Platform Reviewed: Meta Quest 2
Also on: PSVR2, Steam Vr
Price: $19.99
Back in 2009, I saw the movie Avatar for the first time. When I first laid eyes on those incredibly awesome looking A.M.P. mechs in the movie, I always thought “Wouldn’t it be awesome to strap into one of those bad boys and go into an alien world with guns a blazin’”? Well, I was finally given my chance. Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to “Big Shots”, developed by AlterEyes, and published by MyDearest.
As I was brand new to the world of VR rogue-lite wave shooters, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I strapped on my VR headset and launched “Big Shots.” Let me tell you, it was an experience that definitely exceeded my expectations.
From the moment I entered the game, I was immersed in a world that felt both futuristic and incredibly detailed. The graphics are beautiful. Was I finally in an actual A.M.P.? It sure felt like I was stepping into the world of Avatar, and I couldn’t help but be in awe of the sheer scale of everything around me.
The controls took a bit of getting used to. The tutorial was extremely helpful, however, it still took time to become acclimated. Let’s just say, I died many times early on. Much like other rogue-lite wave shooters, I started over, but any upgrades remained. Once I got the controller basics down, I found myself moving and fighting alien after alien. I felt incredibly powerful as I moved my mech through the elaborate Big Shots world.
One of the standout features for me was the customization of my mech. Even as a newbie, I found it relatively easy to tweak and upgrade my mech to suit my ability and preferences. There’s a wide variety of weapons, and experimenting with different setups was a lot of fun.
Any storyline that exists here is secondary. It’s the battles that reign supreme.
My only complaint is the excessive amount of controls within the mech. As much as I love the reality this game conveys, it gets a bit difficult with the two controllers. I often found myself looking around inside the mech to find the right button to mash. Of course, this came at the detriment of my life, as aliens easily attacked my unprepared mech. I’d almost prefer to stand and move around (you are seated for this game). Standing may add another element of reality and minimize the amount of buttons I had to mash. After some experience, however, the controls did become easier to use.
Final Score: B+
Overall, “Big Shots” is a fantastic entry point for anyone new to VR rogue-lite wave shooters. It’s visually stunning, relatively easy to pick up, and offers a depth of customization that keeps it interesting. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a complete newbie like me, there’s something here for everyone. I recommend giving it a try! You too, might feel like you’re in the movie Avatar!