Wave-based shooters maybe commonplace on virtual reality (VR) headsets yet every so often one pops up that makes you take notice. That occurred last year when Secret Location fully launched Blasters of the Universe for HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, having spent the previous 12 months in Early Access. Today, PlayStation VR owners get to play the bullet-hell experience for themselves, transporting themselves into a neon rich, 80s inspired universe.
Much like other wave shooters such as Space Pirate Trainer, Blasters of the Universe is all about surviving an onslaught of enemies by ducking, dodging and deflecting their way through several challenging levels. One place where Blasters of the Universe differs is through the weapon customisation system. There’s no dual wielding guns in the videogame, instead you have an upgradable shield in one hand and upgradable gun in the other.
There are over 130,000 ways to customise and tweak loadouts to match offensive or defensive preferences, with the gun in particular offering different ammo clips, rapid fire, shotgun, or grenade style projectiles and much more. Alongside the normal single-player campaign Secret Location has added a new Casual mode giving players a far less abrasive and difficult experience. While true opposition addicts can also play the strenuous Endless mode in a race to high-score heaven.
“We’re huge fans of bullet hell and wanted to make a game that encapsulates its infamous mayhem and difficulty through modern VR,” said Josh Manricks, Technical Director and Project Lead at Secret Location in a statement. “VR adds layers of challenge by making players use quick full-body reactions to survive the relentless barrage of enemies. It’s also a great way to hash out lingering resentment over bullies from the past – if anyone needs to be put in his place, it’s Grand Master Alwyn.”
Blasters of the Universe is available now on PlayStation VR for $14.99 USD with limited time discounts from 27th February through 6th March, 2018. PlayStation Network users in the Americas can purchase the videogame for 10 percent off, while PlayStation Plus users in the Americas and Europe get a 15 percent discount. For any further updates, keep reading VRFocus.