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Zenbane's avatar
Zenbane
MVP
9 years ago

XING: The Land Beyond

This evening I purchased, XING: The Land Beyond, and instantly fell in love with this puzzle-solving world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6lBTsHXiPI

XING: The Land Beyond is an atmospheric first-person puzzle-adventure game for the PC, PS4 and Virtual Reality, and set in the afterlife. Gameplay involves exploration, solving environment-based puzzles and gaining/using powers such as rain and snow to progress through levels.
 
Spiritualism, mysticism and logic come together in the land of XING, where you will traverse mountains, deserts, forests, volcanoes and more.

I just completed the first environment, and I can't wait to explore the rest. I'm naturally drawn to these types of games due to their ties to the Myst and Obduction genre. If you're a puzzle solving fan like me, then this is a must-have for your VR Library.

Some general feedback about the game:
  • Movement is full locomotion in a unique way: Oculus Touch triggers are used to control movement, Touch controller positioning is used to control speed and direction.
  • The player can "jump" over obstacles, which isn't very common in these types of games. While simple, this feature does add some unique flavor to the puzzle-solving experience.
  • Some of the gameplay environments remind me of Esper 2 (another great VR puzzle game)
  • The game fluctuates between a cartoon-like state to sequences that are quite stunning, the likes of Call of the Starseed and Chronos.
I wouldn't say that the game is a full AAA experience, but it is pretty damn close!

Links:
http://xingthegame.com/
https://www.oculus.com/experiences/rift/1012092142167066/
xing

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  • Pablito's avatar
    Pablito
    Heroic Explorer
    9 years ago

    Zenbane said:

    And it's full Locomotion; right up your ally Mr. Pablito
    ;)

    I finished the 2nd world yesterday. Going to attempt the 3rd tonight.

    Yea, locomotion- super happy with that!  VR loves me once again. <3
  • Pablito's avatar
    Pablito
    Heroic Explorer
    9 years ago
    Recently Nintendo commented on how in their view, VR hasn't offered any truly "Fun" experiences.  To be fair, Nintendo has sort of cornered the market in the "fun video gaming" market,  however....

    https://uploadvr.com/nintendo-says-isnt-lot-vr-thats-truly-fun/

    I played what I consider to be the Asian themed part of Xing and made it to the final, and tallest totem poll and I gotta say, this game is not only immersive, beautiful, well orchestrated and thoughtfully narrated, it truly FUN!

    FUN FUN FUN!  The music keeps pace with the environmental obstacles which are challenging but not too difficult(coming from a guy that hasn't even finished two full levels... this might change).  This game strikes a rare, satisfying  balance between Audio/video immersion, story telling and puzzle solving.  When I finish a portion of this game, I feel like I've been working for "the corporation" from home in the late evening for long hours and I've just found a way to save $100,000 bucks before earnings are due out.  That's how good I feel after playing this game... a total joy!  Nintendo should give careful consideration for what the developers at, " White Lotus Interactive, LLC" have accomplished.    

  • Zenbane's avatar
    Zenbane
    MVP
    9 years ago

    I finished the 3rd world last night, and I'm half way through the 4th one - which is a vast dessert region. And whoowheee this 4th world is mighty challenging. I spent about an hour just on one puzzle trying to complete the main challenge for the primary quest, and the extra challenge for the bonus "letter" quests.

    I'm excited to hit the endgame and all unlocks.
  • Zenbane's avatar
    Zenbane
    MVP
    9 years ago
    Update:

    I'm still loving this game; each world gets more and more impressive. I have completed the 4 primary worlds, and received my "ascension key." I am now in the ascension world which managed to take things up a notch. Entirely new devices, mechanics, and new ways to solve puzzles. It's rather impressive for a game to continue to push the envelope as the player progresses in this way, even up to the final stage.

    Here I thought once I ascended that I would see a Cinematic game ending. Instead I'm greeted with another 2+ hours of challenging puzzles using objects and strategies that were not previously encountered. Fantastic stuff.

    I should probably point out that this is still within the realm of an Esper style puzzle game mixed with a Myst/Obduction environment.

    I've easily clocked over 10 hours with Xing. Based on where I'm at now, and the fact that I missed a small number of secrets for unlocks, I'd say that this game can average 12-16 hours on the first playthrough.
  • Pablito's avatar
    Pablito
    Heroic Explorer
    9 years ago

    Zenbane said:

    Update:

    I'm still loving this game; each world gets more and more impressive. I have completed the 4 primary worlds, and received my "ascension key." I am now in the ascension world which managed to take things up a notch. Entirely new devices, mechanics, and new ways to solve puzzles. It's rather impressive for a game to continue to push the envelope as the player progresses in this way, even up to the final stage.

    Here I thought once I ascended that I would see a Cinematic game ending. Instead I'm greeted with another 2+ hours of challenging puzzles using objects and strategies that were not previously encountered. Fantastic stuff.

    I should probably point out that this is still within the realm of an Esper style puzzle game mixed with a Myst/Obduction environment.

    I've easily clocked over 10 hours with Xing. Based on where I'm at now, and the fact that I missed a small number of secrets for unlocks, I'd say that this game can average 12-16 hours on the first playthrough.


    You're right!  This game keeps finding a way to "one-up" itself.  Just when you think the best has come and gone, it takes you to a new level and blows your mind!  This is a gold experience.
  • Zenbane's avatar
    Zenbane
    MVP
    9 years ago

    I finally beat the game; it's getting a 5-start review from me on OH.

    My favorite location was the Ascension area, here's a bridge view screenshot:





    The ending credits take the form of an environment in itself, very cool:




    The fella responsible for these challenging puzzles.





    This was the hardest of all the "letter unlocks" for me (optional puzzle/secrets in the game):


  • cero490's avatar
    cero490
    Heroic Explorer
    9 years ago
    Have been wondering if this game would live up to expectations, though from what I have seen here, it delivers. Thanks for the honest feedback, it has helped me to make up my mind! Adding this sweet title to my own collection.
  • Genericat's avatar
    Genericat
    Adventurer
    6 months ago

    I would call it a AAA experience, playing it now on Quest 3 and it's gorgeous!