Review: COLD VR
When COLD VR was initially unveiled and a demo was released during the Steam Next Fest, I didn’t pay much attention to it because I assumed it was just a basic imitation of SUPERHOT, which is still held in high esteem. However, as the release date drew closer and more details emerged, my curiosity began to grow. The real question is: does it attempt to emulate SUPERHOT?
Release Date: February 11th 2025
Developer: ALLWARE
Publisher: Perp Games
Price: TBC
Reviewed On: Meta Quest 3 with Link Cable
* Access Provided For Review *
Save Or Doom Humanity
You find yourself awakening in front of a massive screen, where an enthusiastic individual eagerly welcomes you. He quickly explains that ALLWARE has developed a simulation, and he requires your assistance to dismantle it. You are an avatar called One, created by him, with the incredible ability to slow down time and access weapons from every level. He attempted to alert others about the urgent need to shut it down, but now he’s turning to you for help. The question remains: will you be able to save humanity, or will you lead it to its downfall?
Keep Moving
In the game, you can definitely spot the strong influence of SUPERHOT throughout, as you manipulate time while defeating crystallized foes who will attack you with either melee strikes or firearms. The unique twist here is that time only slows down when you’re in motion; if you remain still, time resumes its normal pace.
When this is flipped around, you’ll be amazed at how dramatically it changes the game’s experience. This simple adjustment transforms your entire strategy for tackling levels in COLD VR. Unlike SUPERHOT, where you remain stationary, here you can’t plan your moves before you start physically moving. You’ll need to maintain a continuous flow of motion and make quick adjustments on the fly. If you lose that rhythm, your chances of survival drop significantly. This creates an exhilarating, action-packed atmosphere, reminiscent of a John Woo film, where you dodge bullets in slow motion and feel like a total badass.
Breaking apart these blue crystallized foes never loses its charm, especially when you watch them shatter in slow motion while you keep on the move. The programmer behind your creation will also introduce weapons throughout the levels for you to utilize. These come in the form of melee options or various types of firearms. This design allows for a mix of challenges in each level, meaning you won’t always have complete control over your approach. The downside to this setup is that some levels can become quite frustrating, as the difficulty can spike unexpectedly. You might find yourself with only melee weapons in a section where enemies are armed with guns, making progress feel more like a stroke of luck than a test of skill.
I was really taken aback by the number of backroom levels included in the game. We got a glimpse of one in the trailer, and I was surprised by how frequently they appeared. As a fan of VR horror, these experiences definitely keep you on your toes, and the jump scares can be quite effective. However, my main concern is that I’m not a huge fan of relying on jump scares to create tension, so they started to feel a bit repetitive. The team at ALLWARE did a great job by adding an option to skip these segments, which is perfect for those who enjoy COLD VR but may not be fans of horror in VR. Still, I believe it would have been better to have a full option to disable the backrooms altogether. Right now, the option pops up every time you encounter one, which disrupts the game’s flow.
Warning: Sensory Overload
Visually, COLD VR adopts a bold style with its vibrant colored environments infused with neon elements. This design effectively highlights the blue enemies, making them pop against the backdrop. While it can feel a bit overwhelming outside the backroom levels, the intensity of the visuals becomes even more pronounced after these darker sections—even for someone like me who usually isn’t sensitive to such effects. At times, the slow-motion movement against these backgrounds caused a slight strain on my eyes, but a few blinks quickly resolved that. It might be helpful to include an option to reduce the neon intensity, as it could be too much for some players. Nevertheless, the game looks fantastic, especially on the Quest 3’s pancake lenses, and aligns perfectly with its overall theme.
The story comes alive through these engaging live-action clips that are a joy to watch, thanks to the outstanding performance of the ALLWARE employee, who adds a fun element to the sequences. The recordings are of very high quality, enhancing the overall experience.
One aspect I really enjoy in COLD VR is the energetic techno music that plays throughout the game. It perfectly complements the thrill of battling against a rogue AI intent on world domination. The music creates an adrenaline rush reminiscent of the opening scene in Blade, as you fight your way through enemies. This dynamic soundscape, combined with the effects of smashing and gunfire, really elevates the visual experience of the game.
Comfort
The Verdict
COLD VR draws clear inspiration from SUPERHOT, yet it introduces a fresh vibe and perspective by simply flipping the time control mechanic. This shift transforms your gameplay approach, making it feel distinctively its own. You can no longer pause to evaluate the situation; instead, you must adapt on the go to maintain your momentum. One challenge I encountered during gameplay was the unpredictable difficulty spikes in certain levels, where the circumstances often felt more reliant on luck than skill. If you are sensitive to sensory overload, I recommend trying the demo first. For those seeking an action-packed, adrenaline-fueled experience that can be enjoyed in both short and long sessions, COLD VR is sure to satisfy your cravings.