REVIEW: Operation Serpens (2024 VR Action Game) - On MetaQuest

Review by Jon Donnis

Operation Serpens is a thrilling and engaging VR experience that captures the excitement of classic arcade shooters while adding the immersive touch of modern virtual reality. From the moment you dive into the game, it is clear that this is a title designed to keep you on your toes and your heart racing. The fast-paced gameplay is incredibly addictive, offering an exhilarating mix of action and strategy as you take on the nefarious Snakes Organisation. The variety of weapons, from powerful firearms to riot shields and grenades, ensures that players can approach each mission in their own style, whether that's tactical precision or full-throttle mayhem.

The single-player campaign is packed with handcrafted levels that are both challenging and visually appealing, while the environments, despite some graphical roughness, are diverse and vibrant. For those looking to share the fun, the co-op multiplayer mode is a fantastic addition, allowing up to four players to team up and take on missions together. Crossplay functionality makes it even easier to join forces with friends, adding another layer of replayability and camaraderie. The zombie survival mode is a standout feature, offering intense, chaotic fun as you fend off relentless hordes, creating moments that are both tense and incredibly satisfying.

The mechanics of Operation Serpens are finely tuned, with weapon handling and reloading feeling intuitive and smooth, making it a great choice for newcomers to VR. The inclusion of bullet-time flashbangs adds a cinematic flair to the action, giving players an edge in high-pressure situations and making every encounter feel dynamic and exciting. While the voice acting could use a little more personality, and the graphics might not appeal to those seeking hyper-realistic visuals, these minor drawbacks are easily overshadowed by the sheer enjoyment the game delivers.

Operation Serpens is an absolute gem in the VR shooter genre. Its combination of high-octane action, accessible mechanics, and diverse game modes makes it a must-play, especially for those new to VR or looking for a budget-friendly entry point. The addictive gameplay and hidden surprises throughout add to the charm, ensuring players will keep coming back for more. This is a game that truly deserves more attention and recognition on the MetaQuest platform. It's a solid 9 out of 10 and an experience that is as fun as it is memorable.

Currently on sale for just a couple of quid, if you have MetaQuest you need to own this game.

https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/operation-serpens/5748603085165962/

REVIEW: Funko Fusion (2024 Video Game) on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Funko Fusion is a charming and ambitious action-adventure game that dives headfirst into the world of fandom. Developed by 10:10 Games and based on the immensely popular Funko Pop! collectibles, it offers a playful crossover experience that brings together over 20 beloved franchises from Universal Pictures, comics, games, and more. Whether you're a fan of Jurassic World, Back to the Future, or Mega Man, the game is packed with nostalgic appeal.

The gays a significant role in Funko Fusion, drawing comparisons to the whimsical charm of the LEGO video games. It doesn't take itself too seriously, which is part of its appeal. However, while the game is generally family-friendly, it does include nods to darker franchises like The Thing and Five Nights at Freddy's, so parents should be mindful of its themes.

Unfortunately, Funko Fusion isn't without its flaws. The combat, while serviceable, often feels shallow and lacks the satisfying impact that would make battles truly engaging. Puzzles and enemy encounters can become repetitive over time, which might deter players looking for more variety. Some objectives are poorly signposted, leading to moments of frustration as players struggle to figure out how to progress. The bugs are perhaps the most significant downside. The game occasionally forces players to restart entire levels due to glitches, which can be particularly frustrating if you're far into a stage.

On the brighter side, the game's accessibility makes it perfect for younger gamers or those new to the action-adventure genre. Its lighthearted nature, coupled with a vast array of collectibles and fan-service moments, ensures it will still find a dedicated audience despite its shortcomings.

Funko Fusion is a solid outing that celebrates the joy of fandom but needs further polish to fully realise its potential. With updates and fixes, it could evolve into a standout title in its category. For now, it earns a respectable 7 out of 10.

Out Now on Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo and PC

PREVIEW: Pompeii: The Legacy (2025 City Building Game)

By Jon Donnis

Rebuilding history is a bold premise, and Pompeii: The Legacy takes this challenge head-on. This upcoming city-building game invites players to breathe life back into a city buried in ash, balancing intricate mechanics with a personal narrative set against the grandeur of ancient Rome. Developed by a solo creator with a clear passion for Roman history, this ambitious project promises an immersive blend of strategy, storytelling and historical authenticity.

At its heart, Pompeii: The Legacy offers players the opportunity to rebuild Pompeii over two centuries, following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. As the head of a Roman family, players will face the daunting task of restoring the city while navigating the intricacies of Roman politics, trade and society. It's a journey of growth, from rebuilding aqueducts to forging trade agreements across the Roman Empire, all while managing the delicate balance of family dynamics and political intrigue.

The game's mechanics are shaping up to be a rich tapestry of interconnected systems. Trade, a focal point of the game, allows players to establish agreements with coastal cities, send envoys to negotiate alliances and even arrange marriages to secure political ties. The personal stakes are just as compelling, with characters that grow and evolve, weaving their individual stories into the broader tale of Pompeii's rebirth.

