Developer – Leonard Menchiari

Publisher – ABONICO GAME WORKS

Platforms –   Meta Quest 2,3,3S,Pro

Imagine if Bruce Lee and a Commodore 64 had a love child, and that child grew up to be a VR game! Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: Path of Fury for the Meta Quest 3. This pixelated powerhouse of pugilism is the brainchild of Leonard Menchiari, the mastermind who brought us Trek to Yomi. Now, he’s traded samurai swords for flying fists in a game that’s part workout, part time machine, and all awesome.

Strap on your Meta Quest 3, and you’re instantly transported back to the golden age of martial arts cinema. The graphics are so retro, you half expect your headset to start making dial-up noises. But don’t let the lo-fi visuals fool you. This game is about to turn your arms into wet noodles and your living room into a dojo. Path of Fury is a nostalgic roundhouse kick to the senses, blending the charm of 80s Kung Fu flicks with the sweat-inducing gameplay of modern VR fitness games.

Unleash Your Inner Bruce Lee

From the moment you don the Meta Quest 3 headset, Path of Fury wastes no time in throwing you into the thick of the action. The game’s premise is simple yet effective: you’re on a revenge-fueled rampage through Tetsuo’s Tower, facing waves of enemies with nothing but your bare fists and quick reflexes.

If, like me, you grew up watching Bruce Lee take on entire rooms of thugs with nothing but creativity and quick reflexes, Path of Fury is the VR experience you’ve been waiting for.

This sentiment rings true throughout the game. As you progress through each floor, the combat system shines, offering a satisfying blend of timing-based attacks and defensive manoeuvers. The color-coded hit zones add a layer of strategy, requiring you to gauge the appropriate force for each strike: white for quick jabs, blue for medium hits, and red for powerful blows.

A Workout Disguised as a Game

One of Path of Fury’s standout features is its ability to deliver an intense workout without feeling like exercise. After a session of playing through three consecutive levels, I found myself utterly exhausted, with muscles aching the following day. The game’s addictive nature pushes you to keep fighting, even as your arms and shoulders begin to burn.

This calorie-burning potential puts Path of Fury in the same league as VR fitness favorites like Beat Saber, offering an engaging way to stay active while indulging in some virtual vigilante justice.

Retro Aesthetics Meet Modern VR

Visually, Path of Fury is a love letter to the VHS era. The deliberately low-resolution graphics, complete with film grain and pixelated textures, might initially seem jarring. However, this artistic choice quickly grows on you, perfectly capturing the essence of those beloved 80s martial arts films.

The game’s environments, from dimly lit high-rises to neon-soaked nightclubs, ooze with retro charm. While some players might crave more graphical fidelity, the stylized visuals contribute significantly to the overall atmosphere, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a playable Kung Fu movie.

On-Rails Action: A Double-Edged Sword

Path of Fury adopts an on-rails approach to gameplay, automatically moving you between fixed positions for combat encounters. This design choice keeps the action flowing and maintains a cinematic feel, reminiscent of classic arcade games like Time Crisis.

However, this is also where the game’s limitations become apparent. The lack of free movement between action scenes somewhat diminishes the immersion. While the snap-to-position mechanic works well for combat, the ability to explore and move freely during quieter moments would have added depth to the experience.

Combat: Simple Yet Satisfying

The heart of Path of Fury lies in its combat system. The mechanics are straightforward but engaging, requiring players to read enemy telegraphs, block incoming attacks, and strike at the right moment. The shrinking hit zones add a layer of challenge, demanding both precision and speed.

As you ascend Tetsuo’s Tower, the game introduces new enemy types and increasingly complex scenarios, keeping the gameplay fresh. However, some players might find themselves wishing for more variety in attack options or combo potential to spice up the later levels.

Immersion and Atmosphere

Path of Fury excels in creating a cohesive atmosphere that transports you into its world. The combination of retro visuals, pulsating soundtrack, and physical combat creates a truly immersive experience. You’ll find yourself ducking, weaving, and throwing punches with gusto, fully embracing the role of a lone warrior taking on impossible odds.

The game’s commitment to its aesthetic extends to the story elements as well. While the narrative isn’t groundbreaking, it serves its purpose in driving the action forward and maintaining the 80s action movie vibe.

Room for Improvement

Despite its many strengths, Path of Fury isn’t without its flaws. The lack of a difficulty slider might frustrate some players, either finding the challenge too steep or too easy. Additionally, the absence of a seated mode and limited comfort options could be a barrier for players with mobility issues or those prone to VR motion sickness.

The game’s longevity might also be a concern for some. While the core gameplay loop is addictive, more varied objectives or alternate game modes could have enhanced replayability. As it stands, once the credits roll, there’s not much to pull you back in unless you use the game like a workout session.

Conclusion: A Knockout VR Experience

Path of Fury delivers on its promise of transporting players into the heart of an 80s martial arts epic. Its blend of intense physical gameplay, retro aesthetics, and immersive atmosphere creates a unique VR experience that’s hard to put down.

While it may not revolutionize the VR landscape, Path of Fury carves out its own niche with confidence. It’s a game that understands its strengths and plays to them effectively, offering a satisfying blend of nostalgia and modern VR technology.

For fans of martial arts films, VR fitness enthusiasts, or anyone looking to unleash their inner action hero, Path of Fury is a must-try title for the Meta Quest 3. It may leave your muscles sore, but it’ll also leave you with a smile on your face and a newfound appreciation for the golden age of Kung Fu cinema.