Review of ‘Skydance’s Behemoth’ – A Monumental Leap in VR Action-Adventure Gaming

Skydance’s latest VR venture, Behemoth, is built on the foundation of lessons learned from their standout title, The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners. Even though the narrative treads familiar paths typical of the action-adventure genre, the game’s impact in VR is inimitable. It manages to deliver a hefty experience that captures the essence of monster-sized entertainment with a satisfying punch.

Gameplay

Drawing a parallel to Studio Ghibli’s classic Princess Mononoke, players are thrust into the shoes of Wren, a villager grappling with a fast-spreading curse. The curse is a double-edged sword, promising doom but also bestowing superhuman abilities. Wren’s journey is about uncovering the roots of the evil that has devastated the kingdom, setting players on a path where they confront the forces corrupting the land.

The curse is not just a narrative tool; it’s your ally in combat. As you venture through dilapidated castles and winding paths littered with cursed foes, you’ll encounter colossal, Troll-like beasts causing havoc. These encounters are memorable and demanding.

Behemoth thrives on its physics-based melee combat. The game invites players to experiment with its intuitive parry and strike system rather than rely solely on scripted combat. Parrying effectively exposes enemies to significant damage, encouraging a balance of strategic offense and defense. Your stamina is precious. Overindulgence in attacks drains it quickly, so each mid-level adversary requires full focus, keeping you on your toes with varying combat techniques and attack styles.

For those keen on swiftly ending battles, the game offers shortcuts. Your super strength can crush armor and wipe out lesser foes with ease, albeit with a cooldown period. As you progress, these abilities evolve, allowing for speedier blows and more devastating chain attacks.

Midway through Behemoth, expect a shift as battles almost exclusively feature armored foes. Mastery over strength becomes essential, and the introduction of three legendary weapons—upgradable at in-game forges—adds depth. These include a mighty two-handed sword, a self-replenishing bow, and an armor-breaking axe. Upgrading requires something called Coloss Alloy, the game’s singular currency found in chests.

The game’s crafting system feels somewhat bounded, with weapon upgrades as the sole avenue for enhancement. While medicinal plants can be gathered, their healing effects are marginal unless consumed right away. One wonders if there were plans for a more elaborate crafting system with potions that were ultimately cut.

Between gripping combat encounters, players face environmental puzzles that, while engaging, are generally not overly challenging. Fascinating mini-boss confrontations naturally lead up to the game’s boldest feature: the Behemoths. Despite a yearning for more such epic battles, the intricate designs of these four behemoths test every skill you’ve acquired—from slicing to grappling, creating heart-pounding multi-stage showdowns.

Navigating these behemoths is no free-for-all. A mysterious, witch-like voice guides you, hinting at the steps needed to conquer these giant beasts. Though this handholding doesn’t simplify the task, it becomes a journey of finding and exploiting weak points, transcending structures via climbing and grappling. These climactic battles energize the gameplay, leaving players craving more.

Moving beyond the main adventure, bounty hunters can peruse the extras: collectibles, intriguing narrative notes, and an intuitive inventory system keep you engaged. While core mechanics shine, the story might feel a tad predictable. However, it remains cohesive, bolstered by the game’s captivating environments and compelling combat.

Be prepared for a challenging journey. Even on easier settings, foes demand multiple attempts before their attack sequences and vulnerabilities become discernible.

Through nine hours of campaign adventure, every element—from dialogue-driven encounters to weapon upgrades—justifies its presence. Determined exploration for the valuable Coloss Alloy becomes crucial as you scour levels, demolish urns for health potions or shards, and leave no chest unopened.

Immersion

Character voices often divide opinion, yet I found Wren’s portrayal, plus the witchy voice in his head, well-executed. They guide without overshadowing, letting players immerse in puzzles and combat without annoying interruptions. It’s refreshing compared to games overloaded with ‘helpful’ AI companions.

Voice acting is reliable, though one character’s performance borders on melodramatic, contrasting the dark, brooding game world. Without spoiling the plot, there’s a touch of artificial sheen where gritty realism might have served better.

Narrative elements, while secondary to Behemoth’s strengths in tech and design, follow familiar beats and might not surprise seasoned players. Yet, the fluidity of combat and the innovative traversal mechanics elevate the experience, bringing added layers during thrilling boss fights.

Enemy AI, more robust than that seen in Saints & Sinners, sometimes loses its edge in open combat arenas. However, these arenas pave the way for climactic Behemoth battles, amplifying excitement and variety.

The whole experience remains immersive, despite minor narrative predictabilities. With its broad level design and imaginative set pieces, Behemoth deserves recognition. If you’d been handed a Quest 3 with Behemoth loaded a handful of years ago, its prowess would undoubtedly impress.

Comfort

Behemoth offers a physical workout but accommodates different playstyles, whether seated or standing. With permanent two-handed engagement, prepare your space to unleash powerful blows safely.

The game adopts standard VR movement controls. Unlike teleportation methods, it supports smooth or snap turning, with dynamic vignette options to suit preferences. Dust-like particles subtly cocoon your perspective, providing a constant reference that aids comfort, even as you sprint through scenarios.

Save for one slightly jarring elevator moment, Behemoth maintains a comfortable VR experience, making its exhilarating combat accessible to a broad audience.

In summary, Behemoth’s commitment to delivering intense battles and stunning visuals leaves an indelible mark in the VR landscape. Whether battling Behemoths or unraveling mysteries, it showcases the vast potential of VR gaming advancements.