Crystal Commanders by DB Creations enters the VR and MR space with a bold attempt to translate real-time strategy gameplay into immersive, hands-on action. Designed around Meta Quest headsets with support for both traditional virtual reality and mixed reality setups, the game aims to blend physical space and strategic depth in a way that feels intuitive and engaging. At its best, it does a solid job of offering accessible RTS mechanics in a unique format – but it doesn’t always maintain its footing across all fronts.
The game’s premise is straightforward but serviceable, casting you as a commander in the Crystal Vanguard defending against the villainous Crimson Blade faction. While the story isn’t particularly groundbreaking, the inclusion of a fully voiced campaign does help elevate the presentation, especially for players looking for a narrative hook to carry them through the experience like in the old Westwood days. What stands out more than the plot, though, is the way the game adapts its play spaces dynamically to match your real-world environment. Whether you’re battling in a mixed reality version of your living room or diving into one of the virtual spaces, the levels reconfigure themselves to keep the experience consistent and immersive.
Gameplay is where Crystal Commanders is nicely polished. It offers a streamlined, touch-friendly version of RTS gameplay that’s surprisingly fun and easy to grasp. Using your hands to pick up and deploy units, build towers, or reposition your defenses lends the game a tactile satisfaction that’s hard to replicate on a traditional screen. The selection of units and vehicles feels balanced enough for casual strategic depth, with the game offering several modes that cater to different types of encounters, from base destruction to “kill the king” variations. That said, while the campaign can be enjoyable, it eventually starts to feel like a long tutorial, without the level of challenge or variation that seasoned (PC-based) RTS players might expect.
Controls are intuitive, especially when playing in mixed reality – using physical space to your advantage adds an enjoyable novelty. However, the game isn’t without its hiccups. Tracking isn’t always perfect when placing units in a fast-paced moment, which can cause frustration during more intense skirmishes. There’s also the occasional issue with input precision, which slightly undermines the otherwise smooth and accessible design philosophy the game aims for.
Visually, the game opts for a clean and cartoony aesthetic that fits well within the Meta Quest’s hardware limitations. It won’t wow anyone with realism, but the vibrant colors and exaggerated unit designs make for a visually readable experience, which is important when things get busy on the battlefield. Audio design follows a similar pattern – competent but unremarkable. Voice acting is enthusiastic and adds personality, but some of the music and sound effects can feel repetitive after extended play sessions.
Multiplayer is a welcome addition, offering both local MR and remote VR matches, with modes that let you go head-to-head or practice against AI. It’s a great way to extend the game’s longevity, especially if you’re the type of player who enjoys competitive RTS play. The only catch is that matchmaking options can feel somewhat limited, and the player base isn’t huge, meaning you may not always find opponents quickly.
In the end, Crystal Commanders delivers a compelling case for how RTS games can work in VR and MR environments. While it may not rival the depth of traditional PC strategy titles, it’s an accessible and playful take on the genre that’s especially well-suited to less demanding RTS fans. The controls are clever, the format is refreshing, and it’s a solid step forward for real-time strategy in virtual reality – even if there’s still room for deeper mechanics and better polish.
Score: 7.6/10
Press Play Media 