The excellent puzzle platformer is back in VR.
Human Fall Flat has a new release with a long-anticipated VR version available on PSVR2 and Steam VR. With all the free updates provided to the game over the years, is this now the definitive version of the clumsy platformer?
What is Human Fall Flat?
Just in case you haven’t jumped in since the original game was released in 2016. Human Fall Flat is a puzzle platformer where part of the challenge is controlling an almost jelly-like plasticine character, having to jump, climb and move objects in order to progress.
Each level is made up of various environmental puzzles set on various floating islands. The main hook of the gameplay in the original game was using the camera to move your character’s arms up and this aided in climbing over obstacles and up ledges.
What Is Good About Human Fall Flat VR
If you have played the flat-screen version of Human Fall Flat previously then you will know what to expect. Plenty of boxes to move, ledges to climb and large exits to fall into, all whilst trying to pilot a character who walks with the confidence and ability of a toddler the day after they learned to walk.
The big difference this time around is that instead of moving the camera up and down to move your character’s arms, you use your Sense controllers to raise the arms up, meaning that you can lift them independently for a change, not that this will really add much to the gameplay experience.
Another interesting tweak added by VR is that in order for you the player to stay behind the character at all times, you will often clip through walls. This means you can see what is in the next area or hidden inside a previously inaccessible area. It may not help you much with completing the level but it certainly makes exploring the levels a little more interesting.
This release not only comes with all 8 of the levels included in the original release but also some of the free levels that have been included since the game launched are available to play in VR. However, not all have made it over just yet.
What Is Not So Good About Human Fall Flat VR
This new release of the game is a great way to experience these brilliantly crafted 3D levels and their puzzles. The game can be played in both solo and online multiplayer. But with this VR version, the game is suddenly missing one of its best features.
The original version of Human Fall Flat has excellent local co-op which can be accessed at any point throughout play. Having completed every level of the game so far in split-screen co-op and puzzling through them with a friend, falling together has been the highlight of playing Human Fall Flat so far. Without this local co-op option in the VR game, it feels like it is missing its killer feature.
Conclusion
Human Fall Flat VR brings an already brilliant game including its many levels into VR with great visuals and controls, but unfortunately it lacks a big feature from the flat screen version and doesn’t add anything new to take advantage of being in VR to make the game feel unique enough to warrant the additional purchase.
If the VR mode had launched as an update to the original game or even a reasonably priced DLC, then it would be worth recommending. If you have not yet played the game you may be best to purchase the standard version, and if you already own the original game there isn’t a lot of point in getting this one unless you are desperate to experience these levels in VR.
