Today, Helsinki, Finland-based virtual reality (VR) developer 3rd Eye Studios has launched its first instalment of Downward Spiral, a sci-fi series for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.
Inspired by 70’s sci-fi movies and modern TV series, players find themselves in a capsule that has docked with a space station. On first exploration, the station appears empty and the players must use control panels to
progress and begin unravelling a mystery that will span the Downward Spiral anthology.
Downward Spiral: Prologue features both single-player and multiplayer modes, where players can work through the story on their own or teamed up with a friend. For a more intense experience there’s also a deathmatch mode, allowing up to eight players to fight it out in zero gravity environments from the story.
Previous VR titles that deal with zero gravity have been prone to cause simulator sickness. 3rd Eye Studios is well aware of this and claims to have built a way to move freely in VR without suffering motion sickness.
As the developer releases further content new characters, plot points and settings will be added with each subsequent episode. Each will stand on its own whilst the backstory knits them together.
Downward Spiral: Prologue includes a soundtrack by lead singer and composer of gothic rock band HIM, Ville Valo. The title can be downloaded now through Steam priced at €9.99 EUR, $9.99 USD, £6.99 GBP.
Checkout the launch trailer below, and for further updates keep reading VRFocus.