Cosmonious High

Last updated
Cosmonious High
Cosmo high.png
Developer(s) Owlchemy Labs
Publisher(s) Owlchemy Labs
Engine Unity [1]
Platform(s) Windows
PlayStation 5
ReleaseWindows
March 31, 2022
PlayStation 5
February 22, 2023
Genre(s) Adventure
Mode(s) Single-player

Cosmonious High is a virtual reality adventure game developed and published in 2022 by Owlchemy Labs for SteamVR, HTC Vive, and Oculus Quest 2 through Windows in which students attend a colorful and chaotic high school in space with a cast of quirky alien classmates. [2] A port for PlayStation VR2 was released alongside the system's launch on February 22, 2023. [3]

Contents

Plot

Upon starting the game, the player takes on the role of a "Prismi", the first of their species to attend Cosmonious High. Their first day immediately begins with chaos when their space bus collides with the side of the building, [4] due to a malfunction of the school's inbuilt artificial intelligence, Intercom. This turns out to be the first of many malfunctions encountered throughout the game, which the player can combat with a range of powers that manifest as and when they need them. [2] Alongside the other students, the player attends a variety of different classes with humorous amalgamated names, such as "Chemosophy", "Visualetics", and "Astralgebra". [5] The other students all belong to one of three other species already enrolled at the school: Flans, Bipids, and Trisks. They all must work together to get the repeated malfunctions of the Intercom under control, all while the school's principal is hiding in his office.

Once the Prismi has successfully rebooted the school using all of the powers they have developed throughout the game, it is revealed that the school's founder, Yuwin R. Cosmonious, had planned all the disruptions specifically for the Prismi's first day as part of the "New Kid Protocol". It had been his greatest ambition to foster cooperation between species in this way. The game's main storyline ends with a dance in the Sports Dome, for which all previously encountered characters are present, to celebrate the Prismi's arrival. Subsequently, the player can still complete any outstanding social quests as well as earn any remaining credits.

Gameplay

The plot of the game progresses in a non-linear manner as the player unlocks more and more parts of the school, being rewarded with credits for completing assignments, extra-curricular tasks, or for cleaning up the school using their array of powers. [6] There are a range of social quests the player can complete for different characters, as well as 100 total credits to be collected. The Prismi's abilities, too, can be unlocked in a different order depending on how the game is played. They include water, ice, crystals (used to fix broken power cables by connecting to ends to one another), telekinesis, wind, telepathy (used to read other characters minds and extract items from their thoughts), resizing, and fire. [7]

The player is given a large amount of creative freedom in how they complete a task. [2] Using the motion controllers to represent their hands, players interact with the virtual environment similarly to how they would in real life. Most objects within the player's reach can be interacted with either through touch or through one of the Prismi's powers. They traverse the environment by teleporting using the motion controllers' joysticks.

Development

Development of the game was announced in September 2021 to some anticipation, [4] due largely to the success of Owlchemy Labs' most notable title, Job Simulator . It was stated that Cosmonious High itself would be the largest VR space Owlchemy Labs had ever built, and that it would fundamentally change the player's experience to be able to interact with "live" characters in this setting. [5] The developers expressed their excitement at how technology had progressed since their earlier virtual reality titles, as well as the opportunities this offered. [7]

The game also garnered some attention prior to release through the developer's collaboration with the creators of Among Us , including a crewmate as an Easter egg. [8]

Reception

Cosmonious High received "generally favorable" reviews according to review aggregator Metacritic. [9]

Shacknews highlighted the game's colorful appearance and charm as its strong points, expressing excitement at Owlchemy's continued expansion of VR design. [11]

Android Central's review claimed it will be remembered as a classic VR game, though admitted it may not be quite as ground-breaking as Job Simulator. [12]

Regarding its suitability for children, Common Sense Media rated it favorably, praising its positive messages and role models. [13] VentureBeat further emphasizes the range of accessibility features, which includes a mindful color palette, the option for single-handed play, and dynamic subtitles, amongst other things. [2]

During the 26th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated Cosmonious High for Immersive Reality Technical Achievement and Immersive Reality Game of the Year. [14]

Related Research Articles

Owlchemy Labs is a video game developer based in Austin, Texas. The company was founded in 2010 by Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduate Alex Schwartz. Owlchemy is best known for its virtual reality video games Job Simulator and Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-ality. In May 2017, the studio was acquired by Google.

