8Bit/Digi

This World is Cruel, but it is Also Very Beautiful

Ever since I first put on a VR headset, I’ve imagined it as the perfect medium to bring the world of Attack on Titan to life. It has been a dream to experience Hajime Isayama’s acclaimed masterpiece beyond the manga’s pages, in a way neither anime nor traditional video games can achieve. So when UNIVRS, Inc. allowed the chance to take back what was stolen in the world of VR, you know it got my attention.

Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable is a VR adaptation of the acclaimed series that immerses players as soldiers in the Scout Regiment. They’ll team up with beloved characters, face the terrifying Titans, and fight to survive—or risk annihilation. The game delivers on the core expectations of fans, offering an engaging and thrilling experience in the world of Attack on Titan.

I’ve read Volumes 1 to 3 through Attack on Titan Omnibus 1 and recently rewatched Season 1 of the anime as a refresher. I want to see how Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable is able to bring this acclaimed story to life while also leaving its own mark.

To You, 2,000 Years From Now

Before diving into the main plot, here’s a recap spanning The Fall of Shiganshina to Assault on Stohess. There will be no spoilers for what happens after the Clash of the Titans arc. The story follows Eren Yeager and the Scout Regiment as they struggle to protect humanity from Titans. Humanity has lived in relative safety behind massive walls that shield them from the outside threat. However, peace is shattered when a Colossal Titan breaches the Shiganshina District, allowing Titans to invade Wall Maria. After losing their home and loved ones, Eren and his friends join the military to fight back.

Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable puts players in the role of a Scout Regiment during the Battle of Trost District. Working under the command of Armin Arlert, you will be tasked with fighting the Titans while also ensuring the survival of the forces within the Trost District. Along the way, they will also encounter other characters from the series while also participating in major offenses to take back the city.

The Battle of Trost District arc is one of the series’ most iconic stories, laying the groundwork for future events. It vividly illustrates the futility and despair humanity faces, even against the smallest Titans. This sense of insignificance resonates deeply with viewers. However, it’s also an arc that has been done to death when it comes to video game adaptations from Attack on Titan 2 to every mobile game. While this consistency may not bother everyone, for someone who has played every Attack on Titan game a little change in the story would have been welcoming. I’m not going to knock it down for this since this is a personal preference while others might enjoy going back to the Trost District.

Taking Back What Was Stolen

The gameplay is straightforward and faithfully represents the series. You play as a Scout armed with the omni-directional mobility (ODM) gear and dual blades. To defeat a Titan, you can first disable its limbs before targeting the nape of the neck. Alternatively, you can strike the nape directly under favorable conditions. As in the series, the Titan may appear dumb but it also poses a threat – especially when there are two or more. Players must also monitor the durability of their blades and replace them as needed to stay effective in combat. As players progress through the game, they can unlock better gear and blades.

Compared to Attack on Titan: Wings of Freedom and its sequel, this game offers the easiest gameplay to learn. Mastery primarily involves understanding a few controller buttons, with the rest relying on movement within the world. This simplicity makes the mechanics intuitive and approachable, ensuring players feel welcomed even after stepping away for a while. At the same time, it’s exactly how one expects it to be just like in the anime / manga.

We Are The Hunters!

UNIVRS, Inc. has excelled in bringing the Trost District to life with remarkable detail. From the sound of footsteps to the intricate building designs, it feels like stepping into the manga. The anime-style visuals enhance the experience, adding to the immersive world-building. This artistic choice makes the game appealing and welcoming to both anime and manga fans alike.

Plus as a fan of the anime, I do appreciate the return of the cast in their original roles – and before everything in The Final Season.

Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable captures much of Hajime Isayama’s story with impressive fidelity. However, a notable inaccuracy is that many core characters are depicted wearing Scout Regiment uniforms. This creates a discrepancy, as they were still part of the Cadet Corps during the Battle of Trost District. The attention to detail isn’t the only issue with the game. The most significant problem lies in the unpolished physics. At times, a clean strike on a Titan fails to register due to faulty hit detection. Additionally, Titans have occasionally grabbed me even when I was safely positioned behind a building or structure. These issues can turn an intense moment into a frustrating experience, making the gameplay feel more difficult than necessary.

From You, 2,000 Years Ago

The conclusion of Attack on Titan felt akin to watching the final episodes of The Sopranos or Game of Thrones. It was a captivating experience like no other, and its finale marked not just the end of the series, but the end of an era. At the same time, you’re left with a sense of emptiness, knowing that there was nothing quite like it. It will likely be some time before another masterpiece captures your attention in such a profound way. That is what makes an adaptation like Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable so unique—it allows me to experience a beloved story from a different medium.

Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable offers fans of the acclaimed series the chance to experience some of its most iconic moments through VR. The opportunity to immerse yourself in the Scouts’ struggle in this new medium is something I’ve always hoped for, and this adaptation provides a solid foundation for that experience.

Disclaimer: The publisher through a PR representative provided the game used for this review.

This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt then check it out on OpenCritic.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that highlights the video game community and industry of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable (Meta Quest 2)

8

Excellent

8.0/10

Pros

• Gameplay is straightforward and faithfully represents the series.
• Combat is easy to learn compared to past video game adaptations.
• The attention to detail in brining the world to life.
• Return of the cast is a solid bonus for fans.

Cons

• Issues with the attack physics that undermine the quality.
• Some attention to lore detail was missed.