Pistol Whip Review: For VR Workouts

Pistol Whip is a virtual reality game that has gained a lot of popularity and become one of the highest rated rhythm games across all headsets. It’s a fast-paced, action-packed game that involves shooting at enemies and dodging bullets and obstacles. In this review, we’ll explore what makes Pistol Whip such a unique and exciting game, and how it has become a favorite among VR gamers and VR fitness enthusiasts.

About Pistol Whip

Video Review

Pistol Whip Gameplay

In Pistol Whip, players use one or two VR controllers to shoot, punch and whip enemies while dodging bullets and obstacles. The game is set in a stylized, neon-lit world and features a variety of levels with different themes and challenges. Most levels are set to a high-energy electronic music track, and players must shoot and dodge in time with the music to score maximum points.

Pistol Whip also includes a number of gameplay modes, including 2 story modes, a daily, weekly and monthly event called contracts and arcade mode.

How many calories can you burn playing Pistol Whip?

The Virtual Reality Institute of Health and Exercise conducted a study to measure the energy expenditure of players while playing Pistol Whip.

• The study found that the game had an energy expenditure of 7.17 to 7.69 calories per minute
• with an average MET (metabolic equivalent) of 6.83.
• This makes Pistol Whip a moderate-intensity workout, similar to playing a game of tennis.
• Pistol Whip is slightly more intense than Beat Saber, but less intense than Thrill of the Fight.
• Assumes a weight of 60kg

Fitness Intensity

My own test with a 30-minute session of Pistol Whip, I alternated between dual-wield revolver and dual wield brawler in Arcade (hard mode). I Burnt approximately 203 Calories and had an average heart rate of 108 BPM. This was recorded using a Garmin Forerunner smartwatch.

Dual wield brawler made is significantly more intense, as more enemies will be left alive. This means there is more bullets to dodge which ultimately leads to more squats and side to side dodging.

Upper Body vs Lower Body

The game requires fast upper body movements as well as some lower body movement to dodge obstacles and bullets, making it a full-body workout.

When you activate Brawler mode it become more lower body focused and there will be more things to dodge.

Pistol Whip Styles and Weapon Types

You are able to select from 5 different weapons and can choose weather to dual wield them or not.

• Pistol
• Revolver
• Burstfire
• Brawler
• Boomstick

There are also a bunch of modifies that will increase or decrease the difficulty.

What are the best Modifies for Fitness?

• Bulletproof: You can’t die! This is great when learning new or more challenging content, there’s nothing worse than have to restart all the time.
• Scavenger: This takes away your ability to reload normally and only get additional ammo when you successfully pistol whip the enemy. This is quite cool because you will have to think about which enemies to take out and then when you have to go more on the defensive.
• Vengeance: makes enemies fire a bullet when they die, so if you have a happy trigger finger then you’ll still be forced to dodge bullets.
• Brawler: Out of reach enemies will continue to fire bullets at you.

Immersion

The graphics are nothing to write home about and the high energy electronic music isn’t normally my go-to. I actually preferred the western campaign with the revolvers and shotgun. Compared to over VR games I don’t completely lose track time. I’ve put this as a 6, if this is your jam then it would be way higher for now but I do expect this to improve for me in the future once custom mods come out.

Replayability: Is Pistol Whip worth it?

Pistol Whip is a unique and exciting VR game that offers a fun and challenging workout. Its fast-paced gameplay and immersive neon-lit world make it a must-play for VR gamers. With a variety of gameplay modes and regularly updated content, Pistol Whip is definitely worth picking up and a great fitness workout.

They have also custom mods coming for 2023 – so if the music isn’t completely up your ally there will be some community made content coming your way.

Pistol Whip Tips

• Use smooth and precise movements to maximize your accuracy and score.
• Dodge obstacles and enemies by leaning to the side or ducking under them.
• Try out the different gameplay modes to find the one that best fits your playstyle. Brawler is great to increase intensity.
• Use the “Bulletproof” modifier to practice and improve your skills without worrying about failing a level.