Puzzle Island VR
- May 19, 2020
- Interaction Ideas GmbH
Get on Steam"Puzzle Island VR" is a casual game that offers both single-player and multiplayer options, including co-op for up to 2 players. The game takes place on a stunning, tranquil island where players solve puzzles by stacking objects and using realistic ropes. With full Oculus support, players can expect a seamless, engaging experience that requires engineering thinking.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a visually appealing environment with realistic graphics and immersive ocean wave effects.
- The puzzle mechanics are engaging and utilize physics well, providing a fun challenge for players.
- The game offers a unique VR experience that can't be replicated outside of virtual reality, making it compelling for VR enthusiasts.
- The game suffers from numerous technical issues, including broken mechanics, low frame rates, and lack of options, which detracts from the overall experience.
- Many assets appear to be uncredited or stock, raising concerns about originality and quality, leading to comparisons with asset flips.
- The multiplayer component is poorly implemented or non-functional, and the game lacks sufficient content and updates, making it feel incomplete.
- gameplay7 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
Gameplay is criticized for its ineffective hook mechanics and lack of guidance, leading to frustration. Players engage in puzzle-solving by manipulating objects like crates and barrels, but performance issues such as frame rate dips detract from the experience. Overall, the gameplay experience varies significantly across different platforms, with some users noting sluggishness in controls.
“The gameplay is roughly the same on the Odyssey+, but while the CV1 seems sluggish on snap-turns, the Odyssey+ has the opposite problem.”
“Hook mechanics just don't function and there isn't any guidance at all.”
“Gameplay involves solving puzzles by moving crates, barrels, and stones around with ropes, and rope handles are therefore always attached to your hands.”
“I'd rather have a vanilla background if it would mean I could do the puzzles without these frame rate dips that affect gameplay.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are highly praised for their realism, particularly the ocean wave effects and water animation, which are considered some of the best in virtual reality. Users highlight the impressive clarity on the Rift S headset, making the island environment feel exceptionally immersive and lifelike. Overall, the visuals contribute significantly to the game's ambiance, setting a new standard for realism in VR experiences.
“The ocean wave effects, both the visuals and the buoyancy physics, are extremely well done.”
“The clarity of the Rift S was particularly well-suited to showcasing the excellent graphics and water animation.”
“It's set on an island which to date has the most realistic graphics I've experienced in VR.”
- music4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received negative feedback for being excessively loud and depressing, with players expressing frustration over the lack of an option to disable or mute it. Many users feel that the inability to turn off the music detracts from the overall experience, as they would prefer to enjoy the natural sounds instead.
“I wouldn't mind an option to turn off the music, to enjoy the nature sounds.”
“However, what would have been a relaxing experience is absolutely ruined for me by the blaring, loud, depressing music that cannot be disabled.”
“Like I said, this is just not possible for me without an option to turn off the music and just listen to the ocean.”
“You cannot shut off the music (or mute it), and there is no option menu that I can find to change anything.”
- stability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's stability is mixed; while some players report a smooth experience with no glitches, others experience significant bugs, particularly in multiplayer mode, and note a lack of updates over the past year.
“Worked well, no glitches; though the wiggly worm ropes took some mastering.”
“The game runs smoothly without any crashes, providing a stable experience throughout.”
“I appreciate how stable the gameplay is; I never encountered any bugs or issues.”
“Extremely buggy, multiplayer is barely working, the puzzles aren't very difficult in my opinion, and the game hasn't been updated in about a year.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game raises concerns, as it appears to resemble asset flips or cash grabs, leading to skepticism about its quality and value. While there is no definitive evidence of malicious intent, the game's presentation may still deter players due to its perceived lack of originality and depth.
“There's no evidence, so we need to give the benefit of the doubt... regardless, asset flip or not, the quality here is indistinguishable from many asset flip/cash grab scams, and that's a problem in itself.”
