With the recent launch of Meta Quest 3, VR gamers everywhere have been on the lookout for fresh mixed reality experiences. While some of the bigger studios have already released free MR modes for their existing titles, it’s often the smaller independent studios who take a more unconventional route and offer up the most unique experiences. Enter Boston-based indie game studio Petricore Games, who has just unveiled a free playable demo of their upcoming MR-focused title, Mythic Realms, on the Quest store.
At its core, Mythic Realms is a Mixed Reality Action RPG where players step into the shoes of an adventurer who happens to stumble upon a mystical object. This chance encounter propels the player into a mysterious parallel realm. While this premise will definitely sound familiar to an experienced gamer, Mythic Realms sets itself apart with seamless transitions between MR and full-on VR, offering players a nuanced experience.
In MR mode, players find that their very own rooms have been transformed into dungeons to explore, forage, and battle within. The real world is not merely a passive backdrop; it’s a central part of the gaming experience. Then, in VR, they can traverse the kingdom they’ve built, further blurring the lines between fantasy and reality.
Without giving away too much, the demo version serves up a sizeable appetizer of what the full game aims to provide when it releases sometime next year:
- Mixed Reality Exploration: Engage with a universe that integrates the player’s physical environment, allowing interactions with objects and characters from both worlds.
- Dynamic Gameplay: From skirmishes with fantastical creatures in your living room to kingdom building in a full VR setting, this game promises variety.
- Build Mode: A feature where players can architect their dream realm in MR and then immerse themselves in that same realm in VR.
- Character Progression: Players will have many opportunities to enhance their character’s skills and abilities.
While Mythic Realms might be an indie project, its unique approach to MR and VR makes it a standout amongst the early Quest 3 library. It’s a prime example of the innovation that smaller studios can bring to the table, especially in a time where mixed reality is on the precipice of breaking into the consciousness of the mainstream.
Against the growing selection of MR titles currently available for Quest 3, Mythic Realms offers a unique experience, taking full advantage of the contrast between its two distinct modes of gameplay. For those who just can’t wait for the full game to release, or even those who are curious to experience a different take on mixed reality gaming, the free demo provides an opportunity to do just that.
