Apex Construct

If you enjoy a solidly made VR game based on a fresh ne IP then this is definitely the title for you. Prepare yourself for Apex Constructs by Fast Travel Games, a story driven single player action adventure game designed solely for the VR. Jump into the remnants of earth and discover what has happened to humanity as you attempt to survive the mysterious Mother and her robotic children.

Gameplay

The gameplay is that of a standard VR game, you control the player from a first person perspective and it is up to you to solve puzzles and combat enemies with your bow, by using your disembodied hands linked up to the controllers. This all handles very well and your bow is delightfully accurate and easy to use.

The movement however is slightly odd, the game allows for multiple forms of movement, you can get from A to B with a “walk” like movement alongside a teleportation style where you select a place on the ground and the game jumps you over to it.

Puzzles are simple and straightforward enough but it’s the combat that can prove an outstanding challenge. Depending on the state of your health points, you could find yourself getting killed in just 3 shots at the best of times. You are gifted with an energy shield to circumvent the issues that arise with not being able to properly move.

Using items and soda that refills your health, it’s up to you to explore and find out what’s happening. The gameplay is very similar to Half-Life: Alyx and although Apex is a must play in my book, it’s sadly is not quite as good.

Art Style and Sound

The art and world of this game is stunning, I give it top marks for its incredible personality and vibrancy; it has a unique style that you are really getting anywhere else. I found the game to be incredibly pleasant to look at and every part that you are allowed to engage with is well designed with lighting and sound design. One thing that must be congratulated is the voice acting, as the two warring AI, Mother and Father, continue their back and forth, you are free to listen and allow them to set the tone brilliantly. It’s a bit like Portal 2 with the AI influencing how you feel and brining a lot of personality.

Story

The story here is very interesting and I found myself truly engaged in finding out what happened to most of the living creatures on earth. Games like this always have a special place in my heart and Apex does it justice, allowing for you to listen to voice recordings and Mother and Father speak to try to figure out what is going on and who you must believe.

Pros

• Great gameplay
• Excellent story
• Fantastic voice acting

Cons

• Ending does not resolve the story
• World was a little barren