With the great success of Helldivers 2, it was probably only a matter of time before the Starship Troopers brand regained popularity. This is something they want to build on with a VR game for the PS5, which even features the star of the movie returning.
Who are the Starship Troopers? They are the extended arm of a military world government that appears in the eponymous sci-fi action film from 1997. The Starship Troopers fight on the orders of the world government against insectoid aliens, which humans simply call “Bugs.”
With Starship Troopers: Continuum, you can expect the first VR game for PS VR2 and MetaQuest 2 & 3. As the announcement trailer reveals, the game is set to be released in October 2024 and will offer co-op for up to 16 players. Additionally, the star of the movie is also on board.
You can watch the trailer here:
Who are we talking about? Casper Van Dien returns as the voice of Johnny Rico, whom you met in the film as a recruit. Van Dien explains his role in the PlayStation.Blog as follows:
I guess I am what Starship Troopers can most closely compare to a hero. My character, Johnny Rico, has been with me for almost 30 years.
His task in the game mainly consists of “recruiting new meat for the meat grinder.” “Thousands will die on both sides. They are expendable. The Mobile Infantry takes care of the dying, and that’s what this game is about,” said Van Dien.
Players take on the role of a PsyCommander, who can control soldiers using the Continuum – a psychic interface between the Commander and his soldiers. If your trooper gloriously dies in battle, you can immediately take control of the next one.
Appearance and developers deter fans
How are the reactions? The announcement trailer is being torn apart in the comments on YouTube. Many are complaining about the visuals, calling them too “cartoony” and not looking like a game developed for the PS VR2.
In addition to the visuals, the developers also give players reason for concern. XR Games previously developed Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded, which at launch was regarded by many in the VR community as a disaster according to PCGamesN.
If you don’t have the necessary VR headset but still want to contribute to the fight against the Bugs, you can opt for the currently very popular and Starship Troopers-inspired Helldivers 2. Or you can follow Johnny Rico’s call and perhaps see you in Starship Troopers: Extermination.
