Doctor Who: The Edge of Time is one of the best “licensed” VR games I’ve had the pleasure to play. While it is heavy handed with its fanservice, there are moments and places that add something extra to any Doctor Who fan’s experience.
Wibbly-Wobbly
First, I have to admit, this game doesn’t pander to the non-fans. This works in its favor for followers of the series, as it drops players directly in the middle of a Dalek invasion. If you don’t know who the Daleks are, then their familiar scream “exterminate” might not send shivers down your spine. For me, as a “Whovian”, I can say that the opening is downright bone chilling.
This, however, does not make it easy for newcomers to Doctor Who to get the most out of The Edge of Time. That’s not to say that it’s not a great and fun experience on its own. Only that there is a decent amount of enemies and locations that aren’t given context here. Instead, the developers are making the assumption that the players have seen, at the vary least, a portion of the series, and are aware of several of the main enemies.
Doctor Who has been running off and on since 1963 so we can understand that the developers wouldn’t be able to expound on the complex backstories and lore that have been literally decades in the making. I, for one, am grateful that the experience didn’t feel like it talked down to the player, as many licensed games do. I won’t go into much detail about the story here. “Spoilers!”
Timey-Wimey
Doctor Who: The Edge of Time is not as whimsical as some of the older seasons of Doctor Who. Instead, it takes its atmosphere and tone more seriously. Keeping in line with the newer seasons of Doctor Who. It doesn’t seem to have a direct place in the continuity, even though you primarily interact with the 13th Doctor. Jodie Whittaker actually lends her voice here, unlike many licensed games that would find a voice match to save money.
There is an attention to detail here that is commendable. It genuinely feels like fans of the show made this game. We explore many different locations, and interact with a number of iconic baddies. From Daleks to Weeping Angels, and more, there are so many different facets to what you actually do in this experience. During one part you’re keeping an eye down several hallways and essentially playing red-light green-light. Another part, you are solving a puzzle that spans decades. Another part is a first-person shooter.
I have to admit, it is a bit difficult trying to review a game like this without spoiling some of the surprises. What I will say, though, there are puzzles and jump scares worthy of the Weeping Angels. All mixed with a sense of dread and isolation that keeps the heart racing.
Bigger On The Inside
Doctor Who: The Edge of Time is a wonderful experience. Like being inside an episode of the legendary series itself. I can’t say it’s a perfect game, no matter how much I like the series it’s based on. There are some graphic limitations, as with many VR games. And a couple of the puzzles can be a tad frustrating, though that might just be on me. Even with these extremely minor nit-picks, I would strongly recommend any fan of Doctor Who check out this experience.
