One Hamsa, developer of Racket: Nx and UNDERDOGS, has released a major update for the outstanding VR mech brawler.
Released under the theme “Build Shit | Break Shit,” the Sandboxxer update for UNDERDOGS will apply core mechanics to a number of new modes, including a set of level editor-style tools that will allow players to customize and share their experiences.
Sandboxxer includes ten unlockable challenges created by the developers that add new fast-paced gameplay styles to the game, similar to the existing Skirmish mode. From simple “kill as many enemies as possible within the time limit” modes to slightly more creative opportunities for mechanized mayhem, Sandboxxx offers the opportunity to engage with the fantastic core mechanics in new and exciting ways.
One of my personal favorites, you team up with the first boss of the campaign mode and fight alongside waves of enemies until one of you falls. It's not quite as good as the co-op mode, but it shows that there's real potential for this type of experience.
The building element of the update is well implemented and offers an accessible introduction to game modding, although the current tutorial could use some work. Some of the more complicated features were difficult to understand, but overall the editing tools are structured in an intuitive way that makes sense with practice. Once mastered, players can put together some really fun and creative scenarios that are both fun to build and fun to play.
Not only can you create your own arena with a range of environmental tools, but you can also program waves of enemies and basic enemy behavior with bespoke win conditions and a range of other systems. With the ability to share your creations, there's the potential for a near-endless supply of community content, so fans of the game will never run out of new ways to send scrap dogs to the scrap heap.
The update is rounded off by a practice studio where players can try out new builds and familiarize themselves with all the game mechanics at a more moderate pace.
The Sandboxxer update should be available on Quest and Steam starting August 29th and will be included in the Pico release on September 5th.
UNDERDOGS review: A new benchmark for VR arena combat
UNDERDOGS sets new standards for VR arena battles. Our detailed review:
