‘STRIDE’ Studio Reveals Work on Gritty Rhythm Game Prototype

Joy Way, the developers behind high-flying parkour shooter STRIDE (2020), released a new look at a game prototype that aims to fuse rhythm, shooting and slicing. If the studio intends on keeping the new aesthetic, it’s also going to feature some bloody cartoon violence too.

The unnamed prototype was first seen back in December 2020, which we’ve linked at the bottom of the article. Attached was the message: “Upvote or downvote? Would you play it daily?”

Now VRFocus has obtained a peek of the revised prototype, and it seems to have done away with the low-poly aesthetic in favor of a more graphic novel-based vibe, which reminds us of Venom and possibly even a bit of the gritty environments featured in Sin City.

The earlier prototype (seen below) shows off a bit more of the game’s proposed mechanics, which include directional cutting instructions, world-shifting jumps, and more gunplay. The studio hasn’t said whether it intends on keeping these elements or not as it explored a grittier, more bloody gameplay style.

Joy Way seems to be combining a few key elements with its prototype, namely the swordplay of Beat Saber, the action hero-style gun kata from Pistol Whip, and the cartoon violence from its most recent title Time Hackers, which is currently in Early Access on Steam.

We don’t know anything else for now, but we’ll be keeping our eyes on Joy Way in the coming weeks. The studio has proved it’s capable of putting its unique spin on just about any shooter sub-genre. Putting together a rhythm game will require a lot more than developer chops though, as assembling music that people actually want to hear is a big undertaking.

Anyway, here’s what it looked before when it was a low-poly deal:

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Stride Dev Prototyping Unnamed Dark Rhythm-Action Game

JoyWay prototype

After moving away from location-based entertainment (LBE) content and into the home consumer market, developer Joy Way has started making a name for itself with parkour title Stride. Recently, the studio has revealed work on an upcoming rhythm-action videogame which certainly takes a much more gruesome approach to the genre.

JoyWay prototype

Currently, an unnamed prototype, the last time Joy Way showcased footage from the title was back in December which you can see below. While that was low-poly, giving a feel for what the gameplay is going to be like, the above GIF provides a darker, bloody aesthetic rarely seen within this genre. Looking like there’s a spot of Venom inspiration in there, the prototype is all about hacking and slicing enemies up in time to the music.

You’re instructed to cut these enemies up in a particular direction, awarded points for doing so whilst body parts fly across your view. Hopefully even with the new visual design Joy Way has kept some of the gameplay elements shown in the early video, switching between swords and guns to dispatch enemies, wall running to shooting them in cars, epic slow-mo sections and even a giant boss battle where you can run up its arm to unleash a slice to the face.

The VR rhythm-action genre is competitive and inundated with titles, two of the most popular being Beat Saber and Pistol Whip thanks to the very different ways in which they handle their gameplay. Joy Way’s project certainly has a bit of both in there, just with a very different look that’s definitely not going down the family-friendly route.

Stride

The studio has been holding a small closed beta this week which ends tomorrow for Oculus Rift and Oculus Quest (via Link), so it’s going to be a PC VR videogame at any rate.

As for Joy Way’s main title Stride, there’s plenty on the horizon. Released via Steam Early Access in 2020, a PlayStation VR launch is slated for 2021, whilst the first details of the story mode have been teased. Its arrival is currently stencilled in for Q3 2021, marking the official launch of Stride.

VRFocus will continue its coverage of Joy Way, reporting back with further updates on the prototype.

First Details of Stride’s Story Mode Teased

Stride

Joy Way launched its Early Access free-running title Stride six months ago, offering three action-packed modes; Endless, Speed and Arena. The studio has also been working on a forth Story mode which is slated to arrive later this year, recently releasing three short teaser videos.

These are the first details of the Story Mode, which was originally expected to launch last year but Joy Way decided to delay, finding the plans were a little too ambitious for the timeline set. Unlike the other modes currently available which all take place on top of buildings, the Story mode will feature indoor sections for you to leap about in.

Looking a lot grittier thanks to the indoor lighting, you’ll be able to tackle the environments and enemies however you wish, scaling boxes and walkways to gain the upper hand. No details have been released regarding the actual narrative with more info coming over the next few months.

Story Mode is currently slated for Q3 2021 marking its official launch out of Early Access. Stride currently supports PC VR headsets with a PlayStation VR version expected no later than the end of April. All versions are expected to receive the new content. Those PC VR players who already own Stride will get Story Mode as a free update, with the videogame going up in price once it leaves Early Access.