<i>Job Simulator</i> 2016 video game

Job Simulator: The 2050 Archives, commonly referred to as simply Job Simulator, is a virtual reality simulation video game developed and published by Owlchemy Labs for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Apple Vision Pro, Oculus Quest, Oculus Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3, in which players participate in comical approximations of real-world jobs. A sequel, Vacation Simulator, was released in 2019 and has a completely different premise.

<i>Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-ality</i> 2017 video game

Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-ality is a virtual reality game compatible with HTC Vive, PlayStation VR and Oculus Rift developed by Owlchemy Labs and published by Adult Swim Games for Microsoft Windows on April 20, 2017. It is based on the American animated series Rick and Morty, whose series co-creator Justin Roiland aided in the development. A port for the PlayStation 4 was released on April 10, 2018.

<i>Windjammers 2</i> 2022 sports video game

Windjammers 2 is a 2022 sports video game developed and published by Dotemu. It is the sequel to the 1994 Neo Geo game Windjammers, co-produced by Data East and SNK. Windjammers 2 was released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Stadia, Windows, and Xbox One on January 20, 2022. It received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the visuals, new content and gameplay mechanics.

<i>Five Nights at Freddys: Help Wanted</i> 2019 video game

Five Nights at Freddy's: Help Wanted is a 2019 virtual reality (VR) survival horror video game developed by Steel Wool Studios and Scott Cawthon. It is an anthology of different minigames based on the Five Nights at Freddy's franchise, where the player must complete tasks without being jumpscared by homicidal animatronic characters. The minigames include VR adaptations of the main entries in the series and several new experiences. Hidden inside the levels are coins that allow the player to unlock collectable objects and cassette tapes that provide insight into the game's metafictional plot.

<i>Stormland</i> (video game) 2019 video game

Stormland is a 2019 action-adventure game developed by Insomniac Games and published by Oculus Studios for the Oculus Rift virtual reality (VR) headset. The game put emphasis on both exploration and combat as the player character, an android gardener named Vesper, traverses an alien planet from a first-person perspective. The game received generally positive reviews from critics upon release.

<i>The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners</i> 2020 video game

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners is a virtual reality first-person shooter survival horror game for Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Oculus Quest, Oculus Quest 2, and Oculus Rift, developed by Skydance Interactive in partnership with Skybound Entertainment. It is based on the comic book series The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman. Initially released on Steam and Oculus platform on January 23, 2020, it was released on PlayStation VR in May 2020. Additionally, the title was ported to Oculus Quest in October 2020, alongside PICO 4 in January 2023.

<i>Lone Echo II</i> 2021 video game

Lone Echo II is a 2021 virtual reality adventure game which serves as the sequel to 2017's Lone Echo, both developed by Ready at Dawn and published by Oculus Studios.

<i>Jurassic World Aftermath</i> 2020 video game

Jurassic World Aftermath is a 2020 virtual reality stealth game for the Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2. It is based on the Jurassic Park franchise. It was developed by Coatsink Software and published by Oculus Studios. It takes place on the island of Isla Nublar, two years after the events of the 2015 film Jurassic World. For much of the game, the player is hunted by velociraptors while proceeding through a facility on the island.

<i>Sniper Elite VR</i> 2021 video game

Sniper Elite VR is a 2021 virtual reality video game developed by Just Add Water and published by Rebellion Developments. The player plays as an elite sniper in the Italian resistance. The game was released for Oculus Quest, Microsoft Windows and PlayStation 4. The game is part of the Sniper Elite series.

<i>Among Us VR</i> 2022 video game

Among Us VR is a social deduction video game developed by Schell Games, Innersloth, and Robot Teddy. The game is a virtual reality version of Among Us. It was published by Innersloth in November 2022 for Quest 2 and Windows via several SteamVR-supported headsets. A PlayStation 5 version via the PlayStation VR2 was released in December 2023.

<i>Tentacular</i> (video game) Virtual reality video game

Tentacular is a virtual reality game developed by Firepunchd Games and published by Devolver Digital. The game was released for Microsoft Windows via Meta Quest 2 and SteamVR on March 24, 2022, and released as a launch title for PlayStation VR2 on February 22, 2023.

<i>Moss: Book II</i> 2022 video game

Moss: Book II is a 2022 virtual reality adventure game developed and published by American video game development studio Polyarc. A sequel to Moss, the game follows Quill as she ventures though the land to battle the arcane to save the land of Moss. Moss: Book II was released in March 2022 for PlayStation 4 via PlayStation VR before receiving Meta Quest 2 and Windows ports later that year. A PlayStation 5 version via PlayStation VR2 was released in February 2023.

