Underdogs is a must-play for VR action fans on Quest 3 & PC VR
The VR mech brawler Underdogs reached a new level with the big “Sandboxxer” update. We tried out the game with the mega update and reveal why you should play Underdogs.
On the occasion of the extensive “Sandboxxer” update, I finally took the time to take a closer look at Underdogs. The VR title from One Hamsa transports me to a dark future where only one human city still exists: New Brakka. To get in there, I have to prove myself in illegal mech fights and earn the respect of the street.
In Underdogs, I slip into the role of one of the two brothers who have to flee their homeland. My younger brother King always stands by my side with advice and support. At least when he's not busy hacking my enemies to pieces while I smash opponents in my multi-ton mech named Rilla. The relationship between the brothers is one of the core elements of the story and contributes a lot to the dense atmosphere of the game.
Intense fights in the arenas
The Rilla is mainly controlled by arm movements, which feels very intuitive and natural after a short period of getting used to it. I fight my way through various arenas and take out wave after wave of enemies. Raw power is required because the harder I hit in reality, the more damage I cause in the game. The fights are intense, sweat-inducing, and simply a lot of fun. I quickly learn the movement patterns of the different enemy types and skillfully dodge their attacks while taking out several enemies at once with a well-aimed blow.
Between the fights, it's important to maintain and upgrade the mech. This is where the roguelike component of Underdogs comes into play. I can choose from various weapons, tools, and improvements to be prepared for the next challenge. This brings a welcome tactical note to the otherwise very action-packed gameplay. Should I rather strengthen the armor or put more emphasis on firepower? The agony of choice between the over 100 different items means no two runs are the same.
The two brothers and protagonists from Underdogs. The dark comic style | Image: One Hamsa
Atmospheric setting meets boundless creativity
I was particularly impressed by the successful presentation and the dense atmosphere of the game. The dirty, gloomy settings and the booming grime soundtrack contribute a lot to immersing me in this post-apocalyptic world. The comic aesthetics of the cutscenes round off the overall picture skillfully. Everything fits here and credibly conveys the setting of a society on the brink, where only the law of the strongest counts.
With the “Sandboxxer” update, Underdogs now has even more to offer. You can now create your own challenges and mini-games in the in-game editor and share them with the community. There are almost no limits to your creativity. Thanks to the clear user interface, even more complex setups are possible without much prior knowledge. Whether it's explosive barrel chaos, mech duels or tricky skill courses — with the extensive tools of the editor you can let your imagination run wild. The leaderboards for each self-created challenge, which invite competition with other players, are particularly motivating.
I tried out some challenges created by the community myself and was positively surprised by how imaginative some users were, especially with the favorites. The new training grounds, where I can test various equipment of my mech at will, are also impressive. I could only deal with the editor superficially in this hands-on. As already mentioned, however, it presents itself as extremely accessible and intuitive. The sheer endless possibilities would have been enough to keep me creatively busy for a whole day.
The battles in Underdogs feel mighty and look great. | Image: One Hamsa
Conclusion: One of the best VR games of the year
My conclusion on Underdogs is completely positive. The game is a successful mix of sweat-inducing action, roguelike-typical progress and a lot of style. If you've always wanted to take a seat in a mech yourself and really dish it out, there's no way around Underdogs.
With the “Sandboxxer” update, the title has what it takes to be one of the best VR games of the year. The sheer endless possibilities to create your own content and share it with friends promise long-lasting fun. In addition, the new achievements and the open battle mode provide additional motivation. Creative minds and action fans can access it without hesitation — Underdogs is simply a lot of fun and, not the least thanks to the big update, has a lot to offer. Brattas and Sistas, grab your mech and dive into the fray!
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