Video Game Review: Espire 1: VR Operative

Espire 1

Tripwire Interactive

Action, Stealth

PSVR

Since the platform is so young, there are quite a few genres that haven’t been appropriate explored on PSVR. Stealth is one of these genres, and one would think that VR would work with stealth games rather well. All a stealth game needs to do is have a decent engine and effectively capture the thrill of sneaking by an enemy. Espire 1 is the first game that I’ve played on the platform that fully embraces the idea.

Espire 1 is a futuristic first-person stealth game in which players control robot suits to carry out various stealth missions. Players will use close-ranged weapons alongside guns and tranquilizers to take out security guards throughout the game’s levels.

The core gameplay of Espire 1 is enjoyable enough. After a brief tutorial, players are let loose and given the freedom to dispatch enemies however they like. Considering how small the game’s studio is, it’s impressive how strong various mechanics are. The aiming works well, and the movement is as simple and intuitive as you could ask for on PSVR.

When Espire 1 works it’s a great time. Unfortunately, it is bogged down by tons of issues. The controls just don’t work sometimes. There are multiple moments throughout the game when players will be instructed to do something that isn’t part of the usual gameplay loop. Sometimes the motion controls don’t register, other times the tutorials will give the wrong direction entirely. Players will need to expect to go online for guides on how to get through various sequences of the game. This is already problematic, but this is especially so when the game in question is a VR title. Espire 1 only works about half the time, and when it isn’t working it is hard to stay motivated to continue.

Espire 1’s presentation is also disappointing. The game is fully voiced and it’s an overall shoddy job at voicing. The characters all have a stiff personality that makes the story completely uninteresting. The environments are also muddy, making the PSVR version look inferior to its PC counterparts. The textures lack any detail, making this an ugly game at times. The package feels rushed, which is an absolute shame. There have been a few patches to fix the various gameplay and visual hiccups, but the game still feels like it is in early access. Everything could improve in a few more patches, but players likely won’t want to buy the game without knowing for sure that they are getting a finished product.

All of this is a shame because underneath all the flaws is a game that I found myself still wanting to play. It’s almost worth to push through all the bad just to get the thrill of an authentic stealth VR experience. Until a few more patches come in, Espire 1 is a tough game to completely recommend.