The “Rick and Morty” universe has always embraced chaotic absurdity, blending sci-fi tropes with existential humor in a way that resonates with its devoted fanbase. In 2017, fans were given the opportunity to experience this world firsthand with the release of “Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-ality”. Developed by Owlchemy Labs, the same team behind the highly successful “Job Simulator”, this VR experience promised immersion into the frantic, bizarre, and occasionally disturbing universe of “Rick and Morty”.

The Expectations of a Rick and Morty Video Game:
From the onset, it’s important to understand the immense expectations that fans of “Rick and Morty” had for a video game. The show thrives on complex interdimensional escapades, unpredictable plot twists, and darkly comedic moments that highlight the dynamic between Rick’s genius and his recklessness. Fans have always craved a more extensive video game that could fully explore the narrative depth of these adventures, allowing for interdimensional travel, galaxy-spanning battles, and, perhaps, a simulation of Rick’s infamous “Get Schwifty” moment.

When “Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-ality” was announced, the promise of immersion was undoubtedly exciting. Virtual reality offered the potential to experience the chaos in a personal, interactive way. But would it be able to match the grand scale of the show’s most memorable episodes, like “The Ricklantis Mixup” or “Close Rick-Counters of the Rick Kind? Or would it be confined to more limited interactivity?

Immersion into Rick’s World:
The game’s initial premise places the player in the shoes (or perhaps more accurately, the clone body) of Morty, or rather, a Morty clone. Right away, players are thrust into Rick’s garage, a familiar yet chaotic setting, filled with dangerous gadgets, interdimensional portals, and endless clutter. The game’s art style closely resembles the visual aesthetic of the show, and its dedication to retaining the look of “Rick and Morty” is commendable. Owlchemy Labs ensured that the game would immediately feel familiar to fans, making the world of the show tangible in VR.

While this kind of immersion is a delight, there’s a sense that it’s limited in scope. Players can interact with numerous objects in the garage, such as feeding the disgusting creature hidden in a box or fiddling with Rick’s tools. But the immersion stops short of allowing players to truly step outside into the vast, unpredictable worlds seen in the series. Fans hoping to visit planets like Birdperson’s home or experience the Citadel of Ricks will feel a little boxed in by the confines of the garage and its adjacent locations.

Mechanics and Gameplay:
From a mechanical standpoint, “Virtual Rick-ality” is deeply rooted in Owlchemy Labs’ “Job Simulator” framework. This is not surprising given that the team likely leaned on their expertise in object-based VR interactions to craft the gameplay. Players pick up objects, throw them, combine them, and solve simple puzzles to progress through various tasks assigned by Rick.

In this regard, the game captures the hands-on chaos that Rick would likely revel in. There’s a sense of accomplishment when successfully solving one of the game’s puzzles, especially when they’re wrapped in Rick’s snarky, oftentimes abusive commentary. However, for a show that relies on its complex, layered storytelling, Virtual Rick-ality’s gameplay might feel a bit repetitive over time. The tasks are primarily grounded in physical interactions—picking things up, plugging things in, and turning knobs—without offering the kind of intricate or mind-bending puzzles that could have elevated the experience.

Moreover, while “Rick and Morty” is known for throwing its characters into insane, high-stakes scenarios, “Virtual Rick-ality” doesn’t push the envelope in terms of action or narrative stakes. The player is always at the mercy of Rick’s whims, and while that is certainly in character for Rick, it also limits the player’s agency. The chaotic fun of the show is always undercut by the knowledge that Rick, with all his genius, is in control. In the game, it’s much the same—Rick’s directives are what move the game forward, and there’s little opportunity for the player to explore or cause chaos on their own terms.

The Humor and Writing:
What “Virtual Rick-ality” undeniably nails is the humor. The game features writing from Justin Roiland, who voices both Rick and Morty, and his signature irreverent, improvisational style is ever-present. Fans of the series will immediately recognize Rick’s insults, Morty’s nervous energy, and the absurd dialogue exchanges that happen throughout the game. From Rick berating the player to the game’s meta-commentary on its own mechanics, the writing is spot-on and often laugh-out-loud funny.

However, there is also a risk that the game’s humor can become repetitive. “Rick and Morty” thrives on situational comedy that escalates in unexpected ways, but “Virtual Rick-ality” often revisits the same kinds of jokes—Rick insulting Morty (or the player), Morty’s existential panic, and absurd, nonsensical tasks. The loop of these interactions can wear thin for players who want more variety in the storytelling or humor.

Interactivity vs. Narrative Depth:
One of the biggest challenges for any VR game is balancing interactivity with narrative depth, and this is particularly important for a game based on “Rick and Morty”, where the show’s narrative complexity is a core appeal. Unfortunately, “Virtual Rick-ality” struggles to find this balance. The interactivity is amusing, but the game doesn’t offer the same kind of narrative twists or exploration that fans of the show might expect.

For instance, while players are given tasks by Rick, they don’t have the freedom to explore deeper storylines or engage in meaningful choices. This lack of agency can make the game feel linear, especially when compared to the sprawling, multidimensional adventures that define “Rick and Morty”. It’s not that the game needed to replicate the scope of the show, but giving players more freedom to experiment or shape the narrative could have added layers of replayability and intrigue.

PSVR Release and Technical Performance:
When “Virtual Rick-ality” was ported to the PlayStation VR in 2018, it made the game accessible to a broader audience. While the core gameplay remains the same across platforms, the PSVR version does have its limitations. The tracking can sometimes be finicky, and the overall experience doesn’t feel as smooth as it does on higher-end PC VR systems. That said, the game still captures the essence of the “Rick and Morty” experience and offers PlayStation players a solid entry point into VR gaming.

On both platforms, however, there’s a notable absence of interdimensional travel, which is one of the show’s most beloved elements. Fans might expect a “Rick and Morty” game to embrace the infinite potential of the multiverse, allowing for wild, unpredictable shifts between dimensions. Instead, “Virtual Rick-ality” confines the player to a more limited set of environments, preventing the kind of mind-bending exploration that could have set the game apart.

Impression
“Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-ality” is a fun, if somewhat limited, extension of the “Rick and Morty” universe. Its humor, visual style, and chaotic interactivity will undoubtedly appeal to fans of the show, especially those looking for a more immersive way to engage with the characters they love. However, for fans who were hoping for a deeper narrative experience or a game that fully embraces the interdimensional possibilities of “Rick and Morty”, this VR title may fall short.

In the end, “Virtual Rick-ality” strikes a balance between hands-on interactivity and the irreverent humor of the show, but it doesn’t quite reach the ambitious heights that fans might have hoped for. It’s a solid VR experience, but one that leaves room for future expansions, perhaps a more fully-fledged “Rick and Morty” game that truly captures the boundless possibilities of the multiverse.

Ultimately, “Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-ality” should be appreciated for what it is: a humorous, well-crafted VR game that brings the “Rick and Morty” experience to life. It may not have the sprawling scope or narrative complexity that fans dream of, but it does succeed in offering an interactive, hands-on adventure into one of TV’s most beloved and bizarre universes. For those eager to experience Rick’s madcap world, it’s a worthwhile—if slightly contained—ride.

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