The best VR escape room game in a long time.

Head to 16th century Florence as you embark on a quest set out by Leonardo Da Vinci.

As the apprentice to the genius himself, you are summoned to Florence to find out why Da Vinci has disappeared. Your task: make your way through your master’s home by solving a series of challenging puzzles, aided by technology left to you.

Created by Blue Brain Games, The House of Da Vinci VR – releasing Dec. 4 for Quest and PCVR –  is based on the flat screen game of the same name. The original games were also developed by the same team.

But this is no mere port. In fact, the game was completely rebuilt for VR, bringing a fresh experience; even for those who played the original trilogy.

“We rebuilt the entire game from scratch. We redesigned all the levels and puzzles to perfectly match the needs and strengths of VR gameplay. We completely overhauled the graphics to make them as beautiful, detailed, and realistic as possible. The sounds, hints, and inventory system were entirely revamped. Even the music was refreshed and recorded specifically for the VR version,” said Peter Kubek, creative director & co-owner of Blue Brain Games.

Playing in virtual reality (VR) is an incredibly engaging experience. Kubek is right when he points out the graphical work done for this game, as everything is gorgeous and makes you feel like you really are in the space of Da Vinci.

The game features quite a few levels and completion time is dictated by how fast you can solve the puzzles (3:34.17 right here), created by the 16th centuries greatest genius. During your adventure, you’re taken throughout the vast home of Da Vinci and will visit spaces such as – but not limited to – his workshop, a dungeon and even a graveyard – all of which just look incredible – and are full of unique puzzles that connect to each other.

While the game does not feature co-op play – like The Room VR, this is a solo adventure – you are aided by the genius of Da Vinci, who gifts you with tools that allow you to see hidden objects (by flipping the switch on your right wrist) and even see into the past to guide you on your quest (using a dial in conjunction with your aforementioned ability, to see glimpses of the past and rewind or speed up the events).

Also like The Room VR, your movement options in game are limited to teleporting between puzzles and snap turning. While some may find the limitation to be a slight annoyance, this actually works here as you’re meant to focus on the puzzles and not roam around aimlessly through each level; plus it’s pretty easy to just turn yourself physically if snap turning is not your thing.

Interacting with the world around you is as easy as reaching out and grabbing a handle, turning a key, and using your index finger to solve the puzzles in front of you. You also have access to an inventory to keep important puzzle items, which can be accessed by the ‘A’ or ‘X’ buttons on either controller.

You’ll need to use this regularly throughout your run as you’ll need to grab items from one puzzle and often hold onto them for another.

Paying attention to the world around you is key here, not only because the puzzles connect and can hold clues to ones just a few feet away, but because even the items you grab can be interacted with and sometimes, even need to be solved before they can be used.

It’s this type of gameplay mechanics and more which Kubek points to as separating this game from others in the escape room genre.

“First and foremost, I would highlight the game’s graphics, which truly captivate the player. We’re also very proud of our hint system, the intuitive inventory manipulation, the ability to adjust and assemble objects with both hands, the “feel” of the environment, and the story, which makes the game truly unique.”

The House of Da Vinci VR is currently releasing for Quest and PCVR, Kubek confirms that they are working on a version for the PlayStation headset.

“I can reveal that we’re already working on a version of the game for PSVR2 and will do our best to bring it to players on this platform as soon as possible.”

He also confirms that this is just the first VR entry from the series, as they plan to bring the entire trilogy to the virtual world.

For those who love escape rooms, it’s highly recommended that you pick up this game. From the intricate and exciting puzzles. to the beautiful world around you, this is more than just a game for the VR space. Considering how many middle of the road – or even really bad (looking at you Escape Simulator) – VR escape room games are out there, The House of Da Vinci VR is a truly captivating game that breathes renewed life and sets itself apart as one of the greats.

“If there’s one thing I’d like to convey, it’s that The House of Da Vinci VR isn’t just a game – it’s an experience. It’s a journey into the mind and world of one of history’s greatest geniuses, where you can interact with his inventions and immerse yourself in a Renaissance atmosphere like never before. We’ve poured our hearts into crafting a VR experience that feels both magical and authentic, and we can’t wait for players to step into this world and uncover its secrets,” said Kubek.

The House of Da Vinci VR, was reviewed on the Quest 3 after receiving pre-release access.