Onward for Windows

VR military sim for PC

Onward is a premium action game for PC developed by Downpour Interactive. It is a military-themed first-person VR shooter that features realistic combat mechanics. It can be played in solo or co-op modes across multiple locations and in various tactical situations.

Just like with Crisis VRigade or Bravo Team PS VR, Onward's battles revolve around immersive tactical missions through the power of virtual reality technology. Players must rely on communication and coordination with their teammates to properly execute specific objectives to succeed and win against enemies.

How is it played?

VR gaming has been gaining popularity in recent years. If you have any kind of passing interest in this fast-emerging technology, you've probably heard of Onward, a game that has generated a fair bit of buzz due to its realistic gunplay and combat situations. Couple that with some of today's capable VR headsets and gaming rigs, and you have quite an intriguing title that is worth a look here.

Unlike most fast-paced, action-oriented shooters today, there are no crosshairs or mini-maps to help you during gunfights in this game. Instead, it encourages you to rely on communicating and coordinating with your squad to accomplish missions and objectives and take down enemies with precision. Pair that with intricate gun mechanics and nice-looking graphics, and you get a compelling and immersive VR experience in your hands.

If you've played the original PC version, though, you'll have qualms with how the VR port ended up becoming. The most apparent hit is with graphics, with the game just not looking particularly nice. Textures are rough, detail is sorely lacking, and there are constant pop-ins throughout. Being in Early Access, these concerns might get addressed, but as of this writing, they detract from the overall experience.

Not quite the same experience

Overall, the VR port for Onward is a decent effort in bringing the realistic experience that the PC version offered to the more immersive realm of VR gaming. Plenty of aspects that made the original great have made their way here, and playing it with a headset brings a whole new depth to the gameplay. If you don't mind the hit in visual fidelity, this is still worth checking out.