As for the Oculus Quest port that is still on its way. Joy Way reconfirmed over the weekend that: “We’ve been working on a quest port for some time now.” No release window has been mentioned at the moment.

Currently, Stride’s Endless Mode is a frantic dash through a procedurally generated world where you have to stay ahead of a moving wall, wall running, climbing, leaping and shooting your way through. Speed Mode is purely a race against the clock, and for a bit more variety Arena Mode provides a varied-terrain arena with waves of enemies to beat.

VRFocus will continue its coverage of Stride, reporting back with further updates.

‘STRIDE’ Story Mode to Arrive in Q3 2021, Studio Releases First Teaser

STRIDE, the high-flying VR action game inspired by Mirror’s Edge, is getting its much anticipated story mode later this year. Now developer Joy Way has released the story mode’s first teaser.

Joy Way threw out three tweets late last week showing off some of the story mode gameplay coming to Stride, which is currently available in Early Access on SteamVR headsets via Steam and Viveport, and Oculus PC headsets via the Oculus Store.

And it appears we’re in for some serious close-quarters combat. Here’s the three gifs released by Joy Way:

The studio says more info detailing the story mode will arrive in the coming months.

The game is also slated to arrive on PSVR in “early 2021” and at some point on Oculus Quest, so we’re hoping to hear more about those respective launch dates soon. Check out the PSVR announcement trailer below:

 

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Parkour-shooter ‘STRIDE’ Delayed on PSVR to “late 2021”

The high-flying shooter STRIDE (2020) from developer Joy Way is making its way to PSVR this year, however it’s coming a bit later than the anticipated ‘early 2021’ release window.

Update (March 30th, 2021): Joy Way announced via Reddit that its PSVR version of STRIDE is going to be delayed until late 2021. Here’s the full statement:

– – — – –

Many of you are waiting for news about STRIDE for PlayStation VR.

We originally planned to release the game by mid-spring with currently available content, but recently we made the decision to give players more value in the game they buy. You may have noticed that we’re running numerous beta tests lately – we are reworking STRIDE tutorial and working on new mechanics (not the story mode, it’s something different) that we will reveal later. All this will enhance the gaming experience and flatten the learning curve for new players.

It’s also necessary to mention that the rhythm game that we recently teased has no impact on STRIDE development: it is made on Unity, and STRIDE is made on UE4. There are 2 different teams working on the games.

We feel that the decision to add more content to the game and tweak the old parts will translate into more natural and fun parkour experience upon the release on PSVR. The release window remains the same – 2021, but now it’s late 2021. Thank you so much for your support and impact, your wait will be rewarded. Let’s create better VR games together!

– – — – –

The rhythm game in question was recently teased by way of a new gif, showing off a gritty, more action-filled experience. The original article detailing its launch on PSVR follows below:

Original Article (February 2nd, 2021): The Mirror’s Edge-style game is slated to include all of the recent most additions from the PC VR version, including ‘Arena’, ‘Time Run’, and ‘Endless’ modes. There’s no official release date yet for the PSVR version, however Joy Way says to “stay tuned.”

Stride offers up parkour challenges that let you sail across rooftops and shoot down hordes of gun-totting baddies in cinematic slow motion. You can also grab ledges, vault through windows, slide down cables, and swing from hooks, making you feel like a true action hero.

Joy Way says it’s still working on a story mode for the game, so it’s uncertain whether that will make it to PSVR on launch day or we’ll still have to wait. Either way, it’s definitely worth a play.

With a PSVR release coming soon, it raises the question whether Oculus Quest will be getting Stride as well. There’s still no word on when/if a Quest version is in the pipeline, however the chances are good. Now optimized for the more humble PS consoles, it gives the studio a clear incentive to release on the standalone Quest platform—especially since unit sales on Quest tend to offer up to 10 times the return as opposed to their PC VR counterparts.

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VR Parkour Title Stride Steps Onto PlayStation VR in 2021

Stride

PlayStation VR owners eagerly awaiting new titles like Maskmaker and Wraith: The Oblivion – Afterlife have a new videogame to add to that list. Today, Joy Way has revealed that its free-running experience Stride is coming to the platform later this year.

Stride

Stride saw an Early Access launch for PC VR headsets back in September 2020, initially allowing players to jump, vault and wall run through an endless level with the occasional enemy popping up for good measure. The team then followed that up with an additional two modes to flesh out the gameplay, Time Run and Arena mode.

