Desert Storm in the TrueVR test

What do you think happens when you let someone with a phobia of guns play a player vs. player shooter in VR? We found out this and more when we tested Desert Storm at TrueVR Center in Dietlikon.

"I only know poor man's Sims in VR" is what my colleague says when I ask her if she would like to test a VR game in a centre. She has only had one business case VR experience so far, where she was able to furnish and redesign a flat.

We are on the sofa in the entrance area of the TrueVR Centers with the owner, Philip Lacoste. During the conversation, we quickly realise that we are in for an experience of a special kind. I have a phobia of guns," says my colleague when the word "shooter" is mentioned. Oh, well that could be fun, because: Desert Storm, the game to be tested, is best suited for shooters and action fans who like to duel. "I don't have any ambition at all in a game to win." After a short discussion, we are fortunately able to put the word phobia into perspective, so that we can finally test the game together without hesitation.

For a gentle introduction, Philip decides to let us play the Diamond Skull first. My Test to this experience was quite some time ago. I still have a few solutions left so that we can get through the adventure quickly. I enjoyed it despite the repetition and my colleague also liked the gameplay and graphics. So I can still recommend it!

And off goes the test

After a short breather, we continue. Philip hands us the "real", or physical, weapons and explains how to shoot and reload. The game Desert Storm is the second generation of the competitive player vs. player shooter from TrueVR. We have already played the first one, Showdown, in the Fusion Arena in Zurich in view of the e-sport event at the time. tested.

The shooter Desert Storm, which is still in the public beta phase, is about the battle between two rival groups that takes place over three different parts of the city. So the principle of the shooter is the same as in Showdown; but the location seems more twisted and complex to me, and the number of different weapons is also greater. It's definitely an entertaining game if you like dueling....

My opponent, however, says openly and honestly: "I really don't want to badmouth the game. I can imagine that many people think it's really cool, but it doesn't mean anything to me. I take the liberty of mercilessly shooting her a few times. When the question comes up, "Can I also kill myself?" Philip releases the suicidal woman and beams us to the next level. Although my colleague doesn't really like it, we play through all 3 levels briefly. At the end, we climb into the helicopter together, which circles over the camp and offers a great view. Even though the hunting instinct and being hunted have no place in this round, it was still fun somehow.

Philip takes it very calmly that there are no storms of enthusiasm here. After all, the Diamond Skull was convincing and he has probably already met the first customer who would be available for a gnarly horror game. "I would find that mega cool," says my colleague. To each his own (and for me, mostly everything 😉 - at least in the test).

What's going on in the world of TrueVR

When asked what else is going on in the world of TrueVR System, Philip reports that they are continuing to expand. Recently, there is a huge centre in Las Vegas where up to 20 players can play at the same time. But also in Italy in Milano and in Germany in Waldhut, one centre each has been added. In Baden-Württemberg, the VR police training is also being launched. Zurich police train. As always, further talks are already underway, of which one centre in the UK has already been confirmed.

When asked what other games are planned, Philip says: "A small version of Desert Storm is being planned, which will be more like a sniper battle. That should be launched this year." Unleashed is also planned for next year - depending on how the pandemic goes. It is a horror shooter that will again be played cooperatively. In the adventure sector, a game is coming out with the project name "Forgotten Tomb", in which the players take on the role of burglars. The goal is to break into an old mansion to steal something. Sounds exciting! We'll definitely be back.

Key data for Desert Storm
Playing time: approx. 20 minutes
Duration of stay: approx. 40 minutes
Minimum age: 14 years
Number of participants: 2-4 (optionally 5)
Costs: 180.- / round

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