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Review of Rec Room on Xbox Series X/S

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Jan 2016
Cover image of Rec Room on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 8
Released: 01 Jan 2016
Genre: Massively Multiplayer Online Game, Game Creation System
Developer: Rec Room Inc.
Publisher: Rec Room Inc.

Introduction

Here we are, self-proclaimed social butterflies in a world that increasingly measures interactions in emojis. Enter Rec Room, the multiplayer game that gives virtual reality (VR) a brighter future than wet socks on a rainy day. Avatars of all shapes and colors gather in this game like kids at a candy shop—everyone’s trying not to look too desperate while longing to be accepted. So, grab your VR headset (or just your Xbox controller) and prepare for the most relatable social experience of your gamer life.

Gameplay

Rec Room is like that one friend who keeps inviting you to themed parties (the ones where you can barely keep up and occasionally spill drinks). The game is all about creating and exploring virtual 'rooms,' and I promise these aren’t your grandma’s living rooms. The standard gameplay structure revolves around social interaction, mini-games, and increasingly elaborate user-generated content. You can navigate these myriad 'rooms' created by both the developers and fellow players (trust me, some of these are masterpieces and others... well, let's just say not every Picasso transcends). The key to happiness here is in the interactions—want to duel your friend in a casual game of paintball? Or play a game of charades with strangers who might or might not speak the same language? Done and done. Virtual reality shines in this game with complete 3D motion integration, usually using a VR headset and controllers. The controls are fairly intuitive, but you might do that awkward dance of reaching for a virtual object while forgetting you’re still in your living room. Teleportation to avoid collisions is your friend (unless you like the idea of having that 'falling off a cliff' experience in the safety of your own home—which, hey, I won’t judge). The inclusion of a 'Maker Pen' tool is also a game-changer. Imagine a hot glue gun but for digital creativity. You could build anything from a junkyard to an architectural wonder while continuously wondering why your design looks like a toddler's latest art project. This tool is also connected to the Circuits system that enables you to code various interactive elements in your creations—because who wouldn’t want to program a trampoline that sends players flying across the room?

Graphics

Visually, Rec Room is like that friendly neighbor—the one with eclectic decorations that should clash but somehow work. Think simplistic graphics that are charming in their awkwardness. The environments are colorful, inviting, and free of the serious undertones that so many AAA titles embody these days. Everything feels slightly cartoonish, right down to the lopsided avatars (which you might think were designed by a 5-year-old, but that’s part of the appeal!). Textures aren’t the greatest you’ll encounter—certainly not on par with flagship studios—but the graphics serve the gameplay effectively. So, while you might not get blown away by the realism, you’ll appreciate the friendly vibe that permeates every corner of this digital playground.

Conclusion

Rec Room triumphs at knitting social connections in the most entertaining way possible. While it may have its fair share of trolls (I mean, come on, it’s the internet), the community thrives on creativity and collaboration. It’s the perfect platform for those awkward souls who need a place to frolic around with like-minded weirdos or host grand (or utterly disastrous) events. To sum it all up, if you're looking to dive into an adventurous escape from reality with a healthy splash of absurdity, *Rec Room* is your ticket to ride. Whether you're wearing a VR headset or jumping in via Xbox, it invites you to join in on the chaos and connect—because nothing says 'let's be friends' like partaking in some over-the-top paintball battles with a side of high-fives from total strangers. Just don't forget to keep your virtual dance moves sharp; you'll need them for all those impromptu dance-offs!

See Latest Prices for Rec Room on Xbox Series X/S on Amazon

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