When life gets busy, we all could use some time to just sit back and relax. Some people enjoy reading, being outside, or even just being around family. Being able to take some time for yourself or engaging with those around you is all that is needed. We all have our ways to have that feeling of calmness in our lives, even if it might be in short bursts. So does developer Waysun provide such an opportunity to relax in an almost therapeutic type of way? Let’s find out with Olly Power Play for the Quest 2
Olly Power Play is a target-based throwing game with over 150 levels that can challenge you in a variety of ways as you smash apples, pears, yumberries, and more to achieve the highest score possible all while set on a breathtaking island. So before you venture and start throwing fruit like there is no tomorrow, there are a few things you will want to be aware of. First, make sure your controllers are charged. You don’t want to get so close to getting a new high score that the throwing that you are doing doesn’t bring you any points because you forgot to charge the controllers. Second, make sure you have some room. Since you will be throwing, you don’t want to hit a wall, monitor, or even a person or animal. So be careful and be aware of your surroundings. Third, use those wrist straps. Trust me, you don’t want to be throwing and have your controller hit something or someone. In fact, put a sign that says enter at your own risk if you don’t add a sign or at least a verbal warning of some sort. And finally, just have some fun. With all that said, let’s continue…
In Olly Power Play, the object of the game is to throw fruit at the different targets in the allotted time, in hopes, of getting the highest score possible. But it’s just not you out there all alone on this island, you have your new friend Olly the Ox. He’s energetic, happy, and best yet, supportive. Of course, the targets start out simple and get more challenging as you start to unlock stages which is part of the fun to see what will come next. There are three modes and they are named Paradise Pitch, Rocky Blockers, and Fruit Frenzy. Right from the beginning, you do have the option to play solo or party mode where you would hand over the Quest 2 headset to see if they can beat your score. And speaking of scores, you also have the option to have online scores enabled and we all know we will do what we can to reach that top score.
In Paradise Pitch, the concept is simple. You throw fruit to smash the targets and try to earn the highest score possible.
In Rocky Blockers, a new challenge is set as you try and complete the rugged levels with new things to get in your way.
And in Fruit Frenzy, you get to test your speed and accuracy as you try to throw as fast as possible, and to win, you need to receive the lowest score. And after each round from any mode, your score is added up, you see how many stars you received, and hopefully, you have accomplished to move on and start unlocking the next stage.
Let’s talk about the graphics and sound. The graphics look really good. There were times I was just looking at the different details of the fruit but of the atmosphere. From Olly encouraging you on to giving hoof bumps to even being able to throw fruit over the targets and see if the fruit would actually end up in the water and see if it would make a splash and not because my aim was off. Nope, my aim was perfect, I just had to test the water. Yes, the real reason behind my actions. As far as the sound that is fun and simple and even with the kind words from Olly, nothing was overly barring that would be a distraction and just mixed in with the environment as a whole.
There are a few things that I would love to see added here. For one, I would love to see other modes added down the line. Maybe one to have the targets on barrels and hit the targets or try and get fruit into different objects, for example. Another thing I would love to see here is some type of online multi-player where you and another player or players could have a game of Tic Tac Toe or other games and just socially interact with each other. And lastly, more accessible locations on the island. Looking around as you are throwing the fruit, there are other parts that I wanted to visit and I am sure Olly knows how to get to them, he just wouldn’t talk about it.
Olly Power Play gives us a chance to just break free from everyday life, even in short bursts. It allows anyone of any age to get in there to their inner youth come out and play as well as know that children can play without parents having to worry. And in life, couldn’t we all use fewer things to worry about?
Olly Power Play is out now for the Quest 2 via Oculus App Lab on the Oculus Store. A review code was provided.
To learn more about Waysun, please visit their site, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, and subscribe to their YouTube Channel. To learn more from Olly the Ox, make sure to like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
In case you missed the trailer, please enjoy. Until next time, I have more stages to unlock and higher scores to achieve.
