Windlands is yet another game for the Oculus Rift that valiantly attempts to conquer my fear of heights by having the player zip around floating islands using a bungee-style grappling hook from a dizzying first-person perspective. Admittedly, there is a bit of a learning curve with the controls and the awkward movement system, which can be adjusted to various degrees of horizontal snap but never completely smooth. When you first start off you won’t even have your grapple device, giving you time to get used to the lesser gravity and floaty jump physics as you make your way across some treetops and a few stone ledges, but once you obtain the grapple; that’s when the real fun starts.
Primarily and exploration game, Windlands levels consist of numerous floating islands set amongst the clouds all leading to a single exit point, which will take you to the next level where you get to do it all over again only with more challenges. What’s great about the design is that there are multiple paths between the start and finish and plenty of diversionary paths leading to collectibles for those daring enough to reach them.
One unique and challenging aspect of the grapple device is that is uses an elastic type rope that stretches and can even launch the player to new heights or distant platforms. I would liken it to being Spider-Man, and there were numerous instances when this game really felt like a first-person Spider-Man game; especially when you get your rhythm flowing as you swing across numerous grapple points. You can grapple practically anything as long as you are close enough and your indicator lights up. Some of the more exciting moments were me plummeting to my death and being able to grapple out and catch myself, of course my downward momentum would react with the grapple to slingshot me straight up.
While the core game is this relaxing casual exploration with tranquil music and soothing visuals, you can also opt for some more stressful gameplay by engaging in Speed Runs and Time Trials, and hopefully the designers will add some leaderboards in a future update to give the game a bit of competitive edge. As mentioned, the music is very Zen-like and the graphics are very stylized with heavy use of basic polygons. Some features look to be constructed from LEGO’s while trees and bushes appear to be blobs of green clay. That’s not to say the game isn’t impressive. Just walking out of that very first room to be greeted by a giant stone colossus then seeing the world stretched out before you with awesome lighting and shadows is breathtaking.
Windlands looks and plays great with the Oculus Rift with the one exception of not being able to smoothly turn. I know this is supposed to help prevent VR sickness, but they should at least have the option for smooth turning for those who don’t get sick. The do offer a camera lock mode where you can’t turn at all. As it is, I am constantly fighting the camera while moving around the levels, but I have learned to adapt…slightly. Thankfully, this only affects land movement and once you are in the air most of your lateral movement will be controlled by shifting your glance to your next grapple target.
It’s also worth noting that the game is also available on Steam and works with the HTC Vive or even no-VR at all. It’s not nearly as immersive without the headset, but still worth checking out. This is a great VR experience; one that can be as relaxing or as stressful as you want it to be. With a unique mix of Prince of Persia environments, Spider-Man navigation, artistic visuals, and a soothing soundtrack, Windlands is as much meditation as it is exploration, and a game I highly recommend you check out if you own an Oculus Rift and want to slingshot through the skies from the comfort and safety of your couch.
