There’s something people rarely talk about: how which is inhumane, offensive, or offensive some engineers and media managers can be – and, on the flip side, how good some are.
Last night, I met one of them. He contacted me on Discord after exchanging a few messages on X about their next game, Long Lifereleasing on PS VR2 and SteamVR in less than a month.
All I did was ask about the PS VR2 stress test on their online servers before launch, and suddenly we were in a conversation about the game, the studio, and the team’s history.
This is exactly the way the VR industry is it should be. Yes, it takes time, and that’s why it doesn’t happen very often – but in my opinion, taking an hour or two to build relationships with media and players is something every studio should make time for. Is that too much to ask?
Anyway, let’s get to what I originally planned to talk about: the upcoming release of PS VR2 and SteamVR Long Lifea game that has been available on the Quest/Meta platform for a while.
For obvious reasons, I’ll focus more on the PS VR2 version here.
Who are Friends of Fire Studios…
Friendly Fire Studios is a small Spanish team of just six people, striving to be seen across the board – which, let’s be honest, is a common story for many VR developers. Even from WithoutParole, GameCats and VRShowcase.
It’s still incredibly difficult to stand out in today’s crowded digital marketplace.
Part of the team previously worked at Epic Games, and others built VR Arena/Laser Tag experiences before deciding to build their own studio. They’ve been in the industry long enough to know exactly how brutal recognition can be.
This is one of the reasons why I’m writing this: to help give both the game and the studio more awareness.
What: Long Life?
Long Life is an interactive survival shooter built around resource management and fighting the biggest waves of enemies ever seen in VR. You’ll need to build defenses, coordinate in real-time, and choose from four unique heroes – each with their own abilities – while unlocking skills, weapons, and buildings through a powerful progression system.
The launch of PS VR2 and SteamVR will also bring significant updates to the existing version of Meta Quest, including:
- Image development
- Improved character models
- New VFX and soundscapes
- Refined fighting experience
- Improved lighting
- New map discovery features
Players will also defend the Nexus, build defenses and coordinate as a team while facing each other the hordes of enemies increased greatly for a deeper survival experience.
Fully Optimized for PlayStation VR2…
The PS VR2 version is designed to take full advantage of the hardware, offering:
- 120fps native on BASE PS5
- Dynamic triggers of the armed response
- Haptics on both controllers again the headset
- Improved visual reliability
- 5-player co-op and 8-player PvP
A full 50-wave horde mod from the Meta version
Immersion is also enhanced by responsive natural feedback. And no, there are currently no PS5 Pro specific features, because the game is already out on the PS5 base.
The SteamVR version will also receive major technical improvements, though those details can’t be covered here. But yes – it will be much higher than the Meta version.
PREPARE TO DIE SO MUCH…
Classic Mode: 50-wave mode with full freedom of movement. Checkpoints every 5 waves.
Victory mode: 20-wave mode where you have to go to selected areas. There are no checkpoints. It’s very difficult.
There are no mods using procedurally generated levels – everything is done by hand.
You the will fail. You the will fa. There is a lot.
But everything in common gives you something — your character’s level increases, your account improves, and new abilities gradually make things easier.
EXIT Window…
Stream the announcement trailer below:
The Hype Train Is On: Survival PS VR2 / SteamVR Long Term Teaser
