Illion Games’ Preta: Vendetta Rising has had a rather muted unveiling. There was no big splash before its playable debut at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Los Angeles, and only a trailer made from captured in-game footage. VRFocus was surprised to learn then, that the videogame is already looking in a fairly complete state, with Early Access versions set to launch for Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and PlayStation VR this summer.
Preta: Vendetta Rising is a third-person action role-playing game (ARPG) set in a high fantasy world. It’s a combination of martial arts and magic, dungeons and demons, real-time combat and cooldown timers. In fact, it’s everything you’d expect from the genre – including co-operative gameplay – but with the added element of virtual reality (VR) implementation.
The demonstration version of Preta: Vendetta Rising made available at this year’s E3 was undoubtedly limited. Using an Oculus Rift and Xbox One controller, the player was invited along a linear path teasing the story and offering a light introduction to the combat. Basic three-hit combos are standard, with dodge and block available to prepare for counter-attacks. Three additional attacks are also available, dependent on the character selected, using the X, Y and B face buttons. The more powerful attacks require a cooldown period before repeated use, as would be expected for an ARPG.
The core differences between Preta: Vendetta Rising and a traditional entry in the genre do of course relate to the VR element of the videogame. The camera is situated in a familiar third-person position akin to a Dynasty Warriors title or Brutal Legend, opposed to an isometric or fixed camera view as with genre stalwarts Diablo and Sacred. This allows the player to view a large area of the battlefield without demanding that their avatar remains within the field-of-view. The gameplay potential for this is obviously significant, through VRFocus is yet to witness any intentions of exploring those opportunities.
The other significant difference born of VR is the lack of any on-screen furniture. The traditional heads-up display (HUD) has been downsized and placed above the player’s head, only visible when needed (when in direct combat, when a special ability is used etc.) thus removing any artificial barriers between the player and the on-screen action.
Preta: Vendetta Rising is currently in development for all three major head-mounted displays (HMDs), and is intended to support cross-platform gameplay regardless of which format you choose. Exactly how this will be executed remains to be seen, but Preta: Vendetta Rising does promise a rewarding co-operative ARPG experience at present, wherein four players can battle together against increasingly difficult opposition. Preta: Vendetta Rising will soon be available via Early Access instalments, and VRFocus will keep you updated with all the latest details.