Aiming to blur the lines between cinematic film and interactive virtual reality (VR) experience, KOBOLD is a horror title from German team AnotherWorld VR, set to launch in time for Halloween on HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.
Having appeared at events like the Raindance Film Festival in London, UK, KOBOLD is designed as a trans-media experience. Before entering VR you watch a short film which serves as an introduction into the world and characters and tells the backstory of a missing boy and his family.
“Little KASPAR is dealing with the recent loss of his mother by pouring his imagination into Germanic fairy tales and by playing with his imaginary friend PIXI,” explains the synopsis. “When Pixi offers him a way to see his mother again, Kaspar embarks on a journey that takes him deep into a dark world that he may never return from.”
In the VR experience you play an urban explorer investigating the mysterious case of the missing boy. With your torch in hand you look to discover the secrets of an abandoned villa in the middle of a dark forest in Germany. Featuring real locations that have been scanned for authenticity, KOBOLD offers players a fully interactive universe where they can pick up clues, solve a mystery and come face to face with an ancient evil.
KOBOLD certainly looks to be one of the most interesting horror experiences due for release this month, mixing both film and VR content together. October generally tends to be the best month for fright fans with the likes of The Exorcist: Legion VR completing its episodic series next week on PlayStation VR, as well as Home Sweet Home for the headset. While Oculus Rift will also see RED: Lucid Nightmare arrive soon.
Many more scares await those who are brave enough, when they are announced VRFocus will let you know.