Virtual reality (VR) developer Sanzaru Games had a bit of a tumultuous 2018, to say the least, launching one of the most highly anticipated titles of the year in the form of Marvel Powers United VR, which didn’t exactly set the VR industry alight. While the rest of the year was spent fixing issues, for 2019 the studio is looking towards its next project for success, revealing an impressive looking action adventure title today, Asgard’s Wrath.
Once again partnering with Oculus Studios, Sanzaru Games’ latest VR experience looks to be its most epic to date, mixing both role-playing game (RPG) and brutal magic/melee elements together. Inspired by Norse mythology, Asgard’s Wrath is a visceral, 30+ hour quest involving gods, monsters and plenty of limb removing moments.
Asgard’s Wrath revolves around a newly formed fledgeling god which just so happens to be you. Loki takes an immediate interest in you and your potential, making you an offer you can’t refuse. The catch, Loki has several tasks to test your worthiness, each revolves around a standalone scenario wherein you must use your powers to help preordained Heroes of the Realms fulfil their destinies.
What this means is you get to not only fight as a mere mortal, but you also get to use those godly powers to give yourself the edge in battle. There are different character classes to choose from, Mage, Rogue, Warrior for example with the studio having spent particular time on the melee combat, fine-tuning the physics to provide as real an experience as possible.
Going into greater detail regarding the melee gameplay Mike Doran, Oculus Studios Executive Producer said in a statement: “We’ve also incorporated some brutally satisfying dismemberment. One of my favourite things to do in-game is to use a shield to “catch” thrown enemy weapons like daggers, yank them out, and throw them right back. Another great moment is swinging your weapon to knock decapitated monster heads through the air. Physics, time dilation, dismemberment, ragdoll, and a ton of tuning and polish come together to complete the core foundation of our combat. Each of the mortal heroes has their own signature gear and unique gameplay mechanics. On top of that, we also have metagame loops that augment combat, such as crafting, disposable weapons, elemental traits, and other things yet to be revealed.”
And that’s just mortal mode. You then have the ability to switch into god mode, changing the scale of the world whilst giving you the ability to solve certain puzzles and challenges. In this form you can also capture certain animals, transforming them into warrior champions to help your mortal self.
And it’s not all about fighting either. In both forms you’ll need to explore areas to unlock new abilities, sometimes having to return to previous locations once your character is better equipped.
The teams have also teased an asynchronous multiplayer option, could friends join in as animal champions possibly? That particular feature has yet to be fully detailed.
Check out the first trailer for Asgard’s Wrath below. It’ll be an Oculus Rift exclusive due at some point in 2019. When VRFocus has further details we’ll let you know.