For any cricket fan, the dream of stepping onto the field, facing a searing yorker, and sending the ball sailing over the boundary is a powerful one. But can you imagine doing that from the comfort of your bedroom? The Bengaluru-based gaming startup MetaShot claims to make that dream a virtual reality with its recently launched MetaShot VR Cricket Bat or MetaShot Smart Bat, a bat that simulates sensations from both a console and a real bat.
Gameplay
Gone are the days of button-mashing cricket games. MetaShot thrusts you into the heart of the action. The cricket bat itself is light and responsive, and tracks every swing to near perfection, translating them into powerful drives and delicate flicks with impressive accuracy. The haptic feedback is a game-changer, mimicking the satisfying thwack of willow on leather and the ground-shaking tremor of a big six. Each shot feels impactful, urging you to perfect your technique and master the art of timing.
The game itself offers a variety of modes, from practice nets to full-fledged matches against AI opponents. Interestingly, AI bowlers are no pushovers, adapting their tactics and exploiting your weaknesses, keeping you on your toes throughout the match.
VR Functioning
While the Metashot primarily uses your TV screen for visuals, the VR integration adds a subtle yet significant layer of immersion. Dodging bouncers feels more instinctive, and footwork becomes crucial as you judge the line and length of the delivery. The VR experience isn't full-fledged, but it enhances the overall feeling of being "in the game" without requiring a dedicated headset.
It would take some time to adjust to the functionality as you adapt to the movements, reactions and the overall gameplay. Having tried a couple of advanced to highly sophisticated VR devices in the past, Metashot’s VR capability seems fairly impressive, if not completely perfect and high-end.
Connectivity and Experience
Metashot comes with the quintessential VR cricket bat and a USB-C Type cable to charge it with. It also comes with a cable to connect your TV with your mobile phone or Tablet, which needs to be plugged in the entire time you are playing. This seemed to be a little extra as a step, in times of seamless and wireless connectivity.
The setup was tedious in the start and seemed a little complex for a first-time user, who might not be very tech-savvy. In a time where people are used to the plug-and-play capability of Playstations and Xbox-es of the world, this might seem to be a bit too much.
Future of VR Device Gaming
Metashot is a glimpse into the future of VR device gaming. Integrating physical controllers with virtual environments creates a unique and engaging experience that transcends traditional gaming. As VR technology evolves and becomes more affordable, I expect to see this trend explode, with devices for various sports and activities blurring the lines between reality and simulation.
Verdict
The Metashot VR Bat isn't just a novelty toy; it's a genuine game-changer for cricket enthusiasts. The immersive gameplay, responsive bat, and haptic feedback combine to create an experience that's both fun and challenging. While the initial connectivity might be a little daunting, the experience later covers up for it. If you're looking to step out of the stands and into the crease, the Metashot VR Bat is a must-have.
(Edited by : C H Unnikrishnan)
