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Status:
Complete and Play Tested
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Developer: Guerrilla Cambridge
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Genre: FPS / Sports (VR)
Release: 2016
RIGS: Mechanized Combat League is one of the most ambitious early titles for PlayStation VR, combining mech combat with futuristic sports gameplay. It offers a unique blend of first-person shooting and competitive arena mechanics, but while its ideas are bold, execution issues especially with comfort, depth, and longevity prevent it from becoming a must-play.
At its core, RIGS is a first-person mech shooter played entirely in VR, where you pilot robotic suits (RIGs) in arena-based matches. The gameplay mixes traditional FPS combat with sports-style objectives.
Core modes include:
Team Takedown (team deathmatch)
Endzone (capture/score-based mode)
Power Slam (signature mode involving scoring through a hoop) ()
Each RIG has unique traits, including speed, armor, and abilities, allowing for different playstyles such as agile attackers or heavy defenders.
The core shooting and movement feel solid, and when everything clicks, matches are fast, intense, and exciting. However:
Combat can feel chaotic and imprecise
Strategy often takes a backseat to rapid trigger-based gameplay ()
A major issue is VR motion discomfort. While the game attempts to mitigate this with settings, many players still experience nausea during extended sessions ().
RIGS features multi-layered arenas with verticality, jump pads, and different routes depending on your mech type. Smaller RIGs can access tighter paths, while larger ones rely on power and positioning.
There are only a handful of maps, but they are:
Well-designed for competitive play
Structured to encourage movement and tactical positioning
Still, the limited number of arenas reduces long-term variety.
There is no traditional story mode. Instead, the game presents a sports league structure, where players compete in seasons to gain fans, earn currency, and upgrade their RIGs.
Themes revolve around:
Competitive futuristic sports
Team strategy and progression
Personal skill development
While the structure works, it lacks narrative depth or emotional investment.
RIGS delivers a clean, futuristic visual style, inspired by real-world sports broadcasts. Arenas are colorful and readable, which is essential in VR.
Highlights include:
Smooth performance tailored for VR
Clear HUD and cockpit presentation
Immersive first-person perspective inside mechs
Presentation is strong overall, though repetitive pre- and post-match sequences can become tedious ().
Audio design complements the competitive atmosphere:
Mechanical sounds and weapon effects feel impactful
Crowd noise and commentary enhance the sports league vibe
The soundtrack is functional but not particularly memorable.
RIGS includes:
Single-player season mode
Online multiplayer (up to 6 players) ()
Progression system with unlockable RIGs and upgrades
Replay value depends heavily on multiplayer. While matches against real players are the most enjoyable, the player base has dwindled significantly over time, making online play difficult to access consistently.
Reddit users frequently note that finding matches today can be difficult, with many relying on single-player or organized sessions instead. ()
Single-player offers some longevity, but AI quality can be inconsistent, with matches sometimes feeling unbalanced ().
Unique blend of mech combat and sports gameplay
Strong VR immersion and cockpit perspective
Fast-paced, exciting matches when gameplay clicks
Distinct RIG classes with varied playstyles
Solid core mechanics and movement design
Motion sickness issues for many players
Limited maps and long-term content variety
Combat can feel chaotic and lacking precision
Weak tactical depth despite class variety
Multiplayer community is very limited today
RIGS: Mechanized Combat League is a bold and creative VR title that showcases the potential of PlayStation VR, but struggles with comfort issues, limited content, and uneven gameplay execution.
Its at its best when played in short bursts or with coordinated multiplayer sessions, delivering flashes of brilliance through its unique concept. However, its shortcomings and declining player base make it more of a curiosity than a lasting competitive experience.
Score: 7 / 10
