[b] Played on GTX 1060 (6gb), HTC Vive [/b]
[h1] TL;DR [/h1]
Graphics are simple, sounds are silly, but they all charmingly tie together very well. The play area may be a little too large for players with limited space, and it can be physically demanding at times. Overall, a very fun experience if you like games like this. Also features local multiplayer focused on cooperation, so it can be a great party game.
[h1] Warnings: [/h1]
[b] Large Play Area Required, Very Physical (or can be as you progress) [/b]
[h1] Visual: [/h1]
Very basic and simple graphics. Your customers are an assortment of colorful pastry-people.
[h1] Audio: [/h1]
Funny, self-recorded voices and sound effects. On a different game this may seem silly, but I think it works very well here.
[h1] Gameplay: [/h1]
You play as a baker tending to his/her customers. They will arrive at your shop and order different types of cakes, your job is to bake and serve the correct cakes until the work shift is over. Halfway through, you get a lunch break… a minigame where a cannon rolls in through the door and begins to launch different items of food into the air, the objective is to catch as many as you can with your mouth (headset). The more you eat, the higher the tip (you may skip this minigame if you wish). You then begin working the second half of your shift, tending to more customers. At the end of the shift, they tally up your score and you get paid. You may now upgrade your shop with your earnings.
You can upgrade your shop with different tools and appliances like better, more efficient ovens, tools, or even topping stations. Your customers will then begin ordering increasingly more complex cakes and it will be a fun challenge to keep up. You can also customize the look of your shop with different wallpapers, flooring, and even decorations. This will increase the amount of tips you receive from the customers.
As your orders become more and more complex, you may get quite a workout as you rush to get your cakes out in a timely manner. So if you’re looking for a more relaxed game, this one might not necessarily be for you.
[h1] Multiplayer: [/h1]
Batter Up! VR features local multiplayer for up to five(5) people. Player one(1) wears the headset and prepares the cakes. The rest of the players control their characters on the computer/TV with the keyboard and/or gamepads. They assume the role of a little round, donut-hole looking creature with arms and legs. Their job is to run around the shop tossing the plain cakes to the baker, activating or “powering up” some of the tools, and then picking up and tossing the prepared cakes over to the customers. This is all great fun and it can get a little hectic at times as you get more and more orders. The only problem I had with this, is that the little characters don’t rotate smoothly, more like they “snap” into different angles as you rotate (if that makes sense). This makes tossing items a little complicated at times.
[h1] Final Thoughts: [/h1]
I had lots of fun, even if it may look rather simple. My only concern is that the play area seems rather large. I personally didn’t have a problem, but those that have a smaller play area may have trouble reaching or operating some of their tools, menus, and such. Not to mention all the movement needed for the minigame. As far as multiplayer, the rotation issue is not a huge deal, but it would be great if it was smoother. All in all, a great, charming little game that offers plenty of hours of fun for all ages.
[b] *This review is based on my personal experience with the game at its current state (date of review), and may be edited in the future as I play more.* [/b]
