At the Tokyo Game Show, there was arguably no greater platform to debut the latest demo of Mecha Pressure than it offered.
Developed by Ming Studio, a Chinese entity, the sport openly credits its inspiration to Japanese mecha anime classics such as Gurren Lagann and Gunbuster, which have deeply influenced the development of this upcoming VR-based mech action game. As I anticipated my turn to play the demo, a fellow enthusiast attempting the game beforehand began citing memorable moments from the preceding series, his enthusiastic gestures echoing the titanic movements of the in-game behemoth as he navigated its digital equivalent. As he awaited his turn, he enthusiastically discussed the sequence with one of the many workers, who was busy preparing the headset for him to take control.
So, after consulting with the workforce and incorporating participants’ ideas, it’s clear that Mecha Pressure is, at the very least, a fitting tribute in its intended sequence. However is it any enjoyable?
While the full game promises to combine mech action with roguelike elements, providing an unpredictable experience through moment-to-moment choice, this demo is exclusively focused on fluid mech movement. As I entered the cockpit of the mecha for the first time, I was allotted a brief window to familiarize myself with its complex control systems. Players control the swimsuit’s movement using the analog stick, equip goal weapons with both hands and aim with triggers, whereas swinging blades are linked to each arm before being thrown into play at an early stage.
There exists a fine line between exceptional and pivotal mecha titles. To truly take the next step, our machine should transcend mere instruments of combat, serving as an extension of ourselves rather than simply a tool for defeating enemies. As we interact with robotic systems without physical constraints, we must maintain a visceral connection to every movement and action the mechanical limb makes. Tensions should escalate to the point where even the most resilient body language appears to retreat in anticipation of an imminent, yet seemingly unending cycle of attack and counterattack. What makes Mecha Pressure such a fascinating area of study is its unique blend of mechanics and psychology.
Mastering the intricacies of the demo necessitates becoming accustomed to the weight and responsibility of operating the machinery assigned to our care. Before even entering the tutorial, we find ourselves in a hangar where we must prepare the aircraft for takeoff, followed by the final burst of thrust that propels us out of the hangar and into combat. As the ravaged landscape of a once-great city stretches out before you, a clear route to your next objective comes into view, but lurking around every corner is a fresh and formidable threat.
Faced with a diverse array of adversaries, from enigmatic, eyeball-shaped entities to various mechs, the key to triumph lies in adapting your combat strategy to suit each foe’s unique characteristics and weaknesses. While slicing and destroying target-like floating balls at a distance poses little challenge, I find my approach significantly more measured when faced with rival mechas boasting similar abilities. Given the unanticipated nature of this diploma, it may well come as little surprise, considering the organization’s aspirational goals. As I traversed the terrain alongside the substantial weight of each step, accompanied by the visceral sensation of piloting metric tons of cutting-edge machinery, even solo encounters with minor foes felt daunting yet intensely gratifying upon triumph.
During the latest launch, Ming Studio aims to transform mechas into personalized piloting experiences, offering extensive customization options for weapons and capabilities tailored to each unique battlefield scenario. Highly effective and ranged weapons prove particularly potent against numerous aerial foes, while the ability to deploy arm-mounted rockets amplifies damage output. While the promise is that excessive weapon customization will likely be available in the final game, this vertical slice primarily concentrates on acquainting players with the fundamental combat mechanics within a limited timeframe.
Will Mecha Pressure’s unpredictable roguelike elements drastically reshape the player’s experience as they progress through the game? As a fleeting glance reveals the vibrant atmosphere of a gaming event within the iconic setting of an anime house, it’s clear that this brief excursion is more than just a nostalgic nod to bygone eras – As a flagship VR mecha motion title, this game has all the ingredients to dominate the market and solidify its place among the best upon its release in 2025?
