Into the radius is a really good example of how to make tense encounters in a VR video game. The level of complexity for almost all the mechanics in this game make for extremely impactful and thoughtful excursions where preparation matters just as much, if not MORE, than execution. Ill be honest, this game did not click with me at first. I found it needlessly difficult and overbearing, but once I started to invest time learning and building up my collection, I became intensely invested in the gameplay loop.

This is a toughie to rank because I feel like it's just on the precipice of being my favorite VR title to ever be released. Into the Radius is like if a roguelite met an fps horror survival game in VR, which is such a dope and interesting concept that it is hard to not deeply enjoy the game as a whole. However, while I have a lot of praise for the gunplay and gameplay it is really hard to get sessions in for this title because the structuring of the missions is just very confusing and a little bit non-intuitive as it requires a lot of manual tracking and the sort, now I'm personally a fan of a lot of manual-feeling nature of this game, but it feels like it is lacking an overarching purpose with its "story" being so obtuse and loose it's hilarious. There is also a bit of oddity with some of the quests being annoying repetitive and exhausting which makes the game hard t o pick up and continue, something that my experience in the game has told me despite not being too far into the title myself. However I have a lot of hope for this title as they continue to iron out the mechanics and progression and I definitely find it to be one of the best titles VR has gotten yet.

Without a doubt my favorite vr game. This game has so little flaws, its honestly that good. Each gun feels different and has its drawbacks and improvements which means there is a reason to carefully select which gun you bring. The scavenging blows games like saints and sinners out the water and instead giving you a cap of items you can take back you can carry as much as you want but the weight will slow you down.

Whilst the maps arent anything special they all create a really tense and freaky atmosphere without filling it with enemies. The fact that there could be an enemy ahead is scarier than actually seeing one. Its one of the only vr horror games that doesn't rely on cheap jumpscares.

Weapon maintaining and cleaning is a great feature that adds to the realism, having to eat to increase your stamina adds to this aswell.

While the missions are all very similar its not the main focus of the game, The mission objective is just something you go out and get whilst out scavenging. The thought and prep that goes into what weapon you will take, how many magazines, how many health stims and how much food to take make for the best vr survival experience possible. 100% recommend this and its worth paying full price for.

Where do I begin. I love this game to bits. The aesthetic, atmosphere, and design decisions are phenomenal to me. What really sells me is the premise executed very well. I can't stop being immersed and absolutely shit myself every time a slider rolls up to me. Hell, it got me into Stalker (1979) and the book Roadside Picnic, which I also absolutely love. I admit to be anxious for the sequel they have planned. (Yet again, another bias review). I will say, the polish is a little iffy, as 1.0 was a unpolished mess and 2.0 is significantly better when it comes to bugs and such (with a few exceptions).

seriously love this game, it doesn't have a lot going on but there's so many little things that make the game so addicting. the inventory management is unmatched to any game i've played, it provides you with so much freedom to how you can organize things and you'll probably turn into a complete hoarder of guns/canned food/energy drinks. cleaning guns is so satisfying and it's hard not to spend all my money on cleaning supplies because i want to clean every gun i find. little details like being able to smoke cigarettes and eat food from the tins with your knife add a lot to the immersion, alongside some really great atmosphere in a setting that is no short of threatening. the enemies are creepy but don't provide a lot of variation in encounters, but i still feel like they keep me on my toes as they can do a lot of damage out of nowhere. the game runs very well on my quest 2 so i recommend anyone with a headset try this one out as it's definitely my favourite vr game i've played (as a person not really interested in vr in general) and one of the most unique survival horror games i've played.

+ STALKER but in VR, at least heavily inspired.
+ Seriously, this is a very appealing VR game concept
+ It's got it's fun moments
~ Early access
- Incredibly depressing performance
- Not much variety with enemies
- Clunky gun controls
- Gets old fast
With some updates, this game can be a big contender. But in it's current state, it's not worth it.