My new favourite VR Game? Sword of GARGANTUA Review

GARGANTUA is the closest we’ll get to a Sword Art Online game. If the title didn’t give it away, it is a sword-action game with looter elements.

Sword of GARGANTUA takes clear inspiration from the SAO anime, down to the gameplay concept and user interface – but that isn’t a bad thing.

The sword combat is thrilling and intense, and easily the most fun I’ve ever experienced in a virtual reality game. There is nothing quite like slashing at enemies, and the satisfaction of a perfectly timed block!

The combat in this game is easily where it shines (as it should). The swords feel weighty, and most of all – the system is immersive.

Whether or not a virtual reality game is immersive really makes or breaks it. GARGANTUA’s physics for sword fighting feels amazing.

Sword of GARGANTUA Gameplay

The sword goes where you swing, you need to perfectly angle blocks, and the speed of a slash matters! The game is like if Blade and Sorcery’s combat system met Until You Fall.

Along with finding loot, such as new swords – the game also features systems such as upgrading your weapons and stats.

GARGANTUA also features multiplayer, with online co-op up to 3 other players. Whilst I mostly stuck to singleplayer, the few MP sessions I had was amazing.

The multiplayer system reminds me of Monster Hunter: World. Players can easily open and join other people’s sessions. Progression you make in another person’s world also stays and is character tied.

Although I haven’t explored it myself, Sword of GARGANTUA has a decently sized modding scene which is officially supported too.

So maybe you want to add in keyblades from Kingdom Hearts, or even FF8 Squall’s iconic gunblade? There is a huge community there if you want to delve into mods and custom content.

Image of the GARGANTUA modding website

If you ever got bored of just climbing through towers, GARGANTUA also offers plenty of other gameplay modes. It is also frequently getting updates and new features, which has me excited.

Anyways… Now let’s talk about some of the issues. GARGANTUA is far from a beautiful game. The tower levels and visuals leave a lot to be desired.

The environments are uninspired and bland, and the enemy designs get repetitive. With that being said – the gameplay makes up for it.

If you’re looking for story – it is near to non-existent in GARGANTUA. The game throws you a cutscene at the beginning, and that’s it.

Sword of GARGANTUA Official Trailer

Whilst the game is far from perfect, it is one of the very few VR games I come back to. Actions speak louder than words. It has plenty of replayability and makes for a great work out!

As mentioned before, GARGANTUA have also released a lengthy roadmap for the future too. The developers plan on adding in more gameplay modes, ranged weapons and even PVP!

Hopefully Sword of GARGANTUA gets refined into a virtual reality game that’s played for years to come.

You can check out the game on the Oculus website now. It is also out on Steam and PSVR.

The game is well worth the purchase, but if you’re still unsure – wait for a sale. Click here to check out my other game reviews!

By Camellia Hao Ren

Camellia Hao Ren is an Australian journalist and editor. When they aren't writing, they are usually playing games or reading.

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