What excites me most about virtual reality gaming is the opportunities that open up for new and innovative styles of gaming that were never before possible. But despite being an Oculus exclusive, VR-only game, Edge of Nowhere is not that kind of game. It’s a very conventional and unexciting blend of third-person platforming action, light survival-horror, and typical stealth that feels like it would’ve worked completely fine on a traditional gaming system. Blocking out the real word does add to the sense of isolation it’s going for in its bleak Arctic environments, at least, but it doesn’t change the way you play enough for Edge of Nowhere to stand out.
The only VR feature that’s made extensive use of is head tracking, which is used for camera control, directing your flashlight in dark areas, and aiming your shotgun and thrown rocks. Most of that works well – especially the aiming, which feels about as accurate as a mouse, and much better than the gamepad you’re forced to use. The camera, on the other hand, makes going back the way you came for any reason (such as to pick up ammo or health you might’ve passed momentarily) an ordeal. You have to physically turn around in your seat to see where you’re going, which isn’t very convenient for what is otherwise a comfortable seated VR experience.
Continue reading…
Continue reading...
The only VR feature that’s made extensive use of is head tracking, which is used for camera control, directing your flashlight in dark areas, and aiming your shotgun and thrown rocks. Most of that works well – especially the aiming, which feels about as accurate as a mouse, and much better than the gamepad you’re forced to use. The camera, on the other hand, makes going back the way you came for any reason (such as to pick up ammo or health you might’ve passed momentarily) an ordeal. You have to physically turn around in your seat to see where you’re going, which isn’t very convenient for what is otherwise a comfortable seated VR experience.
Continue reading…
Continue reading...