Boneworks

Boneworks has an enigmatic storyline emphasizing experiments with advanced object physics. Stress Level Zero is responsible for the development of the game; the team has such positions as Duck Season or Hover Junkers in its portfolio. Like most of the previous games of this dev, the title was created mainly for VR sets.

Plot

The action of the game takes place in a mysterious virtual complex reminiscent of a real metropolis. Rooms that pretend to be subway stations, canteens, office buildings or construction sites seamlessly connect with each other and bring different meaning for the plot. The whole thing is the result of calculations carried out by an operating system equipped with a powerful AI. The software, called Myth OS, was created by Monogon Industries, which advertised it as a great alternative to the dangerous, expensive and boring physical existence.

Information about the plot is derived from residual hints found during the game. Most of them are videos and movie (with real actors) created by other characters in the building, telling the story of Monogon Industries' strategy. As history progresses, the protagonist discovers that the city created by Myth OS is not as great as it might seem.

Mechanics

Boneworks' gameplay is based on physics, dynamic combat and solving puzzles. The behavior of objects and surroundings is subject to a constant and universal set of rules throughout the game. Thanks to their complexity, we can creatively influence the virtual world, e.g. by moving, throwing or destroying objects. In addition to completing the main stages, which are activated with the help of special red buttons, we can also take care of optional mini-games. These include, for example, shooting range exercises, watching interactive exhibits or physical training in the form of boxing and weightlifting. In the game there is also a simple parkour system useful for exploring the complex.

We can use almost anything in battle against our opponents. Available weapons include pistols, rifles, weapons for close combat (fire axes, clubs, knives, swords), but to defeat opponents it is enough to skillfully knock down a scaffolding, accurately throw down an object or knock down the enemy from a platform. In the case of firearms, we must take care of the ammunition, most often hidden in wooden boxes, destroyable with the help of the aforementioned melee weapons. On our way we meet enemies who just rush at us with their fists, as well as highly-trained soldiers equipped with advanced equipment, which forces us to use different tactics.

The logic puzzles in Boneworks are also based on playing with physics. It is important to study the highly interactive environment carefully and use all available mechanics.

Technical aspects

The game was created based on Unreal Engine, which resulted in a nice graphics. The creators focused on fine-tuning the visible body parts of our characters, both visually and in terms of their behavior, to make them seem as natural as possible.

Other

Due to the high interactivity of the world and the complexity of mechanics in Boneworks, the creators do not recommend the game for people inexperienced in using VR technology, recommending to play through simpler titles first.

Last updated on June 18, 2020