With the announcement of PlayStation’s VR 2 (creative as always), it got me thinking again about how incredibly cool virtual reality is.
The possibilities of this technology are endless. There are practical, social and research applications, but the leading industry by far is entertainment — mostly through video games.
Video games in VR are like no other experience. There is a true embodiment of the character that gives a level of immersion not possible through traditional means. At this point, I think most people know this.
I have played many games in VR, even though I don’t own one, and I thought I’d talk about a few of my experiences and what was so cool about them.
The first time I had ever used a VR headset was my brother’s PlayStation VR. It was honestly astounding for what it was.
The headset was clunky, the controls weren’t great and there was a nice glaze of fuzzy over the graphics. Considering all of that, I was still absolutely blown away.
The first time I had ever played I dabbled in a bunch of different games from Thumper, Job Simulator, and RIGS: Mechanized Combat League. These were a great collection of experiences and silly games to have a taste of the system.
The two best games I played on it for all the way through were ASTRO BOT Rescue Mission and Batman: Arkham VR. They really solidified for me that this technology was special and worth it.
ASTRO BOT Rescue Mission felt like an incredible innovation on a platformer with the top down view being the headset and having to look around corners. It really is underappreciated and I hope with PSVR2 they can make an even longer version of this game.
For Batman: Arkham VR, getting to run through the detective mode, throw batarangs and stand toe-to-toe with some of Batman’s greatest villains was absolutely surreal. Standing in front of a hulking Killer Croc is terrifying and a thrill. Play this if you haven’t had the chance.
The other VR system I have tried is the Oculus. There are a ton of great games on there as well and so many I have still yet to try. Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series easily being the one I want to try the most.
While playing Oculus, I had the experience that everyone talks about. I lost myself in the world entirely while playing SUPERHOT VR.
I was on a plane being shot at, as one does in that game, and I went to place my elbow on the plane seat in front of me for a breath. Obviously, the seat was not actually there and I almost face planted on the ground.
It is moments like these that really make me feel like VR is the future of video games as a whole. Some time in the future, maybe even being able to dive even deeper into the experience (shoutout Sword Art Online and my friend Josh who wants this badly).
I cannot wait for what VR holds and have really been considering buying an Oculus Quest 2 myself. We shall have to wait and see if I buy one and where this technology will go in the future.