The judges enjoyed this 1v1 spellcasting ranged combat game as we duelled against another player who was in the firm’s Berlin studio. (Although we strongly suspect they gave us an easy time of it.) There’s also an offline AI mode.

Elemental Combat is a first-person game where players can bend or manipulate the elements of fire, air, wind and water in VR. Control is through martial arts movements to attack or defend that vary by element.

Set in the mountains of the monks that guard the secret techniques for mastering all the elements, players can unlock new abilities and choose the element and abilities that suit their play-style.

Defensive moves feel mighty, as you raise the ground in front of you to form a defensive barrier – but who could resist throwing Hadouken shapes to launch offensive fireballs? We certainly couldn’t.

Avrlon hopes that the game’s combination of action and strategy will see this game become a major competitive VR eSport title.

Judge’s Corner

Brynley Gibson said, “Tapping into our superhero fantasies to be able to hurl balls of energy or tear rocks out of the earth, this is a natural fit for VR. I liked that this game will require real skill and learning to master - and it’s that level of skill and movement that adds an extra level of immersion”.

The Developer Speaks

David Gattig, CEO and Co-Founder shared his thoughts on the experience of competing in the VR Indie Pitch, “It was extremely exciting for all of us at Avrlon, since it was the first time we actually dared to showcase Elemental Combat in front of high calibre judges in an official setting.

“Later that same day, when I arrived home to Berlin and stepped into our little office with my bag in one hand and the certificate in the other [Elemental Combat was runner-up], the sheer joy of the whole team hit me like a truck.

“We all lay in each other's arms and, to be honest, no eye stayed dry. We all quit our jobs to pursue this dream. We put our hearts and souls into this project. We were so relieved to hear that our efforts of the past year while living off Yum Yum noodles and powering through late night crunch times were worth it.

“In the end, it showed us that, even though we still have a long way to go, we’re on the right track”.

Elemental Combat will be available for Rift and Vive this November, with PS VR to follow.