Experiencing By Grit Alone has been a thrilling journey, albeit one that could definitely benefit from a bit more refinement. This VR horror game presents a level of creativity that’s both charming and captivating, though not without its frustrations. It’s a project that reflects the sheer determination of a small team aspiring to create a sci-fi horror gem that stands alongside iconic titles like its main inspiration, Dead Space. Yet, fine-tuning is necessary for it to fully achieve its potential.
This game puts you in control of a nameless traveler aboard a cryo transport. Things go awry when you awaken prematurely, following a perilous crash in an uncharted space region filled with inexplicable phenomena, catapulting you straight into survival mode. Imagine being stuck in a space version of the Bermuda Triangle, sharing the vicinity with twisted creatures and malfunctioning gadgets. Before a proper greeting with your unusual neighbors, you’re navigating rogue equipment, obliterating debris, and facing off against bizarre insect-like aliens eager to make a meal of your brain. And that’s all before encountering a gothic cathedral-shaped spacecraft, an alien-ridden spa, and a potentially unscrupulous AI guiding you.
The Dead Space comparison here isn’t made lightly. By Grit Alone shares many credentials, notably the 2008 Dead Space writer Antony Johnston who partnered with Emma Beeby to bring the narrative to life. The game takes cues from the classic with versatile weapons that double in utility. Your ammo can become a grenade, and the blaster morphs into a shotgun or marksman rifle depending on how you wield it. Mastering the ship’s various systems is crucial, akin to thinking like an engineer to fend off waves of adversaries. The developers, Crooks Peaks, even included the stomp attack familiar to Dead Space enthusiasts, effectively integrating it into gameplay beyond just enemy interaction.
One standout feature is the revamped, enjoyable turret section—a nod to the original Dead Space that has been significantly improved. This is where By Grit Alone shines, crafting not just a love letter to classics but establishing its own unique identity.
The revelation of multiple ships to explore is an exciting twist. Rather than sticking to a single storyline, it’s like navigating through a collection of horror anthologies. While not every setting is a win, there’s a compelling ongoing subplot revolving around Grace Grayson, a tenacious government tax agent-turned-survivor leading an unexpected escape.
Grace, though not the main character you control, richly fills in the narrative gaps through her engaging audio logs. The voice acting is outstanding, making the world feel alive and immersive. Additionally, holographic playbacks of past events break the solitary nature of your journey, offering brief interactions with AIs guiding you through different ships.
From environmental design to narrative pacing, By Grit Alone captures the heart of horror games excellently. The soundtrack alone elevates the experience, effectively using music and sound design to keep players on edge. Despite its low-resolution graphics, it achieves an incredible level of tension and atmosphere. If only the balance were there to make certain elements, like the invincibility toggle, less of a necessity at times.
“By Grit Alone” targets seasoned VR players. There are only a few options for mitigating motion sickness, such as tweaking turn rates and limited vignette settings, so some gamers new to VR might find it challenging to acclimate. You’ll find plenty of moments where quick reflexes are essential. The game can be tackled sitting or standing, but moving around and crouching can boost immersion, making it a more engaging experience.
The invincibility feature allows players to enjoy the game without the constant threat of demise, ideal for those more interested in the narrative than the challenge. You also have the option to unlock all chapters and skip difficult sections at any moment, accommodating those who prefer a smoother experience.
Some might find the inclusion of an invincibility option contentious in a horror game, yet it’s understandable considering the game’s brutal difficulty spikes. The pace of some enemy encounters, whether they’re buzzing, charging, or skittering, can be overwhelming, inadvertently so, I would wager. It’s a thrill to stomp, but aerial enemies like the acid-spewing attackers pose a serious challenge, particularly given the limited health restoration opportunities.
Certain set pieces are currently too intense for average players, with bosses or high-stakes chases presenting a steep learning curve. These moments often feel just shy of greatness, overshadowed by their difficulty. My usual response after numerous failed attempts was to switch on invincibility, crossing my fingers for a patch to smooth these rough edges.
Even with invincibility activated, players still confront challenges. Puzzles require brainpower to solve, adding depth without the burden of recalling every small error. Elsewhere, the narrative’s segue into a ‘SAW-meets-Portal’ section aboard a science ship falters due to unpredictable turret mechanics and a finicky shield ability, the lone weak spot in an otherwise well-crafted interactive experience.
Despite these flaws, interacting with By Grit Alone’s world is satisfying. The hand-tracking is precise, the weapon mechanics—whether using the primary blaster or opting for a flamethrower—are engaging, and tossing grenades feels intuitive.
In conclusion, By Grit Alone is a bold venture into VR horror, rapidly capturing your interest and maintaining its intensity throughout. Although its visuals are basic, the atmosphere is expertly crafted, featuring excellent lighting and shadow work. While the storyline leaves us hanging (with the promise of free DLC), the journey is filled with engaging writing and intense combat that makes it worth the struggle. It’s been ages since a horror game has absorbed me like this one. It’s a thrilling, if not daunting, ride through insanity that I hope reaches a satisfying conclusion, whether through DLC or a sequel. As of now, it’s an adventurous odyssey that’s rewarding to undertake.
