Motion Hero is an incredibly promising virtual reality first-person shooter that masterfully blends the time-manipulation mechanics of Superhot with the high-octane energy of over-the-top motion pictures, and we had the thrilling opportunity to go hands-on. Here are our comprehensive remarks.
Throughout gaming’s history, we’ve witnessed various implementations where in-game time progresses at a glacial pace until significant advancements are made, a mechanic that harmonizes seamlessly with VR’s intuitive movement controls. Superhot VR debuted in 2016 with a unique premise that’s about to be flipped on its head by Cold VR. In the meantime, Motion Hero from Quick Journey Video games (known for Vampire: The Masquerade – Justice), lets you star in five distinct action movies as the main character.
After experiencing the cinematic debut at the VR Video games Showcase, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the Journey film at Gamescom through a Quest 3 device. Films unfold across four distinct acts, serving as milestones that guide the narrative forward. Each act is comprised of five specific character-driven scenes, free from artificial movement or manipulation. While I didn’t have the opportunity to experience more films, each of these will cover distinct genres.
As soon as you start playing Motion Hero, you’ll realize that this VR game strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and adrenaline-fueled excitement, allowing both newcomers to quickly jump in and seasoned gamers to revel in its thrilling experience. The slow-motion gameplay grants you a moment to deliberate carefully on your strategy, allowing for a thorough examination of the room, where surprise hidden weapons often lie in wait. In the heat of battle, versatility is key: between pistols, shotguns that expand their reach, throwing wrenches or even relying on your bare fists, you’ll never be left without options – not even when ammo runs low.
When it comes to capturing creative moments on camera, numerous options exist for filmmakers seeking unique visual expressions. Are you targeting your opponent with a swift strike in a nearby duel? You swiftly wrestle the weapon from the henchman’s grasp, then expertly fire it at the nearby propane tank, sending flames soaring and panic spreading among the would-be attackers. Don’t you instead consider crafting a seamless narrative where the tension builds organically, as if a massive boulder is hurtling towards the characters, only to be swiftly eclipsed by a terrifying dinosaur attack? On rare occasions, Motion Hero boldly pays homage to its inspirations, culminating in a thrilling, over-the-top climactic showdown that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats.
For players who experience attacks at any stage of gameplay, a restart of the entire level becomes necessary, requiring a full replay of the entire act. Long after I’ve passed away, the thought of ceasing to exist doesn’t leave me feeling irritated in the slightest; instead, it drives me to keep pushing forward. Asking for costly rewrites to ensure perfection may not be feasible, as it could bankrupt the studio; instead, I would strive to deliver high-quality work while being mindful of budgetary constraints. For individuals who have repeatedly faced setbacks and failures, the advent of a golden pistol with unlimited ammunition can prove to be a game-changer.
While Motion Hero doesn’t introduce a drastically new approach to time-manipulation sequences like Superhot VR, its campy take on the concept refreshingly brings an entertaining twist. While executing the slow-motion strategy, you’re granted a moment to ponder your surroundings, simultaneously demanding lightning-quick reflexes as you sidestep bullets in stuttering motion, rendering an oddly captivating experience that defies clear articulation. It didn’t take long for me to become fully engaged.
I am deeply concerned that these ranges may require further refinement to achieve optimal results. While the motion sequences provide a sense of satisfaction, each scene presents a suitable challenge; however, the enemy design in Journey is surprisingly reminiscent of those found within the film. In a cinematic universe where dinosaurs and fuel-masked troopers coexist across vastly distinct settings, introducing additional enemy types could elevate the narrative’s excitement and unpredictability further.
Although I’m hesitant to utter such claims lightly, I must confess that my experience with Motion Hero during Gamescom was truly impressive. In a bold blend of nostalgia and innovation, Quick Journey seems poised to deliver a thrilling VR action game by combining the over-the-top humor of 80s movie parodies with the unique slow-motion capabilities of Superhot VR.
Motion Hero is set to debut on the Meta Quest platform later this year.