Visually, Pompeii: The Legacy has come a long way since its Steam reveal. The game boasts detailed aqueduct systems, lifelike character portraits and a refined map of the Roman Empire that offers both beauty and function. Improved user interface design ensures that managing the complexities of a city on the rise remains intuitive, keeping players focused on the grand task at hand.

The developer's commitment to community engagement has also been key to the game's progress. Regular updates, including developer blogs, have kept fans informed and invested, with platforms like Steam, Twitter and Bluesky buzzing with excitement. The growing wishlist and support from players are testament to the anticipation surrounding this unique title.

Looking ahead, the developer has shared plans to showcase Pompeii: The Legacy during the Steam Next Fest in June 2025, offering a demo that will highlight its evolving gameplay and narrative. Military operations, a feature yet to be revealed, are also in development and promise to bring a layer of real-time strategy to the experience.

For those intrigued by the grandeur of ancient Rome and the challenge of city-building, Pompeii: The Legacy is shaping up to be a standout title. It's not just about rebuilding a city; it's about forging a legacy. Keep an eye on this ambitious project as it edges closer to its release, promising an experience as timeless as the ruins it seeks to revive.

For more check out the developers website https://www.sisciagames.com

REVIEW: The House of Da Vinci VR (2024 VR Game) on Meta Quest

Review by Jon Donnis

"The House of Da Vinci VR" on MetaQuest is a thoroughly engaging and beautifully crafted puzzle adventure that immerses you in the heart of Renaissance Florence. As Leonardo's apprentice, you are drawn into a captivating world filled with mystery, ingenuity, and artistic wonder. The game excels in creating a vivid and immersive atmosphere, with stunningly realistic visuals that bring 16th-century Florence to life. The sound design is equally impressive, enhancing the authenticity of the experience with perfectly timed effects that draw you deeper into the narrative.

The puzzles are undoubtedly the star of the game. They are diverse, challenging, and rewarding, often requiring you to observe and think critically. Many are inspired by Leonardo's real inventions, adding a fascinating layer of historical accuracy and depth. The gameplay is designed to encourage patience and thorough exploration, which feels like a natural extension of the puzzle-solving experience. For those moments when the challenges feel insurmountable, the hint system is a thoughtful addition that helps maintain the pace of the game without diminishing the sense of achievement.

However, the movement system may not suit everyone's preferences. Instead of free movement, the game uses a teleportation mechanic to navigate through its intricate environments. While this choice likely helps to reduce motion sickness and streamline interactions, it can feel limiting, particularly for players seeking a fully immersive VR experience. This is a minor gripe in an otherwise polished game.

Overall, The House of Da Vinci VR is an exceptional puzzle adventure that combines historical intrigue with modern VR technology. It is an absolute treat for fans of Leonardo da Vinci, puzzle enthusiasts, or anyone looking for an engaging escape into a richly detailed world. Despite its minor limitations, this is a must-have title for MetaQuest owners, and I would confidently rate it 8 out of 10.

Out Now on MetaQuest

https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/the-house-of-da-vinci-vr/6074227932599910/

Counter-Strike: The Evolution of a Gaming Phenomenon

Counter-Strike, often abbreviated as CS, is a name synonymous with competitive gaming. Whether you're a veteran or new to the scene, this first-person shooter has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. If you're nostalgic for the classic experience, you can download CS 1.6, the game that set the foundation for the franchise's success and revolutionized multiplayer gaming forever.

The Genesis of Counter-Strike

Counter-Strike began its journey as a mod for Valve's Half-Life, created by Minh "Gooseman" Le and Jess Cliffe in 1999. What started as a passion project quickly transformed into a gaming phenomenon. Valve Corporation recognized the mod's potential and acquired the rights, releasing the first official version, Counter-Strike 1.0, in 2000.

The core gameplay of Counter-Strike is simple yet captivating. It pits two teams, Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists, against each other in objective-based matches. Whether it's planting or defusing a bomb, rescuing hostages, or simply eliminating the opposing team, the focus on teamwork and strategy made CS stand out from the crowd.

Why Counter-Strike 1.6 Endures

Although numerous versions of Counter-Strike have been released, CS 1.6 holds a special place in the hearts of gamers. Released in 2003, this iteration introduced many iconic maps, weapons, and mechanics that became staples of the series. Maps like de_dust2, cs_assault, and de_inferno are still revered by players today.

CS 1.6 became a cultural phenomenon due to its accessibility, modding community, and competitive spirit. Many gaming enthusiasts still prefer it over newer versions, citing its simplicity, balance, and nostalgia. The ability to customize servers, add unique game modes, and join thriving online communities has ensured that CS 1.6 remains relevant, even decades after its release.

The Rise of Competitive Gaming

Counter-Strike played a pivotal role in the emergence of esports. In the early 2000s, competitive gaming was still in its infancy. Counter-Strike tournaments, such as the World Cyber Games and the Electronic Sports World Cup, provided a platform for players to showcase their skills on an international stage.

