I Expect You To Die is the aptly name James Bond simulator that has you undertaking four secret missions that quite literally rely on you dying to figure out what’s what and how to successfully complete the narrative. The game kicks off with an epic bang full of Bond flavor thanks to the wonderful, animated title sequence and film-worthy song ripped straight from your favorite classic Bond flick. When things settle down, you’ll find yourself in your office where a brief tutorial introduces you to the intuitive and totally competent controls that make expert use of the new Oculus Touch.
Missions arrive as film canisters that you load into your desktop projector to get your briefing before diving into classic spy scenarios loaded with dangerous traps and pitfalls. While it is conceivable that one could possibly get through a mission without dying it is highly unlikely due to the construction of each assignment that seems determined to kill you at least once. Perfect runs are much easier on future replays where you can set new Clear Time records.
In the first mission you are tasked with stealing a prototype spy car from the back of a plane while in flight. Starting the car, blasting out the cargo doors and driving it out the back would seem like a simple affair until you realize the elaborate, almost Rube Goldberg-like sequence of events that needs to unfold in order to do so. To their credit, the designers have stashed hint cards around the area to explain the not-so-obvious tasks with fun IKEA-like diagrams.
I Expect You To Die makes the most of the Oculus Touch (or the PS Move if playing on PSVR) by incorporating realistic hand motions into the gameplay. In one level you are undercover as a window washer and even though you have broken the glass you have to pantomime washing empty space when the security camera turns toward you. Each level gets more and more complex with hints and clues hidden inside detailed environments that require thorough exploration, and the sense of personal accomplishment when you figure out some of the cleverer puzzles (like the chemistry mixtures) will make you want to sign up for spy school.
The game looks amazing with some nicely detailed graphics that maintain a distinctive 60’s flavor and colorful art style. Sound effects are fantastic and there is a great soundtrack even beyond that epic opening number. Perhaps the best part is the classic British narrator who also serves as your handler during the missions. The wit and charm is undeniably perfect and one of the best parts of the game.
My only regret is that with only four missions I Expect You To Die will only last around four hours unless you die a lot. Given the film strip nature of the mission design DLC would be easy to introduce and greatly welcome, as I could spend twice as many hours with this conceptually brilliant game if given more exciting spy content. As it is, I still enjoy besting my own completion times and showing this game off to anyone who stops by and is willing to put on the Rift.
My hat is off to the wizards who created I Expect You To Die. Normally games that rely on trial-and-error mechanics get tedious and frustrating, but somehow Schell Games turns every death into a teachable moment that only makes you that much better on your next attempt. And even when you do know all the tools and tasks required there is still the thrill of actually doing it all under the pressure of the game’s counterintelligence and ticking timer.
If you love puzzle-solving, escape room scenarios, classic spy movies, or just want to experience some of the best of what VR has to offer then you don’t want to miss out on I Expect You To Die. Death has never been this fun…or rewarding.
