I Expect You To Die: A Spy's Ultimate VR Challenge
Manipulate your environment, use telekinesis, and don't blow your cover in this high-stakes VR puzzle escapade.
VR Only
last updated Dec 07, 2023
Despite the steep learning curve and occasional slight hiccup in the machine, 'I Expect You To Die' is an unmissable VR gem.
Manipulative Gameplay
Embrace your inner James Bond with a martini in one hand and omnipotent telekinesis in the other—shaken, not stirred. 'I Expect You To Die' arms players with a mind-bending array of puzzle-solving tools in the guise of telekinetic abilities. Here, the premise is deceptively simple: escape the relentless death traps of an evil corporation. However, each scenario is a clever fusion of espionage thriller and escape room that rewards observant agents and punishes hasty, reckless action. The puzzles aren't just there for show; they demand wit, patience, and a willingness to relive your failures until triumph. After all, what's a spy's life without a couple of explosive mishaps?
Cacophony of Espionage
Let's slip into something more...sonorous, shall we? The audio in 'I Expect You To Die' is nothing short of an auditory martini—smooth, refined, and just a tad lethal. The outlandish contraptions and dangers are accompanied by an assortment of sounds that could make any Hollywood sound designer proud. And the music? Picture yourself defusing a bomb while a classy soundtrack whispers catastrophe. It's the suave composition of impending doom and action-packed deadlines that adorns the halls of this virtual escapade. Your eardrums will thank you for the aural indulgence, right up until the moment they're, quite possibly, eviscerated by an unexpected explosion. It's all part of the charm, really.
A Visual Feat for Secret Agents
In the graphics department, 'I Expect You To Die' is a dapper sight for virtual eyes. The attention to detail in this title is a testament to the fact that you don't need photorealism to immerse a player—just a well-dressed aesthetic that convinces you you're smarter and sexier than you likely are. The polished visuals compliment the puzzles with cues hidden in plain sight, begging for a keen-eyed operative to decipher. While performance is silky-smooth on most VR systems, some lowly recruits have reported the occasional haptic hiccup. These few unfortunate occurrences, however, don't overshadow the game's stellar visual delivery as the sensory espionage is, by and large, an impressively operable spectacle.
More Than Just Gadgets
If the game's title didn't clue you in, dying is very much on the itinerary—but that's just the tip of the iceberg. What makes 'I Expect You To Die' especially riveting is the finesse required to navigate the various tasks at hand. It's a harbinger of cozy chaos while you're seated, which is great for those who prefer their virtual reality with less motion sickness and more cerebral gymnastics. Additionally, the replay value soars with additional objectives and speed-running antics. Whether on the Meta Quest 3 via Air Link or another platform, the compatibility shines, and the experience transcends the hardware. After all, it's not every day you can throw a squeegee at a nosy civilian and promptly carry on your day with a clean conscience.
STEAM RATING
Developer & Publisher
Schell Games
Release Date
April 25, 2017
The Verdict
Despite the steep learning curve and occasional slight hiccup in the machine, 'I Expect You To Die' is an unmissable VR gem. The blend of classic spy movie themes embodied in a challenging escape room format is executed with such charm and wit, it's sure to delight any would-be agent, seasoned or novice. With dazzling visuals, crisp audio, and an experience so invigorating it's about as close to real espionage as you'd want to get without the risk of an actual life-ending finale. This title is a tour de force in VR puzzle gaming that expects you to die, but in the most entertaining and elaborate ways possible. Hats off, and lasers on.
