When it comes to action movies, we have always wanted to feel like Gods, slaying our enemies before us. Movies like John Wick have embraced a newfound form of a God Mode, one that this slick, with style and substance. From the makers of Valve Aperture Hand Lab comes Pistol Whip, a stylish VR rail shooter that will test your reflexes and your rhythm as you down hundreds of enemies to the tune of dubstep.
On-Rail Shooting Returns
Pistol Whip is an on-rail VR shooter, with stylish visuals and immersive shooting action attuned to the beat of a vibrant soundtrack. At first glance, this appears to be like every other wave or rail shooter that has been released on the platform, which is a dime a dozen these days. However, where Pistol Whip separates itself is in its executions, as well as how it weaves its inspirations well into the gameplay.
The game descriptions specifically reference John Wick and Equilibrium as its source rod inspiration, and when the gameplay clicks, Pistol Whip truly becomes what it inspired to be. The visual and audio sensations are extraordinarily strong, and the sensation truly has the lawyer feel as if they are the star of their very own action movie. Shooting feels remarkably responsive, with strong sensations of movement and even heft. Downing enemies is thrilling, but the true challenge is to shoot and eliminate to the beat of the song that plays. The closer you are in sync, the higher the score. Enemies pouring from every angle, requiring players to constantly keep themselves on a swivel. Pistol Whip is a swift game, though there are plenty of visual indicators to see when obstacles appear or when bullets are aiming for you. Pistol Whip requires players to move around to avoid bullets, and standing up is highly recommended. Though, be prepared for a workout, as players duck, dodge, and lean-to avoid enemy bullets.
A Bullet For A Bullet
While most enemies can be downed in a single hit, their sheer number is what keeps players on their toes. Some enemies have armor and need additional hits to eliminate. Undoubtedly, players will get hit due to incoming fire. Fortunately, there is a tactic for players to master. Players can receive two hits before receiving a game over. Getting hit once means no armor. Players can retain that layer of armor if they stay alive, or pistol whip the enemy. Some enemies will appear directly in the players’ path. If players get close enough, they may punch the enemy, instantly refilling armor. It should be emphasized that players need to throw a strong left or right hook, as the MOVE controls can pick up if you are merely wrist-slapping the enemy or actually knocking the enemy out.
Pistol Whip can become a massive challenge, but fortunately, there is a multitude of difficulties and modifiers for players. Pistol Whip has three difficulty settings. Easy is great for those new to the game or VR, but seasoned players will want to test their mettle on normal and hard, where the enemies multiply and the danger is much higher. Modifiers allow for tweaks to the gameplay, such as dual-wielding or having dead eye fire. There are plenty of options for players, and some are required for pursuing trophies.
A Sense of Euphoria
Ultimately, when the music and visuals come together, Pistol Whip successfully accomplishes its goal in having you feel like a one-man action superstar. Enemies come and fall, all to the beat of a soundtrack that ushers in your presence and sheer power. Pistol Whip gives you the te sensation that nothing can stop you, and absolutely nothing can get in our way. It’s a euphoric feeling, and when you do lose, the urge to retry and keep going is palpable.
Visually, the game feels like an intricate computer system, where buildings, structures, and obstacles populate a constantly moving battlefield but are polygonal and line-based. It’s a colorful, moody adventure, with different designs and structures, and where enemies can hit you from any angle along the way. Of course, as it’s a big focus of the game, the soundtrack is stellar. Though, that may be the only real weakness of Pistol Whip. The soundtrack presented is solid, and the levels use the music well, however, the tracklist is rather small. I could easily imagine more familiar tracks being used, some from more recognizable artists, should Pistol Whip expand.
Closing Thoughts
Pistol Whip is a welcome surprise to the PSVR market, especially as it says saturated with other rhythm and wave-based shooters. It’s a rhythm shooter we need, and one with plenty of room to grow. From it’s sharp visual styles to amazing music and gameplay, Pistol Whip is an excellent action title for any VR owner. Just stretch your legs first, and be prepared to sweat harder than a Russian mobster in a bathhouse.
Pistol Whip is available now on the PlayStation Store, and on Steam. Are you ready to whip those pistols in VR? Let us know below!
