When it comes to crafting a VR game that genuinely thrills players, what’s the secret formula? How do you make sure they’re grinning and saying “wow” after pulling off the VR headset? For the team at Something Random, who’ve been pouring their hearts into Harpagun, we believe it boils down to just a few key elements. Let’s dive in, shall we?
In the realm of action games, movement is everything. While traditional screen-based games have largely cracked the code, it’s a different story in VR. Some movement types offer precision but tend to be slow and awkward. Others allow you to zip around quickly but at the cost of comfort, breaking the “you-are-there” illusion.
For Harpagun, we designed a movement system based on clear-cut goals: comfort, simplicity, quick responsiveness, speed, and immersion. In a true arcade setting, players need to act in an instant, zero in on what matters, and shift positions to dodge threats or get a clean shot. This is where our innovative “pylon and anchor” system comes into play. You navigate the battlefield by focusing on various points of interest, such as a strategic path or the heart of the action. The result? Seamless, quick movements that keep players comfortably in control.
What’s VR without the thrill of grabbing and hurling objects? Unfortunately, this isn’t always straightforward. The need to get close to objects can pull players out of the immersive experience, thanks to physical limitations. Yet, interacting with the game world and opponents is essential—it’s the spirit of VR! Enter the Magnetic Ray. This isn’t for grabbing cookies, but for dynamic in-game interactions.
The concept of distance grabbing in VR isn’t new, but we’ve made it central to Harpagun’s gameplay. Use the ray on foes, and watch as they react uniquely. Some get crushed; others expose their vulnerabilities or lose limbs. The ray isn’t limited to enemies—grab missiles, shift environmental objects from tiny cans to huge tractors, and unleash them on adversaries.
Let’s be honest; nobody wants to roam around smashing plain, monotonous blocks. What you need is “juice” in the form of exciting animations and impactful weapon effects. Experience the sensation of power as enemies explode, painting vivid scenes on the battlefield. Combine that with immersive sound effects, like the squeal of attacking aliens or the thump of a TV smashing them, leaving a splat behind. For Harpagun’s music, we embraced a unique blend of military marches, jazz, Balkan rhythms, and hints of Slavic folk. Trust me; it works—it’s a soundtrack that hits hard.
And then there’s the “what?” and “where?” Every game needs a compelling universe to explore. To keep gamers engaged beyond the initial minutes, you need memorable places, intriguing characters, and compelling quests. But if an action game delves too deep into lore, it risks sidelining the action. Instead, a simple setup—a team of space scavengers, an abandoned planet, and a crew member gone AWOL—offers a strong foundation.
Now, mix in some alien flora, Slavic retro-futurism, a bit of dark humor, an inept crew, and an adventurous spirit. There you have it—a vibrant, quirky world with layers waiting to be peeled back. “Enjoy your meal,” as they say.
In essence, the process isn’t overly complex. Just invest three years of passion, perseverance, and hard work, and you might just create a beloved VR action game. Speaking of, we’ve made something exactly like that—Harpagun. It’s launching April 10 on PlayStation VR2. Dive in and see if our ideas hit the mark. Catch you in this wild, virtual universe soon!
