PSVR Games 2018: Highwire’s ‘Golem’ Release Date, Gameplay, Locomotion System Announced

After announcing in October that its VR adventure game, “Golem,” is scheduled for release next year, Highwire Games has now revealed the official release date of the PlayStation VR title. The developer has also provided an update on “Golem’s” gameplay and its new locomotion system.

When Is Highwire Releasing “Golem”?

Over the weekend, the game’s creative director, Jaime Griesemer, announced via the PlayStation Blog that “Golem” is arriving within the first quarter of 2018. “‘Golem’ has been a challenging and rewarding project for us, and we’re happy to announce that it will be available March 13th exclusively on PSVR.”

The announcement of “Golem’s” release date is definitely good news to fans who have been patiently waiting for it’s launch. The game was first announced during the December 2015 PlayStation Experience. Its first gameplay trailer was then released in March 2016. After which, nothing much was said of the game and its development until this past weekend.

What’s The Update On “Golem’s” Gameplay?

As a PlayStation VR-exclusive title, “Golem” takes its players to a fantasy world. Griesemer said in his new update that the core of the game is one-to-one melee, which is best executed using VR. “Unlike a traditional game, where each swing is controlled by an animation and blocking is as simple as holding a button, in ‘Golem’ every attack and parry is under the player’s direct control.”

Griesemer also noted that players are automatically given an 8-foot broadsword with a razor-sharp edge in the game, and it is up to the player on how to use this weapon. “If they don’t manage to get their sword above their head in time, they won’t block that overhead smash. And if they miss a cut at an exposed limb, it won’t do any damage,” the game director warned. “It takes practice, but landing a successful counter-attack is incredibly satisfying.”

What Is “Incline Control”?

Griesemer revealed in his blog post that in order for them to address the complex locomotion problem of VR games, they came up with a system called “Incline Control.” “Rather than reverting to an analog stick or artificially teleporting through space, we’ve developed an entirely unique way of moving through the world,” he said of their unique locomotion system.

The game director explained that with this system, players can move naturally in-game by just leaning their body as though they were taking a step in the real world. This could be challenging to players the first time they enter the world of “Golem,” but Griesemer promises that once they’ve mastered it, they can “move effortlessly through the abandoned ruins of the Endless City, exploring the large open environment full of mysteries, hidden shortcuts and dangerous enemy golems.”

What is “Golem”?

“Golem” is the first title from Highwire Games, an independent developer formed by gaming industry veterans. It features innovative VR controls that were developed by “Halo,” “Destiny” and “Infamous Second Son” game designer Jaime Griesemer. It also features original music from award-winning composer Marty O’Donnell.

As to what this game is all about, Highwire says, “In ‘Golem,’ you play as an adventurous kid who has been seriously injured. You are stuck at home in your bed, dreaming of exploring the outside world. You gradually develop the power to create and control stone creatures known as golems. You see through their eyes, direct their movements, and use them to explore beyond the confines of your room. At first, you can only build small doll-sized golems to send around your room… but eventually your powers will grow, until you can send enormous 15-foot tall giants to explore an ancient abandoned city.”

For players who want to get a taste of “Golem” prior its release, they are advised to check out the game’s musical prequel, called “Echoes of the First Dreamer,” which is available on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon.