Downward Spiral: Prologue Reviews

Bad graphics, simple gameplay, non existent narrative. Maybe in 2017 this was something but now it's just a crappy demo that you need to pay to play. If this would be free, I could recommend to try it because why not. But even with two dollars it's too much.

A fun short demonstration of movement and interaction in a micro-g environment. I would not have picked it up for the full price, but it's definitely worth checking out now that it's 90% off. I was surprised how much I could float around without triggering some form of simulation sickness. Exceptions to that being cases where the game brings you too close to the floor (your character is horizontal, even if you're standing, in some cases it might be better to play crouched down). I occasionally also feel disoriented when I walk around while I'm floating, so I recommend stopping your flight before moving your head a lot (In future versions of the game, they should probably detect head movement beyond a threshold, and stop your floating movement at that point). The game uses a fancy Inverse Kinematics rig to give you a body in the game world, which is pretty neat when you play with a friend. Combined with the effect applied to your friend's voice when they talk to you over the in-game radio, it results quite an immersive experience. Those Inverse Kinematics also get in the way a bit unfortunately. Objects you hold are not tracked directly to your controller (I would prefer this in future versions). The in-game hands try to follow your controller as closely as possible, and due to some issues with the shoulder placement in the current version, that be off by quite a bit, so you can't rely on muscle memory or slight adjustments in your grip while shooting.

I bought this for the zero G mechanic and to experience the earth from a space station, but it's been severely watered down (there is no transfer of kinetic energy to angular velocity when you touch something - you just stop!) and they have annoying flaps on each side (helmet I suppose) which restrict peripheral vision. The FoV is already insufficient on the first gen HMDs and the last thing I want is a further reduction. I understand some people may need this to avoid motion sickness, but there should be a non-hobbled option for those who wish to experience a realistic zero G experience, in which one rotates when touching or throwing things, and which may cause the player to float upside down. I'll most likely be refunding this one unless I find some redeeming quality that makes it more than just another rails shooter.

I've only played this in solo mode so far, but I enjoyed it. You're on a space station on which something went wrong and you're trying to fix it. It really doesn't have much story and it doesn't really have puzzles but I like the way you move around at first by pushing yourself off objects. The single player mode is extremely short (20 mins?), but at less than 2.- EUR it won't break the bank and is worth trying out.

This game works beautifully! Not only the environment, but the very subtle sounds and immersion they were able to accomplish. Things like hearing a faint rubber or scratching sound when you bend your arms while in the spacesuit. It really feels like you are living in a sci fi mystery.

I wish there was a 'neutral' review option; because while this demo looks and plays alright enough, it ultimately feels like it should 100% be a free teaser for the full game instead of being sold for a price for what is a 15-20 minute demo with zero exposition - so you don't know what's the setting/story you're getting into at all. Overall, from this demo, I'd compare the feeling to Lone Echo (Oculus Store), where you're floating in zero-G and moving by propelling yourself off of surfaces. It's not as smooth as in Lone Echo because you float a lot less, but it still feels reasonably comfortable. There is also shooting involved so that's a bit of excitement padded on. Can consider getting this on sale. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be purchasable as a bundle with the full game, strangely enough. Some extra info on the contents: 1. Deathmatch: The prologue's deathmatch mode is an huge open space arena (area from the story mode) and you're given equipment as you've explored in the story. Of course there was nobody else playing so I was floating around alone with some hostile NPCs firing at me; I assume the NPCs will be present in an actual DM match as well. 2. Co-op: Could not try this one out due to being the only one playing. I assume it's the single player story but with another player present tagging along.

Single player story is pretty cool, but it is very short. There seems to be a lack of story. A little voice over the radio telling me about the situation would have improved this so much.

It took me about 18 minutes to complete. It's like a preview at what Lone Echo is without the story/AI/narrative. But not as good. For the price (1.99) you can't really go wrong. Cool intro/demo for VR noobs.

I got to pumped that this game would be longer, It is great, i love walking around in 0g, grabbing stuff trying not to fall into empty space. meanwhile shooting at robots trying to kill me, But and here is the biggest negitive, its only 20mins gameplay, Comon guys, I want more, Give me more. :c I havent tried the multiplayer yet, but if the multiplayer is fun, this game might be worth the 10bucks, i just feel like i got hyped over nothing but a short expierence.

Wow... this was cool. I expected some decent VR space game and got a great atmospheric short story with very good gameplay and space feeling. Game is very short, so look out maybe for a bargain. I got it myself in a cheap bundle and have to say it is totally worth the price for me of the bundle in general. I can't wait for the story to continue. There was in this 20 minutes more or at least the same atmoshpere like in recent Space Games à la Prey, Dead Space or Alien Isolation, etc. Especially the end blows you away. I did not have any nausea or crashes of the game. Recommended short story. [i] Twitch Channel : https://www.twitch.tv/mrorange55 Youtube Channel : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1UE5TPoF0HX0HVpF_E4uPQ/videos?view_as=subscriber [/i]