<i>Horizon Call of the Mountain</i> 2023 video game

Horizon Call of the Mountain is a 2023 action-adventure video game developed by Guerrilla Games and Firesprite, and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment for the PlayStation 5. Part of the Horizon series, the game was released as a launch title for the PlayStation VR2 virtual reality headset on 22 February 2023.

<i>The Persistence</i> 2018 video game

The Persistence is a survival horror video game developed and published by Firesprite. Originally released for the virtual reality headset PlayStation VR in July 2018, the game was released for PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One in May 2020. An Enhanced version of the game was released for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Series S in June 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PlayStation VR2</span> Virtual reality headset developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment

The PlayStation VR2 is a virtual reality headset for the PC and PlayStation 5 home video game console developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment released on February 22, 2023.

<i>The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Chapter 2: Retribution</i> 2022 video game

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Chapter 2: Retribution is a virtual reality first-person shooter survival horror game for SteamVR, PlayStation VR, PlayStation VR2 and Meta Quest 2. Developed by Skydance Interactive in partnership with Skybound Entertainment, it is a sequel to The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners and based on the comic book series The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman. The game was released in December 2022 for the Meta Quest 2 and PICO 4, and released for PlayStation VR2 and Steam in March 2023.

<i>Deeeer Simulator</i> 2021 video game

Deeeer Simulator is an indie sandbox video game developed by Gibier Games and published by Playism. It was first released for Windows on January 20, 2020, left early access and released for Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on November 25, 2021. Inspired by Goat Simulator, despite its billing as a "simulator" and the subtitle "Your Average Everyday Deer Game", it is a comedic and surreal game in which the player is reincarnated as a deer and can either explore a stylized city or destroy it using a variety of supernatural powers, such as a stretchy "grappling hook" neck, while looking for hidden secrets. The game went viral for its humorous, unconventional gameplay, but received mixed reviews from critics, who noted its lack of content or goals, describing it as more of a toy.

References

  1. ↑ Saver, Michael (2022-12-27). "Made with Unity: 2022 in review". Unity Technologies . Retrieved 2023-07-31.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Takahashi, Dean (March 31, 2022). "Cosmonious High debuts for the Meta Quest 2 and SteamVR". VentureBeat . Archived from the original on April 24, 2022. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  3. ↑ Wing, Kaitlyn Red (2022-11-02). "Owlchemy Labs Reveals Cosmonious High is a February 22nd Launch Day Title for PlayStation®VR2". TriplePoint Newsroom. Retrieved 2023-07-15.
  4. 1 2 Denzer, TJ (September 2, 2021). "Cosmonious High is Owlchemy Labs' next VR title". Shacknews . Archived from the original on April 22, 2022. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  5. 1 2 Takahashi, Dean (September 2, 2021). "Job Simulator maker Owlchemy unveils Cosmonious High VR game". VentureBeat . Archived from the original on April 22, 2022. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  6. ↑ Sutrich, Nicholas (March 3, 2022). "Cosmonious High hands-on: Job Simulator for the alien kid in all of us". Android Central . Archived from the original on April 22, 2022. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  7. 1 2 Denzer, TJ (November 3, 2021). "Cosmonious High interview: From Job Simulator to space cartoon". Shacknews . Archived from the original on April 21, 2022. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  8. ↑ Makuch, Eddie (March 25, 2022). "Among Us Crewmate Enters 3D World Of Cosmonious High In New Collab". GameSpot . Archived from the original on April 1, 2022. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  9. 1 2 "Cosmonious High for PC Reviews". Metacritic . Archived from the original on April 26, 2022. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  10. ↑ Tailby, Stephen (March 3, 2023). "Cosmonious High Review (PS5 / PSVR2)". Push Square . Gamer Network . Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  11. 1 2 Denzer, TJ (April 8, 2022). "Cosmonious High review: Be cool, stay in space school". Shacknews . Archived from the original on April 26, 2022. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  12. 1 2 Wacholz, Charlie (March 31, 2022). "Cosmonious High Review: a VR playground full of friendly faces". Android Central . Archived from the original on April 24, 2022. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  13. ↑ Chapman, David (March 31, 2022). "Cosmonious High". Common Sense Media . Archived from the original on April 20, 2022. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  14. ↑ "D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Cosmonious High". Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences . Retrieved 21 July 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.