Here’s an idea I’m surprised isn’t used more often: taking the exploration-based gameplay of old PC CD-ROM games from the 90s and translating it into VR games today. It seems like a natural fit, and developer Mantis Games created their upcoming VR title Journey For Elysium in the old CD-ROM spirit. Now it’s even better since there are no discs to spin.

The setting is the underworld of Greek mythology, and you are a recently deceased warrior. To get to Elysium, you must face many challenges and solve a lot of puzzles. The entire game is in black and white, another novelty for VR.

Puzzles: Journey for Elysium brings back the excitement of classic adventures games of the 90’s and revamps them for a new era. Solve an increasingly complex range of puzzles, challenges and tests to move the story forward.

Journey for Elysium brings back the excitement of classic adventures games of the 90’s and revamps them for a new era. Solve an increasingly complex range of puzzles, challenges and tests to move the story forward. A lot to discover: immerse yourself in a rich world, grounded between history and myth. Explore breathtaking environments and unravel surprising facts of the Classical antiquity. Connect with your senses to this VR storytelling experience.

immerse yourself in a rich world, grounded between history and myth. Explore breathtaking environments and unravel surprising facts of the Classical antiquity. Connect with your senses to this VR storytelling experience. Mechanics: travel on the river Styx and explore the underworld with the rowing mechanic, the most important travelling method in the game. This natural way of transportation is also very comfortable and immersive.

travel on the river Styx and explore the underworld with the rowing mechanic, the most important travelling method in the game. This natural way of transportation is also very comfortable and immersive. Two modes: when you are not rowing, you can experience two different ways of moving around thanks to the Comfort or Immersive modes.

when you are not rowing, you can experience two different ways of moving around thanks to the Comfort or Immersive modes. Art style: enjoy the black and white art style inspired by the paintings of Gustave Doré. The high contrast art style fits best in recreating the desired atmosphere of the underworld. In addition, you will find golden highlights here and there, which will guide you further along the way.

Journey For Elysium won’t be ready until later this year, but until then, you can watch this trailer. It’s being developed for HTC Vive and Oculus Rift systems.