Smashbox Arena

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Smashbox Arena
Smashbox arena1.jpg
Information
VR/AR VR
Developer BigBox VR, Inc.
Publisher BigBox VR, Inc.
Platform SteamVR, Oculus Rift (Platform)
Device HTC Vive, Oculus Rift
Operating System Windows
Type Full Game
Genre Action, Indie, VR, Arena Shooter, Shooter, Funny, Replay Value, FPS
Input Device Tracked Motion Controllers
Play Area Standing, Room-Scale
Game Mode Single Player, Online Multiplayer
Language English
Review Very Positive
Release Date Dec 21, 2016
Price $19.99
App Store Steam
Website http://www.smashboxarena.com/
Infobox Updated 02/15/2017
Smashbox Arena is a VR App.

Review

Here comes another VR first person shooter into the fray, and while you could definitely find some way to complain about the abundance of that particular genre; it’s hard to go against the fact that FPS games work extremely well on VR systems. Smashbox Arena manages to keep that specific trend, whilst keeping it aimed more towards a casual and fun-loving environment for all players.

When it comes to Smashbox Arena, if you’ve seen any first person shooter before, then you’ll have an idea of what to expect. To add to that specific idea, realise what it would look and feel like if you were given two cannons on either side of your hands and these cannons for some glorious reason shoot out bright, orange dodgeballs/basketballs. That is one of the quick and funny ways the game conveys just how enjoyable it all is, and that’s without delving into things any deeper as of yet.

First and foremost, I’m going to get this out of the way now: there is practically no story! The game is a FPS, online-multiplayer game, so it makes sense that it doesn’t actually have a real story or campaign mode and that’s okay. What single-player story the game does have is incredibly forgettable and easily ignored and the only reason it exists is for the player to get a handle on how the game plays, without having to jump online for the very first time. From an honest perspective, though, the game isn’t exactly a tactical shooter, where the first bullet you take equals death; meaning that you can jump straight into the multiplayer without any concern, because the greatest way to learn how to play is trial by fire!

Looking at the gameplay and controls, it really does not take long to figure everything out. Think of it this way; if you’ve ever played a VR FPS game before, then you will understand 100% how the controls work in this game. Gameplay as a whole is pretty darn satisfying, because almost every time you land a shot with one of your strangely orange, rubber balls, the satisfaction of hitting your opponent, wherever it may be; regardless of the size of the ball – which varies at times – is the definition of fun! It doesn’t even matter if you’re playing with friends or alone; the wacky characters and amusing graphics and aesthetics really tie the whole experience together.

On top of everything else this game has going for it, the added strength of it all comes from the consistency of the servers. VR may not exactly be a cheap piece of equipment to get your hands on, but clearly it hasn’t stopped the fanbase of Smashbox Arena, as I’ve found myself having next to no problems when it comes to finding a new match. Even when I’m currently inside a match, shooting my way through my opponents left, right, and centre; the latency itself is incredibly strong and I’ve had very few issues trying to play the game.

When you look at the game from an aesthetics point of view, it’s not quite as impressive as everything else inside the game, but I feel that comes as part of the charm. It’s simple and a little bit silly, but that appears to be exactly what the developer had been focusing on; even if it might not be much for eye-candy – it more than gets the job done.

Smashbox Arena manages to convey one feature of FPS games that do occasionally get missed, yet are quite important to get right: the intensity. To even myself, I was quite surprised by how intense the game can get at times, which I feel comes down to how fast and frantic everything appears to be; couple that with the fact you need to dodge any and all shots that come your way; you get a real sense of urgency that starts to get the adrenaline pumping.

Overall, Smashbox Arena may have a close to unneeded single-player mode and the graphics aren’t exactly the most appealing, but for the overall package that Smashbox Arena brings to the table it is all quite impressive. I’ve put a fair few hours into the game already, and I can assure you that I’ll be doing that for quite some time; hence my need to warrant this game to anyone looking for a new VR FPS that can keep you on your toes and have you laughing all at the same time.

Description

Smashbox Arena is a team-based action game with insane physics-driven power-ups.

2 modes of play: Singleplayer Story Mode and Online Multiplayer (AI Characters will join teams if there aren't enough players)!

Easy to learn, difficult to master -- Fast-paced, multiplayer designed from ground up for VR headset and touch controllers!

Beat Story Mode in 3 levels of difficulties to unlock new Heads and Mini-Bios. And match up with friends and competitors from around the world! Work together with players and have fun with friends. Gesture your tactical plans, do a victory dance, and communicate with competitors using voice chat!

Master 6 power-ups like Giant Boulders, Sniperballs and Heat Seeking Missiles. Creatively combine them to create endless unpredictable and funny situations!

Dodge your opponent's projectiles and use the environment as cover. Out-maneuvering your opponents in VR never felt so intense!

Zoom, rotate, and watch the action unfold in real time in VR God-View. Learn your opponents' tactics and strike back!

Yes, you can unlock a Pear in the game. Enough said!

Features

System Requirements

Windows

Minimum

  • OS: Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 or later, Windows 10
  • Processor: CPU: Intel i5-4590 equivalent or better
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM
  • Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 970, AMD Radeon R9 290 equivalent or better
  • Storage: 3 GB available space

Setup Instructions

Images and Videos