The House of Da Vinci VR – REVIEW

The VR game Da Vinci’s House is a unique adventure that immerses players in the world of the Renaissance. The mysterious studios of the great Leonardo da Vinci, filled with complex puzzles and amazing mechanisms, await you. This game is a true masterpiece for those who love art, history and intellectual challenges.
After the debut of the original version, the game is released in virtual reality format on Quest and Steam VR 7 years later, offering a completely new level of immersion.
The player will have to solve the mystery of Leonardo da Vinci’s disappearance, exploring atmospheric rooms and interacting with incredibly detailed objects. For anyone looking for a combination of an intriguing story and an intellectual challenge, The House of Da Vinci VR is the perfect choice.

The game starts with a short tutorial that explains the basic mechanics of movement and puzzle solving. You play as Leonardo’s apprentice, who suddenly disappears, leaving you with cryptic instructions about his new invention. The stunning views of the Italian landscape from the window immediately immerse you in the atmosphere of the Renaissance, awakening the desire to explore this virtual world.

However, the first disappointment comes from the limited movement system. Teleportation between pre-set points is the only available way to move. This mechanic was carried over from the original version of the game, but in the spatial environment of VR it sometimes causes inconvenience. For example, you can end up either too close to an object or, conversely, too far away. This is especially inconvenient for those who prefer to play while sitting. More flexible movement options would have greatly improved the experience.

Despite the shortcomings in movement, The House of Da Vinci VR impresses with its graphic development. The developers from Blue Brain Games created a world where every detail looks realistic and immerses you in the atmosphere.
An interesting element of the game is the dynamic menu, which changes depending on the time of day in the story. For example, in one scene, you are standing at night in a courtyard surrounded by silence. In another chapter, the same courtyard is flooded with sunset rays, and the tower on the horizon is damaged. These changes enhance the effect of presence and allow you to feel the progress of the story.

The game’s puzzles are thought out to the smallest detail, offering not only an intellectual challenge but also aesthetic pleasure. The interaction system is intuitive: your gloved hands show where the active points are. There are also hints that help if you get stuck. But instead of giving a ready-made solution, the hints encourage reflection.
The game also has a “view” mode, which allows you to discover hidden details, such as gears or inscriptions. This is especially important for progress in certain tasks.

The game’s atmosphere is filled with intrigue and tension. There may be something unexpected hidden around every corner, which spurs your interest. For example, after solving one of the puzzles, you notice a mannequin standing in the dark. Its stillness causes anxiety, and you can’t help but expect it to turn its head at any moment.
These moments add emotional depth to the game, making it not just a puzzle, but an exciting adventure.

The House of Da Vinci VR is an outstanding example of how to combine historical heritage with modern technology. Excellent graphics, thoughtful puzzles and atmospheric design make the game unique in its kind.
However, the limited movement system reduces the overall experience. If the developers improved this aspect in future versions, the game would be able to achieve the perfect balance.
To date, The House of Da Vinci series has several sequels that have not yet been adapted for VR. If the quality level remains as high, fans will be eagerly awaiting the release of these games in virtual reality.
