By akademiotoelektronik, 24/08/2022

Ironman, in virtual reality.It does it?A geeks and com test

Technical Sheet

I'll tell you right away: it does. Marvel's Ironman VR is a PSVR exclusive that lets you play as Marvel's hero Tony Stark. The action is on point and it almost feels like a legit Ironman screenplay in the movies. Not that the screenplay is incredible, but after all… neither are those in the movies.

The story of Ironman VR

The game takes place, in the general history of the "MCU", shortly after Tony Stark publicly revealed himself as Ironman. Sometime after "Stark Industries" ends weapons development.

The story is interesting, albeit predictable. The main interest is the interaction Tony has with his various AI colleagues. Yes, Tony has made some imaginary friends. Except that they actually exist in the form of "Artificial Intelligence". I enjoyed accompanying Tony Stark through his psychological journey, as simple as it is in the game.

Ironman VR's storyline is definitely an excuse to take it to the next level, but it's gripping enough that I don't have the desire to ignore it. Also, Tony's voice sounds a lot like Robert Downey Jr's, which is a positive for MCU fans. Nick Fury however is far from Samuel L Jackson.

An action game in VR

Ironman's various trailers initially left me rather cold. A virtual reality rail shooter, with the Ironman cachet to make more sales? No thanks.

However, this is far from the reality. From the first minutes of play, I was impressed. As much by the game as by the character of Tony Stark himself. That's when I realized how difficult it is to fly properly, mixing acrobatics, high aerobatics (without trapezes) and combat.

The trailers do not do justice to the interface of the game. All the promotional images of Ironman VR show us an interface overloaded with information. Once the helmet is on the head, this same interface skillfully takes its place in our panoramic vision. As much as the “2d” images of the game repelled me, I am impressed by the result in game. It is very well done.

Ironman VR is not on rails. Each level can be explored as you see fit. Several fights required me to retreat to take cover behind buildings behind me when I found myself surrounded by a dozen robots dedicated to seeing me reduced to scrap metal. I hope the city has good damage insurance.

VR controls

Ironman VR is played with PlayStation "move" controllers. It takes two, and it's mandatory. The controls are very simple, but require a good understanding to master them. Just like the hero does in the various movies and comics, you must use your hands to steer you in combat. You point them down using the "move" controllers to gain altitude, backward to propel you forward, forward to propel you backward... and if free fall n isn't fast enough when you release the thrusters you can point up to descend quickly.

“Boosts” allow you to either reach an objective quickly or to dodge when the action gets a little too intense. Ironman VR asks you to constantly reposition yourself in order to take advantage of your full arsenal, whether it's your laser beams (a timeless classic) homing missiles or just a good old-fashioned punch for enemies who don't respect social distancing. Tip friend: Avoid the punches on the mines. It seems obvious, but in the heat of the moment...

A useless progression system?

The game offers us to improve our armor, in order to be the most violent Ironman possible. The progression is not linear, so you can choose the different parts to improve in order. Whether it's your weapons, your engine, your armor, etc. However, once the upgrades have been purchased... There's not much point in buying more. Unless you want to experiment, of course. But in my case, I chose from the start the improvements that seemed to me the most effective for my style of play, and I kept them throughout my game.

Good positioning is essential

And here I am talking about you in your living room. Ironman VR asks you to move your hands frequently, often very quickly, in all directions. The best playing position is standing. If you're playing seated, it's going to be very difficult on a couch, so I recommend a chair without armrests, as you'll frequently have to put your hands behind you to fly forward.

A good dose of challenge and action

Ironman VR is a very fun game. I had a lot of fun discovering the game and fighting my opponents. The first level (after the tutorial), although cinematic, was not very interesting. The next levels were well developed though. I enjoyed fighting around the Helicarrier, the flying fortress of S.H.I.E.L.D., it felt like defending the place against the enemy onslaught.

The racing missions, where you have to beat times, are incredibly difficult. I did not manage to have a single requested time. Perhaps those most dedicated to the game will know how to master the controls with the refinement necessary to make the fast turns that certain tracks demand, but that is beyond my level. But I still enjoyed them, if only to know that some people can do the level six times faster than my best time.

Some levels are somewhat repetitive and I was disappointed to see a previously used level in a new mission quite quickly in the game. I would have preferred different environments each time.

Verdict

Ironman VR is a game that I really enjoyed. The controls are instinctive even if difficult to master. The game is fast paced and has lots of action. Even after several hours of play I didn't have the VR headaches that sometimes accompanies prolonged periods of virtual reality. It's unfortunately not the game that will sell more PSVR headsets, but I encourage all headset users to get their hands on the game if the style appeals to you. I won't attempt to break race records, but it's definitely a game I'm going to bring back when I introduce PSVR to friends.

Ironman, in virtual reality. Does it?" The experience of playing Ironman in VR is fantastic. I'm not the biggest fan of the franchise but I'm a proud supporter of PSVR and the pleasure of controlling my movements and dogfighting me However, the game has several weaknesses that have prevented me from enjoying it in depth, but I am hopeful to see the franchise exploited in the future and build on what seems to me to be a good base.