COLD VR Review: A Fresh Take on Action or a SUPERHOT Imitation?

COLD VR delivers thrilling action moments on Steam, but it also grapples with frustrating level designs and an incomplete presentation. In this COLD VR Review, we delve into the game’s mechanics, visuals, and overall experience to see if it truly stands out or simply mimics others.

Understanding COLD VR

COLD VR positions itself as a captivating VR action game, where time slows down as players move. This innovative approach flips the traditional mechanics seen in SUPERHOT VR, where time progresses only during player actions. While the idea presents a promising premise, it ultimately stumbles in its realization.

Essential Information

• What is it?: A VR action game featuring time-slowing mechanics and optional horror themes.
• Platforms: Quest, Steam, PlayStation VR2 (review conducted on Steam via Quest 3 with Virtual Desktop)
• Release Date: February 11 (Quest, Steam), TBA (PS VR2)
• Developer: ALLWARE LLC
• Price: $19.99

Plot and Gameplay Mechanics

The narrative of COLD VR revolves around live-action clips starring an in-game employee from ALLWARE. Players navigate challenges posed by a rogue AI aspiring to ensnare humanity within its simulation. The game allows for multiple endings and requires players to dodge attacks or identify exits while facing icy blue enemies.

A unique aspect of the gameplay is the emphasis on constant movement to evade incoming hits. COLD VR challenges players to think quickly and adapt, providing a distinctive experience. There’s excitement in cutting through adversaries with a light sword or witnessing the captivating shattering of enemies with slow-motion bullets. Strategic positioning becomes vital as players can trick enemies into accidentally harming one another.

Challenges in Gameplay

Even with an interesting premise, some levels suffer from less-than-ideal design choices that create frustration. For example, many players find the train mission particularly challenging, echoing complaints from earlier previews, while other levels seem contingent upon luck.

The requirement for continuous movement can constrain planning ahead. One especially taxing level throws players into frenetic combat right after weapon collection, making it easy to get overwhelmed by enemy fire across varying floors. These instances can lead to repeated attempts, transforming a potentially exhilarating experience into one filled with frustration.

Visuals and Overall Performance

During testing on a high-end gaming PC, COLD VR presented smooth gameplay at high settings without any noticeable lag. Using an Intel i9 processor and a 16GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super, the performance remained consistent. For further details, players can refer to the minimum and recommended specs on Steam.

Inconsistencies and Design Flaws

The experience also suffers from inconsistencies, particularly within horror-themed levels inspired by The Backrooms. These segments disrupt the gameplay with abrupt tone shifts, as the AI levies nightmarish challenges for failure. Sadly, the execution undermines potential depth; frequent prompts to skip horror sections detract from suspense and continuity.

Weapon variety exists within COLD VR, yet many melee options tend to feel similar. Every light sword carries a different style but lacks distinct functionality. The sniper rifle offers an interesting twist with its manual reloading feature, which, although adding realism, can occasionally frustrate players due to unreliable response.

Movement and Player Interaction

COLD VR exclusively employs stick-based locomotion for movement, with snap and smooth turning options available. However, it lacks a dedicated mode for left-handed players, and the minimal use of face buttons beyond the pause menu keeps accessibility manageable for most users. While seated gameplay isn’t officially supported, the absence of strict holstering systems allows for comfortable sitting play.

Gameplay Issues Observed

There are noticeable hiccups in gameplay, particularly with hit detection. Frequently, weapons fail to register hits when they should. Instances arise where swords seemingly pass through enemies without impact, creating disconnection from the gameplay. Occasionally, projectiles may behave unpredictively or become stuck, resulting in inconsistencies that detract from the overall experience.

Comparing Quest and Steam Performance

During the review of COLD VR, both the Quest and Steam versions were explored. Right away, a visual drop is evident on the Quest. Visual effects lack detail, contributing to an overall perception of reduced quality. Distinct differences in level designs become apparent; for instance, the ‘Pirate’ level on Steam showcases numerous ships, while the Quest limits players to a single location for external action.

If you’re caught between choosing versions, the Steam platform is highly recommended due to superior graphics and an overall immersive experience. The engaging ambient soundtrack, combined with neon aesthetics, significantly enhances the dystopian sci-fi atmosphere.

User Interface and Menu Navigation

The user interface feels somewhat unrefined. The starting menu resembles a floating screen filled with minimal context. Options for graphical settings—low, medium, high, and epic—present a lack of clarity. These design elements impart a sense that the overall gaming experience is rushed and unfinished.

Final Impressions of COLD VR

Ultimately, COLD VR holds a hint of unrealized potential, as its campaign spans about three hours over 40 stages. Despite offering moments of entertainment, it requires additional time and attention to polish the gameplay balance effectively. Particularly on the Quest platform, the polish expected from contemporary VR titles seems to be lacking.

For players willing to overlook its shortcomings, COLD VR provides an intriguing twist on established VR concepts, intertwining action with tactical gameplay. However, frustrations encountered may detract from the experience for those seeking seamless and fully immersive gameplay. 🕹️