I love horror games. I really do. Sometimes I scream quite femininely, but generally, I'm okay with them. But VR horror games are something else.
Because damn it, when you're in the game, you feel it much more.
If you haven't tried VR games yet, definitely give them a shot. Although they aren't popular yet, I truly believe they are the future of gaming, but only at the moment when we won't need a joystick to interact with the environment anymore.
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 very few games provide today.
Top-notch sci-fi horror
Sci-fi horrors have always been my favorite. I don't know why, but since I tried Dead Space, I've been fascinated by that concept. To be clear, I'm old enough to have played System Shock and Alien vs. Predator, but that game opened my eyes.
First, we need 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 is both fresh and incredibly tense.
Instead of relying on typical plot clichés, e.g., that the main character thought Nikica Jelavić was a football player, not a controversial entrepreneur, the game takes you through a series of mysterious and eerie scenarios set in the vast universe, where 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!
Gotcha!
The game impresses with the quality of its story; I can't even describe it without spoiling. Honestly, this doesn't surprise me at all, considering the authors drew inspiration from cult titles like Resident Evil, Dead Space, and even series like Doctor Who and Judge Dredd. Those influences are clearly visible – the story develops gradually, with a carefully set pace that successfully builds an atmosphere of fear and mystery.
There is a special way the game uses VR as a medium for storytelling. Unlike classic games that rely on animated cutscenes, BGA builds the 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 rather than just a passive observer. In VR, this works perfectly as you feel like you are pulled into the heart of the action, which heightens tension and emotional engagement.
No, what further elevates the story is the freedom the game provides. If you want, you can skip most of the holograms and recordings and focus solely on the action. But honestly, why would you?
The story in By Grit Alone is like the best episode of Black Mirror, where each segment brings something new, rather than repetitive gameplay.
One of the strongest elements is the sense of isolation that the story manages to convey. As a lonely space character (USL), you feel very alone. Who would have thought? Mostly, you and a bunch of enemies. A standard methodology, but much of the atmosphere and story is conveyed subtly.
The game encourages you to explore and discover; nothing is clearly stated, and you have to uncover everything from subtle signs, which is top-notch.
If you are 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: The good, the bad, and… confusing
The 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 range of issues that can frustrate even the most patient players.
The core shooting mechanics are solid – intuitive and simple enough not to overwhelm the player in stressful situations. However, what should be the key element of gameplay – weapon control and inventory manipulation – brings the greatest frustrations.
In theory, your weapons and ammunition should be attached to your body, which is standard for VR games. However, in practice, the game uses a system that ties them to the position of your head. The result? If you turn your head left or right, your equipment changes position – the gun, for example, can end up on your thigh, butt, or even in your stomach area.
At the moment 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, that’s the Matrix. My bad.
One of the biggest problems of the game lies in the monotony of combat, which is further exacerbated by the lack of weapon variety. While the games that inspired By Grit Alone are known for dynamic and strategic combat, here the opponents are too often reduced to two main types.
On 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 shots to their weak points – clearly marked yellow parts of the body. Yay.
Especially frustrating are the chapters where you have to wait in small spaces until a certain timer runs out. Leaving that space stops the countdown, and sometimes even resets it. This forces you to stand still while facing endless waves of fast enemies that literally jump at you.
This kind of design is not only repetitive but also plays on the edge of frustration, where combat stops being a challenge and becomes a tedious obligation. Fewer enemies, but stronger and strategically more interesting ones, would likely make these parts of the game more bearable.
We could say that the problem lies in my failure to adhere to the git gud methodology, but realistically, the game could indeed be easier if the mechanics were good.
Despite this, the game still manages to surprise occasionally with creative and fun enemies. A particularly notable example comes from a level set in a space spa. Here, you encounter small monstrous tentacles from earlier stages of the game, but now they have merged with friendly robots designed to guide you through the complex. Their "friendly nature" paradoxically becomes a threat as they get so close to you that it evokes a sense of discomfort. However, the way to fight them brings a refreshing change. You can destroy only the monster attached to the robot, 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 issues, By Grit Alone manages to deliver a unique sense of tension, especially through elements of the bullet-hell genre. Battles turn into intense skirmishes where you must precisely maneuver between seemingly endless projectiles while trying to return fire. This approach, rarely seen in FPS games, adds a new dimension of challenge and adrenaline.
Dark corridors adorned with alien biomass contribute to the feeling of constant danger. Every sound, flash of light, or movement in the darkness can be a sign of an impending threat, further intensifying the sense of tension. The game manages to capture that feeling of claustrophobia and uncertainty that are hallmarks of the horror genre.
Atmosphere over graphics
When it comes to presentation, By Grit Alone is a perfect example of a game that manages to shine despite obvious visual shortcomings. The graphics are, unfortunately, far below the standards for VR games in 2024. Textures are mostly blurry and lack detail, models are simplistic, and effects like explosions or light reflections look outdated. While it is clear that the team's focus was on storytelling and gameplay design, the visual impression leaves much room for improvement.
Particularly disappointing are the static and repetitive environmental elements – some parts of the game look like they belong to an earlier generation of VR games. While the alien biomass on the ship looks impressive and atmospheric, the rest of the environment often appears generic, with some areas almost empty. This visual shortcoming cannot be overlooked, as the environment plays a crucial role in creating an immersive experience in horror games.
No, here we come to the biggest paradox – the atmosphere is still incredible.
Despite the poor visuals, the game manages to create a tense and eerie atmosphere that keeps the player in a constant sense of danger. The credit for this goes to the brilliant sound design and music. Creepy noises, occasional howls in the distance, and sounds coming from unknown sources create an unrelenting discomfort. The music perfectly fits the narrative, enhancing the feeling of fear and uncertainty when needed, while occasionally bringing humorous or relaxing moments that serve as a breather before the next wave of horror.
The voice acting is also top-notch. The voice recordings and holographic messages of the characters add depth to the game world, making the story feel alive and convincing. Occasional humor in the dialogues and unexpected moments, like an advertisement for a vacation amidst a deadly battle, provide a much-needed balance in this dark adventure.
Despite the poor textures and technically simple models, By Grit Alone proves that atmosphere does not necessarily depend on high-end graphics. Sound, light, and spatial design work successfully together to create a world that is both frightening and intriguing. The graphics may be lacking, but the sense of tension and immersion that this game provides undoubtedly surpasses many 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 gameplay, this game will delight you. However, if you are looking for a perfectly polished VR shooter, you might be disappointed, but only slightly.
Although it is not perfect, this is a game that has soul and vision, but lacks the technical precision needed for a completely seamless experience. Should you play it? Absolutely! Will the flaws bother you? Only if you ignore the perfect atmosphere. Definitely give it a try.
A copy of the game for review purposes was provided by the development studio Crooks Peak
