Independent Spanish development studio Vertical Robot have launched their first virtual reality (VR) game for the Samsung Gear VR, an exploration platformer inspired by Greek myth of Daedalus.
The story follows the ancient Greek myth of architect and inventor Daedalus, who has been imprisoned by King Minos so the secrets of the deadly labyrinth of Crete cannot be shared with anyone. Each night, in his dreams, Daedalus explores the labyrinth he helped create while flying with his winged creations to try and seek a way out. The storyline ties together the myths of Daedalus and Icarus with the stories of the labyrinth of the Minotaur while putting a unique spin on the ancient story.
The player needs to help Daedalus find the three platforms that unlock the gate to the next area of the labyrinth. As the players gets deeper into the dream labyrinth, the architecture comes increasingly bizarre. The player needs to learn how to jump, boost, glide and take advantage of updrafts to navigate the environment and help Daedalus escape his prison. The gliding mechanic is handled by activating a staff which has little wings that snap open when the glide is active, resembling a Caduceus staff.
The development team at Vertical Robot have gone to some trouble to create a suitably surreal, dream-like atmosphere using advanced graphical techniques such as fluid simulation and realistic lighting. The dark ambient soundtrack was created by Spanish composer Eduardo de la Iglesia.
The title is available now through the Oculus Store for £3.99 (GBP) and is compatible with Touchpad or Gear VR controller. A video trailer for the title can be viewed below.
VRFocus will bring you further information on Daedalus and other Gear VR titles when it becomes available.