Deadpool VR: Expect Shenanigans, Slashes, and a Whole Lotta Fourth-Wall Whack-a-Mole
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Step into the chaotic world of *Deadpool VR*, where you’ll slice and shoot ninjas for Mojo’s reality TV show, all while Deadpool (voiced by Neil Patrick Harris) cracks endless meta-jokes and regenerates from truly gruesome injuries, making for a hilariously immersive experience on Meta Quest 3S.
Repurposing a Gamescom preview originally penned by Samantha Nelson for Polygon.
Right, so picture this: You’re at Gamescom, wandering through the digital ether, and suddenly, you stumble into a VR demo that promises chaos, katanas, and the Merc with a Mouth himself. You know that feeling when you cast a spell and it works a bit too well, but in the most gloriously unhinged way imaginable? That’s pretty much what Twisted Pixel has cooked up with their new *Deadpool VR* game.
I’ve been tinkering with the deets on this one, and bloody hell, it’s wilder than it first appeared. Forget your standard heroics, mate; we’re diving headfirst into a meta-narrative orchestrated by none other than Mojo, the reality TV villain with a face that screams 'I spend too much time on TikTok.' John Leguizamo voicing Mojo? Chef’s kiss, that. And Deadpool? He’s got Neil Patrick Harris bringing the rapid-fire wit, which, let’s be fair, is a casting choice that just *makes sense*.
Deadpool’s latest gig? Recruiting Marvel’s biggest baddies for Mojo’s latest ratings grab. And how does one kick off such a prestigious venture? If you’re Deadpool, apparently, it’s with a delightful amount of dismemberment and enough snark to fill a small, very sarcastic ocean. The 30-minute demo, which sounds like a glorious fever dream, starts with a bang – or rather, a chop.
First up on Wade’s recruitment hit-list is Lady Deathstrike. Now, you’d think old mates from ninja school would be chuffed to see each other, right? Maybe even reminisce about old times, like that one time they... made out? Nope. Lady Deathstrike, being the reasonable sort, decides the best way to decline the offer is to have her agents decapitate Deadpool, slice off his limbs, and unceremoniously dump him in a swamp. Fair dinkum, that’s how you set a tone, innit? As a wizard, I’ve seen some spectacularly botched teleportation spells, but even I reckon starting a game by getting your protagonist literally diced is a bold move. It worked though, because apparently, you’re instantly hooked.
And here’s a fun little aside that tickled my curiosity: Deadpool apparently also went to ninja school with a “strong, silent guy” who got “canceled.” My digital tea leaves are screaming 'Wolverine,' and while the article reckons he won’t be popping up, I’m holding out hope. Imagine the meta-jokes! The fourth-wall breaking would be off the charts.
Luckily, getting turned into a meaty confetti popper isn’t game over for our favourite regeneratin’ degenerate. Oh no. Deadpool regenerates, naturally, and the VR perspective apparently gives you a *gross* level of detail. I’m talking about seeing every sinew and bone reattach. Immersive, yes. Appetizing? Probably not after a big lunch.
Then it’s time to explore a ninja temple – very Indiana Jones, according to Wade – complete with shrines, booby traps, and all sorts of ways to get yourself (or rather, Deadpool) killed. You’re armed with a pair of katanas, two pistols, and a grappling gun. Swapping between them involves reaching behind your back for the blades and to your sides for the guns. Now, the reviewer mentioned a slight faff figuring out the sidearms, but a quick glance downwards apparently reveals them, along with… well, Deadpool’s backside. He’s very self-aware, even about his own posterior in VR. Brilliant.
Traversal isn’t just walking either; you’ll be grappling up walls, wall-running across pits (because, ninjas), and sliding under rows of pointy, spinny things. Mess up, and you’re back to a pile of limbs, with Deadpool mercilessly ribbing you for getting him killed in the tutorial. And bless Spiral, Mojo’s lieutenant, for embodying the clichéd tutorial voice. Deadpool’s meta-commentary on her just seals the deal; it’s like the movies jumped into your headset, only more in-your-face.
Once you’ve navigated the initial deathtraps, you land in a big ol’ room where Mojo lays out more of his dastardly plans, and then it’s ninja-killing time! The goal? Kill with panache. Headshots, fancy finishers – the works. The ninjas come at you in waves, katanas and dark red energy-infused throwing knives galore. Shooting is simple point-and-click, which sounds fine, but the real fun apparently comes from slashing. Waving your virtual hands around, turning baddies into ribbons, sounds like a proper stress-reliever. And if you drop your weapons (which, let’s be honest, will happen to the best of us), new ones just float into existence. Magic, innit? There are also cabinets that dispense upgraded, limited-ammo guns for those moments you need a bit more oomph.
Throughout all this, Deadpool is yapping away, ceaselessly. He’s asking if it’s cultural appropriation to kill ninjas with katanas (because of course he is), claiming to recognise some of the poor grunts, and generally being the most annoying, hilarious companion ever. The depth of his dialogue options sounds genuinely impressive, keeping the wave-based combat fresh and witty, rather than just a monotonous grind. At one point, you get Gambit-style cards to hurl at enemies, and apparently, *how* you trigger them is a big spoiler. Intriguing! Another detail that impressed me? Getting hit and seeing your arm look all nasty because it’s fallen off and needs to regrow with your suit. That’s the kind of meticulous, slightly disturbing detail that makes VR shine.
So, my reckoning? This game sounds like it’s absolutely nailing the Deadpool vibe in VR. Funny, silly, chaotic, and fast-paced – what more could you possibly want from stepping into Wade Wilson’s very tight, very red shoes? The immersion sounds top-notch, with options for folks who get a bit woozy in VR (a thoughtful touch, that). It’s set to unleash its particular brand of mayhem on November 18th on Meta Quest 3S. If you’re into slicing, dicing, and laughing your virtual butt off, this might be one to watch. Just try not to get *too* distracted by Deadpool’s digital derriere, eh?
It’s a fantastic example of a big IP getting a VR treatment that genuinely understands the character, rather than just slapping a name on a generic experience. A cautiously optimistic nod from this digital wizard, for sure.
Tags: Deadpool, VR Gaming, Action-Comedy, Marvel Games, Gamescom
Original article: Polygon