I like horror games. But I love it. Sometimes I make a very feminine squeal, but I'm generally okay with them. But VR horror games are another.
Because fuck it, when you're in the game, you're skinning a lot more.
If you haven't tried VR games yet, definitely try them. Although they are not popular at the moment, I definitely think that they are the future of gaming, but only at the moment when we no longer need a joystick to interact with the environment.
This game is pure proof of that, and although it doesn't have the best graphics in the world, it offers a fantastic story, brutal gameplay and an atmosphere that hardly any game today provides.
The ultimate sci-fi horror
I have always preferred sci-fi horrors to others. I don't know why, but since I tried Dead Space I remained fascinated by the concept. Let's face it, I'm old enough to have played System Shock and Alien Vs. Predator, but that game opened my eyes.
First, we have to talk about the story, because By Grit Alone excels in that aspect. It's an anthology where each segment offers a new plot and danger, creating an experience that's both fresh and incredibly tense.
Instead of relying on typical clichés of the plot, for example, that the main character thought that Nikica Jelavić was a football player and not a controversial entrepreneur, the game takes you through a series of mysterious and creepy scenarios set in an endless universe, where the dangers are not only physical but also psychological. At every moment you feel the weight of the unknown and the threat lurking around every corner.
Boo!
I am you!
The game amazes with the quality of the story, I can't even describe it without spoiling it. Honestly, this doesn't surprise me at all, considering that the authors found inspiration from cult titles like Resident Evil, Dead Space, and even series like Doctor Who and Judge Dredd. These influences are clearly visible - the story develops gradually, with a carefully set pace that successfully builds an atmosphere of fear and mystery.
The way the game uses VR as a medium to tell the story is special. Unlike classic games that rely on animated cutscenes, BGA builds a narrative through interactive holograms, diary entries, voice messages and visual details within the environment. Every component of the story is embedded in the game world, making you an active participant, not just a passive observer. In VR, this works perfectly because you feel like you're pulled into the middle of the action, which increases the tension and emotional engagement.
But what further raises the level of the story is the freedom that the game provides. If you want, you can skip most of the holograms and records and just focus on the action. But honestly, why would you?
The story in By Grit Alone is like the best episode of the Black Mirror series, where each segment brings something new, rather than repetitive gameplay.
One of the most powerful elements is the sense of isolation that the story manages to convey. As a Lone Space Character (USL), you feel very lonely. Who would have thought? Basically, you and a bunch of enemies. Standard methodology, but much of the atmosphere and story is told subtly.
The game encourages you to explore and discover, nothing is clearly stated and you have to discover everything from subtle cues, which is the tip.
If you're a fan of science fiction and want to experience a dark, atmospheric narrative rarely seen in games, By Grit Alone is a real treat.
Gameplay: Good, bad and... confusing
Gameplay in By Grit Alone offers an interesting mix of action, survival and chaos characteristic of the bullet-hell genre. In theory it's a recipe for an exciting and tense experience, but in practice it comes with a number of problems that can frustrate even the most patient players.
The basic shooting mechanics are solid – intuitive and simple enough not to overwhelm the player in stressful situations. But exactly what should be the key element of the gameplay – weapon control and inventory manipulation – brings the biggest frustrations.
In theory, your weapons and ammo should be attached to your body, which is standard for VR games. But in practice, the game uses a system that binds them to the position of your head. Result? If you turn your head to the left or right, your equipment changes position - for example, a gun can be found on your thigh, butt, or even in your stomach area.
When you need to react quickly to a threat, this confusion can mean the difference between survival and death, because if you die in VR, you die in real life.
Nope, it's the Matrix. My bad.
One of the game's biggest problems lies in the monotony of combat, which is further aggravated by the lack of weapon variety. While the games that inspired By Grit Alone are known for dynamic and strategic combat, the opponents here are too often reduced to two main types.
On the one hand, there are small, fast enemies that simply rush towards you, and on the other hand, there are larger monsters that attack suddenly and require precise hits to their weak points - clearly marked yellow body parts. Yay.