Rather than seeing how far you can get, in the Time Run mode you have to complete courses as fast as possible, vying for a spot on the leaderboard. Whilst the Arena offers an entirely different pace to the other two, where you can freely explore the high rise level. There are challenges like finding and collecting certain items or stealing an item without getting spotted by the snipers if you want something specific to do.

The studio plans on officially leaving Early Access in Q3 2021 where it’ll launch a planned single-player Story mode. The campaign was originally slated to arrive last year but Joy Way realised this was too of an ambitious timeline. Story mode will be a free update for those who’ve bought Stride during Early Access.

Stride

Stride’s launch on PlayStation VR isn’t too far away. The studio hasn’t confirmed a date at the moment but in a press release said: “We can state at this point that the game will be out on PSVR no later than in 2 months’ time.” So no later than the end of March VRFocus reckons.  

Joy Way has previously mentioned an Oculus Quest version as well. Currently, there’s no further update on when that’s likely to arrive. For further Stride announcements, keep reading VRFocus.

The VR Game Launch Roundup: Time to Grapple With Zombies & Interior Design

VR Game Roundup-30102020

What a month its has been! Lots of exciting virtual reality (VR) content has launched as well as hardware surpassing expectations. So it’s time to look ahead and into the month of November. There’s a big title arriving at the end but there are still some worthwhile videogames to feast your eyes on in the next week.

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Skydance Interactive

One of the biggest videogames to arrive this year, Skydance Interactive’s The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners needs little introduction. Already available digitally on PC VR, PlayStation VR and even Oculus Quest, for those PlayStation owners who love a physical copy to collect, this survival experience will soon be able to grace their shelves.

  • Supported platforms: PlayStation VR (Physical Edition)
  • Launch date: 3rd November

Stride – Joy Way

This parkour inspired VR experience only arrived as a Steam Early Access title in September and now its ready for the big time. Hitting Oculus Store today, it’ll leave Steam EA next week adding two new modes for a total or three, Endless, Arena and Time Run. Get ready for a physical experience.

Grapple Tournament VR

Grapple Tournament – Tomorrow Games

For those who love multiplayer shooters with a unique hook, Grapple Tournament might just be what you’re looking for, hitting Steam Early Access next week. Use a grappling hook to fully utilise each level and gain advantages over opponents to win.

vTime XR – vTime

It’s time to get social on Oculus Quest with vTime XR. The app has been available for various headsets over the years and now makes its way to the standalone headset. Meet and chat with friends across platforms, share 360 photos and more.

  • Supported platforms: Oculus Quest
  • Launch date: 5th November
House Flipper VR

House Flipper VR – Frozen District

After arriving for Oculus Quest in August, House Flipper VR is now ready for its PC VR launch on Steam. Take rundown houses and spruce them up to make a profit. Unleash that inner interior designer by putting your own creative stamp on these virtual properties.

VR Free Runner Stride Gets Arena Mode, Time Trials Next Week

A fresh update to VR Mirror’s Edge-alike, Stride, will introduce new modes to the game next week.

Stride is JoyWay’s VR parkour game. In it, players bound over city scenery, using their body to jump chasms, hoist themselves over ledges and swing from grappling points. The game released in Early Access a few months back with a simple arcade mode that had players vaulting forward in a straight line, running on walls and dodging enemies.

Stride Update Incoming

A new trailer posted on Reddit this week confirms that the game will soon be getting Arena and Time Run modes. Arena gives you a set area to explore for the first time with sandbox-style elements like collectibles and stealth challenges. It’s wider than the original mode, so should introduce some new gameplay variety. Time Run, meanwhile, tasks you with finding the best path to navigate a level as quickly as possible in. A leaderboard will let players compete for bragging rights, too.

The update releases alongside the game itself on the Oculus Store on October 30th. It’s also coming to the pre-existing SteamVR version on November 4th.

There’s more to come for Stride as it races towards a full release, though. JoyWay is still planning a story mode for the game. The developer also told us it’s hoping to bring the game to Quest, though it may have to switch out the campaign with other features like a possible multiplayer mode to help it fit.

Will you be diving back into Stride with next week’s update? Let us know in the comments below!

 

High-flying Parkour Shooter ‘STRIDE’ Brings Arena & Time Trial Modes to Steam Version

STRIDE, the Mirror’s Edge-style parkour game for PC VR headsets, launched on the Oculus Store late last month, bringing along with it two entirely new modes to the game. After only a slight delay, those two new game modes are now available on Steam version too.

