Marvel’s Deadpool VR Preview
VR developer Twisted Pixel is set to launch their very AAA version of Deadpool VR, hot on the heels of the blockbuster Marvel movie – Deadpool & Wolverine. Following the path of another superhero VR game, Batman: Arkham Shadows, Deadpool will be a Meta exclusive. Be that as it is, after playing the two Deadpool demos COGConnected received, I am very stoked to play this game come the Holiday 2025 season.
Twisted Pixel has a celebrated history in VR with such VR games as the Meta VR PC classic – Wilson’s Heart and the Meta VR undercover spy thriller – Defector. With two such highly regarded VR games, the anticipation level is high for what they can do with Deadpool. So far from what I experienced with the two demos, Twisted Pixel has nailed it.
Both demos contain 30 minutes of game time and together illustrate the variety of stages and game mechanics. The first demo takes place on a Shield’s Helicarrier, and the second demo takes place in a mountainous region with caverns. Each demo selected highlights certain gameplay aspects. The first demo includes a training area and introduces the game mechanics. The second demo gives you a taste of chaining attacks to give you perks and bonuses. It also includes platforming mechanics.
With any Deadpool product, be it a movie or a game, capturing the tone of the character is vital. All of you Deadpool fans can relax because Twisted Pixel has brought the Deadpool goods. It starts from the opening screen where you calibrate your VR controls. A dozy Deadpool stumbles on screen with a string of plushy tools around his waist. Once you calibrate, he turns around and stumbles off-screen, scratching his butt as he does so.
Irreverent And Gory
The irreverent tone continues with a constant stream of dialog from the titular character, voiced by Neal Patrick Harris. He does an excellent job of aping Ryan Reynolds. He utters nonstop comments that comprise tangential pop culture references. Plus, the signature fourth wall breaking dialog is intact too. If your actions cause Deadpool to die, he will trash talk you to do better.
Graphically, the game looks great. The stylized graphics are sharp, colorful, and perfectly ape the comic book origins of the character. Both demo environments are very detailed. The helicarrier contains more confined spaces and has an industrial/technological look. The mountain area differs with natural environments, be they caverns or expansive outdoor areas. Confined areas focus on puzzle solving and platforming mechanics. Both stages include sizeable areas where you engage in combat.
What stands out in both demos is the combat and the gore. Once again, in keeping tone with the Deadpool universe, the violence is over the top and R-rated. This applies not only to any enemies you dispatch but to Deadpool as well. The demos revel in showing an instant replay of your demise. One of the best examples is if you fail to dodge buzz saws. You’ll see a video with Deadpool body parts stacking upon one another. All replays feature the expected snarky Deadpool commentary. Oh! Baby arms make their appearance too.
With enemies, their damage depends on the method of attack chosen. Your default arsenal includes the signature dual pistols and the katanas. If you use them as expected, they will also deal the expected damage. However, you have special moves, ala the recent Doom games, where you can dismember and/or behead enemies. Each of these actions comes replete with an abundance of gore and blood. Lots of blood.
Weapons and Combat
As you battle, special weapons will pop up. Either an enemy death, opening weapons cases, or special treasure chests can accomplish this. Such goodies as throwing daggers, shotguns, and machine guns are available for a short duration. The more attacks you can chain together, the more power-ups become available. The game controls are tight and responsive. Vital in chaining attacks. You can also get inventive with your pistols and katanas in that you can throw them at enemies to stun them.
Twisted Pixel has spared no expense for these demos. From the graphic style to the gameplay to the voice work, this is all at a AAA quality. All signs point to a full game being delivered at the same level. Pretty impressive work for a Meta exclusive, with the game running on a standalone headset. The game will release on November 18, 2025 for Quest 3 & 3S.
***Meta demo code provided by the publisher***
