Review by Jon Donnis
Starship Troopers: Continuum is an absolute blast, and I've had an awesome time playing it on the Meta Quest VR platform. If you're a fan of the Starship Troopers franchise, you're going to love this game. Not only do you get to dive back into the iconic world of the Federation vs. the Arachnids, but you also get to control the battlefield in a way that's fresh and exciting. Plus, it's got Casper Van Dien reprising his role as Johnny Rico, which adds that extra bit of nostalgia.
The story picks up 25 years after the Battle of Klendathu, and while the war with the Arachnids is deadlocked, there's a game-changing new weapon called the Continuum. It's a psychic technology that lets you control troopers on the battlefield. And that's where the real fun begins. You play as a PsyCommander, with advanced psychic powers that allow you to take direct control of your squad. This isn't just another first-person shooter – it's got that tactical edge where you have to manage your squad, rank them up, and even choose their perks to build the perfect team. This system makes the game feel dynamic and rewarding because it's not just about surviving the waves of bugs; it's about developing your troopers into elite soldiers with the best weapons and abilities for the job.
The gameplay loop is really satisfying. You'll go on missions where you and your troopers fight through waves of Arachnids. The missions vary from objectives like planting and defending nukes to fighting off enormous bosses like Tankers and Plasmas. The combat itself is fast-paced and intense, with plenty of opportunities to blow through hordes of bugs with over 20 weapons, from your standard rifles to heavier artillery. You'll need to reload fast, aim accurately, and always stay on your toes because the Arachnids can strike from any angle. The waves of enemies keep things thrilling, and the game does a good job of keeping you on your toes. As you progress through missions, the stakes get higher, and so does the challenge.
In addition to the main campaign, there are Patrols that act as smaller side missions, where you defend key points or survive wave after wave of bugs. These patrols are a great way to rank up your PsyCommander, as well as your individual troopers, and unlock credits to spend on upgrading weapons. One cool thing about the game is that there's a bit of a rogue-like element when it comes to your troopers. They have one life, and if they die, you're back to square one with a new trooper at Rank One. This gives the game a bit of replayability because, even though you're progressing with your PsyCommander, each new trooper feels like a fresh start with new weapons to buy and new perks to unlock. The challenge comes in maintaining a connection to your troopers and making sure they survive long enough to gain enough rank to make a real difference. Plus, once a trooper reaches a certain rank, you can choose to promote them to civilian status, which rewards you with bonuses towards your own progression as a PsyCommander. It adds a layer of depth that makes the game feel even more strategic.
The game's graphics are impressive for VR, and the visuals really help bring the world to life. The environment is immersive, with plenty of atmospheric settings that make you feel like you're in the trenches with your squad. The bugs are creepy as ever, and the design of the enemies really stands out. Whether you're fighting swarms of smaller Arachnids or going head-to-head with a massive Tanker, the action feels tense and immersive. The VR experience makes the combat even more intense, with every explosion, gunshot, and bug attack feeling like it's right in front of you.
One of the standout aspects is the humour. The Starship Troopers films are known for their satirical, over-the-top style, and this game doesn't shy away from that. The voice acting, especially from Casper Van Dien, nails the tone, and there are some genuinely funny moments that bring the campy spirit of the movies into the gameplay. Sure, the humour might go over the heads of younger players, but if you've seen the original film, you'll appreciate the tongue-in-cheek dialogue and the occasional absurdity.
That said, there are a few areas where the game could improve. I did notice some minor audio glitches, particularly when firing weapons. These don't totally ruin the experience, but it's something that could be patched out to improve immersion. Also, while the game is a lot of fun solo, it really shines in co-op mode. Teaming up with friends to fight off the Arachnids and strategising together adds a level of depth that solo play can't quite match. There's some grind to be done in the single-player campaign, especially when you have to level up your PsyCommander rank in order to proceed to the next missions, but that's part of the fun. It's the kind of game that becomes more enjoyable when you've got a solid group to play with, but if you're a solo player, you might find yourself repeating missions a bit more than you'd like.
Starship Troopers: Continuum is a fantastic VR experience. The mix of fast-paced combat, strategic squad management, and a great progression system makes it a standout game. The action is fun, the humour hits the right notes for Starship Troopers fans, and the graphics are top-notch. If you've been waiting for a VR game that combines arcade shooter action with a solid tactical layer, this is definitely one to check out. It's definitely better with friends, but even solo players will have a good time. I'd give it a solid 8.5 out of 10 – it's a thrilling, immersive experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Out Now on Meta Quest
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