Developed by Nervous Systems and published by Fast Travel Games, VEX MAGE is a fast-paced VR arena shooter that turns spellcasting into a high-speed test of reflex and strategy. Built around fluid hand-tracking and elemental runes, it pits players against waves of enemies in compact arenas designed for constant movement and improvisation. Its premise is straightforward but executed with confident momentum, combining tactile spellcraft with the athletic intensity of classic arena shooters, wrapped in a fantasy setting.
The core loop is terse and purposeful. Assigning different elements to each hand and switching them on the fly produces emergent moments of frantic creativity; the simple set of spells becomes a deep toolbox when paired with swift traversal and reactive choices. Cooperative play for up to three participants multiplies those moments, creating opportunities for coordinated pushes through gauntlets of enemies and communal pursuit of leaderboard dominance. The combat chemistry rewards ingenuity – certain fused spells excel at crowd control while others punish single targets – and mastery of these mechanics grows organically as runs accumulate.
Controls and locomotion receive careful attention, with tracking fidelity and gesture responses that generally feel immediate and intentional. The system encourages nimble strafes, glides and short bursts of acceleration, which align well with the game’s identity as a twitch-driven arena fighter. That said, comfort options are minimal: there is limited mitigation for motion sensitivity and rotation choices remain narrow, which makes extended sessions uncomfortable for some. Players who favour vigorous, free-form movement will flourish; those sensitive to VR motion may need to approach cautiously.
Aesthetically, the title wears its influences proudly. Arenas glitter with elemental auras, runes pulse with clear telegraphing and enemies cut distinctive silhouettes against neon backdrops, lending each run an almost cinematic feel. Audio design supports that clarity – spells snap, projectiles whine and an adrenaline-pushing soundtrack propels the action – so sound often resolves threats that vision cannot. There are, however, occasional visual rough patches in certain textures and background assets; these do not derail the sensory punch but slightly undercut immersion when inspected closely.
When it comes to longevity and structure, the package leans into replayability over sprawling content (much like Fast Travel’s excellent Mannequin). Runs are compact and scoring systems encourage repeat attempts, with leaderboard progression providing a continuous carrot. The elemental fusion system and co-op permutations supply a surprising amount of emergent depth despite a modest initial spell roster, but the campaign scope can feel limited after many hours and arena repetition becomes noticeable. Infrastructure around matchmaking and menus feels serviceable yet spare, leaving room for smoother social onboarding and quality-of-life additions.
Ultimately, VEX MAGE stakes a clear claim as a high-octane VR arena shooter that rewards agility, experimentation and competitive drive. It is an especially strong fit for players who relish mastering tight systems and chasing incremental improvement, and the co-op dynamic accentuates that reward loop. At the same time, the minimal narrative framing, occasional texture roughness, and thin comfort settings constrain its appeal for a broader audience, appealing more to VR enthusiasts. For those primed for fast, elemental combat in VR, it is a compelling, adrenaline-forward experience that is worth downloading and diving into.
Score: 7.3/10
Press Play Media 