When it comes to rhythm action videogames Beat Saber is the current darling of the virtual reality (VR) industry, loved by gamers and bestowed with numerous awards. However, Beat Games is still new at this and is about to be challenged by a veteran of the genre, Harmonix – the developer behind Rock Band VR – with its latest VR title Audica.
Making the announcement via its Twitter channel, Harmonix said: “Introducing Audica – a VR rhythm shooter that combines Harmonix’s award-winning music gameplay with precision shooting mechanics and a killer soundtrack, all set in a mesmerizing cosmic arena.”
From the looks of the screenshots and mixed reality (MR) trailer, Harmonix seems to be going all out with Audica, offering a frantic first-person shooter (FPS) take on rhythm action videogames, with a blue gun and an orange gun to take out respective targets. Whether they are singular or a succession of smaller targets which look to require a sweeping motion.
Not only does the gameplay look fun, but expect the soundtrack to be equally captivating. As one of the most well-known studios when it comes to this genre of videogame, Harmonix will surely be able to attract some of the biggest electronic artists in the world to supply sounds.
Audica will see an initial Early Access release via Steam and Oculus Store on 7th March 2019 for $19.99 USD, purely supporting HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. The Early Access release will feature a 10 song soundtrack with licensed music, including:
- 1788-L & Blanke “Destiny”
- Alison Wonderland “I Want U”
- Donna Summer “I Feel Love (Afrojack Remix)”
- James Egbert “The Space”
- Savant “Splinter”
There will be four difficulties per song, one environment to play in and one weapon set. Online leaderboards will also work in Early Access.
Harmonix expects to leave Early Access before the end of 2019, with the fully released version featuring 25+ songs, Campaign and Practice modes, additional environments and weapon sets, plus expanded leaderboard functionality. The studio also hopes to bring Audica to PlayStation VR after the closure of Early Access.
VRFocus will follow the progress of Audica during its Early Access phase, reporting back with the latest announcements.