Another Axiom Inc.
Gorilla Tag
When I first launched Gorilla Tag, I expected a quick, silly distraction. I mean, playing tag as a gorilla in virtual reality? Sounds fun, sure—but how deep could it really be? Little did I know this game would become one of the most intense, hilarious, and surprisingly heart-pounding VR experiences I’ve ever had.
Let me walk you through it—from clumsy beginner to agile tree-hopper, this game took me on a journey that was as physical as it was addictive.
First Impressions: Chaos and Laughter
Right from the start, Gorilla Tag drops you into a vibrant, low-poly forest surrounded by other gorilla avatars—all controlled by real players. There’s no tutorial, no hand-holding, and definitely no buttons. That’s when I realized the genius of the game: you don’t move with a joystick or teleport—you move by physically pushing yourself off surfaces using your arms. It’s pure motion. You become the gorilla.
At first, I was all over the place. I slammed my virtual hands into the ground and barely managed to scoot forward. Watching experienced players leap from tree to tree while I clumsily stumbled along was humbling—but also motivating. I didn’t want to just be another easy target. I wanted to fly.
The Mechanics: Simple Yet Brilliant
The movement system is the heart of Gorilla Tag, and it's shockingly good. It forces you to think about your body in a whole new way. You start to develop a sense of momentum, angle, and technique. After a while, I wasn’t just running—I was strategizing, predicting where others would go, cutting them off with a well-timed leap.
The controls are only your arms, but the variety of movement that’s possible is wild. You can run, climb, vault, swing, and bounce. No two matches ever feel the same, because each player brings their own physicality into the game. And best of all, it never stops being fun. Even just climbing to the top of a tree and watching the chaos below can be a blast.
Community: Chaotic, Wild, and Strangely Wholesome
This game is unfiltered social VR at its core. You’ll meet players from all over the world—some incredibly skilled, others just there for laughs. I’ve had full-blown conversations while hiding behind a stump, shared tips with new players, and been part of impromptu games that had nothing to do with the main objective. Sure, the open mic system means things can get a little rowdy, but more often than not, it adds to the charm.
One of the most surprising moments for me was joining a group of players teaching someone with a disability how to navigate the game using only one hand. Everyone was patient, encouraging, and genuinely helpful. It reminded me that Gorilla Tag isn’t just a game—it’s a shared space where players lift each other up (sometimes literally).
Maps and Modes: More Than Just Tag
The original forest map is still my favorite—there’s something primal and satisfying about swinging through trees like a VR Tarzan. But the developers didn’t stop there. Over time, they’ve added new maps: a towering canyon, a neon cityscape, and even a spooky cave. Each environment brings fresh movement challenges and encourages creative tactics.
Game modes add variety, too. Infection is the most popular—once tagged, you join the team trying to tag the rest. It ramps up the tension and forces you to adapt your playstyle constantly. There’s also casual mode for just hanging out, and mini-games created by the community that take the gameplay to unexpected places.
Fitness Disguised as Fun
What really shocked me was how physically demanding the game is. After 20 minutes, I was sweating. After an hour, I was sore. I’ve played rhythm games and boxing simulators, but Gorilla Tag hits different. It doesn’t feel like a workout—until you take off the headset and realize you just spent 45 minutes doing a full upper-body routine.
And yet, I kept coming back. Not because I needed to exercise, but because I genuinely wanted to play. The fitness aspect is a bonus, but the fun is the main driver.
Final Thoughts: VR at Its Most Raw and Real
Gorilla Tag is rough around the edges. There are no fancy graphics, no elaborate storylines, and barely any UI. And that’s exactly why it works. It strips away the fluff and focuses on pure interaction, motion, and fun. It’s a game that rewards skill, invites connection, and always keeps you moving.
There were times I laughed so hard I had to take a break. Times I got so focused on the chase, I forgot I was standing in my living room. And moments where I looked around at this bizarre world of bouncing gorillas and thought, “This is absolutely ridiculous—and I love it.”
If you have a VR headset and haven’t tried Gorilla Tag, I can’t recommend it enough. Just be prepared: once you start swinging, you might never want to stop.