The game's emphasis on precision, strategy, and teamwork made it an ideal choice for competitive play. Professional teams like NiP (Ninjas in Pyjamas), SK Gaming, and mTw became household names in the gaming community, inspiring countless players to pursue esports careers.

Counter-Strike Today: Global Offensive and Beyond

While CS 1.6 remains a beloved classic, the franchise has evolved significantly. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), released in 2012, brought the series into the modern era with enhanced graphics, new maps, and updated gameplay mechanics. CS:GO became a global sensation, attracting millions of players and viewers through platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

Valve's consistent updates and the introduction of the Danger Zone battle royale mode, weapon skins, and operations have kept CS:GO fresh and engaging. The game’s vibrant esports scene, with tournaments like ESL One, Intel Extreme Masters, and the prestigious Major Championships, continues to draw millions of viewers worldwide.

The Legacy of Counter-Strike

Counter-Strike's legacy extends beyond its impact on the gaming industry. It has fostered lifelong friendships, inspired countless memes, and provided a platform for people of all backgrounds to come together and share a common passion. The game's simplicity, combined with its high skill ceiling, ensures that it remains accessible to newcomers while challenging veterans to refine their abilities.

Moreover, Counter-Strike has influenced countless other games in the FPS genre. Titles like Call of Duty, Rainbow Six Siege, and Valorant owe much of their success to the groundwork laid by Counter-Strike.

Conclusion

Counter-Strike is more than just a game; it’s a cultural touchstone that has shaped the gaming industry for over two decades. Whether you’re a fan of the classic CS 1.6, a competitor in CS:GO, or someone who appreciates the legacy of the series, Counter-Strike offers something for everyone. Its enduring appeal lies in its balance of simplicity and depth, its celebration of teamwork, and its ability to connect players from all over the world.

The next time you fire up Counter-Strike, whether to reminisce or compete, remember that you’re part of a legacy that has forever changed the way we play and think about video games. So, grab your weapons, strategize with your team, and immerse yourself in one of the greatest gaming franchises of all time.

REVIEW: Stilt (2024 VR Game) – On MetaQuest

Review By Jon Donnis

"Stilt" is a bold and wildly imaginative VR platformer that redefines what it means to navigate a game world in virtual reality. Armed with springy stilts attached to your furball-like protagonist's arms, the game plunges you into a chaotic, colourful adventure brimming with challenges, creativity, and the kind of laughter-inducing moments that make VR experiences truly memorable.

From the outset, the concept of using stilts as your primary means of locomotion feels utterly bizarre. However, it quickly becomes apparent that this mechanic is not just unique but also surprisingly intuitive. The stilt-based movement system invites a sense of physicality and engagement rarely found in VR platformers, blending precision, strategy, and reflex-based gameplay. It's a clever homage to classic platformers like Super Mario, but with a dynamic twist that makes it feel fresh and exciting in a VR context.

The single-player campaign is so much fun. After a mischievous volcano-dwelling octopus scatters your spaceship cargo across a series of vibrant hills, you set out to retrieve the lost parcels. The levels are intricately designed, encouraging exploration and problem-solving as you bounce, balance, and spring your way through treacherous terrain. Each stage is peppered with traps, chasms, and secrets, ensuring that every moment feels engaging. The abundance of collectibles, hidden treasures, and power-ups injects plenty of replay value, rewarding those willing to revisit levels to uncover every nook and cranny.

Visually, Stilt opts for a bright, cartoonish style that perfectly suits its whimsical tone. While the environments are undeniably charming, they can begin to feel somewhat repetitive over time. Despite this, the game's vibrant palette and quirky design choices ensure it remains visually appealing, even during extended play sessions.

The game's sense of humour also shines through in its eccentricity. The sheer absurdity of bouncing through a level as a determined furball, Stilt embraces its silliness with gusto. This randomness is a major part of its charm, making each moment feel unpredictable and fun.

The multiplayer modes deserve special mention, adding another layer of joy to the experience. With cross-play support across PCVR, Quest, and PSVR2, players can duke it out in modes like Smack-em-all! and Balloon Hunt, or strategise to dominate Area Bash and Electric Tag. The PvP arenas are chaotic and lively, fostering a sense of camaraderie and competition that's perfect for parties or casual gaming sessions. The shared lobby area is also a delightful touch, creating a social space where players can interact before diving into the action.

However, Stilt is not without its flaws. While the core gameplay is polished and satisfying, the lack of an emotional connection to the protagonist or the stakes of the story can make the experience feel somewhat superficial. Additionally, some boss battles verge on frustrating, occasionally hampering the otherwise smooth flow of the game.

Overall, Stilt delivers an innovative and highly entertaining take on the platformer genre, making it a must-try for VR enthusiasts. Its inventive movement mechanics, challenging levels, and light-hearted multiplayer modes ensure hours of fun, despite minor shortcomings in graphical variety and narrative depth. For those seeking a blend of nostalgia and novelty, Stilt is a fantastic addition to any VR library.

Score: 8.5/10

Out On Meta Quest Now - 

https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/stilt/5632444056884139/