Onward is a VR military simulation game that offers a tactical and immersive experience. Players engage in both player vs. player (PvP) and cooperative missions while utilizing realistic weapon mechanics. The game emphasizes teamwork and strategy, making it an intriguing proposition for those seeking a genuine military simulation experience in virtual reality.

Graphics
Onward’s graphics may not be its strongest point. Textures suffer from compression, dark rooms appear smeary and muddy, and level-of-detail (LOD) changes can be distracting. The lack of gun details and reflective materials further detract from the overall experience. Realistic art styles, when ported from PC hardware to the mobile VR platform, do not translate well. The Quest platform has set a standard for stripping back assets, compressing textures, and lowering poly counts, which one might expect from developers. However, the $25 USD price tag and the lack of cross-buy don’t align with the expected fidelity. It’s a higher-priced store title, and improvements are needed, even if that requires remaking every asset and changing the game’s art style on the Quest.

Despite its graphical shortcomings, the game manages to offer an enjoyable experience. Interactions feel tactical and immersive, whether it’s cooking a grenade, using night vision goggles, or reviving a fallen teammate with a syringe. While gun handling may not match up to some dedicated gun simulation games, it’s still satisfying. However, there are some inconsistencies in small-scale interactions that may require adjustments. The suppression system, although unconventional, adds a unique layer of challenge to the gameplay. It reduces your field of view when taking heavy fire, which can be polarizing among players but does contribute to the game’s tactical depth.
Gameplay
Onward offers an immersive and tactical gameplay experience, whether in PvP, cooperative play with friends, or solo missions. The game’s focus on realism sets it apart, with realistic weapon mechanics that require players to eject magazines, pull fresh ones from their webbing, and lock them in. Teamplay is crucial, and having a solid squad greatly enhances the experience. The weapons feel fairly realistic, making the game immersive for those who may not be military veterans. There is a unique suppression system that reduces your field of view when under heavy fire, which might be a peculiar choice in VR.

The slower and more methodical approach encouraged by Onward may differ from the faster-paced action of its competitors, such as Pavlov. Winning a round in Onward relies on communication and steady aim, offering a rewarding experience. The maps are well-designed for various tactical approaches, and their sizes are ideal for larger groups. However, for solo or co-op play, it’s recommended to stick to more enclosed levels like the Subway. Developers have plans to improve AI death animations, iron out bugs, add more maps from the PC version, and introduce a Workshop mode for user-generated content, promising longevity to the game’s appeal.

Longevity
Onward provides great replay value, especially when played with friends or a well-coordinated squad. The online multiplayer keeps players coming back for more, and even without a dedicated team, the game remains enjoyable. While there are some basic story missions, the game lacks a strong narrative. However, this doesn’t detract from the overall experience. It’s a high-level accessibility game, and players may need to get accustomed to VR controls and motion sickness. In terms of visuals, Onward’s graphics are fair, with room for improvement. The audio is excellent, with proximity chat adding to the immersive experience. Onward is a strategic and tactical VR shooter that delivers a solid gameplay experience, making it a recommended choice for those seeking a MilSim experience on the Oculus Quest 2.

Accessibility
Onward presents a challenge in terms of accessibility, warranting a high-level rating. It may not be the ideal choice for those new to VR, as it can induce motion sickness, particularly for players who haven’t yet acclimated to VR controls. However, once players become accustomed to the motion controllers and the VR environment, the game becomes more manageable, akin to learning how to ride a bike.
To make the most of the game, it’s beneficial to have a decent physical space to move around, as this facilitates taking cover and maneuvering around obstacles during gameplay. The realistic nature of the game means that players need to use their physical space effectively to maximize their in-game advantages. Despite its accessibility challenges, Onward’s engaging gameplay and tactical depth make it a worthwhile experience for those who are willing to invest the time in getting acclimated to VR gaming.
SCORE 7/10
Game Modes | Multiplayer, Co-op, Single user |
Supported Player Modes | Standing, Roomscale |
Supported Controllers | Touch controllers |
Supported Platforms | Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest Pro, Meta Quest 2 |
Category | Games |
Genres | Action, Shooting, Simulation |
Languages | English |
Version + Release Notes | 1.12.2 |
Developer | Downpour Interactive |
Website | https://www.downpourinteractive.com/ |
Release Date | 30 Jul 2020 |
Space Required | 4.66 GB |