Gorilla Tag: A Swing and a Miss in the VR Jungle – 2.5/5 Stars

In the ever-evolving landscape of VR gaming, “Gorilla Tag” stands out with its unique premise but ultimately stumbles in its execution. This game, which promises an immersive experience of simian agility and freedom, instead delivers a repetitive loop that might leave players more dizzy than dazzled.

At first glance, “Gorilla Tag” impresses with its straightforward mechanics. Players embody gorillas, navigating environments with a locomotion system that mimics primate movement. This novel approach initially feels refreshing, as it breaks away from traditional VR teleportation or joystick movements. However, the novelty wears off quickly. The core gameplay loop, which revolves around tagging other players in a simplistic environment, becomes monotonous. There’s a glaring lack of depth in both strategy and variation, making each session feel like a retread of the last.

Moreover, the game’s physicality, while initially engaging, soon turns into its biggest drawback. The constant arm-swinging and body movement required to propel your gorilla through the virtual space can be physically demanding. This might be a plus for those seeking a VR workout, but for many, it’s a barrier to extended play.

The biggest issue, however, is the motion sickness. “Gorilla Tag” demands a lot from its players in terms of movement, and this can lead to a nauseating experience. The fast-paced swinging and turning are disorienting, and the lack of options to mitigate this effect is a significant oversight. This becomes especially problematic in longer sessions, where the initial thrill of leaping and bounding gives way to a feeling of discomfort.

Despite these drawbacks, “Gorilla Tag” does have its moments. The social aspect of the game is a highlight, with the multiplayer experience fostering a sense of camaraderie and competition. But these moments are fleeting, overshadowed by the game’s fundamental flaws.

The core gameplay loop of “Gorilla Tag” consists of multiple modes from ‘tag’ to ‘hide-and-seek’ to other basic games people remember playing as a kid. However, despite these game modes, the gameplay loop is more-less the same; grabbing other players. The issue isn’t the gameplay loop necessarily but rather the experience felt even after thirty minutes of playing.

Despite its shortcomings, “Gorilla Tag” does deserve some credit for its attempt at innovation in the VR space. The game’s physics engine is impressive, accurately capturing the momentum and weight of a gorilla’s movement. This creates moments of genuine exhilaration, particularly when successfully navigating through the trees or outmaneuvering opponents in a heated chase. The game’s environment, while not graphically intensive, offers a fitting backdrop to the primal gameplay, with its lush forests and rugged terrain.

However, these technical achievements are overshadowed by the game’s lack of content variety. There are no levels or objectives beyond the basic game of tag, leaving players with little to explore or achieve. The absence of progression systems or unlockables is a missed opportunity, as these could have provided players with incentives to return. The simplicity of “Gorilla Tag” might appeal to some, especially those new to VR, but seasoned players will likely find it lacking in depth and engagement.

In summary, while “Gorilla Tag” offers a unique take on VR locomotion and showcases moments of exhilarating gameplay, it falls short in maintaining player interest and comfort. Its repetitive gameplay, lack of content, and physical demands make it a game that’s more of a novelty than a staple in the VR gaming world. It’s a reminder that innovation alone isn’t enough; games need depth and consideration for player experience to truly shine.”