Norse mythology-inspired VR roguelite Road Gods holds appreciable promise, and we went hands-on throughout Gamescom.
If I needed to decide a spotlight from this month’s showcase, Road Gods could be up there. We have seen nice licensed superhero video games throughout the years like Iron Man VR and Batman: Arkham Shadow, whereas Marvel’s Deadpool VR hands-on is somewhat encouraging. One thing totally different is at all times welcome although and by mixing acquainted Norse mythology with an unique premise, Road Gods strikes an enticing stability.
Greatest recognized for its work on Drop Useless: The Cabin and Simply Dance VR, Soul Meeting’s newest recreation takes us to a distorted model of New York. Swapping secretive billionaires for an atypical lady, this superhero energy fantasy sees us changing into the wielder of Mjolnir as we try to revive town after the Norse realm collides with our actuality.
Enjoying a 25-minute demo throughout Gamescom on Quest 3, what’s instantly putting is the comic-book themed visuals as you discover this twisted tackle the Massive Apple. Swinging Mjolnir is all effectively and good, although what I’m actually having fun with up to now is the recall capacity. Recalling objects like Kratos does together with his axe isn’t something new, but there’s a satisfying feeling to touchdown a double strike on enemies as your hammer hits them once more on the way in which again.
Melee assaults can slowly cost up Mjolnir’s deal with too, letting you unleash a devastating strike that makes you are feeling such as you’ve tapped into the ability of the gods. Touchdown three consecutive hits on enemies delivers a scaled-down model that’s nonetheless extra highly effective than your common strike, and clearing by way of every wave usually feels good.
The wave-based method can usually really feel repetitive in video games, however the Gamescom construct mixes this up with a mini-boss adopted by a not-so-mini boss with totally different strikes. For instance, preventing in opposition to an ice creature pressured me to maneuver significantly quicker to keep away from getting hit by space of impact (AoE) assaults. Sprinting alone isn’t sufficient, however by throwing Mjolnir and holding it in place with the grip button, urgent B teleports you to its location for fast traversal.
A number of events noticed me use this to leap excessive, slamming in the direction of the supposed goal in a satisfying however movement intensive assault. Moments like this make you are feeling powerfully inventive, and as somebody who usually opts to “cheese it” throughout fights, this made me fastidiously rethink my technique. Defeating each bosses whereas additionally warding off minions has me feeling completed.
It is troublesome to get a greater concept for development throughout this demo. Soul Meeting states this takes a run-based method throughout a modular metropolis, the place you create your individual path by inserting blocks on a mystical Tafl board. I’ve not totally seen this but, although. Totally different relics are present in some phases, the place you decide one between a selection of three for useful buffs like a 20% protection enhance.
I wasn’t having the very best day earlier than my demo, so it is an encouraging signal that Road Gods had the unintended bonus of being a welcome stress reliever. I worry this would possibly get repetitive in longer stints and, unsurprisingly for an early construct, a number of areas want additional polish earlier than launch. Nonetheless, compelling fight and the robust visuals imply it is a somewhat encouraging begin.
Road Gods launches this winter on the Meta Horizon Retailer for Quest 3 and 3S.
