Early Access can prove to be a double-edged sword for VR developers. Getting their game out early can offer useful feedback, but it runs the risk that gamers may not like it because of too many issues. It’s why some studios have chosen a far more honest and open approach. Hidden IO Inc. has just released its roguelike adventure ZIX, and as 131XR discovers in its review, the studio isn’t shy about the work still to do.
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What is ZIX?
As mentioned, ZIX is an action-roguelike, of which there are many in VR currently. ZIX aims to stand out from this crowd with its bold design, fast-paced gameplay, locomotion system and world variety. All of which highlight Hidden IO Inc.’s desire to create a co-op roguelike that will keep players coming back for more.
The caveat is that while some features work – like the ‘Instinct’ movement system – other elements need far more refinement. All of which Hidden IO Inc. points out before the game actually starts, you even have to sign an agreement acknowledging this. So while ZIX isn’t necessarily too early for Early Access, it isn’t going to suit all players in its current state.
ZIX Review
131XR likes the fact that the team are so honest about ZIX’s overall build, and found that the issues it encountered were very much outlined by the team. ZIX looks great, with a striking art style that creates beautiful VR worlds that you just want to explore. Being a roguelike, the idea here is that you go on runs through three strange worlds, collect blessings which can then be fused and warp reality to create your next trial. This procedural world generation system offers almost unlimited possibilities. Sounds great, but the usual roguelike run, upgrade, repeat system remains, providing familiar, formulaic gameplay.
As for those issues, 131XR found that several power-ups didn’t work very well, but the far larger problem was that of co-op. Technically, ZIX should support up to 3-player co-op, so you and a couple of friends can join in. However, in the review, 131XR could not get the feature to work. Considering ZIX is clearly geared towards co-op play, having that feature not work several hampers the experience.
On the plus side, the ‘Instinct’ locomotion system worked brilliantly. Being able to run, jump, double jump, wall run and more around the environment is smooth and fluid. Clearly indicating significant time has been spent on it.
As 131XR’s ZIX review explains, even with this mixture of highs and lows, ZIX is still a fun game.
What’s Next in Early Access?
As for what’s to come in ZIX, Hidden IO Inc. has yet to reveal a definitive roadmap of updates and fixes to the aforementioned issues. Naturally, we’re expecting serious problems like the co-op activation to be remedied sooner rather than later. As there’s a lot of potential in ZIX, and at the end of the day, that’s exactly what Early Access is for: ironing out those troublesome glitches.
Have you already bought ZIX? What are your impressions? Let us know in the comments!
