Onward is a military simulation game developed and published by American videogame company “Downpour Interactive” on PC in 2016, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in 2017, and now Oculus Quest. In the past year, more than 1 million copies have been sold of this tactical-shooter video game, which has been described as one of the most important titles for virtual reality (VR). Downpour Interactive was founded in 2007 with the primary objective to create simulations used for training purposes.
In January 2019, Facebook’s Oculus Go & Rift S headsets will both release two new first-person shooters: Robo Recall: Unplugged and Onward respectively. Onward is a military simulation first-person shooter played from a seated position where players fight alongside teammates with realistic guns and equipment in a variety of competitive game modes. Players will be able to customise their avatar, weapons, and accessories such as grenades or armor for tactical advantage. The story continues where players can choose their preferred combat roles while they face an A.I. enemy while completing objectives cooperatively with friends and other players from all around the world.
The main objective of the single-player campaign is to defeat the enemy forces by completing missions and destroying targets and objects of value (Red). However, there are several ways to achieve victory: Assault (Blue) refers to defeating each opposing team member until either side surrenders; Conquest (Green) requires capturing every flag on the map before time runs out; Breach (Grey) requires to locate and disable the enemy’s safe before time runs out; Sabotage (Yellow) requires stealing documents from the enemy base and returning them to your own base before time runs out.
The game features a single-player campaign, multiplayer coop or PvP skirmish modes, leaderboards, solo challenges that help players gain experience points (XP) for their character, weapon performance stats which can be used to enhance weapons with attachments, unlock new equipment for their avatar choices, complete missions & objectives as well as take on daily challenges with exclusive rewards for completing each challenge. Different weapons are available including handguns, shotguns/submachine guns, assault rifles/battle rifles/carbines, sniper rifles/DMRs, anti-material/SMAWs, launchers & missiles, knives, grenades and other equipment.
While in multiplayer matches, players can communicate with teammates using in-game voice chat or by typing through the user interface. Players are able to use gestures when they are on the battlegrounds. The game also features a panoramic camera which can show either for a briefing for what has been done or to monitor the surroundings of the player that is currently in charge of it
The Oculus Quest version will feature new gameplay modes including Horde Mode, Capture The Flag & Free For All along with several weapons never seen before including Anti-Material Rifles, Grenade Launchers among others
Downpour Interactive have described their franchise as a “military simulation” where players have to face real-life challenges such as calling out bearings and azimuths for their teammates, estimating bullet drop and wind speed, rappelling from buildings and helicopters. The game received positive reviews, including 4/5 from VR Focus, who stated that “this is the most thrilling and immersive shooter currently available for VR.”