Anime enthusiasts will undoubtedly be thrilled by the unveiling of Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable during the 2023 Meta Quest Gaming Showcase. Although little was disclosed about the game's gameplay or features when it was first announced at last year's virtual reality games showcase, the recent release of a one-minute trailer featuring pre-rendered footage has piqued fans' curiosity, giving them a glimpse of what they can expect when the virtual reality adaptation of Attack on Titan is finally available later this year.
The development of Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable is being spearheaded by UNIVRS, a Japanese studio that previously created another VR anime adaptation titled Little Witch Academia: VR Broom Racing. Given their prior experience in developing a VR game that focuses on fast-paced movement, UNIVRS is well-suited to create an immersive gaming experience that captures the high-speed maneuverability of Attack on Titan's iconic ODM gear. The gravity-defying movement systems in virtual reality have always been an exciting concept to explore, as demonstrated by games such as Spider-Man: Far From Home VR and Marvel's Iron Man VR, which have fulfilled many gamers' childhood dreams.
Attack on Titan's ODM Gear Is a Natural Fit For Virtual Reality
The Attack on Titan universe presents a unique challenge to its human characters as they face massive Titans. Their only hope is to use the omnidirectional mobility gear to move at lightning speed and attack the only weak spot of the Titans, located at the nape of their neck. This gameplay style of "hit the weak spot" is perfectly suited for a VR game, and the combination of both aspects creates an immersive experience. The game trailer showcases the player traversing the cityscape with ease using the Quest's touch controls to hook their zip lines. While the footage is not actual gameplay, it provides a glimpse into the exciting gameplay experience that players can expect.
The ODM gear in Attack on Titan VR provides an incredibly immersive movement experience when using touch controllers, surpassing other games in this regard. In comparison, games such as Marvel's Iron Man VR still require the player to hold a pair of controllers despite the in-game tools being a pair of armored hands. This creates a sense of detachment between the player's actions and the game itself. However, in Attack on Titan VR, the player is holding a pair of swords that are more accurately translated into the handheld touch controls, resulting in a more believable and engaging experience. This seemingly small detail can greatly enhance the overall level of immersion for the player.
Multiplayer Is A Great Move For Attack on Titan VR
In Attack on Titan, teamwork plays a crucial role in combat, as it takes multiple individuals working together to distract Titans while someone goes in for the kill by striking the nape of their neck. The good news is that the multiplayer component of Attack on Titan VR taps into this aspect, allowing players to team up in online co-op mode. While it's limited to two players, it presents an opportunity to recreate some of the most memorable duo moments from the series. Although it would be great to have a full squad, the two-player co-op option is still a welcome addition.
It has been mentioned that the difficulty level of fights will intensify as players progress further in the game, although there has been little information disclosed about the specific content. It is uncertain whether players will face more powerful Abnormal Titans or encounter a higher volume of standard Titans. Additionally, the trailer only features the city behind the wall, leaving fans curious if other environments such as the Forest of Giant Trees will be incorporated. The release date for Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable is slated for Winter 2023 on Meta Quest.