Rec Room, the vibrant social VR platform, is buzzing with its latest adventure, “Run the Block.” This time, it draws inspiration from the classic Jet Set Radio on the Dreamcast. Bringing players together in a playful nod to retro gaming, it’s a colorful experience that blends nostalgia with modern gaming thrills.
Launched on December 11th, “Run the Block” has quickly become a hit, with over a million players diving into its energetic world. The game’s concept is refreshingly simple yet engaging: you and up to nine others are unleashed into a sprawling urban jungle. It’s a race filled with parkour challenges, where agility and creativity pay off. Racing through the city’s maze, you’ll leap across massive lines and mark your territory with vibrant graffiti tags.
You won’t find the iconic rollerblades from Jet Set Radio in this mini-game, but you’ll still enjoy the rush as you sprint, jump, and slide through the landscape. It’s all about keeping pace and leaving your mark on this lively digital cityscape.
Despite this big release, Rec Room’s first-party game offerings have been sparse compared to previous years. The platform’s last major launch was “My Little Monster,” an endearing pet farming sim that captured many hearts.
This year, Rec Room has taken a turn towards enhancing user-created content. It has introduced avatar packs, collaborating with brands like “Monster High” and the iconic game Destiny from Bungie. The creative freedom has been expanded further, allowing users to craft their own intricate worlds and even sell their custom assets within the platform’s budding creator economy. Plus, 2023 saw the introduction of full-body avatars, providing players with even greater options for personalization.
The expansion doesn’t stop there. In November, Rec Room made its way to the Nintendo Switch. With this addition, Rec Room is now playable on a wide array of devices, from PC VR to all Quest devices, the original PSVR, iOS, Android, Pico, Xbox, and PlayStation, solidifying its place as a versatile platform for gamers everywhere.
