The clever dual-robot mechanic set Poly Ego apart from other VR puzzle games
Poly Ego emerges as a delightful surprise in the VR puzzle genre, bringing clever mechanical twists to familiar puzzle-solving concepts. While it might start deceptively simple, this Early Access title quickly evolves into an engaging brain-teaser that makes excellent use of virtual reality's unique capabilities.
At its core, Poly Ego follows in the footsteps of classic first-person puzzle games like Portal or The Talos Principle, setting you loose in a series of test chambers filled with various interactive elements. You'll encounter the usual suspects: cubes that need moving, lasers requiring redirection, and pressure plates waiting to be activated. However, what sets this game apart is its innovative dual-robot mechanic that transforms these familiar elements into fresh challenges.
The game eases you in gently, perhaps too gently for experienced puzzle gamers. The opening levels present basic concepts that might have you wondering if there's more depth to come. Rest assured, there is. The real magic happens when the game introduces its signature mechanic: a second robot that you can either directly possess or control from a distance. This addition fundamentally changes the puzzle-solving dynamic and opens up a whole new realm of possibilities.
The dual-robot system creates fascinating scenarios where you must think about spatial relationships and timing in entirely new ways. You might need to coordinate the movements of both robots, using one to hold a position while the other completes a sequence of actions. The ability to switch between first-person control and remote manipulation of your robotic partner adds an extra layer of strategy to each puzzle. It's particularly satisfying when you figure out the precise choreography needed to guide both robots through a complex solution.
Puzzles escalate in complexity at a well-measured pace. You'll graduate from simple box-pushing exercises to intricate sequences involving multiple elements - redirecting lasers while your partner robot navigates hazards, coordinating precise timing through portals, and managing multiple pressure plates simultaneously. The difficulty curve feels natural, with each new challenge building upon previously learned concepts while introducing fresh wrinkles to consider.
However, there is one significant issue that currently hampers the experience: the physics interaction between your virtual body and the puzzle elements. The collision detection can be overly sensitive, causing boxes and other objects to go flying with even the slightest accidental touch. This becomes particularly frustrating when you're trying to make precise adjustments to box positions or laser alignments. A gentle bump can send your carefully placed cube skittering across the room, forcing you to reset your progress. For a game that often requires precise object placement, this oversensitive physics system can lead to unnecessary frustration.
Given that Poly Ego is in Early Access, there's hope that this physics issue will be addressed in future updates. The foundation is solid, and the core puzzle design shows great promise. The dual-robot mechanic in particular feels fresh and well-implemented, offering plenty of room for even more creative puzzle scenarios in future content updates.
The game's presentation opts for a clean, minimalist aesthetic that serves its purpose well. The environments are clearly readable, which is crucial for a puzzle game where spatial awareness and object relationships are key. While the visuals won't push your Quest 3's capabilities to their limits, they create a focused, distraction-free space for puzzle-solving. The sterile test chamber environment might feel familiar to genre fans, but it works effectively within the game's context.
As an Early Access title, Poly Ego shows remarkable potential. The clever dual-robot mechanic sets it apart from other VR puzzle games, and the well-designed difficulty progression keeps players engaged without becoming overwhelming. While the oversensitive physics system currently detracts from the experience, the core gameplay loop is strong enough to make the game worth recommending to puzzle enthusiasts.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how the developers build upon this foundation. For now, Poly Ego stands as a promising entry in the VR puzzle genre, offering a fresh take on familiar concepts while making smart use of virtual reality's unique capabilities. Give it a try. Thanks for reading!
The game was reviewed on a Quest 3 via a promo copy provided by the developer. Poly Ego is available on Meta Quest, Rift and Steam VR.
