Scale procedurally-generated trees in search of valuable loot hidden high above the clouds in this vertigo-inducing VR experience.
We’ve seen our fair-share of single-player VR adventures on PC VR headsets, but nothing quite like Bean Stalker. Inspired by the classic fairytale Jack and the Beanstalk, this one-of-a-kind game has you taking on the role of a Stalker and scaling absolutely massive beanstalks to collect hidden treasures and embark on dangerous quests.
Brought to us by Hungary-based developer VR Storm Studio, Bean Stalker immerses you in a magical realm where humongous beanstalks extend from the Underworld straight into the clouds. As a professional Stalker, it’s your job to navigate the labyrinth-like branches of these towering structures using a variety of unique weapons and tools.
This includes your trusty Blade Slammer, a pair of sharp claws that are used to climb. You’ll also have access to zip lines and a grappling hook for even speedier ascents.
These tools, and other useful items, can be crafted in your workshop using valuable resources you’ll collect throughout your adventures. Depending on the materials at your disposal, you can craft crossbows, grenades, shields, and swords just to name a few.
If you’re looking to score the absolute best loot, however, you’ll need to go head-to-head with the many different creatures roaming throughout the trees in search of delicious sap. This includes everything from giant spiders and man-eating plants to blood-thirsty eagles and swarms of angry bees. There are even a few bosses that require special preparation in order to defeat.
Bean Stalker features several different beanstalks to climb, each with its own unique environment and climate. This includes a frozen wasteland, sunbaked desert, and breezy tropical paradise. Regardless of which location you choose, you’re guaranteed a one-of-a-kind adventure thanks to the game’s use of procedural generation. Every time you put on your headset, you’re presented with a randomly generated tree and a fresh batch of quests.
“The game includes procedurally-generated random vertical worlds with immense verticality, sandbox-like elements and constantly changing quests and challenges. You will never solve a quest or find an adventure the same way twice, so do not forget to make the best shots of your gameplay,” states VR Storm Studio on the official Steam page.
Image Credit: VR Storm Studio
What interests me most about Bean Stalker is its focus on replayability. Rather than offering players a paint-by-numbers VR adventure composed entirely of scripted moments, VR Storm Studio chose to give players the tools to create their own stories through a combination of RPG mechanics and procedural generation. Not only are you presented with randomly generated layouts, but quests and enemy positions as well.
Personally, this is a genre of gaming I’d like to see more of on VR headsets, one that keeps you invested in the experience by delivering one-of-a-kind adventures completely unique from each other. The vertical environments and unique climbing mechanics are also a welcomed change-of-pace from the mountain of boiler-plate VR RPGs cluttering modern headsets. Long story short, Bean Stalker isn’t afraid to take risks, and I think the results speak for themselves.
Bean Stalker is available now in Steam Early Access for $29.99. For more information visit the official Bean Stalker’s Discord channel. You can also register to receive more information via the official website.
*This post was created in partnership with VR Storm Studio.*
Feature Image Credit: VR Storm Studio
