What would you get if you combined pinball with something like squash? Well, Racket: Nx, obviously. It’s a fast-paced, action-packed racket-based game that is likely to leave you breathless and addicted.
I’ve loved the PICO 4 since opening the box (if you haven’t checked out my review, you can do so here) and Racket: Nx is a must-have game for the device.
Gameplay
I’m not the sportiest person in the world, and anyone who knows me knows that my hand-eye coordination can sometimes be lacking. But Racket: Nx sucks you in and makes you feel like a sporting superstar of the future.
Set inside a giant globe, your job is to hit the ball to turn off the lights on panels. As you progress, you will need to charge your energy so you can keep playing by hitting other highlighted markers. Depending on how hard you hit, can change the angles, speed, and more and aim is key. Honestly, it feels like playing a sci-fi game of Squash.
You remain stationary while playing, as the game doesn’t really require much stepping around, which is great for play areas that are limited in size. Just be wary of where your arms will inevitably be flailing! Also, if you’re prone to dizziness, this may not be the game for you, as with the 360-degree arena, you do find yourself needing to turn on the spot quite a lot.
The physics feels very natural in the game but is unlikely to remind you of anything from the real world. The ball is constantly in motion, and your job is to speed it up for bonuses and direct it. As the player, you also have a magnetic recall option, but use this tactically as it costs power you will need to replenish.
The game has both a solo mode and a multiplayer element to it.
How Racket: Nx Feels in VR
Racket: Nx is designed from the ground up to be played in virtual reality. The game features an arena and requires you to be able to turn around and swing your arm like a bat to hit the ball. This can get intense and very fast-paced. The graphics look good, enhanced by the great lens quality of the PICO 4.
I know why straps are recommended, though… on one occasion, I was so involved in the match, so transported to the Tron-like arena that I may have accidentally let go of my ‘racket’ and immediately winced as the controller fell to the floor. Thankfully no PICO 4 controllers were harmed in the making of this review (they’re very well-built!) If I’m honest, though, that’s what I want from a VR game. Even a casual one like Racket: Nx, total immersion. It delivered.
Final Thoughts on Racket: Nx
Racket: Nx is exactly the sort of game you want to be playing in VR. It has a 360-degree arena and requires physical movement with the controllers to bat the ball, as well as some skill to be successful at it. Just don’t let go like I did, and you’ll be fine!
For more information on Racket: Nx, head to the developer’s website. For information on the PICO 4, check out their site here.
