Epyka (PSVR2) Review

Gameplay

Graphics

Audio

Narrative

Summary: A family friendly VR adventure that is fun while it lasts but ultimately leaves you wanting more.

3.5

The Pixar Principle

Epyka is a brief and puzzling VR adventure that ultimately leaves players feeling like they’re missing some vital piece of the plot.

Players take on the role of disgraced archaeologist Scott Hudson. Who, along with his faithful pooch Jack, is on an expedition to uncover the location of the first human civilisation.

Scott sets off with a mysterious crystal and directions left by his late father, who claimed to have visited the mythical island of Epyka, and was branded a crank.

However, all isn’t going well for our intrepid adventurers. Lost at sea and soon to be shark food, Scott desperately rummages through his belongings before he happens upon the crystal given to him by his father. Inexplicably, the gem begins to glow and draws the boat towards an island that materialises in the distance.

After making landfall, Scott and Jack’s adventure to prove the wider scientific community wrong begins proper, and the search for answers about the lost civilisation of Epyka begins.

As you explore the ruins of Epyka you’re presented with some excellent environmental puzzles which include manipulating doors on a model of a maze you’ve just had to navigate to the centre to, or placing orbs into a septre in the correct order, as well as more straight forward puzzles like building a cube by fitting smaller shapes together.

Eventually, Scott’s crystal gains the ability to manipulate objects in the environment. This leads to some fun physics-based puzzling that involves tossing boulders through walls and carefully constructing bridges. Jack also helps by digging things up and running through mazes. He’s such a good boy! (Yes, you can pet him.)

There’s also some light combat, but it feels somewhat tacked on, and a little basic as you use your crystal to parry ranged attacks back at enemies using your crystal, which also doubles as a shield.

Epyka’s presentation is vibrant and colourful with a whimsical charm akin to an animated movie. Environments are rich and detailed, and you’re always finding nice little details in the environment that help to enrich the narrative. I particularly liked the cave painting that expands on the story in subtle ways, and it’s always nice to take a little break just to take in the scenery.

Environmental and ambient audio is used to great effect with the wind howling through the cliffs and a low hum guiding you to your next challenge.

The voice acting and script, on the other hand, are passable. Scott talks to himself a little too much and has a horrible habit of stating the obvious, while Jack spends half the game whining, which doesn’t help when you’re trying to think.

It’s worth noting that Epyca is a little on the short side, clocking in at only three hours, and ends somewhat abruptly. Though this is balanced out by the fact that it’s only $10, and the developer, Singular Perception, has said it intends to extend the experience in the future with DLC.

Final Thoughts

Epyka is a bright and breezy puzzle adventure with a charming Pixar-esque art style, some decent environmental puzzles, and a good boy you can pet whenever you want.

It’s just a shame that there isn’t more of it, which is probably one of the best criticisms you can give a game. Here’s hoping more much-needed content is added to this otherwise engaging adventure soon.

About the Author

Gareth Newnham

Epyka (PSVR2) Review