This review was originally created in December 2018 for HTC, targeted to their Vive/Vive Pro (VIVEPORT). It is reproduced here without alteration.

Mech, or mecha, is a fancy name for the science fiction staple of giant robots or machines under direct human control. These oversized, mobile robots typically take on a humanoid form and work a bit like an exoskeleton outfitted with powerful weapons. Naturally, virtual reality presents a great way to simulate taking control of a sizable mech without the messy business of actually having to build a real robot suit tens of meters in height.

Conqueror VR casts you as a future mech warrior who needs to recapture territories occupied by extraterrestrial invaders. You accomplish this task by firing your guns at the alien robots, and, eventually, the alien invaders themselves. Naturally, good defense and health replenishment also play key roles.

The game is designed as a room-scale experience for Vive or Vive Pro owners and can be played from a seated or standing position. My own preference was to stand, but either position works well for this game, since conceptually the mech can be thought of as either an exosuit or mobile tank.

Both Vive controllers handle the three distinct control modes. The first is Moving Mode, which uses the Trackpad to easily move in the desired direction. The second is Fixed Point Mode, which uses the Trackpad to raise the mech up or down. The third is Light Saber Mode, which is a defensive action where you wield a laser sword against robotic-launched missiles that target your supply base. As you might expect, the Triggers are used to fire the weapons.

As mentioned, besides all of the shooting of the enemies and defensive measures against their projectiles, you also need to gather energy packs to restore your mech’s health points. Combined with the need to switch between the different control modes and weapons, this adds a bit of extra strategy to what is otherwise a straightforward first-person shooting game.

Audio-visuals are well-done, if a bit uninspired. Conqueror VR features yet another mostly bleak, alien sci-fi environment with insect-like enemies. On the plus side, the heads-up information display, indicating things like target score, ammo, and percentage of health left does provide an effective illusion that you’re inside a hulking robot, as does the need to target enemies of different sizes and elevations. Unsurprisingly, the game’s audio design is primarily concerned with bass heavy shooting sounds, explosions, and laser effects.

If you’re really into mech or tank games, then Conquerer VR proves a competent and accessible, if predictable, experience. However, if mechs or tanks are not really your thing, and the idea of yet another first-person shooter set in a standard sci-fi alien world doesn’t appeal to you, then you really won’t be missing out by giving this game a pass.

Score: 3 out of 5 stars.

Conqueror VR is available on Viveport or with a Viveport Subscription.