I immersed myself in an hour-long experience with By Grit Alone, a sci-fi VR horror game that promises to deliver spine-tingling terror. Can it truly frighten players?
Without fanfare, By Grit Alone is a chilling horror VR experience from British developer Crooks Peak, hurtling onto the Meta Quest platform with no delay. In this anthology of narrative-driven journeys, explore the desolate expanse of space and uncover abandoned starships that have seen their share of battles in a desperate fight for survival. Ahead of its highly anticipated launch next month, UploadVR has been granted a privileged developer walkthrough opportunity. You can now view this exclusive content below.
The brief preview of Quest 3 revealed a chilling atmosphere as I explored the decaying, abandoned vessel – a derelict spaceship where charred remains and repugnant insect-like creatures lurked around every corner. As I began to grasp the concept, I sensed an anomaly from the outset, for holographic images presented scenarios where numerous figures mingled, while other information revealed “sisterhoods,” “womankind,” and “wives” – a disparity that seemed incongruous.
As I finally grasped the horrifying truth, it became apparent that a cult leader had brought these women on board, leaving only the grisly remnants of their decapitated and charred corpses in his wake. A sinister plot was unfolding, according to the confidential files of an investigator probing the mysterious cult’s activities. As I navigated through the labyrinthine corridors, I stumbled upon an area notorious for its treacherous reputation: the “Bermuda Triangle” of space, where derelict starships littered the ground like tombstones and malevolent extraterrestrial predators preyed on unsuspecting prey.
The premise of By Grit Alone is both fascinating and thought-provoking, as it draws from a diverse range of creative endeavors including work on Resident Evil 8, the critically acclaimed video game series; Lifeless Area, a psychological thriller that delves into themes of trauma and mental health; Decide Dredd, a gritty science fiction franchise known for its dark and intense portrayal of a dystopian future; and Dr., a medical drama television series that explores the complexities of human relationships. Who. It was clear that no guidance was provided during my attempt at exposition, requiring me to gather information piecemeal from holographic logs and multiple tablets.
While the initial parameters didn’t quite have the desired effect on me, By Grit Alone’s focus on kinetic terror is more effective at evoking fear. Many of the ‘s corridors are shrouded in a perpetual gloom, their walls slick with an eerie green slime that clings to every available surface like a damp, living shroud. While the environment’s attempt to generate pressure is considerable, the enemy’s designs within these parameters lack inspiration.
As I navigate through the environment for the most part, I’ve observed tiny, spider-like insects scurrying across floors and ceilings, preparing to attack my character by clustering together, alongside large flies hovering nearby and releasing green toxic globules. As the protagonist ventures forth, a tangle of thorny vines ensnares their path, their vibrant yellow pods bursting with explosive potential each time they draw near.
Among the few available armaments were rifles and grenades that could be easily carried in waist-high holsters. As a gamer accustomed to sitting, I can quickly grasp a weapon in my dominant hand, unleash a barrage of fire on enemies, and simultaneously retrieve a grenade with my off-hand. It’s worth noting that grenades, by default, adhere to enemies and surfaces, allowing them to be reloaded as ammunition in the rifle, a clever mechanic that adds depth to combat scenarios.
Despite my initial success with the game’s early arsenal, I’m still holding out hope that By Grit Alone holds additional weaponry that I can discover in its later levels and stages? While my current understanding suggests that the preview mode exclusively reveals one-sixth of the overall marketing strategy, a thorough exploration of the narrative with only my default equipment would likely yield a somewhat underwhelming experience.
I also came across several issues with the limited settings that were already present. One of the most notable issues was the sudden failure of snap turning with its characteristic angular selections. I couldn’t determine whether this issue stemmed from Quest 3 or the game itself; I had to restart the game several times. Without any built-in vignette function, transitioning to easy turning may exacerbate movement sickness. The display settings menu lacks options for adjusting peak offset and brightness/gamma levels. There is no magnetic pull or grip function functioning properly.
The problems became apparent in certain areas. Whether you’re bothered by bending down to pick something up depends largely on your individual perspective and mobility. It was an unfortunate coincidence that the positioning of my holsters made it possible for me to inadvertently grasp my weapon or grenades without intending to do so.
In a dramatic turn of events within the hallowed halls of the Sacred Chapel, a critical restoration mission unfolded as an influx of alien insects and overgrown vegetation threatened to disrupt the delicate balance of the sacred grid. Vines sprouting anew from both sides of the path, their reappearance demanded a constant barrage of quick turns and precise shots to vanquish the bulbous growths, all while striving to rebuild the shattered ability grid around my wounded heart. I felt lightheaded after just a couple of attempts.
Despite our progress, I still hope that these outstanding issues will be resolved by the time By Grit Alone reaches its scheduled September launch date. As you navigate through the desolate expanse of space, the thrill of uncertainty is palpable amidst the eerie silence of abandoned starships within the mystical realm of the Bermuda Triangle.
