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Virtual Reality gaming used to be something that could only be imagined in science fiction books and in film. With the advancement of technology over the last decade, Virtual Reality, or VR, is now widely available for at-home entertainment. “The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners” developed by Skydance Media, quickly became PlayStation VR’s top virtual reality video game of the year so far. The PSVR made its debut on October 13, 2016. Currently, it is still in its early development stages with plenty of room for improvements. Since Sony’s release of the PSVR, there have been a number of games that have been created, but none as captivating as “The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners.”
Exploring A Post Apocalyptic New Orleans
Creative and violent storytelling is a pillar of The Walking Dead franchise, created by Robert Kirkman. The same treatment is given to “The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners.” The opening scene of the game starts with your character, referred to as the Tourist, riding on a boat through a post apocalyptic New Orleans. As the cinematic VR experience continues, you hear a voice from Henri, an ally. Henri tells you that there is a secret location with disaster relief supplies. He further explains that he knows the location of these supplies, but needs your help retrieving them. With an offer of half the supplies, Henri directs you to its location.
However, fans of The Walking Dead can anticipate the narrative to not go according to plan. The game often forces your character into intense missions that progressively get harder as you continue playing the game. Each day you have a limited amount of time to complete a task or scavenge for supplies before a horde takes over the section of the city you are exploring. So for players who might need to take a moment to break away, I’d recommended playing a few relaxing indie games.
Surviving “The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners”
Once the player puts on the VR headset to play “The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners,” they will have a 360 view of post-apocalyptic New Orleans. What makes this game unique from other VR games are its realistic controls and game play. Just like in every other zombie apocalypse scenario, survival is crucial. In addition, gathering all supplies and crafting equipment becomes essential to progressing through the main narrative. Fortunately, crafting a weapon is one of the first skills acquired.
Once the player sets out on their main objective, nearly all items found can be stored in their backpack for upgrading skills, crafting medicine, food and weapons. When handling weapons within the game, you can holster them on either side. Weapons can also be stored in backpacks that players must physically reach for behind themselves. Large melee weapons are stored on the side of the backpack, and when using any melee weapons the player must use exaggerated swinging motions. Firearms require the player to go through a reloading motion once the clip is empty. However, all weapons will break after a predetermined number of uses.
After encounters with zombies, and with the passing of time, health and hunger eventually begin to deplete. Maintaining good health and curbing hunger directly affects how strong the protagonist is to fight off zombies, and maintain stamina to run away if surrounded. Players must find ways to replenish themselves with crafted items. When exploring different locations, each object that can be collected will have unique crafting qualities. Even dog bowls can be useful.
The Past, Present And Future Of VR
Virtual reality and unique console controls are not new concepts. eXistenZ (1999) written and directed by David Cronenberg, is a film that takes place in the near-future where biotechnological VR game consoles have taken place over electronic ones. Nintendo’s Wii console, released in 2006, had a sensor bar that allowed players to use the controller to replicate the motions of bowling or playing golf in the comfort of their homes. Virtual reality rooms now exist, where you can move freely and interact with story characters such as with Disney’s The Void: Step Beyond Reality.
The most entertaining aspect of VR is the ability to escape into another reality. You become fully immersed into a world that creators have designed. After experiencing “The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners,” it can leave a lot to be desired for the potential of VR. Due to the game’s realistic game play, it has also set high expectations for future VR games. Many players have wondered if VR online could be a possibility in the near-future. Though VR online is not quite yet available, VR technology continues to expand and develop. Eventually, everything imaginable for VR may become a new reality.
