When the Vive was first released, developers were eager to show the world how to fire a bow in VR. The idea has been revamped time and time again. Archer VR, by developer/publisher AVRI VR INC., tries to bring its own feel to the VR wave shooter genre. This game is much like a tower defense game where you play as the towers. Use your bow to shoot through 10 waves of enemies on three different maps. You can also use a well-aimed shot to switch towers to get closer to your target. Try not to let any of the orcs or goblins get past you and through your portal.
The concept of Archer VR is fine and it’s certainly fun, but it’s not innovative enough for me. The game itself has immersive environments and models for sure, but the gameplay is as any other VR archery game. There’s pretty much only one mechanic, which is shooting. You shoot to kill and you shoot to teleport. Perhaps it’s asking much from a game literally called Archer VR, but I wish there were more than just a plain bow. The fantasy genre allows for so much more than just that. Granted, the game does have powerups you get from killing specific enemies, but they only give me a taste of what I really want. The powerups turn your arrow magical, trapping your target in vines or ice. I want more of that. I want to feel fantastical in a fantastical world. A plain old bow and arrow don’t fill that desire.
Ultimately, I had fun playing Archer VR. The game isn’t too long – each level takes maybe a half an hour with three levels total – but I enjoyed the challenge of trying to get onto the leaderboard. I only managed to get to #11 before my arm gave out, but I’m sure I could keep grinding. This game has a decent amount of replayability given that you can pick what level you want to play on.
I would recommend Archer VR to anyone, be they a VR veteran or just starting. This classic with a twist is sure to satisfy, and I can’t wait to see what comes of it.
Check Out the Archer VR Trailer:
For more information about Archer VR, head over to the official website and Steam Early Access.
I am an aspiring game designer looking to explore the philosophy behind game creation. Some of my favorite games include Overwatch, Super Smash Bros, Portal, and Beat Saber.
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