Arizona Sunshine 2: A Thrilling VR Journey Through Zombie Hordes
My initial experience with Arizona Sunshine 2 was somewhat unpleasant, leaving me feeling queasy, but I soon realized this was due to my hiatus from VR gaming. During my second attempt, I found myself quickly overwhelmed by the onslaught of zombies and felt the game might be unfairly challenging. However, by my third session with the Quest 3 headset, I had regained my VR confidence, honed my zombie management skills, and began to truly enjoy the game as an adventurous journey through a post-apocalyptic world.
In Arizona Sunshine 2, a VR-exclusive first-person shooter, players assume the role of the protagonist from the original game, embarking on another journey through a zombie-infested nightmare. The settings include airports, sewage tunnels, and rooftop parking lots, all teeming with ammunition and zombies, referred to humorously as “Freds” by the protagonist. The game quickly establishes itself as a power fantasy, with plenty of tension and little concern about ammunition scarcity.
The game’s most exhilarating moments arise when faced with dauntingly large groups of zombies. Initially, I struggled with these encounters, suspecting I was missing a key tactic or control. However, it became evident that practice was the solution. Mastery of the reload animation in VR shooters is crucial. Initially, I struggled with this mechanic, resulting in several close calls, but it wasn’t long before I could effortlessly dispatch zombies, reminiscent of a John Wick Halloween special.
Despite an abundance of ammunition, managing each horde remains a tense and engaging challenge. The shooting mechanics are a significant contributor to this, providing a satisfying and consistent experience. Throughout the levels, various firearms with unique firing patterns are available. Initially, I switched between different pistols and revolvers, but later levels introduced submachine guns, shotguns, and the expected variety for efficiently eliminating groups of zombies. On easier difficulty settings, guns are equipped with red dot sights, an addition I found enjoyable. I alternated between normal and easier difficulties to appreciate this advantage while refining my aim without it, ultimately finding this practice rewarding.
While the first Arizona Sunshine already boasted impressive gunplay, the sequel introduces notable additions. One such addition is melee weapons, which, while easily breakable, offer an effective alternative for dealing with zombies temporarily. Contrasting with games like The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, which leans towards realism, melee combat in Arizona Sunshine 2 is more arcade-style. Beheading zombies feels akin to playing Fruit Ninja rather than a lesson in sharpness and physics.
However, the most significant change comes in the form of a four-legged companion. Buddy, the dog, becomes your loyal sidekick throughout the game, often proving to be a lifesaver. Overcoming the initial challenges involved learning to trust Buddy, using him to tackle oncoming zombies. His versatility is like a Swiss army knife for the protagonist, aiding in attacking zombies, retrieving unreachable items like ammo or keys, and assisting in puzzle-solving.
While the puzzles are straightforward, they add variety to the levels beyond shooting, providing occasional respite. Buddy played a crucial role in mastering zombie management, enabling me to take strategic positions and engage in satisfying melee combat, clearing paths through hordes. After each successful encounter, Buddy would return, deserving of a reward for the chaos left behind.
Buddy’s inclusion allows for more complex attack strategies and a greater variety of zombie types, enhancing the game’s strengths, especially when combined with set-pieces that limit movement to emphasize key action moments.
Despite ample ammunition and solid shooting mechanics, encounters remain intense due to the challenge zombies present when up close. I found myself consciously counting bullets, ensuring I was always prepared to reload, aligning with the zombie fantasy sought in such games.
If the solo experience isn’t sufficient, the game also offers online co-op play for the entire story mode. While this doesn’t fundamentally alter the gameplay, it benefits from the general notion that most games are more enjoyable in co-op. Arizona Sunshine 2 fits this mold well, even with a canine companion. The narrative discrepancy arises when the game refers to you as the “sole survivor,” which seems incongruent with both Buddy’s presence and the potential co-op partner.
However, story isn’t the game’s primary focus, which is fortunate as the narrative is its weakest element. The protagonist’s personality, primarily conveyed through frequent, cringe-inducing jokes, became a detracting factor for me. The game also falls into the trap of having the character talk to themselves too often, guiding the player in a way that can be distracting. A less verbose or more likable character might have made these moments less jarring. The storyline unfolds predictably, lacking surprises and diminishing the game’s adventurous spirit.
Arizona Sunshine 2 may not be the groundbreaking title to revolutionize VR,
