Review: DodgeCraft
One fantastic application of Virtual Reality is its ability to provide immersive fitness games, making the experience far more enjoyable than just watching on a flat screen. DodgeCraft, developed by INCISIV, the creators of CleanSheet Football, marks their venture into the fitness gaming world. But the real question is: does it have what it takes to become a part of your fitness routine?
Release Date: December 9th 2024
Developer: INCISIV Ltd
Publisher: INCISIV Ltd
Price: £10.99
Reviewed On: Meta Quest 3
* Access Provided For Review *
Pick Your Preferred Style
DodgeCraft features two exciting game modes: one where you can test your dodging skills and another that challenges you to defend your territory by outmaneuvering your opponents. Having these two modes adds a lot of variety to the game, as each offers a unique way to engage and get a different kind of workout.
Dodge’Em is exactly what you’d anticipate. In this mode, you have a designated play area where you can shift left and right to avoid incoming asteroids. While it may seem straightforward at first, as you progress through the rounds, the challenge ramps up significantly, providing an excellent workout. You’ll find yourself moving, squatting, and positioning your body in ways you might not have thought possible. At the conclusion of each round, a drone will appear and launch small orbs your way. The key is to keep moving to dodge its incoming attacks. Additionally, the hit-boxes in this mode are quite precise, so you won’t get away with any careless moves. In this mode, you’ll encounter asteroids featuring green cores that you can grab and toss into the tubes on either side, introducing an extra layer of fun to the game.
Run the Gauntlet, again presents a straightforward concept that quickly escalates in difficulty – and it’s my favorite mode. In this mode, you remain relatively stationary, tasked with defending your designated area and a gate behind you from waves of robots and holograms. Similar to the other mode, as you advance through the rounds, the challenge intensifies significantly. The goal here is to fend off your opponents as they charge at you, using shoves, punches, and grabs to prevent them from getting past. This mode features five different types of robots, including one that assists you by providing a mallet to strike your foes. Additionally, you’ll encounter bombs that you need to catch; if successful, you can hurl them at the approaching robots. Each robot has its unique movement patterns: one moves a bit slower, a drone that requires a headshot, a more human-like robot that tries to outmaneuver you with quick direction changes, and a hologram that dodges while you aim to grab the baton on its waist.
In both modes, you’ll begin with a specific number of lives. Each time an asteroid collides with you or a robot slips past, you’ll lose a life orb. This is where the green core and batons become important. Collecting orbs and grabbing batons will help refill your life bar, bringing you closer to restoring a full orb. This gives you a better chance to continue your run and burn more calories!
One of the great features of the game is the ability to customise your playspace size. It automatically adjusts to the maximum dimensions based on your boundary setup, and you can easily reduce it in the options. I opted for a medium size to avoid bumping into my walls. It’s refreshing to see a team that prioritises playspace settings like this, allowing you to tailor the experience to your needs and eliminating the concern of colliding with walls while trying to maneuver.
Immersive Workout
The visuals in the game are quite appealing, as each mode features a uniquely designed arena that, while somewhat straightforward, complements the fitness aspect effectively. In Dodge’Em, the asteroids stand out clearly against the arenas, and the same goes for Run the Gauntlet, where the robots are easily distinguishable from the backdrop. Each robot and hologram boasts a distinct design, ensuring players can quickly identify the strategies they need to employ.
In fitness games, having the right audio is crucial for maintaining your energy levels. Even if the game doesn’t feature any popular licensed tracks that are great for workouts, the original music is still motivating enough to keep you moving. Additionally, you’ll hear sound effects when you’re hit by androids, as well as noises when you push or punch the robots. These elements are all you need to stay engaged and focused during your workout.
It also features a mixed reality mode, which, similar to other fitness games, serves more as an extra option rather than fully showcasing the potential of MR. In Dodge’Em, it creates an opening in your wall, allowing asteroids and drones to emerge into your play area. Run the Gauntlet broadens your perspective of the arena, seamlessly integrating it with the play grid beneath your feet. A notable advantage of the MR mode is that it lets you see your own space, helping you avoid getting too close to the walls. This is especially useful for those with family, kids, or pets, as it allows you to be aware if your play area is being encroached upon.
Comfort
The Verdict
DodgeCraft offers a fantastic way to combine fitness with gaming, featuring two exciting modes where you can dodge asteroids or shove robots as they try to reach your gate. While both modes are enjoyable, I found myself leaning more towards Run the Gauntlet after making good progress in Dodge’Em. My biggest worry about DodgeCraft is whether it will maintain players’ interest over time, especially when compared to other fitness apps available. Nevertheless, at its price point, it’s definitely worth a try, even if it ends up being just a part of your VR fitness routine rather than the main focus.