
If you ever required a chaotic, amusing, and unexpectedly emotional VR portrayal of Texas , Hexas could be it. Owlchemy Labs' most recent update to Dimensional Double Shift places players inside the Gas N' Grill—an outrageous, devil-infested rest stop straight out of a Texan hallucination. After experiencing it firsthand with a Quest headset in a hotel setting during my initial playthrough, everything clicked. It’s not only about the humor, the timing, or the virtual reality appeal—it’s grasping the core concept.
This marks Owlchemy's very first "Dimension Pack," a purchasable expansion priced at $4.99 for their cooperative gameplay. VR title Dimensional Double Shift , and it could easily be the most worthwhile $5 spent if you're looking to chuckle, dive into chaos, and perhaps even tap a demonic boar's behind.
"We accomplished a great deal with Hexas ,” CEOwl Andrew Eiche mentioned during our interview, "We aimed to ensure it felt fresh and innovative. Taking this step was somewhat daunting for us. Nonetheless, you'll continue to undertake cars and cooking So initially, we weren't sure if it would simply come across as the same idea, only colored red. However, we discovered that we could experiment with something a bit odd, and it would still work out fine."
It's not just fine; it's Texas -Sized. Featuring jumbo brisket, colossal trucks, fiery demonic patrons, and an atmosphere that seems like King of the Hill meets Vacation Simulator With a Tex-Mex flair. For folks hailing from Texas, it includes familiar touches—from the “Don’tMess With Texas signs to the flag design. 'If you reside in Texas, the Lone Star can be seen everywhere,' Eiche stated. 'It appears on T-shirts, undergarments, and is even more prominent than the American flag.'
Hexas is suitable for all individuals regardless of their level of VR experience.
However, what struck me the most wasn't merely the humor or refinement; it was the approachability. Dimensional Double Shift It truly was. This marked my inaugural experience with a Quest headset, and the installation process couldn’t have been simpler. There wasn’t a requirement for ample space, tangled cables, or getting off the couch. Simply lounging on a hotel sofa, I found myself completely immersed. I connected with buddies, juggled ghostly cuisine, and assisted in tweaking monster trucks—all without giving a second thought to navigating through menus or dealing with complex systems.
And that is intentional. "Our objective is VR For everyone—including no one left out," Eiche clarified. "We utilize hand tracking as it eliminates the controller from the mix... most individuals are accustomed to using their hands rather than dealing with a 16-button controller.
Even players with one arm can jump in. “We do a lot of work to make sure we don’t have two-handed interactions—or if we do, there’s an out for that,” Eiche said. Rather than forcing players to match a rigid control scheme, Owlchemy focuses on natural input and adaptable design. That also means embracing communication styles beyond voice chat. One subtle feature allows players to rotate order tickets to signal for help—something Eiche noted works for players who “don’t talk, can’t talk, or just don’t feel like it.” In a time when most games assume vocal command is the norm, that kind of detail speaks volumes.
And indeed, I gave a swat to a pig’s rear end. Its mouth then opened. Here’s a line I can pen since Hexas It exists, which is precisely why this game stands out. Whether you're goofing off or accomplishing objectives, the game equally acknowledges your efforts. Just moments ago, I was tossing demonic pancakes. Suddenly, my attention shifted to witnessing an inferno-spewing monster truck rejoicing post-repair. And even during times of uncertainty, another player could easily join me and lend assistance.
That collaborative spirit truly resonates at the core of Hexas.
The essence of teamwork is evident in the way Owlchemy designed the game. As Eiche described, "You and your buddies manage both a diner and a garage that get transported across the omniverse." He added, "One player purchases access to the new universe, but everybody joins in for the gameplay." This approach demonstrates clever planning. social-first shift—one that fosters collective disorder rather than mere personal possession.
The studio is also acquiring knowledge along the way. Hexas It was an experiment to determine "what constitutes enough," as stated by Eiche. "Initially, we were uncertain if it would make a difference, but each time I play it, I think, wow—this game is packed with content." This holds up because from the eccentric NPC designs to the personalized Hexas flag, right down to Big Hex (the intimidating demon mascot known for speaking), everything exudes meticulous attention to detail throughout the entire gameplay experience.
However, despite all of this, Owlchemy Labs isn't finished yet. Eiche stated that they have clear ideas about their plans for subsequent dimensions but are choosing to hold off so players can fully appreciate Hexas initially. "If I announce what's upcoming next, it sort of finalizes things," he explained. "And that wasn’t our intention when we released the game like this."
At its core, Dimensional Double Shift: Hexas isn’t just about monster trucks or moist brisket—it’s about what VR can be when it’s built with people in mind. It’s intuitive, it’s weird, and it’s wildly inclusive. Whether you’re a seasoned VR player or someone just tossing on a Quest headset for the first time in a hotel room, Owlchemy makes sure you feel welcome, involved, and most importantly, like you’re part of the chaos.
If Hexas If these signs point toward where the studio is going, then the future of VR isn't merely promising—it's brisket-scented, filled with demons, and meant for laughter alongside your buddies. This is a future I look forward to revisiting again and again.
The Dimensional Double Shift: Hexas is now available.
The post 'Hexas,' Comedy, and The Core of Owlchemy Labs: An Interview with CEO Andrew Eiche appeared first on But Why Tho? .