Some of my favorite games over the years have been the ones where time can be manipulated. In 2001, the release of Remedy Entertainment's Max Payne changed everything.
Suddenly we were given the ability to encounter rooms full of enemies while using our new ability to seamlessly slow down time with the press of a button, giving players the ability to take out enemies in a slow motion ballet of pure carnage . This was a game changer for the action genre and “Bullet Time” was born.
Leading up to the launch of VR as a consumer platform, we saw several other gaming franchises use variations on these time manipulation techniques, and in 2016 a new variation found its way into what is now considered a classic virtual reality gaming experience: SUPERHOT. VR.
COLD VR – SUPER HOT
Compare COLD VR with SUPERHOT
Okay, let's get this out of the way… It's almost impossible to talk about COLD VR without comparing it to SUPERHOTE VR. While it's true that both games share a time manipulation mechanic, they approach it in fundamentally different ways.
In SUPERHOT, time only moves when players do, giving them the opportunity to plan their next moves to outwit enemies. So this take on the time manipulation mechanic creates a strategic and almost puzzle-like experience that ultimately rewards players for carefully planning precision attacks.
In Cold VR, the mechanics are reversed and time only progresses at full speed when movement stops, requiring players to think on their feet to quickly respond to the ever-changing environment around them. The constant need for locomotion makes for a more chaotic and adrenaline-fueled gameplay style that's challenging, and also makes you feel like a badass digital John Wick.
What does COLD VR do well?
One thing that always makes a game stand out to me is when it has some level of story, especially if it's in VR. I like my virtual excursions to have a story, so I can lose myself in the depth of these games, creating a connection that makes these adventures stay with me longer. With that in mind, I'm happy to say that COLD VR isn't just about gameplay mechanics, it also offers a cool mix of high-quality live-action video sequences, coupled with in-game stories that put players in the position of ultimately determine the fate of humanity.
Look and feel
When it comes to the look and feel of COLD VR, it is clear that ALLWARE has paid a lot of attention to details. There's challenging enemy AI and subtle environmental cues to help guide progression, which come together to complement the game's tense atmosphere. The images have a sleek and modern aesthetic full of advanced lighting effects, dynamic shadows and reflections, all against a backdrop painted in a vibrant neon-draped color palette that focuses on blue and white, presenting a futuristic and icy atmosphere.
The sound design in COLD VR also nicely complements the game's visuals. ALLWARE has filled the demo with a variety of music styles, all serving to enhance the backtrack of the game's levels, as bullets whiz past players to the sound of breaking glass as enemies fall all around. Overall, everything fits together nicely to create a pleasant visual and auditory experience.
Comfort
With all these fast movements, I know some people are probably wondering how comfortable this one is. This is a game played from a first-person perspective and it has some fast-paced movement, such as dodging bullets while sprinting towards multiple enemies, so for those without strong VR legs there may be some discomfort lurking . Due to the greater immersion it brings, I found it best to play this game while standing, and as for the in-game locomotion options, in this early demo players can quickly turn by default or simply turn with their own body. There were no other options to be found in this early demo build, so for players who want or want to play the game sitting down, ALLWARE will hopefully consider adding a smooth running option when the game officially launches.
A cool look at what's to come
The demo for COLD VR on Steam offers a look at an exciting upcoming game and while it's pretty clear that this is reverse SUPER HOT, there's enough new and different here to say that COLD VR looks to stand on its own merits. This game certainly makes us curious and excited to see what Argentinian developer Carlos Alfonso brings us when it officially launches. The full game is mentioned to be available soon, so hopefully we'll see a full release before the anticipation for more COLD VR melts away.
COLD VR arrives this year PC VRand the free demo is available now. PSVR 2 and Quest 2/3 ports should follow after the Steam release, followed by a flatscreen version on all major platforms.