BONEWORKS

What happens when developers pull together the best of what VR is offering and make an actual game of it? BONEWORKS is the final outcome. It seems like an age since somebody actually tried to deliver a varying campaign style of VR game complete with story, puzzles, and combat. That's opted instead of just choosing a basic set of mechanics.

BONEWORKS seeks to put players right into the forefront of the action - but transcend the experience into something more meaningful. Instantly you can tell the game is an homage to classic action-adventure games of the past. Does it translate well into a first-person setting, however? We discover how BONEWORKS is tackling the challenge.

Give Me The Works

Saying a VR game is peculiar is almost scribed into the concept - but BONEWORKS hits slightly different. The narrative and world you are dropped into revolving around the purpose of the game's development - to showcase possibility. The environment unashamedly makes reference to the fact it's a tech demo throughout the entire playthrough.

While the backstory and lore of the game is a little bland and disjointed - BONEWORKS rests on the player. Using the full suite a VR capability - you'll combat a bizarre group of psychotic enemies and solve physically challenging puzzles. All weapons, objects, and environmental assets aim to be as lifelike as possible for a unique experience.

You'll use several melees and ranged weapons like swords and machine guns to defeat your foes. And piece together the mysteries of the VR showcase world you've been dropped into. There isn't a lot of narratives to guide you. But the game seems to have a heavy focus on Easter Eggs and unlockables - reminiscing in action-adventure games of the past.

Albeit, BONEWORKS is odd in the way it's a tech demo turned the game - it's actually quite intriguing. Naturally, with VR mechanics - the frustrations of combat and puzzle-solving arise with flimsy controls and engine glitches. It is a valiant attempt at bringing VR's capabilities into the bigger picture. That's the most respectable trait about it.

Demo-lition Derby

As a tech demo, BONEWORKS is very heavy on showcasing what can be done with the VR platform. Because of that, it does feel disjointed and confused as a game - but that's not to say it's not enjoyable. Combat in the game is rather entertaining, and there is genuine satisfaction in solving the puzzles. Not to mention the good sense of humor it has.

Pros:

• A game that aims to provide a complete offering rather than a limited set of VR mechanics
• Arena mode is very entertaining
• Easter eggs and unlockables bring nostalgia to the classic gamer

Cons:

• Little narrative to immerse players into the world
• Grabbing and motion glitches frustrate gameplay
• Visually very similar to other games