Strap on your VR headset and strap in as we delve into Stress Level Zero’s 2022 VR title “Bonelab.” The sequel to the 2019 title “Boneworks” by the same developers, Bonelab brings forth a new experience on experimental physics with its own take on gunplay and exploration. Developed to accommodate the newer generation of VR platforms like the Meta Quest 2 and 3, it also remains playable for those who use PC VR. Steel yourself as you scour through the seemingly overrun laboratories with enemies, puzzles, and secrets waiting to be unveiled.
Story and Environment:
The story in Bonelab is minimalistic, offering a loose narrative that focuses more on player-driven exploration and experimentation rather than a traditional plot. The game unfolds within a lab setting where players are thrust into various environments and scenarios. The world-building is subtle, relying on the player’s imagination to fill in the blanks about the nature of the game’s universe. Despite its lack of a clear narrative, Bonelab excels at creating an atmosphere where players are encouraged to explore, experiment, and uncover the secrets of the lab and its surroundings. The environments themselves are a mix of industrial and alien-like spaces, which are varied and engaging.
Gameplay:
Gameplay in Bonelab is primarily physics-driven, offering a mix of puzzle-solving, combat, and exploration. The game provides a high level of freedom, allowing players to manipulate objects and engage in combat in creative ways. The physics are extremely detailed, meaning that objects react realistically to player input, whether you’re throwing them, using them as tools, or engaging in combat. There are a variety of gameplay modes, including platforming, action, and sandbox elements. The controls, though, can be a bit tricky for beginners, especially with the VR setup, but once players get the hang of it, the experience becomes immersive and rewarding.
Visuals and Graphics:
Bonelab’s visuals are impressive for a VR game, especially in terms of the detailed physics-driven interactions. The environments are rich with textures, though some areas can feel a bit sparse due to the minimalist design. Character models are highly detailed and convey a good sense of realism, while the lighting and shadow effects contribute to the immersive nature of the game. The physics-based interactions shine here, with objects, characters, and environments all reacting believably. However, there are some performance issues on lower-end VR setups, where frame drops and occasional glitches can detract from the overall experience.
Mods
As it was intended, Bonelab focuses more on the creative freedoms of the community and introduces a much wider take on physics rather than focusing on its own story. While it has taken criticism for the decision to rely on the community rather than the development of its own story, it has shown to be quite the experience nonetheless. With the ability to add vehicles such as the Dodge Challenger, weapons such as firearms from Helldivers, or even avatars such as beloved characters from other games, Bonelab gives more power to the community rather than holding it solely to the game developers.
Summary:
Bonelab is a unique VR title that focuses heavily on interactive physics and player-driven exploration. While its story is barebones, the game compensates with an engaging and varied set of environments that encourage experimentation. The gameplay excels in offering a sandbox experience that challenges the player’s creativity, though the learning curve for VR controls may frustrate some. Visually, the game impresses with its detailed environments and character models, though technical performance can vary based on hardware. Overall, Bonelab stands out as a great VR experiment, especially for players who enjoy open-ended gameplay and physics-based puzzles.
Excellent physics-based interactions.
Varied and immersive environments.
High level of player freedom and creativity.
Detailed character models and realistic world-building.
Cons:
Minimal story, lacking depth.
Steep learning curve for VR controls.
Performance issues on lower-end VR systems.
Some areas feel sparse or underdeveloped.