[h1][b]This is a review based on a [i]viewers[/i] perspective, not a broadcaster.[/b][/h1]
[h1]Overview:[/h1]
'[i]Net VR Theater[/i]' is a VR supported first person space dedicated for streamers to broadcast their content in a virtual cinema alongside viewers who watch their stream. This is [b]not[/b] a game and is an application intended to add a more [i]engaging[/i] approach between the broadcaster and their viewers. As opposed to everyone watching the same streamer alone, they can now feel like they're watching said streamer with other people in the same room (theoretically speaking).
It isn't a terrible idea and brings more to the table offering things not possible in regular streaming interfaces like voice communication between viewers, customizable avatars and settings, direct integration between streaming programs such as [i]OBS[/i] and even a level system which appears to progress based on how long people have been watching you for. I'm not exactly sure what the level system is all about but since '[i]Net VR Theater[/i]' is still extremely new, there isn't much going for it as it isn't well known if at all.
[h1]Gameplay:[/h1]
There isn't much to say here because again, this isn't as much a game as it is an add-on for a streaming platform. But what you're able to do is join a public theatre (assuming there are some being hosted) and well, watch the streamer. The theatre screen itself can only work with the broadcaster as it functions based on the streaming platform linked (in this case [i]OBS[/i]). Unfortunately I wasn't able to test the screen itself and since I can't prove it's broken, I'll assume it works as intended.
On either sides of the theatre are podiums that are labelled "award" and "vote". This is the most interactivity you'll get in the game itself not including socializing with fellow viewers. The award podium essentially works as a donation feature, allowing viewers to [i]award[/i] the broadcaster with something called "[i]Lux[/i]", the currency in the game. As far as I know, this currency can [b]only[/b] be purchased with real money and is used to buy in-game items such as other theatres, cosmetics for avatars and extra hosting spaces. There isn't much up for grabs in the store but seeing as this is a very new application, more items are bound to come at a later date (assuming it doesn't tank before then). There's also another currency called "[i]Luxrays[/i]" but I'm unsure as to how one can obtain it. It could be something meant for later but as of now, there doesn't seem to be a way to get any.
The other podium labelled "Votes" I can only assume is used when the broadcaster puts up a poll regarding the typical predictions or things viewers want them to do. Also a neat little feature to have since pretty much everything a regular viewer can do is inside the cinema. Another thing you can do is cheer and wave with your avatar (presumably to other viewers) adding a bit of visual interactivity as opposed to just a chat box. Avatar customization is also possible but extremely limited. Again, I'm sure the developers have more things planned out but at the moment, nothing really special is here.
There's not much to do other than what I've mentioned but that's to be expected when the main pitch is literally to just watch your favourite streamers. The issue I see here is that no one knows what the hell '[i]Net VR Theater[/i]' is. I can give it the benefit of the doubt because it's new, it [i]could[/i] and I mean [i][b]could[/b][/i] take off but without a lot of marketing and advertising in the right areas, I don't think '[i]Net VR Theater[/i]' is going to flourish the way the developers most likely want it to. There aren't many people using the service as far as I can see which kind of defeats the whole purpose of using this application but if there [i]is[/i] somewhat of a following, I haven't been able to find it.
Again, the app is still new, there could be a community I'm not aware of and it could definitely grow as an add-on to streaming, but as of now, there isn't anything to do here unless [b]you[/b], are the broadcaster yourself and have a viewer or two who knows about or has '[i]Net VR Theater[/i]' and can use it to watch you. Assuming you have a group of friends (preferably with VR headsets) who are available to watch you and [b]all[/b] have and are willing to use '[i]Net VR Theater[/i]', only then could I say this would be a pretty fun way for the streamer and their viewers to interact. But that's a very specific checklist just to give this app the green light and since not many people fit that criteria, '[i]Net VR Theater[/i]' is really just an empty movie theatre you can't really do anything in as a viewer (which I assume most are) and is only really usable if planned beforehand by the streamer themselves.
[h1]Controls:[/h1]
Surprisingly clunky for something not focused on actual gameplay. Moving around feels grid-like, meaning when you move and stop, your character doesn't always stop immediately but sometimes it will continue for a bit then stop, as if you passed the current tile you were standing on so your avatar had to walk to the next one in order to stop. It just feels weird overall but if you're just going to be standing/sitting staring at a screen for hours on end, it isn't much of an issue.
Another complaint I have is that there isn't a clear way to see the keybindings. You have to press "P" in order to bring up the keybinds (along with the store and avatar settings). Assuming you didn't read the entire synopsis of the application on the store page, you wouldn't have known this unless you pressed every key on your keyboard curiously to see what which one did what. But besides that, there's really nothing else to say since there's not much controls to begin with. Perhaps the developers have ideas to bring more actions for your avatar to use, polish up the movement or even add in basic improvements. Only time will tell.
[h1]Graphics:[/h1]
Definitely not the most impressive aspect and resembles many games from years long ago. They aren't terrible but you can definitely tell they're dated just from the store page. It isn't a walking simulator and there aren't any views or details you're meant to take in and appreciate like in your typical walking simulator. As long as the screen itself presents the stream in great quality, everything else shouldn't matter too much. Lighting however is a bit of an issue. The cinema always seems to be lit up and I'm not sure if there's a way to turn off the lights but if there is, I'm not entirely sure how effective it would be. All in all, definitely not the most eye catching graphics but at least it works.
[h1]Audio:[/h1]
Unfortunately there isn't much to say here either because I'm assuming most of the "sound" comes from the broadcaster. There's no music or ambience in any confines of the game and is just dead silence until the screen starts playing. There [i]are[/i] some sound effects when you cast a vote/award but other than that, it's all peace and quiet. I can get behind that.
[h1]Conclusion/TL;DR:[/h1]
'[i]Net VR Theater[/i]' is a first person virtual cinema that streamers can use to broadcast their stream on the big screen. It has VR support which I assume is the recommended way to play and other little interactive bits in it including voice communication. It's not a bad idea but the app itself is very empty it's extremely hard to find a theatre to even join. Might be fun if you can rally up a few friends that watch you stream (you know, assuming you're a streamer...) but as an app as a whole, I can't recommend it in its current state simply because there's nothing to do most of the time. However, It's because '[i]Net VR Theater[/i]' is still very new and anything can happen.
[b]Like what you see? You can always help it grow by trying it out for yourself and perhaps spreading word.[/b]
