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Skydance Games Unveils Behemoth at Gamescom, A Groundbreaking VR Adventure
At Gamescom, Skydance Games introduced its latest title, Behemoth, which promises to push the boundaries of virtual reality gaming. The game immerses players in a strikingly massive world where foes loom large, creating an experience reminiscent of iconic titles like Shadow of the Colossus.
Set for release on November 14, Behemoth will be available for Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, PlayStation VR2, and PCVR at a price point of $40. It is expected to receive a mature rating, categorized as M for Mature by the ESRB, PEGI 18, and CERO Z.
This title marks Skydance’s first major venture into VR following the success of The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners series.
Innovative Gameplay Mechanics
Brian Murphy, the game director, emphasized the unique potential of VR to deliver an immersive experience. “Building combat systems in VR allows for a full range of motion with hand tracking, offering a distinct set of inputs that enhance gameplay,” he remarked. The game will feature dual-handed heavy weapons and impressive swords, alongside four colossal Behemoths that players will need to face.
Behemoth is designed as a first-person action-adventure title, where players will engage in intense, physics-based combat and navigate environmental puzzles. During an early demonstration, players could use weapon mechanics to engage opponents, requiring precise movements to block attacks effectively and take advantage of openings.
The gameplay also introduces a grappling hook mechanism, enabling players to traverse terrains swiftly and stun enemies, adding another layer of strategy to combat encounters.
A Narrative Steeped in Dark Fantasy
Set in the Forsaken Lands, a medieval realm shrouded in tragedy, players step into the shoes of Wren the Hunter, a warrior revived from near-death and stripped of memories. Wren embarks on a destined mission to eliminate the monstrous Behemoths that plague the land, guided by a mysterious character.
Armed with a diverse arsenal and enhanced by a supernatural curse that grants extraordinary strength, players must confront the Behemoths and uncover their disturbing origins. The journey demands not only combat prowess but also keen problem-solving skills, as Wren navigates this hostile environment, facing relentless adversaries and resolving intricate puzzles.
The storytelling experience is enriched by a graphic novel created by Skydance, which fleshes out the lore and background of the game’s world.
Combat That Demands Precision
In this intense setting, Wren encounters various malevolent characters whose intentions are to thwart the hero’s quest. Equipped with superhuman abilities and a grappling hook, Wren is driven to confront and eliminate these foes through violent and immersive combat mechanics. Players can expect visceral experiences that emphasize the physicality and impact of each interaction.
Skydance aims to elevate the standard for VR experiences through realistic physics and interactions that enhance immersion in all aspects—be it combat, exploration, or puzzle-solving. The striking visuals combined with a dark, compelling narrative position Behemoth as a potential hallmark in the VR gaming landscape.
Looking to the Future
Under the leadership of David Ellison, Skydance Games is also developing other projects involving prominent figures in the industry, including Amy Hennig and Julian Beak. This expansion showcases a robust commitment to innovation in interactive storytelling and game development.
As the VR landscape evolves, Murphy expressed excitement about the advances in technology, particularly regarding tracking improvements in devices like the Quest. “The evolution of VR over the past several years has been remarkable, and I look forward to creating experiences that resonate deeply with gamers,” he noted.
Behemoth promises to deliver a thrilling and immersive adventure that will engage both fans of the genre and newcomers, establishing itself as a noteworthy entry in the burgeoning world of virtual reality gaming.
Source
venturebeat.com