Stranger Things VR offers a visually immersive experience, crafted by VR innovators Tender Claws, who are known for their quirky creations like Virtual Virtual Reality (2017) and The Under Presents (2019). The game provides a retelling of the last two seasons of the hit Netflix show, focusing on the eerie and nightmarish world of the Upside Down. While the art direction is top-notch, the game often feels like an elaborate teaser for the upcoming fifth season rather than a standalone experience.

Gameplay

Stranger Things VR immediately dives into major plot points from the third and fourth seasons of the series, so if you’re new to the show or haven’t caught up, be prepared for spoilers. Unfortunately, the game assumes that players are already deeply familiar with the characters and storylines. This reliance on prior knowledge leaves little room for new players to engage with the narrative.

In terms of gameplay, the focus is on exploring the Upside Down, battling creatures, and navigating through surreal mazes. Players take on the role of Vecna, the infamous antagonist of the show, as they use his powers to traverse the haunting landscape. The game features some engaging combat and creative movement mechanics—like opening gateways within the minds of otherworldly creatures—but these moments of intrigue quickly give way to repetition.

At first, controlling Vecna seems like a promising avenue for deep gameplay. Players can summon vines to swing across gaps and traverse dangerous areas with ease. However, rather than expanding on these mechanics, the game begins to shuffle players between different characters, diluting the unique powers and skills they initially enjoyed. For example, when playing as Eleven, the gameplay becomes less dynamic, and the combat feels much more simplified.

The combat, though functional, lacks variety. Most encounters involve fighting the same enemy types—Demodogs and Demobats—through predictable and repetitive tactics. Telekinetically throwing objects at enemies provides some fleeting satisfaction, but the game doesn’t evolve beyond this basic formula.

Immersion and Design

The game’s visuals are undeniably striking. The art direction leans heavily into the nightmarish, surreal aesthetics that define Stranger Things, creating a world that feels both eerie and captivating. While certain graphical elements like textures and models fall short of expectations based on trailers, the overall look and feel of the game stay true to the eerie atmosphere of the show. Every scene is carefully crafted, and at times the game’s visuals are breathtaking, creating a cinematic quality.

Unfortunately, the immersive qualities of Stranger Things VR are undermined by abrupt transitions between different characters and locations. This constant shifting breaks the player’s connection to the world, reducing the sense of presence. Instead of fully immersing you in the experience, the game feels disjointed, as if you’re jumping from one VR experience to another without fully settling into any of them.

While the first half of the game introduces mechanics that allow for exploration and some suspenseful moments, the second half loses momentum. The game’s surrealism—while interesting at times—contributes to a lack of cohesion. The enemies, while visually intimidating, are often let down by poor AI that makes encounters feel less impactful.

Comfort and Accessibility

In terms of comfort, Stranger Things VR handles movement and controls well. The game includes options for various player preferences, making it adaptable for those sensitive to VR motion. However, there are a few moments where forced movement could cause discomfort, and the game also includes sequences with flashing lights, which might be problematic for photosensitive players.

Overall, despite its darker tone and nightmarish environments, the game remains fairly accessible and considerate of different player needs.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Stranger Things VR excels in its art direction but falters when it comes to delivering a consistently engaging experience. The game presents itself as a visually ambitious journey into the Upside Down, but the narrative and gameplay fall short of making the adventure memorable. For fans of the series, it may serve as a nostalgic trip back into the world of Stranger Things, though it rarely ventures beyond familiar territory. If you’re looking for a truly innovative or deep VR experience, you may find yourself wishing for more.

Nonetheless, Stranger Things VR stands as a decent brand extension, but for players seeking an immersive and original story, it may feel more like a prelude to something bigger that’s yet to come.