Released into Early Access as one of the first two VR rhythm games April 5, 2016, Holodance constantly evolved and continues to evolve: Punch orbs with your hands, slice drops with laserblades, shoot drones with guns or dance with dragons, with lots of different kinds of beatmaps!
The game offers several distinct gameplay modes. In the Free Mode, players can access a library of over 60,000 ranked beatmaps from the popular rhythm game osu!, covering a wide variety of musical styles and difficulties. The Story Mode provides a more curated experience, where players guide a friendly dragon through various environments, hitting orbs and other targets in sync with the music. The Instrument Modes task players with hitting notes that correspond to different virtual instruments, like drums, bass, or lead melody, unlocking new environments and musical styles as they progress.
The core gameplay revolves around hitting a variety of targets in time with the music. Players can use their hands, head, or even feet (with Vive trackers) to interact with these targets, which come in several forms. Spherical orbs are the most common, requiring players to touch or punch them to score points. Sliders are linear targets that players must follow with their hands. Drones are enemy targets that players must shoot with virtual guns to destroy. Laserblades require players to slice through laser beams in time with the music.
The game provides visual and audio feedback to players as they interact with the targets. Hitting an orb or slicing a laser creates satisfying sound effects and visual effects, while missing a target results in a negative auditory cue. The scoring system rewards players for their accuracy and timing, encouraging them to develop their rhythm and timing skills.
The game offers a high degree of customization options, allowing players to tailor the experience to their preferences. This includes adjusting the size, speed, and visual style of the targets, as well as toggling certain gameplay mechanics like sliders and drones. The game also includes accessibility features, such as the ability to catch orbs with the head or feet (using Vive trackers), making it more inclusive for players with physical limitations.
One of the game's standout features is its robust integration with the osu! community and beatmap library. Players can easily download and play thousands of custom beatmaps created by the osu! community, greatly expanding the musical offerings. Additionally, the game supports various mods and plugins, allowing players to further customize their experience or even create their own content.