There aren’t many real-time strategy (RTS) games for VR headsets, especially where mixed reality technology is concerned. While titles such as Brass Tactics and Townsmen VR showed the potential of Command and Conquer-style gameplay in VR, the genre hasn’t been embraced anywhere near the same as on PC. Looking to change that dynamic is Crystal Commanders, and 131XR’s review finds a game worthy of the crown for Meta Quest.
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RTS Strategy for Mixed Reality
Crystal Commanders takes the approach of classic RT titles, giving players the chance to build bases and fight enemies in campaign and skirmish modes. Those who enjoy an action-packed narrative can dive into the campaign and join the Crystal Vanguard as they fight against the forces of the Crimson Blade.
On hand are an array of strategy options. You’ll need to build bases, create troops to scout locations for crystals and deploy defense towers to prepare for enemy assaults. Crystals are the primary resource in Crystal Commanders and need to be mined to earn money – or else you can’t build anything!
What makes Crystal Commanders different from other RTS games is its mixed use of VR and MR. You can play levels on a virtual battlefield if VR is more your preference. Whilst MR expands the gameplay across your living room, bedroom, and wherever you want! This also opens up new gameplay possibilities, adapting to your room, placing items on furniture at different elevations so no game is quite the same.
Crystal Commanders Review
As 131XR’s review notes, this variety means that Crystal Commanders is one of the best RTS games to ever grace Meta Quest. Whilst the MR technology does have issues with smaller rooms, sometimes struggling to place virtual objects, the core gameplay loop is still a fun experience.
While it might have a colourful, almost cute aesthetic, Crystal Commanders still retains that core RTS feel. You’ve got plenty of building and troop variety to keep RTS aficionados happy. Yet, at the same time, the game embraces VR and MR in just the right way to ensure an engaging experience.
You’ll find the deep dive in 131XR’s review below.
Breathing new life into XR RTS
As mentioned, RTS games on PC are a dime a dozen, from original IPs through to massive global brands like Warhammer and Dune. In the early days of VR’s resurgence, games like Tactera (2018), Townsmen VR (2018), Brass Tactics (2018), Defense Grid 2: Enhanced VR Edition (2016), Final Approach (2016) and more were all the rage. Primarily because developers were still learning what genres worked best for the medium.
While the team at XRSource thinks RTS games do work great in VR, the user base might not. Especially as games like Gorilla Tag and Animal Company dominate the Meta Quest store rankings. Or maybe Crystal Commanders will buck the trend.
Was Crystal Commanders on your radar prior to launch? Will you be diving into the MR RTS this week? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
