SUPERHOT (2016), the massively successful slow-mo shooter for PC and console, already has a built-for-VR version for Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and PSVR—SUPERHOT VR (2017)—but now that the team has licensed the IP to Japanese developers GameTomo, you may be curious if the next installment of red dude-shattering fun is getting another VR counterpart as well. According to the developers, it isn’t likely to arrive at launch, although there’s still hope.
As reported by PCGamesN, the standalone game is set in the name stylish, crystalline universe as Superhot. The Japanese adaptation—currently a work-in-progress dubbed Superhot JP—is slated to make heavy use of distinctly Japanese environments like samurai castles, hot springs, karaoke bars, and bullet trains.
GameTomo is developing the game in Tokyo with guidance from Superhot Team, and says they’re targeting PS4 and PC at very least currently. While GameTomo hasn’t made mention of prospective launch dates, the game is currently intended for a Japan-first release, with other countries possibly gaining support later. The developers say on the Superhot JP product page that while it really shouldn’t be considered a full-fledged sequel, there will be “a bunch of new levels and some cool new gameplay.” Color me tantalized.
Here’s the rub: GameTomo flatly says that Superhot JP is “non-VR for now.” While disappointing, the “for now” part leaves some room for hope.
Considering the meteoric success of the Superhot franchise, there’s no question that VR users are clamouring (and ready to pay for) more slow-mo action alla Superhot’s time-stopping game mechanic. Although VR game development presents its own challenges parallel to the burden of producing a game for any platform, much of the heavy lifting has likely already been done by the Superhot Team when they produced Superhot VR—that’s some healthy conjecture, so we’ll just have to wait and see.
The game, which doesn’t have a release date yet, is said to include around 15-18 regular levels and 3-4 endless levels, a few new weapons (including a bow and arrow), and the same game modes as the original Superhot.