Update (November 13th, 2020): Originally targeting a November 4th launch, the Arena and Time Run modes are finally available on the Steam Early Access version of STRIDE as a free update.

The original article announcing the new game modes and Oculus Store launch follows below:

Original Article (October 21st, 2020): Developer Jon Way announced that Stride will release on the Oculus Store for Rift on October 30th, which will include a total of three game modes: ‘Arena’, ‘Time Run’, and ‘Endless’.

An update to the Early Access game on Steam, which adds both ‘Time Run’ and ‘Arena’ modes, will arrive there November 4th (see update). Stride launched into Early Access on September 4th shortly after concluding a closed beta.

This, according to the studio’s FAQ, concludes the first stage of the game’s development, with the the second stage targeting a “full story” version of the game.

“We are working on it in parallel with the arcade modes and will announce an official release date as soon as it is confirmed,” the studio says.

There’s still no word on when a Quest version is due. Jon Way says on Reddit that although it may eventually be released on Quest, the studio can’t say anything specific at this time.

Check out the full descriptions of all three game modes below:

  • Arena: In Arena mode, you’re presented with a spacious section of the city’s rooftops. You have complete freedom of movement within this complex high-rise “arena” but you’ll be challenged with a variety of tasks. Examples include finding and collecting all the items, completing a specified route within the time limit, finding an item without getting noticed by the snipers, or – simply – killing all the enemies! Arena mode feels even more like a real city, so enjoy the views… but try not to die.
  • Time Run: Compete for the top spot on the leaderboard, finding the most effective path. Vault off a ledge, fly across a gap, compress into a roll under a barrier, then look up as you sprint across the next roof. Spot that hook dangling from the overhead walkway bridging the gap to the next building. Leap for it, grab, swing, release, then glide into a forward landing roll as you line up your next move. It’s all about speed and flow.
  • Endless: Infinite level generation provides unlimited challenging terrain. You’ll have to keep moving forward though, because the “red line of death” never stops closing in behind you. Oh, and did we mention the rooftops are crawling with snipers? Pull out your 9mm mid-air and pick them off as you glide across the gap between buildings.

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‘STRIDE’ to Get 2 New Game Modes Soon, Bringing More ‘Mirror’s Edge’ Style Action to VR

STRIDE, the Mirror’s Edge-style parkour game for PC VR headsets, is heading to the Oculus Store later this month, bringing along with it two entirely new modes to the game. Those new game modes will arrive as an update to the Steam version in early November.

Developer Jon Way announced that Stride will release on the Oculus Store for Rift on October 30th, which will include a total of three game modes: ‘Arena’, ‘Time Run’, and ‘Endless’.

An update to the Early Access game on Steam, which adds both ‘Time Run’ and ‘Arena’ modes, will arrive there November 4th. Stride launched into Early Access on September 4th shortly after concluding a closed beta.

This, according to the studio’s FAQ, concludes the first stage of the game’s development, with the the second stage targeting a “full story” version of the game.

“We are working on it in parallel with the arcade modes and will announce an official release date as soon as it is confirmed,” the studio says.

There’s still no word on when a Quest is due. Jon Way says on Reddit that although it may eventually be released on Quest, the studio can’t say anything specific at this time.

Check out the full descriptions of all three game modes below:

  • Arena: In Arena mode, you’re presented with a spacious section of the city’s rooftops. You have complete freedom of movement within this complex high-rise “arena” but you’ll be challenged with a variety of tasks. Examples include finding and collecting all the items, completing a specified route within the time limit, finding an item without getting noticed by the snipers, or – simply – killing all the enemies! Arena mode feels even more like a real city, so enjoy the views… but try not to die.
  • Time Run: Compete for the top spot on the leaderboard, finding the most effective path. Vault off a ledge, fly across a gap, compress into a roll under a barrier, then look up as you sprint across the next roof. Spot that hook dangling from the overhead walkway bridging the gap to the next building. Leap for it, grab, swing, release, then glide into a forward landing roll as you line up your next move. It’s all about speed and flow.
  • Endless: Infinite level generation provides unlimited challenging terrain. You’ll have to keep moving forward though, because the “red line of death” never stops closing in behind you. Oh, and did we mention the rooftops are crawling with snipers? Pull out your 9mm mid-air and pick them off as you glide across the gap between buildings.

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