HexWind is a fantasy VR motion roguelite that leans into Superhot’s time manipulation mechanics on Steam and Quest.
Developed by Allure Video games, HexWind initially launched in early entry final yr. It is the primary self-published title to return from Allure Video games, who it’s possible you’ll recall developed FORM, Twilight Path and labored on Kill It With Hearth VR. Now obtainable in full launch, this motion roguelike sees time decelerate whenever you do very like Superhot.
PC VR gameplay footage captured by UploadVR
Up to now, I’ve gone hands-on for about two hours with the PC VR model. The roguelite construction turns into instantly clear after calibrating your arm size, presenting a number of paths you possibly can take with some appreciated physicality. Merely elevate your character’s determine to the following a part of the board, and selecting one path means locking your self out of one other going ahead.
HexWind’s fight is its most interesting characteristic. Reasonably than extra typical melee weapons, you are armed with a wand that may each destroy foes up shut, fireplace ranged magical strikes, parry assaults and cease incoming projectiles from floating skulls, skeletons and extra. It is an fascinating strategy with the flexibility of a magical Swiss military knife, and whereas time slowing down except you progress is not precisely an authentic thought (or vice versa) even past Superhot, this helps you strategize.
I discovered myself surviving on 1/100 HP for 2 levels by way of rigorously deliberate out defensive maneuvers on my first run, finally dying after reaching the primary boss. You even have a stamina meter to contemplate for leaping over gaps and dashing enemies, the latter feeling notably good whereas motioning to punch ahead. The Metallic soundtrack provides a pleasant taste to the proceedings, too.
Accumulating cranium gems from downed enemies additionally permits you to buy helpful upgrades between missions. This gives welcome talents by way of outfitted tarot playing cards, like letting your slash assault pierce a number of enemies or lowering the stamina value for dashing, although you possibly can solely equip two playing cards directly. There’s additionally loadouts to contemplate with bonuses for elemental synergy.
PC VR screenshots captured by UploadVR
My largest grip up to now comes with HexWind’s presentation. Most environments do not look particularly completely different from one another past the colour scheme, regardless of being in any other case serviceable. The UI paintings feels barely tough too and are sometimes accompanied by black opaque backgrounds, whereas fonts on the extent outcomes display screen and your well being/stamina really feel primary at finest. At its worst, they appear misplaced with this aesthetic.
I additionally encountered some odd efficiency points regardless of my desktop enormously exceeding the minimal system necessities with an Intel i9-12900 processor and 4070 Ti Tremendous. I am unable to examine to any advisable settings although as a result of… properly, they don’t seem to be at present listed on Steam. I’ve but to strive the Quest model, both.
Up to now, HexWind presents an gratifying motion expertise with a couple of tough edges. Allure Video games aren’t doing something particularly revolutionary in its gameplay, and the visible presentation would profit from extra polish, but there’s nonetheless a good roguelite right here with good fight. I might say it is value having a look at.
HexWind is out now on Steam and Quest.
