The Umurangi generation feels more profound in VR

When we prepare to adapt a traditional game to VR, I always wonder if it is the right decision. Does it work in VR? Does it need to make that leap? Umurangi generation is an interesting experience of gradually becoming involved in a country and its situation, that is Generation Umurangi VR on the Meta Quest headset feels like an even bigger opportunity to witness life in this version of Tauranga Aotearoa.

You are a photographer for Tauranga Express. Instead of delivering packages, you take photos of certain situations for the company. New Zealand and the world are going through some of the same things you are. As a result, your mission and purpose gradually change. While the early stages may feel like you’re collecting photos for promotional material or to accompany more lighthearted scenes, you’ll gradually reach a point where who you are and what you’re doing matters. It may feel like it has more weight.

This means that Generation Umurangi VR handles storytelling and exploration in a very immersive way. You don’t talk to certain characters to learn about quests. No one shakes your hand to do your homework. You happen to live in a world that’s slowly turning to hell, and your role in taking notes will change the longer you play. It’s a great way to handle things. You are left to your own conclusions and devices. As a result, I feel like I can evaluate what’s going on, have my own feelings about them, and actually live through the experience.

Of course, way Generation Umurangi VR gameplay is also part of the reason why this photography sim feels right at home on the Meta Quest line of headsets. I appreciated how much realistic action in the game involved the same movements you would make in real life. For example, raise the camera to your face. Check everything off the list. Spray paint leaves your mark on the world. There are some very common movements here, with the help of immersion.

I was also a bit nervous going into the VR adaptation, as some light platforming was needed to achieve certain goals in the original. Umurangi generation. While there are bonuses on certain stages that seem more difficult in the VR version, starting from Stage 5 it generally works quite well. I was especially impressed that I never felt motion sickness while traveling through the areas.

While Generation Umurangi VR handles the VR experience very well but there are still some awkward things. I found it impossible to take screenshots on Meta Quest 3, which is sad because it’s a photography game. Some controls aren’t as intuitive as you might expect. Taking a photo is extremely easy. Others actually require you to learn how to play, and the tutorial is actually mandatory instead of optional.

There are some strange situations in there Generation Umurangi VR unregistered, I shot accurately. This requires me to constantly rearrange and try to get images for the task. It occurs in a phase involving feathers. In another case, it will not recognize the word “mix” on the tape. Since some stages only have one instance of a particular request occur, it’s a bit annoying. Especially since I didn’t encounter such problems in the original release.

Umurangi generation is a game that has never been subtle about its message and has always conveyed it well through the experience, but playing it in VR on Meta Quest 3 makes it all the more effective. Exploring the world firsthand and encountering both its beauty and horror is incredible. Especially since the transition from the original game to VR goes very well and has no downsides like motion sickness. I liked this approach and felt it was an essential Meta Quest experience.

Generation Umurangi VR To be available on Meta Quest 2, 3, Pro and PlayStation VR 2 earphone.