Have you ever wondered what it would be like in space? Maybe working on a space station? The views alone would be so breathtaking that you would just have to stop and admire the beauty from above. I know I have thought about it and dreamed about what it would be like with no gravity and be able to float. It would be truly amazing. But then I cannot help sometimes start to wonder if I was up in space and floating, how I would react with thrusters on me. I always knew someday that we may not all get to experience weightlessness in space, but that someday Virtual Reality would allow us to experience this feeling. So does Anshar Studios finally allow all of us the opportunity to explore space in our own homes? Let’s find out with Detached for the PlayStation VR.
“Warning! This is an extreme VR experience that simulates sudden and dramatic acceleration, freefalling, twisting and rolling. It is not for VR-sensitive players.”
I wanted to talk about this first before going any further. Please read the above warning, understand the above warning, and repeat. I want to stress this as you will get a sense of moving through space in a way that you may not be used to and the most important thing is to have the most pleasurable experience in VR. So with that said, let’s continue.
I also want to say that for Detached it might be best to start with the tutorial. This way getting used to the controls along experiencing no gravity will help ease things a bit. And just because you think you have the hang of it in the tutorial…finish it. I am just looking out for you. So let’s see…we understand the warning and completed our space training. Yep, it is time to start Detached. Oh one last thing, how real do you want this to get? You have three settings to select from; Arcade, Astronaut, and Simulation. So once you pick your poison, now it’s time to start the fun.
I will say that the beauty of space while floating is everything I hoped it to be. The way the lights hit off the objects really shows the amount of detail and time Anshar Studios has put into Detached and I wouldn’t change anything about it.
But you might be asking what is Detached about. In short, it is about survival. Anshar Studios is giving us free roam to float and thrust our way through space. But there is a catch that goes with this freedom…oxygen, fuel, and your suit. Let me explain. There are no directions and there is nobody telling you exactly where to go. Sure you have a marker of sorts, but that is not necessarily the destination you will able to get to. What if you run out of fuel or oxygen before you get there? Or worse, an asteroid hits you and your suit gets damaged or your face shield cracks? It’s not fun and I am telling from experience that there are some mean asteroids out in space and they hurt.
Your job is survival and you will need to do this if you want to live. You will need to explore different parts of the station (wherever they may be) and look for extra oxygen and fuel. But I promise if you stick with it, put in the time and enjoy the views it will all be worth it. Plus when you add in shields, puzzles, speed, and rockets you will sure to be in for a good time. The puzzles may not be tough for some, but when you add the movement controls of your suit into the mix, it can add to the challenge.
I want to talk about the sound for a moment. The music really fits in with how Detached is presented. The music is not overbearing, not too punchy, but just the right amount of high and lows. Sometimes the music may overshadow the gameplay or commentary, but here it as the right level. the only thing that could possibly be out of place maybe your own thoughts as you try and make it out in space.
Detached is not your normal gaming experience. There are no weapons, no enemies trying to attack you. It is just you the cold, dark place of space. Anshar Studios does something here that you may not normally see. Sure there are risks every single day, but to take the risk of bringing what very may well be the exact experience of being weightlessness in space and bringing the danger of being out there alone, with limited supplies, and facing what could be the end as we know it. And even with the warning at the beginning that Ansar Studios has placed, I respect the chance they took and appreciate for allowing me to have my wonders finally answered and for allowing me the ability to just be able to spin in space.
Detached is out now on PlayStation VR and is also available on the Oculus Store and Steam. A review code was provided.
Also, check out the interview with Jakub Kwinta of Anshar Studios.
To learn more about Detached, please visit the site, like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. To learn more about Anshar Studios, please visit their site, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, follow them on Instagram, and subscribe to their YouTube channel.
In case you missed the trailer, please enjoy. Until next time, I have more space to explore.
Mr. PSVR, July 31, 2018, theplaystationbrahs.com