UNDERDOGS

UNDERDOGS, developed and published by One Hamsa, is a virtual reality mech combat game that distinguishes itself through a unique blend of physics-driven brawling, roguelike progression, and gritty cyberpunk storytelling. Rather than presenting the player as a distant pilot controlling a mechanized vehicle through traditional buttons and menus, the game places them directly inside a hulking gorilla-style mech and demands physical participation in every fight. The experience is built around VR motion controls that transform the player’s own arm movements into devastating mechanical punches, grabs, and slams, giving the combat a tangible sense of weight and force. This approach creates a remarkably visceral gameplay loop that feels closer to a physical brawl than a typical action game, immediately setting UNDERDOGS apart from many other VR titles that rely on simpler or more abstract mechanics. The story unfolds in the rough, dystopian environment of New Brakka, a lawless cyberpunk city where underground mech fighting arenas operate as both a spectacle and a survival mechanism. Players follow the journey of brothers King and Riggs, who find themselves entangled in the brutal arena scene while attempting to navigate the dangerous power structures of the city. The narrative is presented through stylized comic-book panels, character interactions, and occasional branching choices that shape how certain events unfold. While the story is not the central focus of the game, it adds meaningful context to the relentless arena battles, giving players a sense of purpose beyond simply defeating waves of enemy machines. The supporting cast—including mechanics, hackers, crime bosses, and shady fixers—helps create the impression of a living underground community where every decision carries potential consequences. Combat is unquestionably the heart of the experience, and UNDERDOGS thrives on its physical, physics-driven fighting system. Instead of pressing buttons to trigger attacks, players must actually swing their arms to generate force, using the VR controllers to control the mech’s massive limbs. Every strike carries momentum, and the effectiveness of each blow depends on how it is delivered. A well-timed hook can send a rival mech spinning across the arena, while a poorly aimed swing might leave the player exposed to counterattacks. Players can grab enemies, slam them into walls, or smash them into pieces with improvised brutality. The arenas themselves often become part of the fight, with environmental hazards and destructible elements encouraging creative tactics. This dynamic system ensures that battles feel chaotic and unpredictable, making each encounter feel slightly different from the last. Adding further depth to the gameplay is a roguelike progression structure that keeps each run through the underground league fresh and varied. Between matches, players acquire upgrades, mechanical attachments, and experimental weaponry that alter the capabilities of their mech. The game offers a surprisingly large arsenal of gear, including chainsaws, wrecking balls, hydraulic fists, shields, and a range of unconventional tools that dramatically change how fights play out. Some upgrades emphasize brute force, allowing players to deal massive damage with heavy strikes, while others prioritize speed, crowd control, or survivability. Because these upgrades appear through semi-randomized events and shops, no two playthroughs unfold exactly the same way. This system encourages experimentation, pushing players to adapt their fighting style based on the equipment they manage to obtain. Outside of combat, the game introduces strategic elements through a series of narrative encounters and resource management decisions. Players interact with various figures within New Brakka’s underground world, negotiating deals, recruiting allies, or investing in upgrades that improve future runs. These moments create a rhythm that balances the intense physicality of arena fights with quieter moments of planning and storytelling. They also give players opportunities to influence their progression path, deciding whether to focus on aggressive upgrades, defensive equipment, or narrative choices that unlock different opportunities later in the campaign. Visually, UNDERDOGS embraces a stylized comic-book aesthetic that fits perfectly with its gritty cyberpunk setting. Character portraits are presented through expressive illustrations, while the arenas themselves are industrial battlegrounds filled with sparks, metal debris, and neon-lit machinery. The art direction gives the game a strong identity without requiring photorealistic graphics, which works particularly well in VR where clarity and readability are essential. The sound design further reinforces the impact of the combat system. Every punch lands with a thunderous metallic crunch, gears grind as machines struggle against each other, and the roaring crowd heightens the sense that each fight is a brutal spectacle for underground entertainment. One of the most impressive aspects of UNDERDOGS is how effectively it uses VR to deliver a sense of scale and power. Standing inside a towering mech and physically throwing punches at enemy machines feels dramatically different from controlling similar action through traditional controls. The sensation of momentum, combined with the immersive sound and visual feedback, creates moments that feel almost theatrical in their intensity. However, this design also means the game can be physically demanding. Extended sessions require constant arm movement and quick reactions, which can be tiring for some players. For others, this physicality becomes part of the appeal, transforming the game into something closer to an interactive workout. Despite its many strengths, the game does have a few limitations. The roguelike structure, while effective at providing replayability, can sometimes lead to repeated arena layouts and enemy patterns over longer play sessions. Additionally, while the narrative framework is engaging, it remains relatively light compared to story-driven VR titles. Some players may also wish for a greater variety of environments beyond the industrial arenas that dominate the game’s setting. These issues, however, rarely undermine the core appeal of the combat system, which remains consistently entertaining thanks to its physical mechanics and diverse upgrade options. Ultimately, UNDERDOGS stands as one of the more inventive VR combat games available on Steam, delivering a raw, kinetic experience that feels uniquely suited to the medium. Its combination of physics-based fighting, roguelike progression, and stylish cyberpunk storytelling creates a game that is both mechanically satisfying and atmospherically memorable. For players seeking a VR title that fully embraces the physical possibilities of the platform while delivering chaotic mech brawling with personality and flair, UNDERDOGS proves to be an exceptional entry in the genre. Rating: 9/10