A thrilling new adventure is about to land on Meta Quest as The Phoenix Gene, a narrative-driven third-person shooter, gears up for launch on June 5. Developed by the debuting indie studio HEROmation, this VR experience promises an intense blend of action, storytelling, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
In The Phoenix Gene, players assume control of a mythical phoenix named Firestorm. Set in a dark and corrupted reality, the game challenges players to navigate treacherous environments filled with collapsing bridges, aggressive enemies, and other dangerous obstacles. What sets this game apart is its immersive approach to gameplay—rather than relying on a traditional HUD, players must rely on visual cues from Firestorm and their own instincts to survive. This design choice enhances the connection between the player and their fiery avian companion, offering a more visceral and intuitive experience.
The game supports both seated and standing play, combining traditional controller input with physical movement to deepen player immersion. Every mechanic has been crafted to serve both the gameplay and the story, ensuring a cohesive and engaging experience throughout.
HEROmation is the brainchild of Michael Cawood and Julie Pifher Cawood, a duo with impressive credentials in the animation and gaming world. Their combined experience includes work on titles like Skylanders Giants and Happy Feet. They’re joined by other industry veterans including programmer Phil Woods, known for his work on Perfect Dark, and BAFTA-nominated composer Grant Kirkhope, who fans will recognize from classics like Banjo-Kazooie and GoldenEye 007.
Describing the game, director Michael Cawood says, “It’s like Starfox in VR—but you can shoot in all directions, toggle between realities, and feel the action on a gut level.”
The Phoenix Gene will be available on the Meta Quest platform for $24.99 starting June 5. For fans of narrative shooters and immersive VR experiences, this is one title worth keeping an eye on.
