Onward

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Onward
Onward1.jpg
Information
VR/AR VR
Developer Downpour Interactive
Publisher Downpour Interactive
Platform SteamVR
Device HTC Vive
Operating System Windows
Type Full Game
Genre Action, Indie, Simulation, Strategy, Early Access, VR
Input Device Tracked motion controllers
Play Area Standing, Room-Scale
Game Mode Online Multiplayer
Language English
Review Very Positive
Release Date Aug 30, 2016
Price $24.99
App Store Steam
Infobox Updated 09/15/2016
Onward is a VR App.

Contents

Review

Onward is what I would call an interesting experience, at least from an immersion perspective. The reason being for this is the fact it is probably - at least at the time of writing - the most in-depth first person shooter currently out that Focuses solely on VR headsets.

Honestly, it's not easy trying to come up with an original first person shooter and while it may take inspiration from games such as Arma, as well as possibly Counter-Strike, it does still manage to separate itself from between the two, all by being an online FPS that anyone willing to put the time in can seriously get their money's worth with it; all thanks to the use of the VR headset. As I'm sure you can imagine, the implementation of the VR headsets that take you into a first person narrative as a soldier and due to this change; what would normally be considered regular first person shooter gameplay makes you think more clearly and logically with the rest of your team. This is down to the fact that a lot of your success comes down to skill, reactions, and even attention to some degree. While in Counter-Strike you can see perfectly in your field of view, you don’t have to physically look on where you believe the danger could be coming from; whereas in Onward that’s exactly what you must do.

Not only does the game require you to look on where your targets may be in VR; it also requires you to perform actions like a soldier. In Onward, you can’t just hit the “R” key to reload your pistols, because it takes away from the overall feeling that you get from an immersive first person shooter. So, to keep that level of immersion, there are a number of different ways to handle weaponry and equipment at your disposal; and I can assure you right now, the biggest mistake you can make in this game is choosing to skip the tutorial, as you will be bound to regret it at some point.

One of the biggest factors about Onward that I’ve been enjoying is the major online component of it all. Thanks to a focus on the online multiplayer, instead of being forced to enjoy gameplay that you may be incredibly satisfied with against some truly dull and boring bots or AI, you get to test your metal against real people! When a firefight commences and you know that your team has your back as you lead the charge, the sense and feeling you’ll get from such a feat is almost indescribable. The online component of the game, mixed with the gameplay is easily the biggest draw and makes this title already a worthy recommendation for any first person shooter fan.

Unfortunately, while the gameplay is a great area of the game, the visuals aren’t quite as refined. For the time being, they’re pretty dull and regardless of the map you end up playing on, you’ll manage to find something that you could consider ugly. Whether that’s the player models or the map you’re currently playing on; the overall aesthetics for the game is something that is lacking a fair amount of flare for the moment. However, the saving grace to this is the fact that it is currently in Early Access on Steam, so there is hope that the visuals will receive some love and attention down the line, but as of right now they aren’t something that could be considered as helping the game.

Overall, Onward definitely is lacking from an aesthetic standpoint, but when you push that aside and focus on the team-centred multiplayer online mode, you’re going to be experiencing that exact element and feeling that the developers want for the player to receive. For an Early Access title it does still have some ways to go to reach its full potential, but when you realise that the gameplay is so strong and enjoyable, despite the fact it’s not even technically complete yet, you’ve got yourself a game that any VR headset owner should at least attempt to try out for themselves. If you’re not feeling too confident in the game as of yet, it’s perfectly okay to wait until the day it becomes a touch more refined. Providing the developers decide to keep their main focus on this game and improving it everywhere that they can; then they’ve got a game that is only going to grow in popularity!

Description

Onward is a Mil-Sim paced tactical multiplayer shooter, being developed for virtual reality head mounted displays. Players will use coordination, communication, and marksmanship skill to complete objectives in online infantry combat. With dynamic time of day, weather effects, and multiple environments and scenarios, no skirmish will feel the same. With limited respawns, no HUDs, and no crosshairs, players will need their wits and combat skills to survive.
Become fully Immersed in the firefight.

Features

System Requirements

Windows

Minimum

  • OS: Windows 7
  • Processor: Intel i5-4590 3.3 GHz
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 970
  • Storage:

Recommended

  • OS: Windows 10
  • Processor: Intel i7-4770 3.4 GHz
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 980
  • Storage:

Setup Instructions

Images and Videos