BONELAB

Developer: Stress Level Zero
Release: Sep 29th 2022
Platforms:
Action
Adventure
Simulation
Modding
Physics
Sandbox
Short Campaign
Bugs
BONELAB Poster

" Innovative action-adventure simulation with extensive modding and physics, but buggy combat and short campaign "

BONELAB Review

BONELAB is a VR sandbox game praised for its extensive modding capabilities and physics-based gameplay, offering players a playground for creativity and experimentation. While the base game features a short and somewhat disjointed campaign, the real appeal lies in the robust modding community and multiplayer mod Fusion, which add significant replayability and variety. The physics engine provides a unique, immersive experience, though some players find interactions occasionally clunky or frustrating. Graphically, BONELAB offers a solid VR visual experience with decent sound design, enhancing immersion.

However, the game has received criticism for its underwhelming story, technical issues including bugs and glitches, and inconsistent updates. Some players report motion sickness and difficulty with controls, particularly in combat and climbing mechanics. The game is recommended primarily for those interested in sandbox VR and modding rather than a narrative-driven experience. Overall, BONELAB is valued as a creative VR platform but less so as a traditional game sequel.

Highlights

Players highly praise BONELAB's physics-based gameplay and the extensive modding support, which greatly enhance replayability and sandbox creativity.

The game's graphics and sound design are considered solid for VR, providing immersive environments and impactful audio effects.

Multiplayer mod Fusion is frequently mentioned as a highlight, adding cooperative fun and expanding gameplay possibilities.

Many enjoy the sandbox mode and the freedom to experiment with different avatars and custom content.

The game runs smoothly overall, with improved gun handling compared to its predecessor.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include a short and weak campaign that feels more like a tutorial than a full story, disappointing fans of the original Boneworks narrative.

Players often mention clunky controls and frustrating physics interactions, making combat and climbing difficult or unintuitive.

Several users report bugs and glitches, such as stuck arms, black screens, and mod compatibility issues.

Motion sickness affects some players, especially during certain scenes like elevators.

The game's updates are seen as inconsistent, and modding can be challenging for newcomers.

Pros

  • Extensive modding support greatly increases game replayability and creativity.
  • Physics-based gameplay offers immersive and unique VR interactions.
  • Multiplayer mod Fusion adds cooperative and competitive fun.
  • Graphics and sound design provide solid VR immersion.
  • Sandbox mode allows players to experiment freely with avatars and content.
  • Improved gun handling compared to the original Boneworks.
  • Easy to install and manage mods through community tools.

Cons

  • Campaign is short, weak, and feels more like a tutorial than a full game.
  • Controls and physics can be clunky and frustrating in combat and climbing.
  • Frequent bugs and glitches hinder gameplay and immersion.
  • Motion sickness reported by some players during specific scenes.
  • Modding can be challenging and sometimes unstable due to patches.
  • Inconsistent updates and lack of polish compared to the original Boneworks.
  • Storyline is minimal and lacks depth, disappointing fans seeking narrative.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

BONELAB is an experimental physics action game. Explore a mysterious lab filled with weapons, enemies, challenges and secrets. Escape your reality, or wreak havoc. No wrong answers.

Release Date Sep 29th 2022
Publisher Stress Level Zero
Developer Stress Level Zero
Platforms

User Reviews

Mostly Positive (12,814)
79% Positive 21% Negative