TL;DR
Vertigo Rush is a new parkour-inspired racing game available in early access on Quest and Steam. While its unique concept and level design show promise, gameplay mechanics and AI need refinement to fully engage players.
Vertigo Rush, the latest game from indie developer SumaLab, has been released in early access on Quest and Steam. The game combines parkour-inspired movement with racing elements set in a dieselpunk urban environment. While its charming premise and innovative level design attract interest, players have reported significant issues with the core locomotion mechanic and limited gameplay challenge, tempering initial enthusiasm.
Vertigo Rush introduces players to the character Jack, a young street urchin racing through urban courses on a bobble-headed robot. The game employs arm-swinging locomotion similar to Gorilla Tag, allowing players to climb, vault, and boost through vertical and twisting tracks. It features a weapon system with power-ups, reminiscent of arcade racers like Sprint Vector, and is available now for $14.99.
Players use arm movements to propel their racers, navigating courses filled with vertical climbs, rails, and platforming sections. The game’s design emphasizes verticality and dynamic movement, with tracks that challenge players to master multiple mechanics. The game also supports local multiplayer via room codes, with no current online matchmaking options.
Initial impressions note that while the game’s concept is engaging, the locomotion system can feel finicky. The need for precise arm movements often results in stalls or loss of momentum, which can frustrate players. Climbing and boosting mechanics, however, work well once players find their rhythm, and the level design encourages experimentation with movement.
Potential for Family-Friendly VR Racing
Vertigo Rush’s innovative movement mechanics and charming art style could make it a popular choice for families and younger players. Its emphasis on accessible yet skill-based gameplay aligns with the trend of VR titles designed for broader audiences. However, current limitations in challenge and multiplayer features may restrict its long-term appeal, especially for more competitive players.
VR arm swing locomotion controller
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Early Access Status and Development Goals
SumaLab, known for titles like Crisis Brigade and VRigade, is experimenting with new gameplay paradigms in Vertigo Rush. The game’s early access release aims to gather player feedback to refine locomotion, improve AI difficulty, and expand multiplayer options. The game’s initial version includes only three cups with three tracks each, and AI opponents are currently too easy, leading to minimal replay value.
While the game’s core concept has been well-received, its execution—particularly in locomotion—has faced criticism. The developers have acknowledged that the arm-swinging mechanic needs smoothing and have indicated plans for ongoing updates during early access.
“We see Vertigo Rush as a work in progress, and we’re committed to refining the movement mechanics and expanding multiplayer features based on player feedback.”
— SumaLab representative
VR climbing and vaulting accessories
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Remaining Challenges and Future Improvements
It is not yet clear how much the locomotion mechanics will be refined during early access, or if multiplayer features will be expanded to include online lobbies. The extent to which AI difficulty will be adjusted remains unknown, and whether additional tracks or characters will be added is still to be announced.
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Upcoming Updates and Developer Roadmap
SumaLab has indicated that they plan to improve the smoothness of arm-swinging locomotion and introduce more challenging AI opponents in future updates. They also aim to add online multiplayer lobbies and more character customization options. Players can expect ongoing updates throughout early access, with a focus on refining core mechanics and expanding content.
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Key Questions
Will Vertigo Rush support online multiplayer in the future?
Currently, multiplayer is limited to room codes, but developers have expressed an intention to add online lobbies in future updates during early access.
Is Vertigo Rush suitable for VR newcomers?
The game’s movement mechanics require some practice, and its limited comfort options may pose challenges for players prone to motion sickness. Caution is advised for VR beginners.
Will there be more tracks or characters added?
While no specific details have been announced, the developers plan to expand content, including additional tracks and customization options, during early access.
How challenging is the current AI opponents?
At present, AI opponents are relatively easy, providing minimal challenge. Developers aim to improve AI difficulty in future updates to enhance replay value.
What is the price of Vertigo Rush?
The game is available now for $14.99 on Quest and Steam Early Access.
Source: UploadVR
