A VR platformer built around movement
TO THE TOP is a VR platforming game where you move across the environment with superhuman abilities. You pilot a Super Bot through the TO THE TOP Academy, a training program that tests whether you can handle one of these machines. The game gives you a set of movement verbs to learn: climb by grabbing with one hand at a time and moving 360 degrees around objects, leap by grabbing with both hands, looking where you want to go and releasing, control your fall in the air by changing your look direction, skate across green surfaces by grabbing them and pointing your way, and fly with Jet Hands. There are over 35 levels, each bringing new obstacles and environments, ranging from wall runs to a giant moving robot you need to climb.
Playing together online
The Steam features list Online Co-op and Online PvP, and the store text describes multiplayer as jumping into an online session and racing other players for the best time. Beyond playing against each other, there is an online leaderboard system where you can speed run for the best times. So a group of friends can meet up in a session, run the same levels, and compare times rather than playing alone in parallel.
What to know before starting
The controls are designed to be easy to pick up: they use few buttons and gestures, so new and experienced players can get going quickly. Getting the best times and collecting everything is the harder part, since it takes mastering every movement mechanic and learning each level's layout. Levels can be traversed horizontally and vertically, and finding the best path is part of the challenge. Each level has three time goals of varying difficulty plus two collectable goals: Geoms to find and a Hidden Medal tucked away in a hidden area. There are over 30 customizable options to unlock for your robot, covering hands, torso, and head. The soundtrack uses music from local Austin artists including Capyac, Mirror Mask, Night Drive, Slooom, Sip Sip, and special guest Future Islands, so playing with headphones is worth doing. The game is a VR title, and it is also available for arcades on SpringboardVR.