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On Point Preview: Arcade Bliss

PAX Aus is a great time to see the latest indie games. One of my favourites from PAX Aus 2023 was On Point, a VR title from Aussie developers Actuator Digital. Heavily inspired by arcade classic Point Blank, On Point took me right back to my days in the arcade. Point Blank, Time Crisis, Ghost Squad, all these light gun games drew me in.

After PAX Aus 2023 was over, I was lucky enough to get a preview build to try at home. Here’s my thoughts.

On Point Shoot The Targets

On Point Is An Arcade Throwback

The first thing that struck me was the accessibility of On Point. An issue I’ve had with VR games in the past is the need for space. Even games like Beat Saber require a decent area so I don’t hit anything. On Point can be played sitting down, meaning anyone that can hold a controller can play. Got mobility issues? Play sitting down!

On Point does exactly what it says on the box. It’s a fun, frantic light gun style arcade game designed to be a nostalgic, immersive, family friendly experience. Slipping on my VR headset took me right back to my time in arcades. The only thing that was missing was the gun recoil (Actuator are working on something for that).

Mini Game Fun

With a variety of quick mini games, On Point delivers on the fast-paced action. The mini games fall into categories of speed, accuracy, and protection. Quickly shoot the targets. Use one shot to shoot the leaf. Protect the NPC from falling rocks.

There’s different difficultly levels for the mini games as well. Players can start off with the easier games before progressing to the intermediate and advanced levels.

Being a VR game, the controls are very simple. Point. Shoot. That’s all there is to it. The accuracy of the point and shoot mechanics was good, although there was a couple of times I found myself closing one eye to aim better.

On Point

On Point is a wonderful addition to anyone’s VR library. I made the comment to developers Actuator Digital at PAX Aus that I can see this becoming a VR staple, spoken about much in the same breath as Beat Saber. It’s fun and captures the essence of the old light gun arcade shooters that I can’t believe more hasn’t been done to recreating them in VR.

On Point is aiming to release in mid-2024. It is available to wishlist on Steam now.

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