THE LAST ACTION HERO

At its core, Vendetta Forever is simple in concept. The game presents you with 60 short levels, each a bite sized action vignette built around a single goal: kill your way to the end using weapons dropped by enemies. What sets this game apart is a unique core conceit that places action at the centre of the experience. In order to move you must dispatch an enemy and as they drop their weapon grappling towards it becomes your means of movement—grab it, and you’re instantly transported to their location. This creates a dynamic, rhythmic flow to the gameplay that feels intuitive and utterly replayable.

The levels are designed for quick bursts of action, ranging from blink-and-you-miss-it two-second shootouts to more elaborate sequences that play out like mini action movies. While the premise may sound straightforward, the game’s real magic lies in its variety. Far from be 60 Shades of Same, each level feels thoughtfully designed to give an experience different from the last. Although not every level will land with every player, there is enough clever variation and nuanced action to ensure that there no doubt be something for everyone.

From quick-draw shootouts to melee-only challenges, every level keeps you guessing. One minute you’re flinging knives with deadly accuracy in a tight corridor; the next, you’re using colonial muskets each with only a single shot while holding off waves of enemies on a hillside.

WHY IS EVERYTHING STICKY?

If there’s one word to describe Vendetta Forever, it’s “sticky.” nDreams have successfully made a game that has a knack for hooking you with its mechanics and holding on tight. Levels like Knives Out, a 15-second whirlwind of throwing weapons are so addictive that it’s easy to lose ridiculous amounts of time replaying it, chasing a coveted spot on the leaderboard.

The game also cleverly bends its gameplay to allow for players to focus on whichever element suits their mood. The leaderboard is split between score-based and speedrun categories, providing a competitive edge while catering to multiple playstyles. Whether you are playing for a high score or a fastest time the gameplay holds up which is a testament to the developers focus on balanced, exciting and well executed mechanics.

What Vendetta Forever also excels at is presenting challenges that are difficult but never feel insurmountable. Every failure teaches you something new, urging you to refine your approach and try again and it’s that perfect balance of frustration and fulfillment that keeps you coming back for more.

It’s worth noting that while Vendetta Forever excels at delivering short bursts of excitement, it won’t appeal to everyone. Fans of narrative-driven epics or games with complex mechanics might find its focus on arcade-style action too simplistic. The short levels and leaderboard-driven replayability are a double-edged sword, offering endless fun for score chasers but potentially feeling repetitive to players looking for deeper gameplay loops.

HAVEN’T I SEEN YOU BEFORE?

It’s impossible to talk about Vendetta Forever without acknowledging its influences. Stylistically, it borrows heavily from Superhot and Pistol Whip, with a minimalist neon-drenched aesthetic that emphasizes clarity over complexity. Its vibrant, high-contrast environments are a joy to look at, and its minimalist art style ensures smooth performance even during the most chaotic firefights. While it doesn’t push the limits of what VR can achieve graphically, it nails its aesthetic, evoking the clean, polished vibe of Superhot while adding a splash of arcade energy.

The game also leans into subtle pop culture references, with levels themed after action movie tropes. Knives Out has the outrageous intensity of a Kill Bill fight scene while other levels channel the gritty energy of an old-school spaghetti Western. These thematic nods add a layer of charm that makes each level feel familiar and exciting.

The audio is equally well-crafted. Every weapon feels satisfying to use, thanks to punchy sound effects that make each kill gratifying. The soundtrack keeps the adrenaline pumping, with driving beats that enhance the action without overshadowing the gameplay. That said, the soundtrack while good, could still be improved upon. It gets the job done but fails to deliver a level of energy that elevates the gameplay the way Pistol Whip does.

THE VERDICT

nDreams have delivered a VR shooter that is stylish, addictive, and unapologetically fun. With its intuitive mechanics, varied levels, and competitive edge, Vendetta Forever is one of the best arcade style short-session action games currently available on the Quest. It’s not for everyone, but for those who value instant gratification and love the thrill of leaderboard climbing, it’s an absolute must-play.