In Fated: The Silent Oath, players assume the role of Ulfir, a family father who, at the outset of the narrative, is killed. He is then granted a second chance at life in exchange for relinquishing his ability to speak, hence the subtitle “The Silent Oath.” This premise serves as the foundation for Frima Studio’s first-person adventure, set in a Viking-era world. The core game mechanic revolves around the player using head movements – nodding for “yes” and shaking for “no” – as a substitute for traditional dialogue choices.
The gameplay duration of Fated: The Silent Oath is approximately one and a half hours, comparable to experiences such as Arkham VR. A significant portion of this time is dedicated to exposition, with players absorbing the story and experiencing the surrounding world through listening and observation. The voice acting is commendable, effectively establishing an immersive atmosphere that blends fantasy elements with historically inspired narrative. Interactive segments include archery, horse-drawn carriage steering, and balancing challenges. Expanding these interactive elements could have enhanced the overall experience.
Fated represents the initial installment of what is likely intended to be a larger, episodic narrative, with subsequent chapters funded through individual releases. Priced affordably, this brief adventure presents a reasonable value proposition. It offers promise for the future of VR storytelling and introduces novel concepts. This innovation is particularly welcome as the initial fervor surrounding VR technology moderates. While VR remains a compelling experience with significant potential, the industry awaits the arrival of truly exceptional games.
