Viveport Review: SUPERHOT VR

Bullet time takes the forefront in this striking and unique virtual reality experience.

By Joshua Hawkins, Greenlit Content

The idea behind SUPERHOT is simple. Time stands still until you start moving, at which point all the threats around you become active, moving in on you. It’s a game that forces you to think on your toes and stay ten steps ahead of the action. When SUPERHOT originally released, it turned the idea of bullet time—the slow-motion, matrix-like movement system—directly on its head, forcing players to instead think about what their actions meant, how they would react to the world around them, and how to anticipate what might come next. The game itself was a hit, quickly pulling in a following of its own without any big issues.

Now that SUPERHOT has made its way to virtual reality, the frustrating yet satisfying experience of dodging bullets and anticipating what might come next is even better. Sure, it’s a bit confusing at times—trying to move your head around and see what is behind you, only to have your head explode as a bullet or object you didn’t see strikes you—but overall the game has created a distinguished and amazing experience that really continues to draw you back in.

In SUPERHOT VR, you take on the role of an unnamed person who must fight against an army of glass men trying to kill them. In order to make moves on your enemies—you can punch, shoot, stab, or even throw objects at them to destroy them—you’ll need to make them move too, as time begins to roll forward each time you make even the slightest movement. It’s a catch-22 of sorts, but one that you’ll need to learn to use to your advantage.

The real shine of the game comes in these sticky situations. From dodging to the side at the last second, catching a gun as it falls from the hand of a now-shattered enemy, or even ducking behind cover as a hail of incoming rounds dash over your head, SUPERHOT VR offers a unique experience that has yet to be duplicated in non-VR or VR gaming, and honestly, it’s probably one of the best virtual reality experiences I’ve had a chance to get addicted to.

With that in mind, SUPERHOT VR is a tough game to master. Not only is the game demanding on the mental side of things—forcing you to think ten steps ahead and determine what you need to do next to survive—but it’s also quit a physical game, as you’ll need to be able to bend behind cover, duck to the side, and even jump out of the way of incoming rounds. You’ll want to ensure you have enough room to work with here, and while you can do it with standing room only, you’ll want plenty of space around you to keep from hitting things.

Altogether, SUPERHOT VR is one of the hottest games in virtual reality right now. The feeling of success that comes with each completed level and the overall way that the game forces you to stay on your toes—both physically and mentally—is something that few other titles have managed to do. It’s definitely at the top of the list for my most loved virtual reality games, and if you haven’t tried it out yet, then I highly recommend picking it up as soon as possible to get a taste of this unique and innovative world.

SUPERHOT VR is available on Viveport.