Crashed Lander (Steam VR)

VR Shop Score – Silver Award

System: Valve Index, HTC Vive & Oculus Rift
Price at Time Of Review: £3.99
Comfort Rating: Red
Genre: Flight Simulator
Input: Gamepad, Keyboard & Mouse
Best Playing Position: Sitting
Multi-Player: No
Age Rating: 15+

 

Description: Crashed lander is a gravity-based arcade game inspired by classics like Lunar Lander and Space Taxi. You’ve built a janky craft out of propane tanks and spare parts. Pilot it from pad to pad trying to beat your best time – then flirt with that fine line between speed and control.

If you’re brave enough to try Hard Mode you’ll be flopping around like a QWOPy, low gravity turtle. With a little practice you’ll be zippin’ around doin’ barrel rolls. You’ll see sites from the cutting edge of fractal mathematics – bizarre, organic shapes, arcane archaeological digs, and all manner of WTFderful alien vistas. Each level is a hand-crafted environment that encourages the player to explore – and goof around! You can also pilot your lander in virtual reality with your Rift, Vive, or other SteamVR compatible headset.

Review: You play as a small and rather delicate planet rover. While the controls can be precise to the touch you will soon get used to them and be flinging your little craft all over the place. The graphics are pretty good and you do get the feeling you really are on an alien world filled with dangers and amazing things to discover.

The number of levels you get to fly around in is a little low, but you do get the replay value of being awarded stars. Apparently, only true pilots can get all 3 stars. And there is also a ring runner, race-style missions to do which are also a bit of fun and it also offers some good replay value. While the craft can be difficult to pilot, with enough time you will soon get used to it and you’ll find a lot to love with this game. It could have done with some multiplayer options, but even as it is, it’s still well worth a download if you love lunar lander style games.