If you had the chance to think of something so comical and so over the top, how fast would you share it with others? Would you even think about those that you might possibly offend or would you unleash your creativity and just embrace it all? But does the creation from the mind of Justin Roiland and Developer Squanch Games help break the barrier of comedic platform adventure awesomeness? The answer is yes in every way. Let’s find out more with Trover Saves the Universe for the PlayStation VR.
Before we get into this and before you let someone with sensitive ears who might happen to repeat such things, you have a strong parental/guardian decision to make. Do you want language or do you want things to be censored (as if that matters)? I will say that any video in this review will probably contain language and/or adult humor and proceeding to watch so said videos show that you are or at least appear to be responsible enough and any result of watching these videos will not be the fault (or held liable) of myself, The PlayStation Brahs, Squanch Games, Justin Roiland, and or the universe. With that said and with that knowledge, it’s time to save the universe.
So what is Trover Saves the Universe all about and what do you do? Well, as we start out it seems that the no eyes evilness that is Glorkon has decided to take your dogs and stuff them into his eyes like it was some peg puzzle for toddlers all while trying to enjoy your day holding a DualShock 4 controller with a pretty cool color scheme (Squanch Games needs to get these into production). Then while minding your own business, your soon to learn partner, Trover barges in your house demanding that you go with him while insulting your dogs all because of Glorkon’s greed and your dog’s essence are destroying the universe. So it will be up to you and your purple monster of a hero, Trover, to do what you can while you try and save the universe and then try to cleanse your soul and ears from the language and mature humor. So in other words, forget what you think you may know, expect the unexpected, get ready to laugh and fix the wrong as you and Trover try and save the universe. Got it? Good…let’s continue.
With the DualShock 4 controller, you will be controlling Trover as he moves around and fights enemies with his saber-like sword because you are sitting in your chair with your DualShock 4 because you are a Chairopian (I promise it makes sense once you start playing). Now, Trover can only go so far before the withdraws hit, so the beams of lights called Warp Nodes from the ground is how you get to move around. If the Warp Nodes are the light blue, you may enter them and hit R2, but if they are red, that means that there is something where either a puzzle of sorts needs to be solved or something just needs to be accomplished. But sometimes you may need to get to higher ground in order to see where Trover may need to go, luckily you are able to raise and lower yourself within this adventure. But do not mistake Trover for as a simple sidekick as you are both partners regardless of how Trover feels about it and Trover along with every enemy and supporting character you come across will speak their mind in many colorful ways and have no problem pointing your faults out. But what I love is how Trover Saves the Universe will make fun of itself, the Developers, and many other references and does not hold anything back.
But you would not be satisfied with just jumping and slashing, OK a lot of people would, but the Developers wanted to give you more and add the ability for you and Trover to get upgraded and upgraded you will be. From Trover being able to roll and dodge, some gliding, and even double jumping as you will be upgraded with the ability to pick up objects, move, and throwing them with the D-pad (yes, you can throw things and the characters you meet and they will verbally be happy to let you know of how it makes them feel). With the upgraded abilities, you will need to use them to help Trover accomplish what he needs to such as moving blocks to get to new heights or throwing objects to help destroy enemies. The abilities, all though not new, do work really well here in Trover Saves the Universe as well in VR.
As you travel the universe and meeting new and interesting characters, I again must state that the humor can come out of nowhere but if your open and not easily offended when it comes to over the top humor, you will be in for some good times and great laughter. Each part of the universe that you visit, you will see green power babies that you will want to try to collect and Trover will not hesitate to tell you that there are more to collect and by collecting them all, there is something special waiting for you. So do yourself a favor, and try to collect them all.
Trover Saves the Universe is colorful and is a pretty detailed vibrant universe. I love the splash of colors that are used on the backgrounds and shows this artistic side that made me happy seeing it in VR or even in non-VR, but really shines in VR. The different characters come alive as well as the different types of enemies you encounter. The game music is at just the right level and doesn’t take away from the dialog which at times, seems to be at the right amount, but it’s when it gets turned up to the next level and the insults start to fly that had me laughing out loud.
There are just a few minor things I believe that some would appreciate. For one is the camera fixed camera view allowing only Trover to move so far before having to use the Warp Node, but in no time at all, I was used to it. The other would be the wanting of more content. When I was in this universe and embracing all the humor, I didn’t want to end. But the good news is that free DLC is coming and that is a really good thing.
Sometimes when you have had a long day as it may be from work or just whatever life throws at you, it’s nice to come home to escape in Virtual Reality. But to be able to escape in an adventure with comedy thrown right at you and smears it all in your face the way that Trover Saves the Universe does, it is something that should not be missed.
Trover Saves the Universe is out now on PlayStation VR and is also available on the Oculus Store, Steam, and the Epic Games Store. A review code was provided.
To learn more about Squanch Games, please visit their site, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, follow them on Instagram, and subscribe to their YouTube channel. To learn more about Justin Roiland, make sure you follow him on Twitter.
In case you missed the trailer, please enjoy. Until next time, I am going to go and enjoy more humor.
Mr. PSVR, June 5, 2019, theplaystationbrahs.com