Dash Dash World – Early Access Review

Platforms supported: Oculus Rift, Oculus Quest.

So, there’s one thing I’ve always been missing in VR: a great arcade racer. There are a lot more realistic racers that are VR-compatible, such as Dirt and so on, but there’s never really been a great arcade racer. Naturally, with the niche thing that VR still unfortunately is, there hasn’t really been any attempt to penetrate this relatively tiny market.

With the advent of the Quest 2 though, the VR userbase has grown, and as an Index owner, this makes me happy as it has brought attention to the market. That attention has given us Dash Dash World, and I could not be happier.

Gameplay

Think heavily Mario Kart inspired. You have drifting and batteries and weapon boxes on the floor. The batteries charge up your nitro meter. As for the weapons, the first weapon you are given in the tutorial is the famous (or infamous) rubber chicken and it is a brilliant introduction to the zany weapons of Dash Dash World.

There are stage obstacles such as swinging disco balls, lasers, and so on, a wide variety that accompanies a massive variety of stages where you can also expect to experience flying and anti-grav. There’s a career mode, a multiplayer mode, daily activities and challenges on top of regular activities and challenges, and tons of customization ranging from cosmetics to car modifications that improve your stats.

It’s tons of fun and if you’re looking for something to scratch that Mario Kart itch in VR, this is clearly the best out there. The multiplayer is alive currently, and given the cross-platform multiplayer, it should stay like that as long as word gets around. The weapons are also quite varied, and although some are kind of just palette swaps, overall the weapons are very diverse and well-designed.

Presentation

The presentation is extremely basic and will not be winning any visual awards, however, it looks perfectly fine and I’m happy with it. I also understand why the graphics are so basic with it being on SteamVR, Oculus Rift, Quest, and soon PSVR, as a baseline had to be set. While it may be disappointing to some, I would point out that this is, as far as I’m concerned, an incredibly good decision.

The graphics do their job and the lack of visual oomph allows them to target so many platforms which should solve VR’s biggest issue, that of it being dead online. The population count should always be healthy if the word gets out about this great game. There are currently no graphics options but I have been told they are indeed coming. It has some 2D artwork which I think has a MM Legends feel to it, and it would be nice if the 3D part of the game could match that 2D package because honestly, I adore it.

Sounds

Nothing to really write home about here. The sound effects are a standard affair, but serviceable. The stage audio tracks, though nothing special, are indeed good and get you in the mood. A competent job has been done here.

Content

Now, this is where things get really good. There are tons of stages, decent weapon variety, tons of unlockables, a huge career mode, and cross-play online mode. The devs said to me that they have more content than most released VR games and they truly are not wrong. The game is brimming with content, there is a lot to see and do.

If the game gets exposure, I have no doubt this game will be successful. It is a full-fledged VR game. The stages are highly varied and genuinely great. Tech demo this is not.

Controls

Controls are basic. The left control grip is used to accelerate, which is all that’s needed to be honest. You auto accelerate and use a stick to turn and grab weapons and fire with them. Your left hand is always attached to a wheel so you use the right hand for weapons. It works very well. Index controls are fine.

Conclusion

Dash Dash World is an incredibly well-put-together game, with an incredibly solid above-average amount of content for an EA title. The devs seem to have a genuine passion for the game and believe in it. The gameplay is solid and very fun; all the grunt work is already there and the foundation is more than built. It is impossible for it to become an unfinished EA game launched into full release at this point.

Despite that, it’s best to realize that there’s still work to be done and they are in no hurry to take it out of EA, which I truly applaud. I’ve been burned in the past by unfinished EA games suddenly going into full launch. I will eat my hat if this ends up being the case with Dash Dash World. There’s already talk of a lighting overhaul and graphics options being added for people with beefy rigs.

Not only are there already great things to experience in Dash Dash World, but there also seems to be plenty more to come. It just needs exposure. So, if you have a supported VR kit, I implore you to give it a try and once you do, I’m sure you’ll join me in spreading the word. This is the closest we will ever get to Mario Kart in VR for the immediate future.



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