Thrasher review

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Thrasher review

As a seasoned gamer with over 20 years of gaming experience under my belt, I have played countless rhythm games that promised excitement and challenge, but few have captured my attention like Thrasher. This game, although simple in concept, has managed to weave an addictive web around me, much like the hulking big space eel it features.

Thrasher is straightforward in its design. It lacks a narrative or backstory, and the characters are limited to a massive space eel and terrifying bosses. However, it manages to be just as compelling as Thumper was previously. Though more of a spiritual successor than a direct sequel, Puddle has created an exhilarating rhythm game centered around controlling a slippery eel using your controller, aiming to destroy different shapes while dodging other orbs that can drive you up the wall.

In Thrasher, there’s not much variation in gameplay. You progress through levels by aiming to achieve the fastest time, using an eel to demolish objects without being hit. Each encounter with enemy projectiles or shapes results in a penalty, which can significantly impact your score. Initially, avoiding these penalties is manageable. However, as you advance, the number and speed of projectiles increase, making it more of a struggle to survive rather than a test of skill.

Thrasher review

Each link-up, your eel experiences a jolt, forcing you to re-center and navigate through an array of circles, grids, or lines in an attempt to eliminate them before fresh ones appear. The sense of accomplishment from watching them vanish is heightened, particularly in VR, and the harmonious blend of captivating visuals, music, and gameplay never fails to amaze. Even when the crowded screen triggers familiar spells of irritation, the Thumper ambiance remains potent.

1. As you progress, additional features (like slowing time or inflicting extra damage) become available to you. These can be quite beneficial, especially when you’re navigating through obstacles to destroy certain shapes while dodging enemies. In those tense moments, they provide the crucial advantage you might lack otherwise. Experiencing Thrasher in VR adds a layer of immersion that would be significantly diminished if you were merely playing it on a TV with a controller.

As a gamer, I can’t help but appreciate another aspect of Thrasher that sets it apart – the challenging boss battles. The creative design of these bizarre, monstrous creatures is nothing short of impressive, with their weirdness amplified by the vibrant lights, trippy visuals, and floating skulls scattered throughout the game.

Thrasher review

1. In Thrasher, you can either use a controller or hand tracking. Although the controller offers quicker responses, hand tracking is commendable. Occasionally, I encountered brief screen freezes when I was bombarded by numerous targets, but the tracking remained consistent. Most of my experience with it was smooth, but these freeze-ups disrupt the immersion and add to the occasional frustration.

1. “Thrasher is an engaging VR game that offers a straightforward gaming experience without feeling underwhelming or unfulfilling. Despite occasional technical hiccups during hectic scenes and an intensity that may surpass one’s skill level at times, the graphics and soundtrack are top-notch, and the unique boss designs motivate you to keep playing in search of the next challenge. Although it doesn’t quite match Thumper, it’s not trying to, but it’s challenging not to draw parallels between them due to their shared artistic style and design.”

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2024-07-30 12:16