Summary
Virtual Reality (VR)has been used in many revolutionary ways in games to date, and as VR hardware becomes more affordable, it is likely that many new uses will be found by game designers. VR provides developers with an entirely new way toimmerse playersin a game world, and in the case of some titles, has delivered a unique gaming experience.
VR opens up many new gameplay mechanics, such as fullyinteractive environments, natural-feeling control schemes, and new ways to involve the player within the narrative. Even though VR is yet to fully mature, there are already somegreat titles that have shown what its immersive potential could be.
Genre
Platformer, Puzzle, Adventure
Moss: Book 2follows the adventures of a mouse named Quill. The player acts as a spirit guardian for Quill, and can interact with the world and its protagonist in many ways. In effect, the player is both an observer and an influencer, which gives the game a unique perspective.
Using VR, the game world combines a finely detailed setting andthird-personplatforming gameplay. However, when the player comes across a puzzle that Quill must solve, the perspective switches over to first-person, and the puzzle becomes tactile, showing off how VR can be used very effectively.
Star Wars: Squadronscould be called an up-to-date version of the classicX-Wing V. TIE Fightergame in many ways, but it is also so much more. The player can fly for either the Empire or the Rebel forces, and climb into the cockpit of several iconicStar Warsships.
VR adds a whole new level of realism and immersion toStar Wars: Squadrons. Indeed, alongside driving games, space games are a genre that has shown just how impressive VR can be. The player has free head movement and can view the detailed interiors of the ship they are flying. VR during space combat is like being in one of theStar Warsmovies. It is a unique feeling and one that space sim fans won’t want to miss.
Lone Echo II
Set in deep space, inLone Echo 2the player controls a synthetic humanoid named Jack. Jack has one task: to take care of his human companion, Olivia. The action takes place in zero gravity, which can be challenging to master at first. As the plot unfolds, the mystery deepens.
The way that VR is used inLone Echo 2is pretty amazing. With the player floating in zero gravity, they need to reach out using VR to grab onto surfaces and move themselves around. This means that movement inLone Echo 2is completely different from what most players will be used to, and makes for a fantastic example of how VR opens up new options for game designers.
Asgard’s Wrathwas released to showcase the capabilities of Oculus VR equipment. It’s a shame it was never released for some of the more affordable VR headsets that are now available to consumers, as it is a fully-fledged RPG and very playable.
VR is used throughout this title, as the player explores dungeons, solves puzzles, and becomes involved in melee combat that is entirely physics-based. The inclusion of AI-controlled companions really helps the VR experience feel alive and dynamic. For a title that was arguably intended as an advanced tech demo, it is very well-polished and offers many hours of gameplay.
No Man’s Skyis one of the definitive titles in the open-worldspace explorationand survival genre. It has overcome its rocky launch to become one of the best games in the genre to date. The game also includes baked-in support for a range of VR equipment.
PlayingNo Man’s Skyin VR is nothing short of breathtaking, the game world takes on a level of depth that a simple flat-screen display cannot portray. Standing on the edge of a cliff and looking out across an alien landscape is an incredible gameplay experience. Creatures walking across the landscape become more real, and overall, VR entirely transforms the game.
Resident Evil 4 VRis a reworked version of the classic survival horror game that brings VR support to the table. VR is used in many ways throughout the game. For example, VR gestures are used to reload weapons, block incoming attacks, and get a glimpse of the game world by peeking around corners.
Something thatResident Evil 4 VRdoes well is using the full VR perspective to implement jump scares, which can be quite shocking at times. Overall, VR makes the game more immersive and manages to amplify the feeling of tension for players.
The gameplay inHalf-Life: Alyxtakes place between the events ofHalf-LifeandHalf-Life 2. The player battles the Combine in City 17, taking on the role of Alyx Vance. The game has been designed to use VR in as immersive a way as possible.
Good examples of VR use inHalf-Life: Alyxinclude using gravity gloves to lift and move objects, as well as movement and interaction with the environment. Fromsolving puzzlesto epic gunplay, VR enhances everything about this game.
Beat Sabermay be a simple game, but if the sheer volume of videos shared on social media sites is anything to go by, it is widely beloved. Where other games on this list have used VR for more immersion, or to provide innovative control schemes,Beat Saberis a little more basic, but a whole lot of fun.
Using VR, the player needs to strike or move their virtual sabers to hit the right notes and stay in time with the music track and graphics, which is immersive and bordering on hypnotic. This might sound simple, but it quickly becomes incredibly challenging as the tempo of the music is increased and the complexity of the score rises.
