Bastion mode, the game provides a mix of structured storytelling and chaotic, wave-based action. The setting is immersive, featuring varied enemy types, mythical environments, and divine blessings that add depth to the gameplay. While the story mode serves as an introduction, it’s relatively brief compared to the core focus on survival-based encounters.
The core mechanics revolve around bow-based combat, which feels satisfying thanks to the physics-driven aiming and a variety of arrow types – though VR veterans might experience a sense of deja vu. The inclusion of traps, environmental hazards, and skill-based upgrades ensures each run plays out differently, adding strategic depth. However, the randomized elements can sometimes lead to imbalanced difficulty spikes, making some runs feel frustratingly tough or overly reliant on luck. The cooperative multiplayer mode adds a layer of excitement, encouraging teamwork and strategic coordination, but solo players may find certain battles overwhelming.
Visually, Ashen Arrows creates an engaging world with its Nordic-inspired landscapes and atmospheric lighting, though the graphical fidelity isn’t quite on par with the best-looking VR titles. The sound design enhances the experience, with solid voice narration in the Saga mode and satisfying audio feedback for attacks and enemy encounters. However, some of the animations and character models lack polish, occasionally breaking immersion.
Despite some rough edges, Ashen Arrows delivers a fun and rewarding archery-based roguelike experience for VR players. The mix of tactical base defense, fast-paced combat, and cooperative play gives it longevity, even if the progression system and overall polish could use some refinement. With continued updates promised by the developers, the game has the potential to become a standout title in its genre.
Balls to the Wall preview (Quest)
Virtual reality continues to expand the possibilities of puzzle gaming, and Balls To The Wall aims to carve out its own niche by blending classic match-three mechanics with the immersive potential of mixed reality. Developed by Cat City Games as a Meta Quest exclusive, the game takes a familiar formula and enhances it with interactive, physics-driven elements. Set against a retro-futuristic backdrop inspired by 1970s sci-fi, it offers a mix of single-player challenges and competitive multiplayer, ensuring variety for both casual players and those looking for a strategic edge.
Having gone hands-on with a pre-release build on the Meta Quest 3 in single player mode, we found the core gameplay to be intuitive and accessible, yet heavily reliant on established match-three mechanics. Players swap and align colored balls to clear them from the board, a formula that has been tried and tested in countless puzzle games. What helps Balls To The Wall stand out is its use of mixed reality, integrating puzzle elements into the player’s real-world environment. The result is a more interactive experience that encourages movement and physical engagement, adding an extra layer of immersion that traditional 2D puzzle games lack.
Despite this innovative use of MR, the core gameplay may feel overly familiar for those expecting a more dramatic reinvention of the genre. The game’s physics-driven interactions add some excitement, particularly in multiplayer matches where quick thinking and fast reflexes can make a real difference. With multiple difficulty levels, Balls To The Wall caters to both casual players looking for a lighthearted challenge and competitive players eager to climb the leaderboards. Its built-in support for content creators also makes it an appealing option for those who enjoy sharing their gaming experiences.
Visually, the game’s vibrant sci-fi aesthetic gives it a unique charm, though its bold, colorful presentation may not appeal to everyone. The sound design effectively complements the action, with satisfying audio cues and an upbeat soundtrack that fits its arcade-inspired gameplay. While Balls To The Wall doesn’t break new ground in the puzzle genre, its mixed-reality twist offers an engaging way to experience match-three mechanics in a fresh and interactive format. Whether it will have lasting appeal depends on how well it expands beyond its initial novelty, but for those looking for a fun, MR-infused puzzle game on the Quest, it’s a title worth keeping an eye on.
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