In the world of Espire 2, advanced military and virtual reality technologies meet, allowing Espire Agents to take on the role of a super spy, piloting deadly Espire Model 1 Operative espionage droids remotely from the safety of the Control Theatre. Set in the year 2036, Espire 2 marks the return of Espire Agent POE (the Primary Operator of Espire).

After emerging from a seven-year coma, POE is thrust back into the world of dark espionage as the centerpiece of the Espire project. Now, with the help of two bleeding-edge droids called “Frames”, and an all-new arsenal of weapons and tools, POE must embark on a mission to eliminate the global threat imposed by the deadly terrorist organization, OPHIS.

Developer Digital Lode has big plans to expand upon the success of the original Espire 1: VR Operative, adding a wealth of new features and improvements to Espire 2's gameplay. 

Developer Digital Lode and publisher Tripwire Presents announced that Espire 2 will release on the Meta Quest 2 platform on Nov. 17.

Pre-orders for Espire 2 are available starting today at approximately 10 a.m. PDT via the Meta Store.

Pre-order customers will receive a 10% discount off the list price. Additionally, the team at Digital Lode debuted a brand-new developer diary discussing the title’s evolution from Espire 1, the expansion of the development studio, and how they are making multiplayer co-op stealth gameplay shine in VR.

The new developer diary details the core principles behind the Espire series and how Digital Lode was born from a desire to create something in VR that’s never been done before – a genuine stealth experience in the immersive world of virtual reality. The developers also elaborate on what distinguishes Espire 2 from its predecessor, and how the latest entry pushes the boundaries of stealth in VR through the two playable frames known as Sinder and Sooty. Additionally, Espire 2 marks the first time Digital Lode will include a multiplayer component in any of its titles, with a dedicated co-op mode that allows two players to take control of each of the distinctly different frames and work together to complete missions. Digital Lode cites working with Tripwire Presents as a key factor in bringing multiplayer to Espire 2 due to Tripwire’s wealth of experience in creating amazing multiplayer games.

Key Features:

• Immersive Single Player Campaign: Take on missions across the globe in sandbox environments designed to allow the player total freedom over their play style. Sneak past guards, create distractions, and think strategically to achieve objectives or charge forward, guns blazing. Espire 2 offers the thrill of both stealth and action-focused strategies to each area, all presented with immersive VR technology.
• Multiplayer Co-op campaign: Players can now team up with a fellow operative in a new multiplayer co-op campaign that bridges the gap between Espire 1 and Espire 2.
• Control Multiple Espire Frames: For the first time, players can control and can switch between two unique Espire frames. Each frame is suited with their own special abilities and attributes, offering strategic benefits for players to discover while playing through both of Espire 2’s campaigns.
• Unique Gadgets: The player’s entire array of tools and gadgets is now fully integrated into the Espire frames, offering a vast variety of accessible options for handling objectives before they even draw their weapon.
• Rule the Play Area: Espire Vision gives Agents a strategic, accessible view of the situation, allowing players to see through walls, mark the location of enemies, predict patrol paths, and more.
• Voice commands: Players can utilize voice commands to distract, hold up and interrogate the enemy. Interrogation commands include “empty your pockets” and “where are your friends?” Espire 2 can be played without voice commands, if players prefer.
• Cutting Edge Graphics and Spatial Audio: Espire 2 boasts next generation VR graphics and spatial audio systems that will take full advantage of the power of the Meta Quest 2.
• Stealth AI System: The stealth AI system has been rebuilt from the ground up with a focus on core stealth mechanics, enemy engagements and player agency, bringing even more depth to Espire 2’s variety of gameplay options.
• Immersion and Presence: Thanks to Espire 2’s accurate “arm IK” system, players see their virtual forearms where their real ones would be and experience VR interactions in lifelike detail.
• Enhanced Control Theatre: The technology behind the “Control Theatre” lies at the heart of the Espire 2’s movement and control system. Utilizing the Meta Quest 2’s additional rendering capabilities, the innovative “Control Theatre” comfort system makes its return in Espire 2, with enhanced features, a new user interface, and easier accessibility. This “VR within VR” system allows for precise full freedom of movement, maintains immersion, and also eliminates “VR motion sickness” for almost all players. The Control Theatre is fully customizable to suit the player’s level of comfort, up to fully disabled for those already comfortable moving in VR.

Espire 2 is scheduled to release for Meta Quest 2 (Meta Store) in November 17, 2022.