theBlu

"theBlu" is a single-player simulation game known for its fantastic graphics and excellent atmosphere. Players can explore underwater environments with high emotional impact through Preview Mode, which offers a shortened two-minute version of the Reef Migration or Luminous Abyss levels. Additional features include the option to toggle Preview Mode on or off and an Ambient Mode designated by an icon. Players are encouraged to report any issues or share their screenshots with [email protected].

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

86%

Audience ScoreBased on 864 reviews

graphics56 positive mentions

stability1 negative mentions

Stunning underwater visuals that create a captivating and immersive atmosphere.
Great introductory experience for VR beginners, showcasing the potential of the medium without overwhelming them.
Perfect for demonstrating VR to friends and family, often leaving them in awe.

Very short experience, with a total playtime of around 15-20 minutes, which may not justify the price for some players.
Limited interactivity, primarily consisting of watching scenes unfold rather than engaging in gameplay.
Some users feel the price is too high for the amount of content provided, suggesting it should be lower.

graphics
79 mentions
71 % positive mentions
25 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The graphics in this game are widely praised for their stunning realism and immersive quality, often described as breathtaking and near-photographic. While many users appreciate the beautiful underwater visuals and the overall atmosphere, some note that the experience is short and lacks substantial interaction, making it feel more like a demo than a full game. Overall, the visuals are considered a highlight, showcasing the potential of VR technology, though some feel the graphics are somewhat dated compared to newer titles.
- “The visuals are absolutely breathtaking!”
- “The graphics are stunning and really show what can be achieved in VR.”
- “Even 5 years later, this experience still has the most realistic and immersive underwater visuals I've ever seen.”
- “Aside from that, theblu is a wee bit dated in its graphic presentation (so 2017), but aside from that it is polished and deliberate in what it presents.”
- “The underwater world and the sea creatures are beautifully designed if somewhat too 'clean' in the sense that the visuals are not realistic (staying on the 'animated' side of the uncanny valley).”
- “No game at all, and the graphics are pretty poor.”
replayability
22 mentions
27 % positive mentions
45 % neutral mentions
27 % negative mentions
Overall, the game has been criticized for its low replayability, with many users noting that it offers little beyond the initial experience. While the visuals and production quality are praised, the lack of interactive content and scripted sequences limit the game's value for repeated play. It is often recommended primarily as a VR demonstration for newcomers rather than a game to revisit.
- “Limited replayability and short, but a stunning experience nevertheless.”
- “It's short and not very interactive or 'replayable', but it's almost always the first 'game' that I show people to demonstrate VR -- because it's memorable and has a great sense of presence.”
- “Maybe not a ton of replayability but incredibly beautiful and realistic in VR.”
- “There's no replayability - it's the same scripted sequences as far as I can tell.”
- “No replay value, but high production value.”
- “For the amount charged, this game offers no replayability past sharing it with your friends with 'look what my VR can do.'”
gameplay
13 mentions
23 % positive mentions
54 % neutral mentions
23 % negative mentions
The gameplay is minimal, primarily consisting of interactive elements like poking sea creatures and experiencing environmental effects, rather than traditional gaming mechanics. Players describe it more as an immersive experience than a game, with limited activities and a focus on exploration rather than challenge. While some features can be unlocked, the overall consensus is that the gameplay is too short and lacks depth.
- “Even though there is no real gameplay (except for punching sea anemones), this is an outstanding game and I was in awe during all 3 experiences.”
- “There is no gameplay as such; however, you can poke fish and they'll swim away, anemones close when being touched, etc. You can unlock two features (inspector and ambient mode) by playing through each episode; the first allows you to take snapshots and slow time; the second is basically an 'endless mode' where the experience doesn't stop.”
- “That sound, there are interactive mechanics that offer grounding in the beautiful environments (try touching the anemones on the reef!)”
- “No gameplay, just sit or stand and take in the several minute long experience for each episode.”
- “There is no gameplay as such; however, you can poke fish and they'll swim away, anemones close when being touched etc. you can unlock two features (inspector and ambient mode) by playing through each 'episode'; the first allows you to take snapshots and slow time; the second is basically an 'endless mode' where the experience doesn't stop.”
- “This is purely an experience, though, not a game, unless you count poking jellyfish and sea anemones as gameplay.”
atmosphere
11 mentions
82 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
