While Fracked may feel somewhat dated compared to more recent VR shooters, it still offers plenty of fun for players looking for an adrenaline rush
Fracked has made the jump to Quest, bringing its fast-paced action to standalone VR. I did not experience the game when it first released on PSVR, so I was pretty excited to blast my way through the campaign.
Jumping into the boots—and skis—of an unnamed hero, the story sets you up to fight back against an interdimensional threat invading a remote mountain fracking facility. It's a thin plot device to string the levels together, but Fracked wisely focuses on what it does best: action-packed combat.
Now, before we delve a little deeper into the gameplay, there's one major thing we need to keep in mind. The game originally came out in 2021 on PSVR, and when you consider the limitations of that platform, plus its release date, Fracked feels like a product of its time. Since then, VR shooters have evolved quite a lot in how they handle weapon handling, reloading, holstering, the freedom of movement, and how immersive all of that can feel.
The gunplay in Fracked feels crisp, with punchy weapon animations that really sell the impact. On the other hand, it's very simplistic. There's no holstering system; the guns are just glued to your hands, and tapping a button switches between the pistol and the SMG, which you get later in the game. Apart from these two main weapons, there are also special weapons like magnums, shotguns, and noob tubes that appear in the levels to turn the tide, though I wish they stayed a bit longer. Reloading is simplified as you insert the clip and pull the slide. It's not as immersive as we've seen in recent games where you can pull out the empty clip from the gun, get a new one from your waist, slide it in, and rack the slide. It still works, though, and when you consider the high pace of the action, it kinda makes sense.
You will shoot a lot of "fracked" enemies in this game, and I do mean a lot. You can take cover behind objects and use your free hand to grab and pull yourself in and out of cover, and I really quite like that cover mechanic. Enemies will generally rush you, and if you are not quick at eliminating them, they will hurt you.
Movement is handled smoothly with smooth locomotion, and I never felt any sort of motion sickness. However, the lack of a jump button or the ability to just fall down from small ledges kinda breaks the immersion. Apart from running and gunning on foot, there are also some exhilarating ski segments where you fend off pursuers on snowbikes, making you feel like you're in that scene from "Inception."
However, how you actually control the skis by tilting your entire head doesn't feel right, as it is not precise, and I believe there's some sort of issue with how your Quest is centered. A better way to handle the skis' movement would have been by waving your free hand, in my opinion. And when you are not shooting guys on foot or on your skis, you will be climbing stuff, and it's pretty much the usual VR climbing mechanic. It is simple, it works, and I really like it a lot.
Fracked excels in creating a visually stunning world that feels both dangerous and inviting. The art style is bold and colorful, with a cel-shaded comic-book aesthetic that gives the game a unique visual identity. The snowy mountains and the abandoned industrial facilities are all beautifully realized, providing a sense of place that draws you into the game's world. The visual design is complemented by excellent use of lighting and particle effects, which enhance the atmosphere and make the environments feel alive. Sound design plays a vital role in the game's presentation. The music is dynamic, rising to a crescendo during action scenes and fading into the background during quieter moments.
In conclusion, Fracked delivers a solid albeit fairly short, action-packed VR experience with fast-paced combat and visually striking environments. While the game may feel somewhat dated compared to more recent VR shooters, it still offers plenty of fun for players looking for an adrenaline rush. Despite some limitations in its mechanics and immersion, the game's strong sense of style and engaging gameplay make it worth checking out for fans of the genre. I strongly recommend Fracked. Thanks for reading!
The game was previewed on a Quest 3 via a promo copy provided by the developers. Fracked is available on Meta Quest, Meta Rift, PSVR, Vive and PCVR.
