Martin Rumenov VR Forever Steam Event Welcomes THRASHER
During the ongoing VR Forever Steam event, Puddle—a team comprising THUMPER’s Brian Gibson and Rock Band VR’s Mike Mandel—has launched the first exclusive Steam demo of their celebrated game, THRASHER. Previously accessible only for Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro users, THRASHER earned several industry accolades, including Apple’s 2024 Vision Pro Game of the Year.
Space Eels Emerge on New Platforms
For the first time, the surreal THRASHER universe—populated by space eels and enigmatic monoliths—is playable in non-VR “flatscreen” mode. This demo is optimized for PC and SteamDeck, extending the game’s reach during Steam Next Fest before its closure next month. Fans eager for a deeper dive can anticipate the full 2D and PCVR release on Steam later this year.
THRASHER: From VR Gem to Flatscreen Excellence
Award-Winning Roots and Gameplay Innovations
THRASHER captivated VR audiences on Quest and Vision Pro with its mind-bending arcade odyssey. Its transition to 2D and PCVR platforms brings fresh features—improved visuals harnessing PC power, responsive controls, hand tracking, and robust support for gamepad and mouse inputs. With a main campaign spanning 27 stages in nine psychedelic worlds, new Play+ and Time Trials modes, and leaderboards plus Steam achievements, THRASHER delivers a layered, competitive experience.
Evolving the Space Eel: Mechanics and Challenges
Players guide an elegant space eel, mastering a unique combo system focused on circling maneuvers. Dashes, power-ups, and a vibrant rainbow spray add variety and tactical depth, alongside spectacular boss battles against cosmic leviathans. Whether chasing leaderboard rankings or basking in the game’s dazzling landscapes, THRASHER appeals to both high-score chasers and casual explorers.
Behind the Scenes: Talents and Studio Vision
Puddle: Visionaries with a Musical Edge
Puddle is led by Brian Gibson—whose work includes the cult-hit THUMPER and role as bassist for Lightning Bolt—and Mike Mandel, a developer renowned for contributions to Rock Band VR and other music-focused games. Their vision merges music, visuals, and gameplay into one transcendent arcade journey with THRASHER.
Read our TRASHER VR REVIEW in the descritpions.
Creature: Vanguard of VR Creativity
THRASHER’s publisher, Creature, was founded in 2023 with a mission to innovate in the VR gaming space. The studio’s impressive portfolio includes titles such as Laser Dance, Cubism, Budget Cuts, and The Light Brigade. Beyond their own releases, Creature supports indie developers with key business development services, fueling industry growth.
THRASHER’s Steam demo marks a milestone in VR and flatscreen experiences, blending mesmerizing art, cutting-edge mechanics, and a soundtrack by Lightning Bolt’s Gibson. With its expanded platform reach and PC optimizations, THRASHER shapes up as a must-play for fans of audiovisual arcade adventures.
