Discover The Phoenix Gene: A Narrative VR Shooter Inspired by Ikaruga and Star Fox

The world of narrative VR shooter games is about to get a significant boost with the upcoming release of The Phoenix Gene, a thrilling VR shooter that draws inspiration from classics like Star Fox and Ikaruga. Developed by HEROmation, this game promises to deliver an exciting experience with its unique blend of action and strategy, set across multiple timelines and realms.

Introducing The Phoenix Gene

The Phoenix Gene is HEROmation’s debut VR project, crafted over three years by a team of industry veterans. The game follows the story of Jackie, a young janitor who becomes embroiled in a catastrophic plot involving an immortality serum developed by the corporation Life Rite. Players take control of Firestorm, a phoenix tasked with protecting Jackie as she navigates through alternate realities and confronts genetic experiments gone wrong.

Gameplay Mechanics in Narrative VR Shooter Games

The Phoenix Gene introduces several innovative gameplay mechanics that enhance the narrative VR shooter experience:

• Third-Person Perspective: Players guide Firestorm through a third-person perspective, using Touch Controllers to steer and manipulate the phoenix.
• No HUD: Unlike many games, The Phoenix Gene does not use a heads-up display (HUD), allowing for a more immersive experience where Firestorm visually reflects player health.
• Toggling Realities: Inspired by Ikaruga, players can toggle between different realities to absorb enemy fire and uncover hidden collectibles.
• Upgradable Abilities: Abilities like smart bombs, flamethrowers, and health boosts are upgradable by collecting gold flames throughout levels.

Immersive Storytelling in VR

The game delves into themes of immortality, morality, and the consequences of genetic experimentation, making it a compelling narrative VR shooter. It also includes an exclusive VR Book Experience that offers early access to the first novel in a six-book series, The Phoenix Gene: Origins of Darkness. This integration allows players to delve deeper into the lore and backstory of the game.

Soundtrack and Development Team

The Phoenix Gene boasts an evocative soundtrack composed by renowned musician Grant Kirkhope, known for his work on Mario + Rabbids, GoldenEye 007, and Banjo-Kazooie. The development team is comprised of industry veterans who have worked on iconic franchises like Starfox, Call of Duty, and Skylanders.

Launch Details and Platforms

The Phoenix Gene is set to launch this spring on the Meta Quest platform, including Meta Quest 2, Pro, 3, and 3s. Interested players can wishlist the game now on the Meta Quest store and join the Discord community for behind-the-scenes content, exclusive community events, and early updates.

Engaging Physical Gameplay

In The Phoenix Gene, players get physical by dodging obstacles, reaching for collectibles and power-ups, and protecting innocents. This narrative VR shooter is designed to keep you engaged and active, making it a standout in the VR gaming landscape.

Behind the Scenes with HEROmation

HEROmation, the indie studio behind The Phoenix Gene, is founded by award-winning filmmaker Michael Cawood and acclaimed writer-producer Julie Pifher Cawood. The studio specializes in crafting immersive, narrative-driven stories and captivating worlds across VR games, film, television, and books. Their creative careers span franchises like Starfox, Call of Duty, and Skylanders, ensuring that The Phoenix Gene is a game that combines gripping narratives with engaging virtual reality mechanics.

Join the Community

For players eager to immerse deeper into the world of The Phoenix Gene, joining the Discord community offers a wealth of benefits, including behind-the-scenes reveals, tips to beat the bosses, VR contests, and more. Follow HEROmation on social media platforms like X, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated on the latest developments and community activities.

Additional Resources:
The Phoenix Gene – HEROmation
Fight for Humanity’s Future in HEROmation’s The Phoenix Gene