Review of ‘Skydance’s Behemoth’ – A Monumental Leap in VR Action-Adventure Gaming

Skydance’s new VR game, Behemoth, clearly benefits from the wealth of experience the studio gained while developing their hit game, The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners. While Behemoth might have struggled to find its place in the action-adventure lineup outside of VR, its sheer scale and immersive experience make it a standout in virtual reality.

The game is designed for several platforms, including Quest 2 and 3, PSVR 2, and is set to be available on SteamVR. I’ve had the opportunity to try it out on the Quest 3, and it’s slated to launch on December 5th, 2024, retailing at $40.

In Behemoth, players step into the shoes of Wren, a villager burdened by a relentless curse reminiscent of Princess Mononoke’s tale. This curse is a double-edged sword: while it spells doom for Wren, it also endows him with incredible powers, allowing him to move swiftly and deliver devastating blows. Players embark on a journey through a broken kingdom ravaged by evil forces, using Wren’s curse to combat enemies and uncover the source of this malevolence.

The game features physics-based melee combat that emphasizes creativity, allowing players to choose their unique approach to battle. Players need to master timing and strategy to effectively parry and strike, as the stamina bar limits uncontrolled flailing. Each enemy has unique weapons and combat tactics, ensuring a dynamic combat experience.

Behemoth also introduces powerful abilities for players to utilize. Your superhuman strength can break through enemy armor and defeat hordes with a single attack. However, timing is key, as using these abilities can lead to cooldown periods. As players progress through the game, they’ll acquire legendary weapons, including a massive sword, a bow with regenerating arrows, and an axe capable of crushing armor. These weapons can be upgraded using Coloss Alloy, a valuable resource found throughout the game’s world.

Though the crafting element is somewhat limited in Behemoth, with weapon upgrades being the primary focus, the game compensates with engaging environmental puzzles and mini-bosses scattered throughout. The true stars of the game, however, are the Behemoths—massive creatures challenging players to use all their skills to take down. Each encounter demands a well-honed strategy, combining ranged attacks, melee prowess, and clever usage of grapple points to exploit the giants’ weaknesses.

These epic encounters are guided by a witch-like voice in Wren’s mind, offering guidance without overshadowing the challenge. Despite the slight hand-holding, the Behemoth battles present an exciting test of all the abilities you’ve developed throughout the game.

The immersion of Behemoth is further enhanced by the game’s audio design. While not every character’s voice work is perfect, it is generally competent and doesn’t excessively intrude on gameplay. The narrative, while somewhat predictable, serves as a backdrop to the captivating world and gameplay dynamics.

On the technical side, Behemoth executes VR elements with finesse. The game offers a range of comfort settings, accommodating different player preferences. Whether you prefer smooth or snap turning, standing or seated play, the game adapts seamlessly. The attention to detail, from the snowy visual effects to the robust combat mechanics, all contribute to an experience that immerses players in its virtual realm.

Overall, Behemoth represents an impressive achievement for VR enthusiasts. Its blend of grand scale, immersive combat, and captivating environments make it a must-play for any fan of action-adventure games in VR. If you had told me five years ago that VR would evolve to this level of refinement on a platform like the Quest 3, I’d be thoroughly impressed.