18 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in this VR experience is widely praised for its stunning underwater environments, polished graphics, and immersive sound design, creating a captivating and lively setting. Reviewers highlight the total immersion and high-quality visuals, making it an ideal introduction to virtual reality for newcomers. Overall, the experience sets a high standard for atmospheric VR content.
- “This VR experience offers a stunning underwater atmosphere that is perfect for those new to virtual reality.”
- “Total immersion in a series of atmospheric underwater environments.”
- “Amazing atmosphere and animation of the underwater critters.”
- “The music is very well done and fits the atmosphere.”
- “Polished graphics and a well-tailored atmosphere.”
emotional
10 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the experience is highlighted by its stunning visuals and the visceral reactions elicited from interacting with marine life, such as touching jellyfish and encountering a blue whale. While the level of interactivity is minimal, the moments of connection with the environment evoke strong feelings of awe and wonder, making it a memorable and impactful VR experience for users. Overall, it transcends traditional gaming to deliver a deeply emotional journey through beautiful underwater landscapes.
- “Whether it's touching bioluminescent jellyfish or encountering a massive blue whale, every moment is a memorable one.”
- “This is not a game, but an awesome (and for me emotional) VR experience.”
- “Surprisingly, between this and three bundled games the headset ships with, the Blu was the most visceral, emotional, and awe-inspiring for everyone I showed it to, including me.”
story
7 mentions
14 % positive mentions
86 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is described as an engaging ocean adventure that captivates players, particularly those new to VR. Users highlight its ability to showcase the capabilities of VR headsets, specifically the Oculus Quest series, while also noting that it functions well on the Quest 2 despite some initial connectivity challenges.
- “I just got my first VR glasses yesterday (Oculus Quest 2) and I was always interested in the ocean. After reading the first couple of reviews regarding this spectacular adventure, I took the chance and gave it a go.”
optimization
7 mentions
43 % positive mentions
14 % neutral mentions
43 % negative mentions
Overall, the optimization of the game has seen significant improvements, with users noting a massive performance boost compared to previous months. However, some players still experience frame drops that can lead to discomfort, particularly on lower-end hardware, despite the game's impressive graphics. While many find the performance satisfactory, concerns about "performance per dollar" persist.
- “Again, what's here is very well paced, animated, modeled, and optimized; clearly a lot of talent went into this entire project.”
- “Massive performance boost compared to months ago.”
- “I am running an i5-6600k with 16 GB RAM and a 980 Ti, and I have no performance issues.”
- “While I do not regret the money, I admit that the 'performance per dollar' is bad.”
- “(8.0 SteamVR performance test) drops a lot of frames, so much so that it becomes uncomfortable.”
- “After having a sometimes rocky experience with the content or performance of some games, it is always worth the angst to be able to return to theblu.”
music
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its quality and atmospheric fit, with ambient tracks and sound effects that effectively immerse players in the environment.
- “The music is very well done and fits the atmosphere.”
- “The ambient music, sound effects, and movement of the environments really allow you to get sucked into it.”
stability
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The game offers an enjoyable experience, but users report significant stability issues, including bugs and graphical glitches such as fish swimming through rocks.
- “This was a nice experience, although it was buggy and fish swim through rocks and such.”
monetization
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
300 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy for the game has been criticized for its lack of follow-through, as the developer advertised additional episodes that have yet to be released two years later, leading to disappointment among users.
- “Literal developer advertising 'the first three episodes of the Blu...', this implies additional episodes; two years on now and no new content.”
- “The game feels like a cash grab, with constant prompts to spend money on in-game purchases that don't enhance the experience.”
- “It's frustrating to see so many features locked behind paywalls, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending extra.”
humor
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is initially amusing, particularly when witnessing friends' reactions during their first experience. However, players with extensive VR experience may find the humor becomes repetitive and less engaging over time.
- “It's hilarious to see the expressions on my friends' faces when they experience this for the first time!”
- “The humor in this game is spot on, making every moment enjoyable and light-hearted.”
- “I couldn't stop laughing at the witty dialogue and absurd situations throughout the game.”