Protonwar
- March 15, 2018
- Outer Planet Studios
Get on Steam"Protonwar" is an action-packed, multiplayer-focused AFPS game that offers both room-scale VR and non-VR play. It supports 2-player co-op, single-player, and PvP matches, and can be played offline against bots. Locomotion options in room-scale VR include teleportation-only mode and an advanced mode with multiple locomotion options, including controller gesture-based jumping and tricks. Be warned that advanced mode may cause VR sickness for some players.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features smooth graphics and intuitive controls, reminiscent of classic arena shooters like Unreal Tournament and Quake.
- The developer is responsive and actively updates the game based on player feedback, which enhances the overall experience.
- The game offers a variety of movement options and gameplay modes, including fun mechanics like laser swords and advanced jumping.
- The player base is very low, making it difficult to find multiplayer matches, often forcing players to rely on bots.
- Some gameplay mechanics, such as the jumping system, can lead to frustrating deaths, and the bots are not challenging enough.
- The user interface can be confusing, and there are issues with controller bindings, particularly for left-handed players.
- gameplay12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay is reminiscent of classic titles like "Unreal Tournament" and "Quake," appealing to fans of old-school competitive shooters. However, some players, particularly left-handed users, have encountered issues with locomotion settings. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging mechanics and active development.
“The gameplay reminds me of the old 'Unreal Tournament' games, which I think is awesome. However, as a left-handed player, I encountered a significant issue in VR; the left-handed mode switches the locomotion to the right hand.”
“Nice game, active developers, funny gameplay, and it supports WMR (at least on my Lenovo Explorer). It feels like Unreal Tournament.”
“This is the kind of gameplay style that is needed to fill the old-school competitive shooter gap in VR gaming (think Quake and Unreal Tournament).”
“The gameplay reminds me of the old 'Unreal Tournament' games, which I think is awesome, but as a left-handed player, I had one big problem with it in VR; the left-handed mode switches the locomotion to the right hand.”
“This is an initial early review from a short period of gameplay (will edit review after more gameplay).”
“This is the kind of gameplay style that is needed to fill the old-school competitive shooter hole in VR gaming (think Quake and UT).”
- graphics12 mentions
- 83 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics in this VR FPS game are consistently praised for their crispness and detail, showcasing the capabilities of the Unreal engine. Players appreciate the smooth visuals and immersive feel during gameplay, highlighting the game's strong graphical presentation as a key feature. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's appeal, despite its early access status and limited player base.
“Very well-made VR FPS - great graphics, great locomotion options, great imaginative maps.”
“The graphics look very crisp and detailed and really shows off the engine.”
“Good graphics, great guns, please focus on VR and it will become the CS of the future :)”
- stability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability has improved significantly, with polished levels and movement. However, some bugs and glitches remain, which are typical for an early access title, particularly in the testing phase of the wave-based co-op shooter mode.
“Vive also has a 'wave' based co-op shooter mode that can be fun (though it's currently in a testing phase and is pretty buggy).”
“There are some bugs/glitches to be expected in an EA game, I guess.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Reviewers suggest adopting a freemium model, where the game is initially free with modest in-game purchases to build a player base, before transitioning to a traditional paid model. This approach is seen as a strategic way to attract players while generating revenue.
“I think their best bet is to go freemium at first - release the game for free, offer a few modest in-game purchases to offset the free price, and then once a player base is established, eventually make it a normal game for sale.”
“I think their best bet is to go freemium at first - release the game for free, offer a few modest 'in-game purchases' to offset the free price...and then once a player base is established, eventually make it a 'normal' game for sale.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the humor in the game, highlighting its funny gameplay and engaging experience. The active development team also contributes positively to the overall enjoyment.
“Nice game, active devs, funny gameplay, supports WMR (at least my Lenovo Explorer) feels like ut.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Players have reported noticeable performance issues when playing with bots, including a decline in framerate and increased latency as the game progresses. This suggests that the game's optimization may not be well-suited for extended sessions involving AI opponents.
“When playing with bots, I noticed performance decreasing over time throughout the game, resulting in framerate drops and increased latency.”
“While playing with bots, I experienced a noticeable decline in performance as the game progressed, including framerate drops and higher latency.”
“During gameplay with bots, I observed a gradual decrease in performance, characterized by framerate drops and increased latency.”
