nDreams Unveils Next-Level VR Immersion in ‘Reach’

Well, here we go—jumping right in like a kid in a candy store. So, nDreams, a studio that’s been about VR since before it was cool, is cranking out this mind-boggling VR game called Reach. Not just any game, mind you—it’s shaping up to be a rollercoaster of parkour, combat, and straight-up VR wizardry. nDreams Elevation—yep, that’s their new crew in charge—dropped some juicy behind-the-scenes tidbits, and honestly, it’s both confusing and fascinating.

Oh, they announced Reach last week, by the way. Almost forgot. Showed off some gameplay that’ll have you leaning off your couch—cinematic, action-packed, like a daydream where you’re the hero but you also don’t know what’s coming around the corner. Exciting, right?

Here’s the thing—this isn’t just a game where you sit around looking cool. No, no. Matt Duff, their design guru (or should we say VR sorcerer?), spills that Reach hangs onto three main things: action, adventure, and—wait for it—presence. Yeah, presence. How on earth do you bottle that? They claim it’s all about making the game “VR first,” whatever that means… redefining how you move—physical interactions galore. You gotta reach out, pull yourself up, like you’re really there, defying all kinds of gravity and logic. Kinda makes you wanna try it, right?

Then there’s jumping. Ugh, jumping in VR usually makes folks dizzy, right? But here—get this—they’ve whipped up a gesture system that apparently tricks your brain. I can’t even outsmart a crossword puzzle, but hey, here’s hoping, right?

Anyway, full-body awareness is the name of the game—sounds fancy, huh? None of those creepy floating hands, thank goodness. Your virtual self moves like a real person. Or so they say. Makes you feel like you’re actually in the game.

Oh, combat—you didn’t think they forgot about that, did you? Duff assures us it’s got all the high-octane chaos and stealthy sneakiness you could want. Tools of the trade? Bows, arrows—some are explosive, some freeze—you know, the usual arsenal.

Then there’s this neat trick—using arrows to lure enemies. Nice way to clear the path, or get in close for the good old-fashioned ‘bye-bye’ maneuver. Watch it in action if you can find the video.

Anyway—back to reality—Reach is landing on VR headsets everywhere later this year. So, if you’re chomping at the bit, you can wishlist it on your favorite digital hangout spot. That’s it, that’s the scoop. Now where was I going with this… oh yeah, grabbing my headset to get ready!