Especially frustrating are the chapters where you have to wait inside small spaces until a certain timer runs out. Exiting that space stops the countdown, and sometimes even resets it. This forces you to stand still as you face endless attacks from swarms of speedy enemies that literally jump at you.
This kind of design is not only repetitive, but plays on the border of frustration, where the fight stops being a challenge and becomes a chore. Fewer enemies, but stronger and more strategically interesting, would probably make these parts of the game more tolerable.
We can say that the problem here is that I didn't stick to the git gud methodology, but realistically, the game could actually be easier if the mechanics were good.
Despite this, the game still manages to occasionally surprise with creative and fun enemies. An example that stands out in particular comes from a level set in a space spa. There you meet the little monster tentacles from the earlier stages of the game, but now they have merged with friendly robots, designed to be your guides through the complex. Their "friendly nature" paradoxically becomes a threat because they get so close to you that they make you feel uncomfortable. However, the way to fight them is refreshing. You can destroy the monster attached to the robot itself, eliminate the robot itself by shooting its energy source, or even simply press the "dismiss helper" button, after which the robot will calmly walk away.
Despite these problems, By Grit Alone manages to bring a unique sense of tension, especially through elements of the bullet-hell genre. Fights turn into intense skirmishes where you must precisely maneuver between seemingly endless missiles while trying to return fire. This approach, rarely seen in FPS games, brings a new dimension of challenge and adrenaline.
Dark corridors decorated with alien biomass add to the feeling of constant danger. Any sound, flash of light or movement in the darkness can be a sign of an impending threat, which further heightens the feeling of tension. The game manages to capture that sense of claustrophobia and suspense that are trademarks of the horror genre.
Atmosphere above graphics
When it comes to presentation, By Grit Alone is a perfect example of a game that manages to shine despite its obvious visual flaws. The graphics, unfortunately, are far below the standards for VR games in 2024. Textures are mostly blurry and lacking in detail, models are simple, and effects like explosions or light reflections look dated. While it's clear that the team's focus was on storytelling and gameplay design, the visuals leave a lot of room for improvement.
The static and repetitive elements of the environment are especially disappointing - some parts of the game look like they belong to an earlier generation of VR games. While the alien biomass on the ship is impressive and atmospheric, the rest of the environment often looks generic, and some parts are almost empty. This visual deficiency cannot be ignored, because in horror games the environment plays a key role in creating an immersive experience.
But here we come to the biggest paradox - the atmosphere is still incredible.
Despite the poor visuals, the game manages to create a tense and creepy atmosphere that keeps the player in a constant sense of danger. Credit for this goes to the brilliant sound design and music. Eerie noises, the occasional howl in the distance and sounds coming from unknown sources create a constant unease. The music fits the action perfectly, heightening the sense of fear and suspense when needed, and occasionally bringing humorous or relaxing moments that serve as a respite before the next wave of horror.
The voice acting is also top notch. Voiceovers and hologram messages from characters add depth to the game world, making the story alive and believable. The occasional humor in the dialogue and unexpected moments, such as a holiday commercial in the middle of a deadly battle, provide a much-needed balance in this dark adventure.
Despite weak textures and technically simple models, By Grit Alone proves that atmosphere does not necessarily depend on top graphics. Sound, light and space design successfully work together to create a world that is both terrifying and intriguing. The graphics may be lagging behind, but the sense of tension and immersion this game provides undoubtedly surpasses many more technically superior titles.
Final impression
By Grit Alone is an ambitious game that shines in its narrative and design philosophy, but suffers from technical shortcomings. If you are a fan of stories in games and are willing to tolerate imperfections in the gameplay, this game will delight you. But if you're looking for a perfectly polished VR shooter, you might be disappointed, but only a little.
While not perfect, this is a game that has soul and vision, but lacks the technical precision needed for a completely seamless experience. Do you need to play it? Absolutely? Because it will bother me? Only if you ignore the perfect atmosphere. Definitely try it.
A copy of the game was provided by Crooks Peak development studio for review purposes
