Until You Fall is a neon-drenched VR "roguelite" sword-fighting game developed by Schell Games. Built on the Unity engine, the game challenges players to master rhythmic combat, requiring precise arm movements to block, dodge, and strike a variety of magical monstrosities. Unlike the studio's seated puzzle titles, Until You Fall focuses on high-energy, full-body physical activity, earning it a reputation as a premier "exergame." Players progress through a dying neon-fantasy world, gathering Aether to upgrade a diverse arsenal of weapons—each with unique weight, reach, and tactical advantages. It has been recognized as a VR Game of the Year nominee and a Sony PlayStation Gold Winner for Best Exergame.
- Schell Games
- Rokar (setting)
- Hack-and-slash
- Roguelite
- Rhythmic combat
- Blocking and Parrying
- procedural run generation
- synthwave aesthetic
- What makes the combat in Until You Fall unique?
- The game uses a rhythm-based combat system. Rather than wagging your arms randomly, you must align your weapons with specific on-screen cues to block incoming attacks. Success requires a combination of timing, physical speed, and strategic weapon placement.
- Is Until You Fall considered a workout?
- Yes. The game is classified as an "exergame" because the movements required to play—including large arm swings, squats, and dodges—provide a legitimate cardiovascular workout. It even includes a "Transformational Brief" that maps its physical benefits to real-world fitness goals.
- How does the "Roguelite" structure work?
- Each "run" through the world of Rokar is procedurally generated. When you fall in battle, you lose your current power-ups but retain Aether, which can be used between runs to permanently upgrade your weapons and unlock new abilities.
- Can I customize my fighting style?
- Absolutely. Players can dual-wield a wide variety of weapons, such as arm-blades, maces, and broadswords. Every weapon has different stats for weight and damage, allowing you to choose a build that favors speed, defense, or raw power.
- What is the visual style of the game?
- The game features a distinct neon-fantasy/synthwave aesthetic. The environments and enemies are filled with vibrant, glowing colors and sharp geometry, accompanied by a high-energy electronic soundtrack that matches the pace of the combat.
- What major awards has the game received?
- It was a VR Game of the Year nominee and won Grand Winner for Sony PlayStation VR/AR Game. Most notably, it won Gold for Sony PlayStation Exergame, cementing its status as a top-tier fitness title in the VR space.
