Away From Keyboard - Zero Latency
Feature
Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine VR: Defenders of Avarax
Fully Immersive
I have a VR headset at home, and there are titles that can immerse me into the game with the headset placing me in a realistic 3D world. However, due to the limited space within my living area, the immersion breaks down somewhat by the fact that my character is moving, but I generally am not. Zero Latency goes one step further in the immersion, allowing players further freedom to move about in a free roam area with a group of friends as they take on hordes of enemies.
The latest game to head into the Zero Latency roster is Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine VR: Defenders of Avarax. The Warhammer 40,000 universe is one of the most popular and enduring franchises in the world of science fiction and tabletop gaming. Since its inception over three decades ago, it has captivated millions of fans with its richly detailed lore, expansive universe, and engaging gameplay. And we at Hooked Gamers were lucky enough to be invited by the team at Zero Latency to attend a preview session of the game, where we got kitted out to take on all that Defenders of Avarax had to offer.
Space Marines
The game has players taking on the role of a Space Marine, one of the genetically enhanced super soldiers from the world of Warhammer 40,000. You will be plunged into the dangerous depths of a vast Hive City of Fervastium, where you’ll face relentless swarms of Tyranids, a terrifying alien menace from the farthest reaches of the galaxy.
After a brief introduction, players are suited up in the VR headset and handed a rifle and led into the 8m x 16m game room. Up to eight players can form a squad to take on the Tyranids at one time. When 8 players are taking part, the game sets them up in two groups of four, with each team following slightly different paths throughout the course of the 30 minute experience. However, both teams will cross paths at multiple stages throughout the playthrough and will be working together to annihilate the Tyranid threat as they swarm through the locations. Luckily, if you can’t get eight mates together, Defenders of Avarax will scale according to the number of players, ensuring that players will not be too overwhelmed by the hordes of alien creatures.
Visually stunning
The visuals in Defenders of Avarax are stunning, placing you fully within the environment. With the ability (and requirement) to move about, there are times when you could forget that this is virtual reality. Indeed, there were several moments where players needed to ascend or descend slight inclines in the game, and it was at those points that I was attempting to feel for the incline, knowing full well that I was walking on a flat surface. The developers have done a wonderful job of creating an expansive and immersive experience, and I was at times just looking around at the huge halls as I was waiting nervously for the next swarm to appear. And when they did appear, the game became quite visceral as our squad cut a swathe through the enemy.
Although players will start with a basic weapon which does a more than suitable job, you will be able to secure other weapons throughout the battle at specially marked locations. Weapons such as flame throwers can be picked up, but these only have a temporary lifespan. Once the ammunition is emptied, players will revert to their initial weapon with its unlimited ammunition.
There are some areas of the game that players will need to squeeze into tight confines - such as elevators - which could result in players bumping into each other. Luckily, the game has added features which warns players when someone (or something such as a wall) is close. A red barrier appears when a physical object is near and an audible warning can be heard. Throughout the game, teams are in constant communication with each other, watching out for the direction of the next Tyranid swarm, and at times when in close confines this audible warning can be a nuisance if you're trying to listen to the messages that team members or the game itself is giving you. It is the only minor gripe I had with the overall experience.
Winning the fight
At the end of a match, players can check out their scores and stats on one of the screens nearby, but will also receive all the finer details in an email along with some highlights from the playthrough. Statistics for each player include number of kills, Gargoyle kills, headshots, deaths (after death, you'll respawn after ten seconds or so), the amount of damage done to the Hive Tyrant (the big boss), and the amount of distance covered. You'll also receive a ranking based on everyone who has played at the location, so there will be no doubt players wanting to jump back in and work their way up the leaderboards. I am already organising a group of work colleagues for my next visit so that I can blast some more Tyranids.
If you want to join the Space Marines, head on over to Zero Latency to find your nearest centre.
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