Digital Lode Immersive Media just launched Espire 2 today with the help of publisher Tripwire Presents. This is the sequel to Espire 1: VR Operative, a game that placed you into the stealth shoes of an Espire Agent. In Espire 2, players control POE as they take control of remote-operated espionage frames, sneaking about, hacking, and shooting their way through a full single player campaign or the newly added multiplayer co-op campaign.
This VR release is exclusive to Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro. Despite my best efforts to find out, there is currently no word about whether or not Espire 2 will hit other VR platforms such as PC VR. The first game eventually came out on Steam and PlayStation VR, so maybe keep your fingers crossed that this one does as well.
Espire 2 is available now through the Meta Store for $29.99 (USD).
In the world of Espire 2, advanced military and virtual reality technologies meet, allowing Espire Agents to take on the role of a super spy, piloting deadly Espire espionage frames remotely from the safety of the Control Theatre. Set in the year 2036, Espire 2 marks the return of Espire Agent POE (the Primary Operator of Espire). After emerging from a seven-year coma, POE finds themself thrust into the world of espionage once again, this time on the hunt to stop the deadly terrorist organization OPHIS in a singleplayer campaign with missions that span the globe. The multiplayer co-op campaign takes place two years prior. Two new Espire operatives must return to Espire 1’s Pleione Base to follow a trail of intel that kicks off the events of Espire 2. Co-op players can choose between two specialized Espire frames: Sinder is a turbo-charged redesign of the original Espire model 1, while Sooty is a more compact frame, capable of navigating through smaller spaces, armed with a wide array of cutting-edge gear and gadgets to sneak past guards.
Espire 2 Key Features:
Espire 2 Key Features:
- Multiplayer Co-op campaign: Team up with a fellow operative in a co-op campaign that bridges the gap between Espire 1: VR Operative and Espire 2.
- Control Multiple Espire frames: For the first time, players can control and switch between two unique Espire frames. Each frame is suited with their own special abilities and attributes, offering strategic benefits to discover while playing through both campaigns.
- Unique Gadgets: The player’s entire array of tools and gadgets are now fully integrated into the Espire frames, offering a vast variety of accessible options for handling objectives.
- Rule the Play Area: Espire Vision gives Agents a strategic, accessible view of the situation, allowing players to see through walls, mark the location of enemies, predict patrol paths, and more.
- Voice Commands: Utilize voice commands to distract, hold-up, and interrogate the enemy. Interrogation commands include “empty your pockets†and “where are your friends?†Espire 2 can also be played without voice commands if players prefer.
- Cutting Edge Graphics and Spatial Audio: Espire 2 boasts next generation VR graphics and spatial audio systems that will take full advantage of the power of the Meta Quest 2.
- Stealth AI System: The stealth AI system has been rebuilt from the ground up with a focus on core stealth mechanics, enemy engagements, and player agency, bringing even more depth to gameplay options.
- Immersion and Presence: Thanks to Espire 2’s accurate “arm IK†system, players see their virtual forearms where their real ones would be and experience VR interactions in lifelike detail.
- Enhanced Control Theatre: The technology behind the “Control Theatre†lies at the heart of the movement and control system. Utilizing the Meta Quest 2’s additional rendering capabilities, the innovative “Control Theatre†comfort system makes its return in Espire 2 with enhanced features, a new user interface, and easier accessibility. This “VR within VR†system allows for precise full freedom of movement, maintains immersion, and also eliminates “VR motion sickness†for almost all players. The Control Theatre is fully customizable to suit the player’s level of comfort, up to fully disabled for those already comfortable moving in VR.
