Devolver Digital is one of the most interesting video game publishers, what they do is unique and usually has great humor. Every year they publish a small handful of fantastic indie games. So when I heard they were doing something for the PS VR2 launch, I had to give Tentacular a try.
Publisher & Developer // Devolver Digital & Firepunchd
Platforms // PS VR2, PICO, Steam VR, Meta Quest
MSRP & Release Date // $24.99 & Feb 21, 2023 (PS VR2) 2022 (Other VR Platforms)
Tentacular is a puzzle game where you play as a giant creature with tentacles. Using only your tentacles, you have to grip and move objects through a series of puzzles. These puzzles carry you through a fun and engaging story set in a small town. Along the way, you are going to meet some funny characters. Among them includes a timely take on the new owner of your favorite social media app.
While you will be doing a lot of the same tasks, it is staged in a way that does not get boring. There are a ton of levels, I would guess around 10 hours worth, depending on how quickly you can get through. The goals of each level are different enough that they feel varied, and not just played in a different way. This is one way where VR can help smaller games feel fresh. One level might have you staging and balancing rockets to fire off. While another level will have you put together a statue using only magnets to assemble the parts together. Everything is sure to make you twist and turn your body but not in a way where you can not play sitting. For VR, the gameplay is put together in a way that works for all types of players.
Squid Games
From a visual and audio standpoint, Tentacular is an indie game in every way. There are no high-tech spatial audio features that I could tell. Nor does PS VR2’s foveated rendering impact the game at all. The levels are small, simple, and have a basic level of detail. Although the art direction gives the game a colorful personality. The colors remind me of Yoshi’s Island, which works well with the oceanic beach town vibe. While the blocky character models and rough animations are more like Job Simulator.
I have to say, I ran into two issues while playing on PS VR2. Three to four times the game crashed. Also, every once in a while, the camera would quickly shift in and out while playing. This was something that the game was doing on its own, and it did make me nauseous. Normally I would blame this on the brand-new PS VR2 but, this is the only game where I am experiencing these problems with.
Overall
Tentacular is a perfect VR game for beginners and those that like to sit while playing. It is a quaint indie game that is priced right. Plus it is available on just about any modern VR platform. The game as a complete package is cozy and welcoming to new VR players.
Developer Firepunchd, does not have a ton of history, however, they have built upon that here with Tentacular and I would play whatever they do next. It is a shame that the PS VR2 version has some problems. Although if you are looking for something funny to sit down and play in VR this is a great option.
