Welcome, fellow VR enthusiasts, to the world of Of Lies and Rain — developed and published by Castello Inc. Released 4 Nov 2025 for PC VR (Steam) with “Very Positive” user reviews trailing the launch. Strap on your headset, because we’re diving into a dark sci-fi sea of lies, rain, machines and — yes — a small glimmer of hope for VR’s bright future.
What is it?
In short: a VR-only, first-person shooter/adventure set in a post-apocalyptic world. You play as the survivor in a war waged by a rogue AI, A.D.E., fighting to reclaim your past and save humanity, informs the Steam Store.
The game mixes exploration, combat, puzzle-elements, and transitions between “real” world and “data” world sequences (think: “digital realm within a shattered world”).
The Good Stuff
- Immersive VR first-person design: User feedback highlights how the game embraces VR mechanics rather than simply porting a flat game into VR. For example, the demo was reviewed by UploadVR who noted “manual reloading”, “gravity gun jumping across giant cubes” and strong environmental storytelling. UploadVR
- Solid narrative ambition: While the “amnesiac hero wakes up in wrecked world” trope might feel familiar, reviews say the world-building is rich, and exploration is rewarding. The Elite Institute+1
- High user approval: On Steam, the game carries “Very Positive” reviews — 91 % positive of ~70 reviews at the time of writing. Steam Store+1
- VR development credibility boost: As a VR‐exclusive title from a smaller studio, it strengthens the argument that VR can be more than gimmick — it can deliver full-fledged narrative and action experiences.
- Creative mechanics: The “data world” sequences and upgrade / exploration loops (finding “GPUs” to upgrade suit/weapons) were praised for adding depth. The VR Realm+1
The Less-Perfect Bits
- Some environments reportedly feel “a bit barren” or repetitive in places. “Certain areas lose their charm” was a criticism from one review. The VR Realm
- The price point / value for money was mentioned by users: “Pricetag too high” on Steam discussion. Steam Community
- Complexity in some mechanics (for example, platforming in the data world) can challenge players who prefer simpler VR experiences. One user on Steam wrote: “The Dataworld sections I thought were neat, sort of like being in Tron. But the jumping is too trial and error … I got to the one you’re being chased by the worm thing so you have to rush.” Steam Community
- Performance/compatibility caveats: The Steam page notes that PC specs need to be high (RTX 2070 minimum for PCVR) and current support is for Meta headsets and Valve Index only. Steam Store+1
Why This Game Matters (Especially for VR)
If you’re like us, you believe VR isn’t just a “gadget” or side-mode — it is the future of immersive storytelling and gaming. Of Lies and Rain is a strong step in that direction. It shows:
- VR can host a full-scale narrative shooter/adventure, not just arcade or short indie experiments.
- Smaller studios (Castello Inc is a tiny team) can deliver experiences that push VR forward. For example, users on Steam discussion pointed out how the devs said they “were five friends working together every day on something we love” and how that community-dev relationship is key, informs the Steam Community.
- When developers lean into VR design (manual reloads, physics interactions, real hand-based grabbing) instead of just “VR version of flat game”, the result feels more special.
- The game helps build momentum: the more good VR exclusives we see, the more investment, more players, and ultimately more growth for the platform.
Final Verdict
If you own a VR-capable rig (or suitable headset) and you’re itching for a story‐rich shooter adventure that says “yes, VR can do big games”, then Of Lies and Rain is highly recommended. With strong user feedback, compelling design, and palpable ambition, this is one of the titles helping VR transcend “nice experiment” status.
Yes, it has a few rough edges (some environments, price, platform limitations), but the optimism here is real. It’s a large step, not perfection — and that’s okay.
I give it 4 / 5 VR fists 🎮🤜 (yes, I just invented “VR fists” as a measurement unit) — with the caveat that you have the hardware and ideally enjoy sci-fi, dystopian worlds. If you’re more casual or dislike motion/jumping in VR, maybe wait for a sale or keep an eye out for post-launch patches.
Pro Tips Before You Jump In
- Ensure your VR rig meets the recommended specs (16 GB RAM, RTX 3070 or equivalent) for the best experience.
- Use comfort options: teleport or vignette mode if you’re sensitive to motion (some users reported nausea during “data world” jumps).
- Explore thoroughly: hidden “GPUs” (upgrade nodes) reward exploration and improve gameplay.
- Take breaks between intense sequences: VR immersion is great, but you’ll feel it more than flat games (especially when you stand up after).
- Encourage the dev: Small team, passionate, they’re doing great work — supporting these titles helps the VR ecosystem.
In summary: Of Lies and Rain isn’t just another game—it’s a statement. A statement that VR only games can be big, cinematic, action-packed and story-driven. If you’re excited about the future of VR (like we are), this is one to mark. Go forth, strap in, and bring humanity back from the brink — with style, grav-gun leaps and maybe a bit of rain.
Ready to play it? Don’t wait too long — let the machines know you’re coming.
Happy gaming, and long live VR!
VRGO
