VR games have always been such an amazing concept, but the games have often not taken full advantage of the technology available. However, after years of refinement, VR games are actually becoming, well, good. Arizona Sunshine definitely cements itself as one of the better VR games, one that I actually enjoyed. The game released a good 18 months ago but it has only recently become available in South Africa.

Arizona Sunshine is set in the baking heat of zombie-laden America, where you will need to survive, not only the severe weather, but also the hordes of undead that want to turn you into a man-which. The storyline felt rather flat, and pretty much tasks you with going from Point A to Point B, with no real sense of purpose.



It involves the typical zombie survival mechanics, but also emphasises how fun it is shoot reanimated corpses in the face. The mechanics are fairly simple, with the ability to pick up highlighted objects, and depending on the type of item, different actions are required to use the item. For example, if it is food, you move the item toward your mouth (just don't smack yourself) and you will consume it to replenish health. If it is ammo, you need to simply move it toward your chest to increase your ammo count, and the same with grenades.

There is an element of exploration as well, mostly to find more ammo, a new weapon, or food. Interestingly enough, you do find water bottles but there is no action required for them - ironic considering the baking heat. Although, the benefit of having water bottles and canteen cans all over the place, is being able to see how well you can throw them into basins, bins, and just all over the place. It's the little things.



Movement mechanics are generic to VR games, with a teleportation method of moving forward and back, and a rotation mechanic to turn around. This was actually the hardest aspect of the review because these mechanics made me feel ill after just 45 minutes, to the point where I had to stop for a good couple of hours. I know that this isn't isolated to this specific game, but it is something worth mentioning.

The aiming mechanic was pretty finicky, and granted, I am not an expert marksman in real life, there were some conflicting aiming methods. Weapons have iron sights on them but there is also a holographic circle that highlights where the bullet will impact. This would be perfect if they aligned with each other, but they don't, and I often had to close one eye (IRL) to get a good, clean headshot. Ammo isn't exactly sparse but it's not available in every single nook and cranny either. Plus, it's just cool to headshot zombies.



The graphics are what you would expect from a VR title, albeit with some minor refinements here and there. Throughout my time playing, I was constantly reminded of the arcade classic, Dino Crisis. The graphics were reminiscent of 90's look and feel, as well as the shooting mechanics.

The zombies come in different shapes and sizes, and each will need to be taken into account. The bigger Zs typically move slower, but they do far more damage than the rest, and take a few shots more to take down. There are ones that run at you on all fours, who are quick and harder to shoot on the move, but they don't inflict as much damage. The average brain-fiend, however, moves at a sluggish pace, enough for you to get a good target.

One area where I felt Arizona Sunshine, uhm, shines, is the audio. The growling and snarling is a familiar zombie sound but the placing and direction of the sound is superb. If you cannot see a target, try listening out for the sound and you will typically find the source. Plus, it really adds to that immersion and sends creepy chills along your spine. Furthermore, there are certain elements that, if triggered, will draw a massive horde to your location. It was particularly fun to chuck a grenade in the middle and watch parts go flying.



Seeing as how easily accessible a VR headset is these days, you can also engage in a multi-player co-op experience, where you will have friends to help you out. However, ammo becomes even more valuable, as you have to share it with your co-hort.

If you are looking for a 'Horde Mode', then Arizona Sunshine provides a great experience where endless waves of Zs come at you, as any good zombie wave should, and you need to test out how long you will survive. This mode is great fun but it doesn't hold as much as the other two.



Overall, this was really one of the best VR games I have played to date. The mechanics are well integrated, the immersion is great, and the sound is fantastic. However, the story is rather shallow, the modes are derivative, and the aiming system needs work. It's a good, fun VR title to play but I wouldn't go out and buy a VR system just for this game.