VR extraction shooter Anomaly could be a genre hit on Meta Quest
Anomaly skillfully combines PvP and PvE with an apocalyptic setting. I tried out the VR shooter and tell you why it has the potential to be a hit.
From the creators of Swarm and Swarm 2 comes Anomaly, a new extraction shooter now available in Early Access for Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S. Greensky Games take you to the year 2050, where you fight your way through a devastated city that spans three different levels. You'll face off against rival squads and monsters who want to get hold of and extract a rare artifact.
You have the choice of playing solo or teaming up with friends in a team of two or three. The usual rules for extraction shooters apply: eliminate rivals, fight the AI, collect as much equipment as possible and get out alive. If you die, you lose everything.
According to Peter Le Bek, the founder of Greensky Games, Anomaly was inspired by games such as Escape from Tarkov and Hunt: Showdown. Your goal is to find and activate three keys on the map. As soon as this is done, the vault appears on the map for all players. You then have to get hold of the artifact there and take it to be extracted to receive the highest possible reward in the game.
- Do you enjoy our articles and want to support our independent reporting? Every amount helps and secures our future: Support MIXED via PayPal now.
Resources and equipment play an important role
During my first few hours with Anomaly, I quickly realized that the game is not just about fighting and surviving. Collecting resources is also hugely important to upgrade my equipment. There are various ways to do this: I can collect and sell items in the environment, complete missions to collect experience points or even try to get hold of the coveted artifact.
Depending on what I want to achieve, I can adapt my style of play. Sometimes it's worth just looting and setting off with cheap weapons. Other times I risk my expensive equipment to have the best possible chance of extracting the artifact alive. Fortunately, there are three safe slots in the loot box where I can take something with me in any case, even if I die.
Plenty of tactical options and surprises
What I particularly like about Anomaly are the many tactical options that the different levels of the map offer me. The deeper I go, the tougher the enemies are, but also the greater the rewards. There are also surprises everywhere, such as buff terminals that grant me temporary improvements. The zip lines between the levels are a real highlight and provide additional thrills.
As a player, I always have to be on my guard and be clever. Do I hide and wait for unsuspecting opponents? Or do I rush straight to the vault and try to be the first to grab the artifact? Every round is different and offers a new experience. By constantly adapting my tactics, Anomaly remains varied and motivating even after several hours.
The terminal for buying weapons and equipment in Anomaly. | Image: Greensky Games
My conclusion: Anomaly is already incredibly fun
My initial conclusion is positive: Even though Anomaly is still in Early Access and many of the graphics are placeholders, I'm already very impressed with the game. The basic framework is in place and promises a motivating, tactical gaming experience with many surprises. The atmosphere and mood are already great and contribute a lot to the fun of the game.
The excellent mix of PvP and PvE that Anomaly offers also deserves praise and should unfold its full appeal, especially in co-op mode with friends. The developers are very committed, listen to feedback from the community and are constantly working to improve Anomaly. I am very excited to see what will be added in the coming months.
If Greensky Games gives the game the same polish as Swarm, Anomaly could become a real VR hit. I can only warmly recommend the title to all Extraction fans and those who like hard-hitting PvPvE action.
Note: Links to online stores in articles can be so-called affiliate links. If you buy through this link, MIXED receives a commission from the provider. For you the price does not change.
