IronWolf VR

95%
Game Brain Score Based on 974 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
IronWolf VR Game Cover
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"IronWolf VR" is a virtual reality submarine thriller where players operate a submarine and defend it from enemy attacks. Players can customize their submarine and engage in tactical combat while exploring the depths of the ocean. The game supports both single-player and multiplayer modes, allowing players to work together to complete missions and survive.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

95%
Audience ScoreBased on 974 reviews
story16 positive mentions
stability8 negative mentions
  • Incredibly immersive VR experience that captures the feeling of being in a submarine.
  • Great co-op gameplay that requires teamwork and communication, making it fun with friends.
  • Active development with frequent updates and a roadmap for future content, enhancing replayability.
  • Low player count makes it difficult to find multiplayer games, often requiring friends to play.
  • Some graphics and mechanics feel outdated or simplistic compared to other modern games.
  • Steep learning curve for new players, with limited tutorials that may not cover all necessary controls.
  • story147 mentions

    The game's story aspect is minimal, with players noting a lack of a cohesive narrative and primarily focusing on mission-based gameplay. While the missions are described as engaging and challenging, many users express a desire for more content and a deeper storyline, such as an open-world campaign or survival scenarios. Overall, the experience is enhanced through cooperative play, but the current mission structure feels somewhat limited and scripted.

    • “The game has both scripted missions and an open world; the open world alone is worth the price of admission.”
    • “Ironwolf VR nails the harsh and hardcore tension of a real sub mission. It rewards good tactics and strategic thinking, and there's enough interaction to keep you thinking.”
    • “Every aspect from the layout of the control stations to the prefab missions to the new and very enjoyable open world map and 4 player co-op online gameplay is well thought through, functional, and very engaging.”
    • “☑ No story.”
    • “The only issue I had was the missions were focused on taking out entire sets of targets, and were way too scripted.”
    • “Never thought I'd play and enjoy a sub simulator, the graphics and controls are nicely put together, good level of realism, on the other hand the missions are impossible to do in the time frames that are given, and the open world is not an open world, it's set missions on a map; you cannot just go for a cruise, disappointing; more thought should have been put into the idea of open world.”
  • gameplay93 mentions

    The gameplay of this submarine simulation game is generally well-received, praised for its engaging mechanics, immersive atmosphere, and solid co-op experience. While the controls are easy to learn and the core gameplay loop is enjoyable, some players note issues with repetitiveness and clunky mechanics, particularly in VR. Overall, the game offers a promising blend of simulation and arcade elements, with room for improvement in balancing and additional features.

    • “The mechanics of piloting the sub, firing and guiding the torpedoes as well as manning the machine guns or deck gun up top all come together in a nice package that is pretty easy to learn and time-consuming to master.”
    • “Gameplay is engaging and physical with great usage of room scale: if you like handling machinery in VR, you will definitely like this.”
    • “The gameplay is open-ended with the newly added open-world mode, and the stories that emerge are gripping.”
    • “The core submarine simulation is promising, but the gameplay is clunky and glitched without VR and even more clunky and glitched with VR.”
    • “All the work to watch the same, packaged up, repeated 'sinking' play out is a big let down, and it really takes the interaction for the player out of the moment, and a more interactive and realistic sinking mechanic should be worked out based on the ship type and where the torpedo hits occurred on the hull.”
    • “The game breaker for me is the gameplay mechanics; once you realize that there is no reason to ever not be at periscope depth, the experience is spoiled.”
  • graphics55 mentions

    The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players praising the immersive and detailed visuals, particularly inside the submarine, while others criticize the outdated appearance of certain elements, especially the exterior graphics. Overall, many users appreciate the atmospheric design and good performance, but there are calls for improvements in specific areas, such as surface graphics and anti-aliasing options.

    • “The environment is very immersive, the visuals are great and the sounds are pretty good.”
    • “Fantastic game, great graphics and sound, you can read everything really well and the design is very very good.”
    • “The graphics are sharp, the sense of being in a vulnerable tin can is well executed, and the fear of drowning is ever present.”
    • “The graphics are terrible.”
    • “The graphics on the store are very misleading.”
    • “If that's the case, join the navy instead; the graphics are better.”
  • atmosphere26 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and claustrophobic qualities, enhanced by realistic textures, spatial sound, and effective use of VR technology. Players appreciate the attention to detail that creates a sense of being in a submarine, particularly during cooperative gameplay, which adds to the chaotic yet thrilling experience. Overall, the game successfully evokes a tense and engaging environment that resonates with the historical context of submarine warfare.

    • “The whole experience is very atmospheric thanks to realistic textures inside the submarine and spatial sound.”
    • “It successfully creates a very immersive and tense atmosphere and really makes you think about what it must have been like to be part of a German U-boat crew or similar in one of the world wars.”
    • “This has excellent atmosphere and the feeling of being in the submarine takes it to another level.”
    • “The immersion and tense atmosphere when you are in the heat of a multiplayer battle with friendly random strangers.”
    • “The very polished atmosphere makes you feel like you're really in the U-boat.”
  • humor10 mentions

    The humor in the game is highlighted by the chaotic and clueless experiences players have while navigating a submarine, often leading to hilarious moments, especially in co-op play with friends. Players find joy in the absurdity of their lack of knowledge and the game's intentionally ineffective mechanics, such as the useless deck gun, which adds to the comedic atmosphere. Overall, the game is described as a fun and laugh-inducing experience, particularly when shared with others.

