Harpagun for Meta Quest: Does the new game from ex-Superhot VR developers deliver?
Former Superhot VR developers have released their new action game Harpagun across major VR platforms. Here's our hands-on experience.
Created by veterans of the VR hit Superhot VR, Harpagun transports players into a vibrant comic universe. After playing it on Meta Quest 3, I should set expectations straight: This game bears little resemblance to Superhot VR.
Rail-based combat combines shooting and slinging
In Harpagun, you find yourself marooned on a distant planet, facing waves of hostile creatures. As a space salvage collector, you're equipped with a gravity blaster that transforms your mechanical arms into either firearms or magnetic beams — giving you two options for dispatching the minimally designed monsters: shoot them or fling them around.
You can use the gravity beams to hurl objects and enemies through the air. | Image: Something Random
The magnetic beams let you hurl both enemies and objects through the air, intercept incoming projectiles, and tear through the environment. This environmental interaction becomes crucial in some physics puzzles, like when you need to collapse rock formations to clear your path forward.
Movement in Harpagun follows a strictly on-rails format. You navigate between magnetic points using your joystick, with elegant vignette transitions marking each movement. The game frequently pauses your progress for monster hordes or environmental obstacles. During combat, these magnetic points serve as tactical positions — the track branches at these locations, allowing you to quickly dodge between points to evade projectiles or charging enemies.
Rich environments and dynamic enemy responses
Harpagun adopts a minimalist artistic approach. You'll traverse nearly pastel-toned cartoon landscapes including forests, caves, mountains, abandoned farms, and precarious bridges.
You can use power-ups to temporarily strengthen your weapon arm and increase your firepower. | Image: Something Random
These environments are packed with objects you can manipulate using your gravity beam. Stones, logs, and wooden doors make excellent improvised projectiles, while stalagmites and abandoned tractors can become deadly traps for alien adversaries.
In my playthrough to the first major boss battle, I encountered three distinct enemy types: mushroom creatures with spider-like legs that move like Half-Life: Alyx's headcrabs, ranged attackers on stilts, and small armored tanks with aggressive firing patterns.
Most enemy types reacts uniquely to the gravity beam, adding tactical depth to encounters. Larger battles occasionally feature temporary power-ups, including traditional machine guns, bouncing lasers, and grenade launchers.
My first impression of Harpagun
While Harpagun comes from former Superhot VR team members, it's important to understand that it's not trying to recreate that game's legendary time-manipulation mechanics. Players expecting similar innovative gameplay might feel let down — but Harpagun still stands as a solid VR experience.
There's genuine satisfaction in tossing aggressive enemies around, and the simple physics puzzles and humorous narrative help elevate this rail shooter above the ordinary. For those seeking an entertaining VR action game with interesting mechanics, Harpagun offers several hours of enjoyment. Just don't expect another Superhot VR.
Where to buy Harpagun
With its full release from Early Access, Harpagun now features a complete story mode with expanded weapons, levels, bosses, and enemy types. The arcade mode has also been enhanced with boss battles, online leaderboards, and level ratings.
This fast-paced VR first-person shooter is available now on the Meta Horizon Store, Playstation VR 2, and Steam for $19.99. Something Random Games is offering a temporary discount of up to 50 percent in the Meta Horizon Store from April 10 to 21.
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