PunjiVR
- July 15, 2022
- Camden Cleveland
IMPORTANT!PunjiVR is being completely remade from the ground up as 'Version 2' which will be released as a free update. Check out the recent update notes for more info About the Game Inspired by tactical shooters of the early 2000's, PunjiVR aims to mix their challenge and charm with new technologies and ideas to create a unique and unforgettable experience Fight for or against the U…
Reviews
- The game offers a unique and immersive Vietnam War experience with excellent gunplay and realistic weapon handling.
- The developer is very active in updating the game, showing dedication to improving the experience based on community feedback.
- The atmosphere is well-crafted, creating a tense and engaging environment that enhances the overall gameplay.
- The AI is overly aggressive and can spot players from unrealistic distances, making the game frustratingly difficult.
- The control scheme is clunky and inconsistent, particularly with Index controllers, leading to a less enjoyable experience.
- The game is still in early access and feels unfinished, with many bugs and a lack of content that can detract from the overall enjoyment.
- story32 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 81 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as basic and largely text-based, serving primarily as a prelude to missions rather than a focal point. While the campaign features a variety of missions, many players find them poorly designed and lacking in dynamism, often reducing the experience to a repetitive "walking simulator" with minimal narrative engagement. Overall, the emphasis seems to be more on mission variety and gameplay mechanics than on delivering a compelling story.
“The first mission is a good example of this due to it lacking any indication of where you are supposed to go.”
“As of now there are 6 main missions and 4 side missions; for each level, you will need to adjust your approach and tactics.”
“I bought this game because the mission taking place in a mountain operation looked interesting and different from most tactical VR games.”
“The story is pretty basic and is mostly just text you read before a mission, but that's not too much of a focal point.”
“I'm sorry, but it's a walking simulator with your dream guns and other fixations because you lack the ability to set a proper roadmap and innovate. Instead, you stall by adding fluff to the game, such as updating the helicopter missions or the lackluster 'campaign,' which is just walking and shooting from point to point.”
“The only enjoyment I felt out of this game was the embassy mission, and that didn't even feel like a fight when the AI would clearly hear and see me blow their buddy's brains out, and they would just stand there clueless.”
- graphics15 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a low-poly art style that some players find detracts from immersion, while others appreciate the performance benefits it offers. The visuals are described as colorful and bright, fitting well within the VR experience, but there are calls for more detailed graphics options and improvements in model quality. Overall, while the graphics may not be cutting-edge, they serve the gameplay adequately, especially for those who enjoy the Vietnam aesthetic.
“Punji VR feels like the technology of Jurassic Trespasser mixing together with the Yandere Sim developer to create a fantastically bright, loud, and jarring experience that most Vietnam vets wouldn't be able to take just because of the sheer graphics this game brings alone.”
“Graphics: amazingly colorful and bright.”
“If you like the Vietnam aesthetic or era, then this is your best option for VR.”
“The graphics, although still very easy to forget you're in low poly, do at times pull me out of the game. I'd love it if they were more realistic; even just a bit higher poly would be nice.”
“Not optimized at all; the game maxes out my GPU at very low graphics and has nothing to show for it.”
“Punji VR feels like the technology of Jurassic Trespasser mixed with the Yandere Sim developer to create a fantastically bright, loud, and jarring experience that most Vietnam vets wouldn't be able to handle just because of the sheer graphics this game brings alone.”
- gameplay10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally praised for its immersive mechanics and solid player controls, particularly in gunplay, making it a noteworthy VR experience. However, some users express concerns about sound levels and the need for improvements in core mechanics and AI, suggesting that while the game has potential, it requires further refinement before fully realizing its capabilities.
“Generally great player controller and some excellent gunplay and extra immersion mechanics which are rarely seen in VR; this is definitely one to follow.”
“It delivers a genuine feel to the gameplay and gets you into that 'Nam headspace.”
“The developer randomly watched the stream and valued our feedback, so an update to certain mechanics is coming in a few days.”
“That was enough to put me off before I even really touched the content and mechanics of the game, so I can't comment one way or another on those aspects.”
“Please work on the core mechanics of the game before making any more missions as it seems like even just mission one has problems.”
“The graphics don't bother me so much, even if the weapon and player models need work. I don't mind them being low poly like a game from 2001 if it means it can run smoothly on any PC, and as long as the AI and core game mechanics get the TLC they need.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its immersive and terrifying qualities, effectively creating tension and uncertainty, especially during combat. Reviewers note that the atmosphere evolves with each level, contributing to a top-tier experience that suggests potential for further improvement and development.
“The atmosphere in this game is really good; it can get terrifying not knowing where you're being shot from.”
“The atmosphere is really well done, and it changes level by level.”
“The atmosphere that this game sets up is top tier; I could really see this game getting better and going places.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is criticized for its poor optimization, as it maxes out GPUs even on low graphics settings, leading to significant frame rate drops with minimal on-screen action. While the low-poly art style helps maintain some performance and improves target visibility, it does not fully compensate for the overall optimization issues.
“The low-poly art style keeps performance up and allows you to identify targets slightly easier, though this is somewhat negated by another issue.”
“Not optimized at all; the game maxes out my GPU at very low graphics and has nothing to show for it.”
“Poorly optimized; three enemies shooting at you is enough to tank FPS.”
“The low-poly art style keeps performance up and lets you identify targets slightly easier, though this is kind of negated by another issue.”
- stability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is criticized for being buggy and janky, with specific issues like camera glitches affecting gameplay, particularly in flying mechanics. Many users recommend waiting for further development and bug fixes before purchasing, as the current state may disappoint those seeking a polished experience.
“I am unable to fly the choppers because the camera glitches into the floorboards.”
“The game unfortunately is still buggy and janky in some ways and has a lot under development.”
“I'd actually recommend waiting to get this game until it has more content and bugs are fixed, since some people aren't happy buying a buggy game with less content.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability due to its extensive campaign, ongoing updates, and additional content, ensuring players have plenty of reasons to return.
“It has a full campaign with another one ongoing, regular updates, and great replay value.”
“Plenty of replayability too!”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players express that the grinding aspect of the game is excessively time-consuming, often requiring an unrealistic amount of effort to progress.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The grinding feels endless and tedious.”
“Grinding takes away from the enjoyment of the game.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users find the humor in the game particularly enjoyable, highlighting the comedic elements associated with the m14 weapon as a standout feature.
“The humor in this game is absolutely top-notch!”
“I can't stop laughing at the witty dialogue and funny scenarios.”
“The comedic timing of the characters is just perfect!”