VR can help raise awareness. It doesn’t matter if it is through films or games. Immersing yourself in these virtual worlds can have a lasting effect. With the
of climate change threatening our oceans, seeing VR media address such topics is a welcome sight, though I never expected a VR-only sequel to 2020 flatscreen game
.ever-increasing threatWhile Beyond Blue explores similar grounds with a WebXR documentary, Beyond Blue: After The Storm takes a dual approach reminiscent of
. The campaign is the most important part of the game, but a series unlockable minidocumentaries explore the science behind Beyond Blue. You can’t use motion controls to swim; you’re restricted to the analog sticks and hand propellers that are activated using the A/X button. Although I can understand that this is done for your comfort, it would be nice to have the option of turning off the propeller vignette when you accelerate. The environmental effects of the storm are evident as soon as you discover sick plants and animals. Sick sharks stuck under metal grates also illustrate After The Storm themes. There’s a welcome bluntness that feels especially potent in the current political climate.The Sea We BreatheBeyond Blue: After The Storm screenshot taken by UploadVR on Quest 3Medal of Honor: Above and BeyondYou’ll frequently switch to another playable character called Kanaloa, a robot who mostly handles the heavy lifting while Mirai handles more technical work, like fixing cracked tubes with sealant or replacing a power source. Even though you’re working with yourself, there’s a nice degree of co-operation here between these two, and it’s moments like this solo adventure could’ve benefitted from co-op support.
What’s particularly disappointing is how After The Storm stops right as it gets going. I completed the side missions, but not all of them. My adventure ended at around 100 minutes. The well-paced story is keeping me interested, but optional tasks such as healing sick creatures isn’t very fun since you only have to shoot gel. The VR interaction is very basic, as there’s not enough time for more complicated mechanics. It can be quite pleasant to take in the aquatic environment. This is hindered, however, by the constant visual pop-ins that become distracting as soon as you begin to move. It’s confusing to pick up tools since your avatar appears as floating hands. You can’t even see the tool off of your “body” and you keep selecting the wrong one by accidentally hovering the wrong part.
If you were hoping to find something similar to
in Quest, then you will not be able to do so here. However, Beyond Blue:After The Storm does have its good moments. E-Line Media, Chaos Theory Games, and other developers have clearly committed to the environmentalist themes of the game, despite the shallow gameplay and presentation problems.
Beyond Blue: After the Storm is now available on
