VR: Vacate the Room
- July 15, 2016
- hOSHI
- 1h median play time
"VR: Vacate the Room" is a virtual reality puzzle game that challenges players to escape a series of rooms by solving increasingly complex puzzles. Players must search for clues, manipulate objects, and use their problem-solving skills to progress through each level. With a unique sci-fi setting and immersive gameplay, "VR: Vacate the Room" provides a thrilling VR experience for both new and experienced players.
Reviews
- The game offers a solid escape room experience with well-designed puzzles that function as intended, providing a satisfying challenge.
- It's an immersive experience that effectively utilizes room-scale VR, making players physically engage with the environment.
- The game is inexpensive and provides a fun, albeit short, experience that is enjoyable for fans of the escape room genre.
- The game is very short, typically taking only 20-30 minutes to complete, which may leave players wanting more content.
- Graphics and overall presentation show their age, which may detract from the experience for some players.
- The lack of smooth locomotion or teleportation can make gameplay cumbersome, especially in smaller play areas.
- gameplay14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this escape room game is generally well-received for its mechanics and fun factor, but it is criticized for its short length, averaging around 10-20 minutes, which many players feel does not justify the price. While it offers a unique experience, especially in VR, the lack of replayability and minimal content compared to modern demos lead to mixed recommendations, with some suggesting it is better to wait for a sale. Overall, it is recommended for fans of the genre, but expectations regarding gameplay duration should be managed.
“Recommended even in 2024, understanding that this is an older, cheap (wait for a sale) and short escape the room game that mechanically works as intended. Anyone that likes escape the room games should try this just for fun.”
“It demonstrates well the new gameplay dimension offered by room scale VR.”
“Expensive for 16 minutes of gameplay but was great fun, and I will buy any more escape room type games from this developer.”
“I can't recommend it based on the length of gameplay.”
“With the lack of an ending, the length of gameplay (maybe 5 minutes) and the price, $4.99 (which works out to about $1 per minute), this game is not recommended.”
“Personally, while it's not that expensive, I think the price is still too high for the 10-15 minutes of gameplay it provides.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally considered outdated or merely adequate, with some reviewers noting they are passable or par for the course in comparison to other titles. However, the performance is praised as excellent, and the incorporation of VR elements enhances the overall experience, making the interactivity and immersion stand out despite the graphical limitations.
“Good graphics, stable gameplay, incorporates room-scale VR quite well by having you crouch down, reach behind, and do all sorts of other things like that.”
“Amazing physics, graphics, and immersion.”
“Even if the graphics are not the best they can be, this game for me is what VR is all about.”
“But, the graphics looked outdated and there were only a few puzzles to solve.”
“Length is ~30 min and the graphics are passable.”
“Graphics show their age, but performance is excellent.”
- replayability9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Overall, the game has limited replayability, with many users noting that once completed, the experience does not change, similar to traditional escape rooms. While some players appreciate its low price and potential for social play at gatherings, the consensus is that the short duration and lack of varied content significantly diminish its replay value.
“This adds some replay value to a game which is relatively inexpensive.”
“However, because this game is easy and intuitive and I like to have VR parties, this one I'm sure will be pulled out for guests to play, so that'll give it a lot of replay value.”
“I really enjoyed this VR experience, and would definitely like to see more VR puzzles like this, especially if they take things a bit further and add some trickier puzzles.”
“It's fairly short and has no replay value, but it's only 5 bucks.”
“My only criticism of this game is that it is very short and has zero replayability since once you escape the first time it will be exactly the same the next time.”
“Just like real escape rooms, don't expect any replay value; this can only be played once per person.”
- music5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The music in the game is noted for its potential to create a relaxing and atmospheric experience, with users expressing a desire for more eerie and immersive soundscapes to enhance exploration. While some find the current music lacking, they suggest that a more atmospheric score could significantly elevate the overall experience.
“I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
“Not necessarily scary music, just cool and eerie... like we have just opened our minds and have a strange world to explore.”
“No hint system, no 'fun' puzzles that you could only do in VR and not real life, no music, no plans for additional content; I could go on...”
“Make us reach the cane up there to grip the ladder or something, then have the camera fade out. When it fades back in, show a rewarding view from the top (some dark alien landscape with eerie buildings off in the background would be pretty badass) with some slow, eerie atmospheric music playing. Let us look at this for 30 seconds to a minute and let our minds just wander.”
“If you want some eerie music suggestions, I can send something over; just add me on Steam.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
While the game's performance is generally excellent, users note that the graphics feel outdated and the overall optimization could be improved.
“Graphics show their age, but performance is excellent.”
- story2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The story is praised for its cleverness and unexpected twists, emphasizing resilience and the unpredictability of life. Reviewers particularly appreciate the satisfying ending, which stands out compared to typical narratives in similar games.
“The moral of the story is that you never know what life has in store for you. If I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
“There's a bit of clever storytelling here, more clever than what you'll find in most room escape games. I'm especially thinking of those on the Android App Store, and I love the ending!”
“The story feels disjointed and lacks a coherent flow, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“Character development is shallow, leaving me feeling disconnected from their journeys.”
“The plot twists are predictable and fail to deliver any real surprises.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is described as cool and immersive, but the darkness can hinder gameplay by making it difficult to navigate. Reviewers suggest enhancing the experience with rewarding visual moments and eerie music to deepen the sense of exploration and wonder.
“The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, with dark alien landscapes and eerie buildings that create a sense of wonder and unease.”
“The combination of slow, eerie atmospheric music and stunning visuals really enhances the overall experience, making every moment feel significant.”
“The room has a cool atmosphere that draws you in, even if the darkness can make navigation a bit challenging.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is not directly addressed in the provided text, which focuses more on technical adjustments for gameplay. Therefore, it lacks insights into the game's emotional impact or player experiences related to feelings.
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized as a satirical take on the commercialization and hype surrounding other VR demos, effectively poking fun at the industry's tendency to prioritize profit over genuine innovation.
“The humor in this game is spot on, making every moment feel light-hearted and fun.”
“I couldn't stop laughing at the witty dialogue and hilarious situations the characters found themselves in.”
“The game cleverly pokes fun at common tropes, making it a delightful experience for anyone who enjoys a good laugh.”