Windlands

Windlands is a three-dimensional platformer game for PC and PS4, developed with the PlayStation VR virtual reality headset. The production was created by Psytec Games Ltd, an independent British studio that specializes in VR titles. Windlands is its second project after the 2016’s classical dungeon crawler entitled Crystal Rift.

Mechanics

Windlands is practically devoid of any plot. The player’s task is to explore increasingly complex three-dimensional levels that present ancient ruins and cities. Using many available paths, we have to reach the exit/portal that takes us to the next location. While at it, we can also find collectible items hidden in various nooks and crannies. The action is observed from the first-person perspective. We move with the gamepad’s analog sticks. Our main means of transportation is the grappling hook that we shoot in any direction and then use is to jump between the platforms that float in the air. While playing, we don’t encounter any enemies or traps that could kill the protagonist since the developers wanted to give the players a relaxing gameplay model.

Game modes

The developers of Windlands also created options for more demanding players. The production offers difficulty modes that change the way the grappling hook attaches to some surfaces. We can also try our luck in speed runs and time trial challenges in which completion time counts. What’s interesting, our scores can then be compared with those of other players thanks to the online leaderboards.

Technical aspects

Windlands features minimalistic graphics that at times resembles Journey for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. Their main problem are textures of quite poor quality which can spoil the experience that the developers had in mind.

Last updated on December 15, 2016