Onward, by developer Downpour Interactive and publisher Coatsink, is a self-described military simulator VR shooter. For someone like me, hearing “military shooter” brings to mind classics like Call of Duty, but really, you should be thinking Counter Strike but downgraded. This game looks and feels great, but just isn’t fun for me. Every match went about the same. I would run around the map for a few minutes looking for someone to shoot at and when I found them (if I found them before dying), it would be a split second shootout and that would be that.
There are no respawns during rounds, which I think is a major detriment to the gameplay. Deaths are supposed to be a learning experience with minor punishment. I think I spent more time dead than alive in this game. Granted, I started as a beginner, but for a beginner, it was certainly not enticing to continue playing. There are very few game modes available, as well. I mostly played Uplink, which involves one team hacking into a satellite and the other team defending. The other two involve one team guiding an escort while the other team tries to kill them, and then just team deathmatch without respawns. That’s the real kicker for me.
There’s potential for a fast-paced shooter with quick respawns, but Onward opts not to go that route. Rather than tallying deaths to a goal, it’s one life for every player until the next round, which is painfully slow when there are only two players left on such a big map. Overall, this game feels more like a drag than anything else. If you’re the kind of person who likes these games, then feel free to give it a try, but to me, Onward seems to be designed for a small niche of which I am not a part. I don’t suggest playing this game if you’re looking for a fast-paced team deathmatch or gun game.
Check Out the Onward Steam Early Access Trailer:
Onward is available for PC with a VR headset via Steam Early Access for $24.99.
For more information, please visit: https://coatsink.com/games/onward
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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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