Wall Town Wonders could very well be a glimpse into the gaming future, where augmented reality (AR) glasses have become a part of everyday life. Imagine managing a bustling miniature town with Sim-like inhabitants buzzing about your room in hot air balloons. While visually enchanting, the gameplay doesn’t quite capture my attention in the long run, leaving me wondering if perhaps it’s a bit ahead of its time for our current XR headset technology.
Details at a Glance:
- Publisher: Cyborn
- Platforms: Quest 3/3S
- Reviewed on: Quest 3
- Release Date: November 21st, 2024
- Price: $20
Gameplay Insight
Wall Town Wonders embraces the low-pressure, casual vibe typical of games designed to help you unwind. The initial charm lies in peeking into the buildings, watching tiny chefs whip up pizzas, or seeing villagers fly around your living room in a bi-plane. After the hour-long tutorial, the game focuses heavily on a lineup of mini-games that unlock with new structures. These can range from shooting down pesky bugs to partaking in fishing or guiding airplanes across your living room with just a wave of your hand.
Most of your time will likely be spent waiting for the villagers to generate resources like wood, money, and food. Your task is to build and enhance numerous types of structures, totaling more than a hundred to choose from. You get to play with the positioning and design of these buildings, turning your room into a lively display of bustling activity.
Despite the villagers carrying out tasks independently, giving the impression that the game nearly runs itself, you have the option to dive deeper. You can engage with your inhabitants, be it through mining, farming, or joining them on exploratory missions around your room, which often take the form of mini-games.
It didn’t take long for my initial curiosity to dwindle. The mini-games designed to engage players during idle waiting periods ended up feeling like a series of mundane chores. Despite the initial appeal, the routine of tasks made it difficult for me to stay invested beyond a few hours spread out over several sessions.
Diving into Immersion
I have a soft spot for virtual dioramas; their intricate details packed into small spaces create vivid worlds. The concept of a tiny European-style village on your walls is simply delightful. However, while progress in XR technology is commendable, I still find myself not using a headset for writing tasks. My gaming time is often limited to evenings, rather than during work hours unless I’m reviewing something.
Looking ahead, I envision a time when XR resolutions match traditional displays for comfortable, extended use. But for now, Wall Town Wonders seems to overlook current limitations, blending mini-games and a meditative atmosphere that are almost too laid-back for extended play sessions on the Quest headset.
Some might argue that the game is just right for fans of titles like The Sims or Townscaper, and perhaps it’s my perspective that’s off. Yet, the reliance on laser pointers for interaction feels outdated, offering limited, short-lived interactions like picking up villagers for quick missions or using gadgets from your wrist. Notably, while hand-tracking inputs are encouraged, the precision required often sent me back to traditional controllers.
Comfort Considerations
With numerous buildings to manage, you’ll find yourself on your feet, exploring every wall in your room. It’s possible to play seated, but moving around is likely, given the setup. Though most activities are set at eye level, some require bending, which could become uncomfortable for the neck over time. Yet, placing the village around your walls rather than in a flat layout is a brilliant touch, enhancing comfort and ease. More town sims should consider this approach in the future.
Comfort Settings Overview:
- Artificial turning: No
- Movement: No
- Posture: Standing
- Seated mode: No
- Crouch (artificial): No
- Crouch (real): Yes
- Accessibility: Subtitles available
- Languages: Multiple
- Dialogue audio: No
- Adjustable difficulty: No
- Two hands required: No
- Real crouch required: No
- Hearing required: No
- Adjustable player height: No
Ultimately, while Wall Town Wonders offers a charming spectacle, the experience leans heavily on casual interactions and self-driven activities. It holds potential for those seeking tranquility but might not satisfy players looking for more dynamic engagement.
