Strike Rush Review

The core gameplay deserves better than its current ghost town status, but as it stands, you're essentially paying for a multiplayer game you can't properly play

Strike Rush launched in April 2024 as an ambitious team-based VR shooter for Meta Quest headsets, promising fast-paced 4v4 action with unique characters, AI companions, and varied game modes. After its recent Season 2 update, I spent considerable time with the game to see how it holds up on Quest 3.

The game takes place across several distinct environments, from the traditional Korean cityscape of Seorabeol to the multi-layered B-13 Laboratory. Each map features thoughtful design with multiple pathways, vantage points, and strategic opportunities. The visual presentation on Quest 3 is clean and vibrant, with character models that are well-detailed and easily distinguishable. The UI also received a complete overhaul in Season 2, making menu navigation more intuitive and visually appealing. The developers clearly put effort into creating an accessible and polished interface that matches the game's action-oriented nature.

At its core, Strike Rush is clearly inspired by hero shooters like Overwatch. You can select from a roster of characters called Blitzers, each with unique abilities and playstyles. The game's standout feature is the Blitzmon system - AI companions that fight alongside players. These can be directed to attack, defend, or provide support, adding an extra layer of strategy to matches. Another interesting mechanic is the Colossus, a pilotable mech that provides a powerful advantage when controlled effectively.

The gunplay feels OK, appropriate for the type of VR shooter Strike Rush aims to be, with weapons providing adequate feedback in VR. The three default weapons, the SMG, AR and shotgun, are all serviceable and you can basically one hand them as they have no recoil whatsoever. Weapon pickups are also a thing though here as you can find some more powerful weapons that pack an even bigger punch around the maps like a sniper rifle or a rocket launcher. Movement in VR is smooth and comfortable, with standard options for both teleportation and free locomotion. The game handles vertical movement well, particularly important in multi-layered maps like B-13 Laboratory.

Unfortunately, Strike Rush suffers from a critical issue that undermines its potential - there's virtually no active player base. Despite multiple attempts at different times of day, during the weekends and even after a major 90% discount, finding other players for online matches proved impossible. This is particularly disappointing because the core gameplay systems show promise for engaging team-based combat.

With online matchmaking essentially non-existent, you are left with two options: daily single-player missions or matches against AI bots. The single-player missions take place in somewhat basic arenas that feel unfinished compared to the main multiplayer maps, and their difficulty can be surprisingly challenging. Bot matches on the other hand, while functional, quickly become repetitive and fail to capture the dynamic nature of player-versus-player combat.

At its current price point of $20, Strike Rush is impossible to recommend. While the game has solid fundamentals and interesting mechanics, the lack of an active player base effectively reduces it to a bot-fighting simulator. The recent Season 2 update added substantial content and quality-of-life improvements, but without other players to enjoy it with, much of this content goes to waste.

Strike Rush could potentially find new life as a free-to-play title, which might help build the critical mass of players needed for a multiplayer-focused game. The foundation is there - good map design, interesting character abilities, and unique mechanics like the Blitzmon system could make for engaging matches if there were actually people to play against. If you're interested in Strike Rush, I'd recommend waiting to see if it transitions to a free-to-play model or manages to build a player base through other means. The core gameplay deserves better than its current ghost town status, but as it stands, you're essentially paying for a multiplayer game you can't properly play. Thanks for reading!

The game was reviewed on a Quest 3 via a promo copy provided by the developers. Strike Rush is available on Meta Quest.