‘Review of Skydance’s Behemoth – A Major Leap for VR Action-Adventure Games’

Skydance Games has truly honed their craft in virtual reality with their latest title, "Behemoth." Building on the success and insights gained from "The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners," this new action-adventure IP offers a satisfying experience that stands out in the VR landscape. While its narrative might seem familiar in the broader gaming arena, its execution in VR makes it refreshingly unique and gripping.

Overview of Skydance’s Behemoth

Available On: Quest 2/3/Pro, PSVR 2, and soon on SteamVR
Reviewed On: Quest 3
Release Date: December 5th, 2024
Price: $40

Gameplay Insights

Playing as Wren, a cursed villager, you’ll find yourself in a situation reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s "Princess Mononoke." This curse may spell your doom, but it also bestows incredible powers—speed, strength, and combat prowess—for you to wield against the malevolent forces that have ravaged a once-thriving kingdom. Your journey involves navigating crumbling castles and engaging hordes of foes, including fearsome, troll-sized giants that will test your mettle.

Central to "Behemoth" is its physics-based melee combat, which emphasizes real-world engagements over pre-programmed enemy interactions. Parrying mechanics are intuitive: simply position your sword correctly against enemy attacks to stagger foes and leave them vulnerable. Balance is key—recklessly attacking drains your stamina quickly, requiring strategic management of your abilities to efficiently handle diverse adversaries.

You’ll also have to navigate challenges using superhuman strength, which allows you to break through armor and take down multiple enemies at once. As you progress, the ability to upgrade your powers becomes crucial, especially as you confront tougher armored foes later in the game. Players are equipped with legendary weapons, each upgradable, and gaining new capabilities via a currency called Coloss Alloy found throughout the game.

Crafting in "Behemoth" is limited to weapon upgrades, which feels slightly underwhelming given the abundance of medicinal plants that offer minimal immediate benefits. Perhaps there were plans for more robust crafting features that didn’t make the final cut, but even without them, health potions are common enough to keep you going.

The game’s progression also features environmental puzzles and mini-bosses leading up to the epic encounters with the titular Behemoths. These colossal creatures provide some of the game’s most thrilling moments, challenging you to leverage every skill at your disposal, from agile movement to precise weapon strikes. While the guidance from a mysterious in-game companion ensures you understand your objectives, the battles still demand acute attention and skill.

Exploration is incentivized with collectibles and narrative notes that deepen the story. However, there’s a palpable, if simplistic, satisfaction in how "Behemoth" weaves its world. Some of its open arenas may feel a bit formulaic in design, but descending this fallen world with its lush visuals and formidable foes more than compensates for any predictability.

Immersive Experience

Wren, and the enigmatic companion in your mind, deliver an engaging narrative without overcrowding the gameplay. This restraint is welcome, veering away from the cumbersome ‘helpful sidekick’ trope. Voice acting could improve as one character occasionally feels out of sync with the world’s grittiness.

Visually and interactively, "Behemoth" sets a high bar, especially with its performance on the Quest 3. The blend of aesthetics, physics-based combat, and intuitive controls creates an immersive experience that feels both natural and exhilarating. While the story itself may not break new ground, its execution within the game’s richly crafted universe captivates.

Comfort and Accessibility

"Behemoth" accommodates various play styles, whether you prefer standing or staying seated. Despite its physical demands, the game offers options to mitigate fatigue and ensure longer play sessions. Standard VR options like smooth and snap-turn adjustments keep gameplay comfortable, while environmental effects subtly assist orientation during fast-paced action.

Here’s a quick look at the comfort settings available:

• Turning: Snap and smooth options
• Movement: Includes dash and smooth with optional blinders
• Posture: Supports both standing and seated modes
• Accessibility: Subtitles and adjustable difficulty, among other settings

The game’s design showcases how far VR technology has come, making even those more skeptical appreciate the capabilities of current-gen mobile hardware.

In essence, "Behemoth" is a testament to Skydance’s VR expertise, offering an engaging experience filled with thrilling encounters, powerful combat dynamics, and a world begging to be explored. Despite some narrative predictability, it’s a spectacular ride from start to finish that’s bound to leave a lasting impression.