Preview of ‘Path of Fury’ – A Nostalgic VR Beat-’Em-Up with Impact

Path of Fury – Episode I: Tetsuo’s Tower takes players on a wild ride through an ’80s-inspired underworld where you’ll throw punches at gangsters like there’s no tomorrow. I had the opportunity to explore the first two levels before its big release on March 12th for the Quest. Let’s dive into what makes this game tick.

Growing up, I was hooked on flicks like Big Trouble in Little China and endless ’80s and ’90s Chinese kung-fu films. This background makes me feel like a sifu as I venture through Path of Fury, battling hordes of Cantonese and Russian-speaking gangsters on my quest toward more challenging underworld bosses.

Despite a quick intro, the game leaves you wondering why exactly you’re smashing your way through mobs. However, you sure feel the burn as you dish out uppercuts and block kicks. Even though it’s an on-rails game, the world-building captures you, delivering a lively mix of low-poly, PS1-era foes in vibrant settings.

Without spilling too many beans, your journey starts by extracting intel from a captured thug, which kicks off your mission at Tetsuo’s Tower—a classic crime den masquerading as a nightclub. The game’s on-rails system teleports you through corridors to confront the next batch of foes, keeping the focus on the immediate task: punch, block, punch.

The simplicity of the punch and parry mechanics is reminiscent of retro games, offering a delightful arcade experience akin to classics like Time Crisis. Instead of ducking and reloading, you deflect incoming attacks with a swipe at a target and counter with a whirlwind of punches.

Defeating opponents is all about timing your hits on designated body parts with the right force—red means bring the heat, grey means keep it light. While this doesn’t offer much leeway to improvise on your beatdowns, it enhances the game’s experience of guided action, similar to titles like Until You Fall or Beat Saber, making you feel like a powerhouse.

Path of Fury comes from the creative mind of Leonard Menchiari, known for non-VR hits like Trek to Yomi and The Eternal Castle [REMASTERED]. His knack for infusing classic side-scrolling charm is evident here. Surprisingly, although it’s his first VR creation, it’s a solid, immersive experience.

From what I’ve seen in the initial levels, my main critique is the lack of variety in gameplay options—there’s only a pause and restart. The absence of a seated mode and a difficulty slider is also notable, as being overwhelmed by punches leaves you a bit dizzy. Nevertheless, with its full-body workout approach, this game has the potential to sneak some exercise into your routine without you realizing it!

Path of Fury: Episode I – Tetsuo’s Tower takes the stage on March 12th for Quest 2/3/Pro, priced at $9.99. It’s one to put on your wishlist via the Horizon Store.