Larcenauts

Developer : Impulse Gear, Inc.
Released:
Platforms :
Action
Larcenauts Poster

" Engaging action VR hero shooter with diverse characters and fair play but persistent bugs "

Larcenauts Review

Larcenauts is a VR hero shooter blending elements of Overwatch and Team Fortress 2, offering fast-paced 6v6 multiplayer gameplay with unique characters and abilities. Many players praise its core gameplay loop, character diversity, and tactical depth, highlighting its accessible mechanics and engaging team-based combat. The game features colorful, cartoony graphics that fit well within the VR space, alongside well-designed maps and dynamic game modes. Despite a rocky launch marked by limited headset support (primarily Oculus) and technical issues, continuous updates have improved compatibility and gameplay polish. The community is noted as friendly and supportive, with players appreciating the absence of pay-to-win mechanics and the progression system that rewards playtime.

However, Larcenauts struggles with a small player base, leading to frequent bot-filled matches and matchmaking imbalances. Bugs and glitches—such as weapon loss, grappling malfunctions, and UI annoyances—persist, impacting the overall experience. Controls and design choices, including automatic reloads and sprint animations that remove arm control, have drawn criticism. While the game shows strong potential and a solid foundation, many feel it requires further polish, content expansion, and better balance to fully realize its promise.

Highlights

Players consistently praise Larcenauts for its engaging gameplay mechanics that combine hero shooter elements with VR immersion. The diverse character roster and unique abilities create tactical depth and replayability. The game’s colorful, polished graphics and well-constructed maps enhance the VR experience, while the sound design and UI receive positive notes. Fans appreciate the absence of pay-to-win elements and the progression system rewarding effort rather than purchases. The community is described as friendly and helpful, fostering enjoyable teamplay. Recent updates have improved headset support and fixed many launch issues, elevating the game’s overall quality and player satisfaction.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the technical issues and bugs that disrupt gameplay, including weapon glitches, grappling hook failures, and persistent UI problems. The limited headset compatibility at launch alienated many players, especially those using SteamVR devices. Control schemes, such as automatic reloads and sprinting animations that disable arm input, are seen as unintuitive and detract from immersion. The small player base results in frequent bot matches and unbalanced teams, harming matchmaking quality and new player experience. Additionally, some find the progression system unbalanced, with veteran players gaining significant advantages. Maps and game modes are considered limited in variety, and some design choices lack polish or clarity.

Pros

  • Engaging fast-paced gameplay combining hero shooter elements with VR immersion.
  • Diverse roster of unique characters with distinct abilities and tactical roles.
  • Colorful, polished graphics and well-designed maps enhance VR experience.
  • Absence of pay-to-win mechanics fosters fair competitive play.
  • Supportive and friendly community encourages teamwork and communication.
  • Frequent updates have improved headset compatibility and fixed bugs.
  • Accessible controls and multiple customization options for player preferences.

Cons

  • Persistent bugs and glitches disrupt gameplay and player immersion.
  • Limited headset support at launch caused frustration among many users.
  • Automatic reloads and sprint animations remove player arm control.
  • Small player base leads to frequent bot matches and poor matchmaking.
  • Unbalanced progression gives veteran players significant in-game advantages.
  • Maps and game modes are limited in number and variety.
  • Matchmaking often results in uneven teams and frustrating new player experience.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price

Choose from 9 different Specialists each with unique weapons and skills to compete in thrilling 6v6 matches. Game modes include Refuel, Uplink, Team Deathmatch, and Heist across 5 different maps. Advance your characters through a deep progression system and cosmetic upgrades.

Release Date Jun 17th 2021
Publisher Impulse Gear, Inc.
Developer Impulse Gear, Inc.
Required Age 0+
Platforms
Addictive
Creative
Polished
Buggy
Limited Playerbase

User Reviews

Mostly Positive (143)
76% Positive 24% Negative