Colin Cassidy
Taking Prop Hunt Mechanics to the Next Level in VR: Mannequin
Fast Travel Games’ New Multiplayer VR Title Unveiled at Gamescom
Fast Travel Games has just announced their latest multiplayer VR title, Mannequin, at Gamescom. Combining mechanics from the popular game mode Prop Hunt with the immersive experience of virtual reality, Mannequin takes hiding and seeking to a whole new level. Set to release in 2024 for Quest, SteamVR, and PSVR 2, this game pits aliens against human agents in a thrilling hunt. Read on to discover our hands-on impressions from Gamescom.
The Concept:
Inspired by community-made game modes like Counter Strike and Garry’s Mod, Mannequin builds on the popular Prop Hunt concept. In standard Prop Hunt games, players disguise themselves as environmental props to avoid detection. However, Mannequin revolutionizes this concept for VR by requiring players to pose as frozen NPCs, bringing physicality into the mix. The game supports up to five players in a match, with three players as alien mannequins and two as human hunters.
The Gameplay:
Mannequin follows a best-of-five rounds format, with the objective of eliminating the opposing team completely. Hunters must use their wits and detective tools to spot the disguised aliens, while the aliens must skillfully blend in with the frozen NPCs. Timing is crucial, as an incorrect shot from a hunter can leave them vulnerable to a surprise attack from an alien.
The Unique Features:
Mannequin introduces several unique features that add depth and excitement to the gameplay. Aliens have a dash ability, allowing them to quickly close in on the hunters or break out of their frozen pose. Hunters, on the other hand, possess an EMF Reader to detect alien presence and throwable tools to reveal alien movement in specific areas. Additionally, both teams can capture Power Stations throughout the map, granting them extra abilities and advantages.
Strategy and teamwork are essential in Mannequin. With coordination and communication, players can dominate the rounds and secure victory. The game currently features in-game proximity voice chat for team communication.
The Future of Mannequin:
While Mannequin already offers an engaging VR experience, the potential for future iterations is exciting. Full body tracking and more dynamic posing possibilities could enhance the gameplay even further. Fast Travel Games has laid a solid foundation with the current mechanics, but the addition of more physicality promises to take Mannequin to new heights.
Our Impressions:
After playing Mannequin at Gamescom, we were suitably impressed. While there is still room for polishing, the early build showcased the game’s captivating potential. The combination of VR immersion and the unique Prop Hunt concept transformed for VR makes Mannequin feel fresh and original. We can’t wait to see how Fast Travel Games develops this game further leading up to its release in 2024.
Are you ready to step into the immersive world of Mannequin? Keep an eye out for its release on Quest, PC VR, and PSVR 2 headsets in 2024.
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