Bow to Blood: Last Captain Standing, initially released in August 2018 as a VR exclusive for PS4, has been adapted for Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch. The core concept is straightforward: players assume the role of an airship captain tasked with engaging and eliminating attacking adversaries. Progress involves unlocking upgrades, keys, and other enhancements, ultimately striving to be the last captain remaining in the airspace.
The game features simple, yet functional graphics, and the airship’s movement through the environments is generally stable. Knowing that Bow to Blood: Last Captain Standing was originally designed for VR clarifies certain design choices. For example, the player’s restricted movement on the command bridge is characteristic of the “rail shooter” genre prevalent in VR. The inclusion of a pistol-shooting mechanic against specific enemies, while piloting a heavily armed ship, also seems more suited to a VR experience. Without the immersion of VR, these mechanics can feel somewhat out of place and forced. The absence of a visible arm during these shooting sequences in the non-VR version is also a notable omission.
Another point of contention is the complexity of managing various ship functions. Initially, mastering the controls requires significant effort, often resulting in early defeats. Players must manage two crewmates, assigning them to four different stations based on combat, defensive, or travel situations. Furthermore, power distribution between stations requires careful attention to maintain optimal performance.
The enemy AI is rudimentary, with opponents generally following predictable attack patterns. A TV reporter character provides in-game information, however, the inability to bypass these news segments can be disruptive, forcing players to listen before engaging in combat.
In conclusion, Bow to Blood: Last Captain Standing‘s transition from VR to a standard gaming experience feels somewhat compromised. The core mechanics appear intrinsically linked to the VR platform, resulting in a less compelling experience without it. Despite this, the game offers redeeming qualities, including its visuals and a smooth refresh rate. The satisfaction of defeating opponents remains a key element of the gameplay. Considering its budget-friendly price point, Bow to Blood: Last Captain Standing provides a reasonable amount of entertainment, although it arguably shines brightest in its original VR format.
