So Horizon Vanguard is finally releasing Friday!
It is developed by tain, who is a Reset member. I did some testing years ago, and he presented me with a final copy of the game, which I've had the opportunity to play a bunch. I've written up a review I'll post on Steam but I'll paste it here first:
Horizon Vanguard is a love letter to late 90’s arcade action, particular of the Sega variety. The action is presented in (optional, but I would recommend) VR, delivering the excitement of that ‘pat your head and rub your belly’ mechanics that work best on VR.
The gameplay has you firing your hoverbike’s lasers while you also fend off aerial enemies with your sidearm. Aim precisely for a score multiplier with each shot, and keep your eyes open for intel item pickups, which will unlock different routes in an Outrun-style branching path. Dodge enemy fire by moving your bike around (like a SHMUP) and utilize your radar during boss fights for a bullet-hell experience. The game provides a very stiff action challenge with difficult to find secrets as well. However, there is a built-in option to simply become invincible, or to utilize continues, while disabling scoreboard ranking. You can also practice individual levels once you unlock them.
The graphics really deliver the colors, visual feedback, art, sound, visual effects, and even (perhaps most rare) the music of a late 90’s Sega arcade venture. The level designs and enemies are awesome and really evoke the classic style as well. The feedback the gameplay gives you is a mix of both retro and modern styles, the hit sound effects reminding me more of Call of Duty or Quake 3, which is necessary to inform the player how they might maximize their score, or if a power up just ran out.
The game is also completely playable on mouse & keyboard, but it is more intuitive in VR, and the interface and experience are better suited to VR.
Horizon Vanguard is a perfect fit for classic arcade fans who want an exciting and very repayable, exciting, and challenging VR game. VR action aficionados will find a lot here to enjoy, and those classic arcade fans who do not yet own a VR kit may find themselves suddenly in the market.
store.steampowered.com