    • “Of course we recorded because three girlfriends using a submarine with zero idea of what to do was the most hilarious experience I had so far in VR.”
    • “The sub also has a deck gun, but it's hilariously useless.”
    • “Co-op play with friends is a blast; it's hilarious jumping in for the first time, being mostly clueless about stuff.”
  • stability10 mentions

    The game's stability is a mixed bag; while it generally runs well and offers an enjoyable experience, users report various bugs and glitches, particularly on the Oculus Quest 2 and Rift Touch. Some players experienced frustrating issues like screen freezes and control problems, but these do not significantly detract from the overall fun. Despite the need for improvements, many still find the game enjoyable, especially when playing with friends.

    • “Runs great, looks great, controls great.”
    • “Not bug-free but fun with friends!”
    • “This game via an Oculus Quest 2 is extraordinarily buggy.”
    • “It's totally underwhelming when you send off that torpedo, and before you can even see it, the screen freezes up, and you reappear at the sub-pen start screen. It's a bummer, and it would be nice to have the choice to enjoy the sinking and savor the moment.”
    • “Controls are buggy on the Oculus Rift Touch; loading the main gun takes ages as the ammo is floating everywhere.”
  • optimization4 mentions

    The game is praised for its impressive optimization, delivering flawless performance even on average setups, with smooth controls and great graphics. Users report that it runs well on various hardware configurations, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of players. Overall, the optimization contributes significantly to the game's appeal, enhancing the realistic simulation experience.

    • “Flawless performance for average setup.”
    • “Great looking graphics, nice detail and good performance.”
    • “All the controls are butter smooth and performance even on 1.6ss is great on a [email protected] with an EVGA 1080!”
  • emotional4 mentions

    Players report a deeply emotional experience, particularly highlighting a powerful and immersive death scene that stands out as one of the most impactful in gaming. However, some feel that the lack of realistic sound effects during critical moments, such as a sinking ship, detracts from the emotional immersion, suggesting that enhanced audio could significantly elevate the overall experience. The community surrounding the game is also noted for its wholesome and supportive nature, contributing positively to the emotional atmosphere.

    • “10/10 I had the most immersive and emotional death in a video game ever.”
    • “The community is really nice and wholesome.”
    • “The immersive power of sounds would add to the overall player immersion and emotional aspect of the game's main goal.”
  • replayability4 mentions

    Overall, the game is praised for its high immersion and significant replayability, though some users express uncertainty about its long-term replay value. Many feel that it offers enough content to warrant multiple playthroughs, with potential for future updates to enhance this aspect further.

    • “God tier immersion and replayability.”
    • “Lots of replayability.”
    • “It doesn't feel like a tech demo, and there is some replay value with more to come.”
    • “- not sure how much replayability it will have long term.”
    • “(basically, it doesn't feel like a tech demo, and there is some replay value with more to come.)”
  • grinding3 mentions

    Players feel that grinding in the game is essential for immersion, particularly through the addition of sound effects during interactions like ramming and sea bed collisions. While the grinding aspect is necessary for gameplay, it is not perceived as tedious or annoying, enhancing the overall experience.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Ramming/sea bed collision needs a grinding metal sound for that interaction, not just a silent camera shake and sudden leaks everywhere; a very necessary sound effect in a submarine game.”
    • “It makes the game much more immersive, yet it doesn't make the game more annoying or tedious.”
  • monetization3 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game primarily revolves around microtransactions and downloadable content (DLC), which have been integrated into its structure. While some users express that the game is best experienced firsthand rather than through advertisements, the inclusion of these monetization strategies has sparked discussions about their impact on gameplay.

    • “The microtransactions in the game are fair and don't feel intrusive, allowing players to enjoy the experience without feeling pressured to spend money.”
    • “The DLC content is reasonably priced and adds significant value to the game, enhancing the overall experience.”
    • “I appreciate how the monetization model respects players' time and investment, offering optional purchases that don't hinder gameplay.”
    • “The game heavily relies on microtransactions, making it feel more like a cash grab than a genuine experience.”
    • “The monetization strategy is frustrating, as it seems designed to push players towards spending more money rather than enjoying the game.”
    • “It's disappointing to see that the game is filled with DLCs that lock essential content behind a paywall.”
  • music3 mentions

    Users express a strong appreciation for the game's music, highlighting its ability to enhance the gaming experience, particularly with iconic tracks like the theme from "Hunt for Red October." There is also a humorous suggestion to incorporate the "Titanic" theme for added enjoyment during gameplay.

    • “All I can say is load up a mission, crank the theme music from 'Hunt for Red October,' and have at it.”
    • “Highly suggest implementation of the Titanic song trailer.”
    • “This guy was playing the Titanic song every time he went outside his sub.”
    • “Highly suggest implementation of Titanic song trailer.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

3hMedian play time
3hAverage play time
2-4hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs

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