I didn’t expect that a VR rock-climbing game that used neck thrusts as one of the primary locomotion mechanics would be as immersive or fun as it was, but I was really impressed with the level of immersion and presence that I felt while playing Crytek’s The Climb, which was recently released for the Oculus Rift.
LISTEN TO THE VOICES OF VR PODCAST
There was something really satisfying to reaching the vista and enjoying the amazing view after climbing up the metaphoric and virtual mountain side. A lot of the game mechanics of a first-person rock climbing game translates really well to strengths of VR as a medium and provides an overall compelling and exhilarating experience. I had a chance to catch up with Crytek executive producer Elijah Freeman at the Oculus Game Days event at GDC to learn more about how they cultivated a sense of presence, evolved the gameplay, and got a lot of feedback from actual rock climbers who were a part of the production of the game.
Here’s a trailer from Oculus to promote The Climb & the Rift:
And here’s the launch trailer for The Climb
Donate to the Voices of VR Podcast Patreon
Music: Fatality & Summer Trip
