With the explosion in sales observed last years, VR technology is becoming much more accessible thanks to the launch of several VR technologies: Meta Quest 2 and 3, Sony PlayStation VR2, Valve Index VR Kit, HTC Vive Pro 2, Meta Quest Pro.
For a long time, FPS – First Person Shooters were the pinnacle of immersion through a first-person perspective. Next came the Wii, which revolutionized the way video games were consumed – all of this led to the birth of VR. Although the technology is still relatively young, quite a few video games have been released.
An immersive VR experience is magical and futuristic, making us forget our reality. Although it is still an expensive and niche platform, Virtual Reality continues to evolve as manufacturers and developers continually seek to innovate. Without further ado, here are the best VR games on the market that are unique in their gameplay, their stories or what they offer through the lenses of our VR headsets.
Here is a selection of the best games, according to PC Mag.
1- Super hot VR
Platforms: Valve Index, Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive, PS VR, PS VR2
Superhot started out as a browser-based demo nearly ten years ago. So, it’s safe to say that the stylish, seamless shooter has come a long way since then. The game as we now know it is a yet another shooter title that pits you against a room of enemies, but there’s a distinct twist.
In Superhot VR – and you might’ve heard this plenty already – time only moves when you do. This makes for a rather interesting time as you duck and dive away from enemies’ attacks, for things to be slowed down dramatically as you stand still and plot your next move.
Because of how Superhot VR works, it’s impossible to not almost feel like a lucrative assassin while playing it. The satisfying gameplay no doubt makes it one of the best shooters for VR, especially if you fancy a less realistic experience.
2- Beat Saber
Platforms: Valve Index, Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive, PSVR
If Star Wars and Guitar Hero were to somehow have a baby, it would probably turn out looking a lot like Beat Saber. The rhythmic VR title is perhaps one of the most popular VR titles out there, and has players wielding glowing lightsabers to the beat of their chosen song.
With your sabers, you must hack and slash away at the various coloured obstacles that come towards you. All being well, you should be hitting away the boxes in time with your chosen track, leading to some satisfying fun (and honestly, a little bit of a workout at times too).
Beat Saber also has a wealth of tracks to choose from, so there’s something to suit the tastes of everyone who picks it up. You can even slash away boxes to the sound of Linkin Park, if you wanted. That being said, Beat Saber is a staple for any VR enthusiast!
3- Tetris Effect: Connected
Platforms: Valve Index, Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive, PSVR, PS VR2
Tetris Effect: Connected is a very modern and very flashy version of the original puzzle game that many of us know and love. In this particular instalment, you’re accompanied by pleasurable visuals and music that compliment your actions.
This certainly isn’t for everyone. While the visuals can often feel like an experience within themselves, they personally distracted me from my main goal of the game. However, for someone who may want to try a much more illuminated and somewhat trippy version of Tetris, you’re in for a lot of fun
4- Elite: Dangerous VR
Platforms: Valve Index, Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive Elite
Elite: Dangerous is a title that certainly has a passionate and active community behind it, and providing VR support for the game has been rather groundbreaking.
The game itself is essentially a space flight simulator. You get to pilot your very own ship, mine materials from asteroids in the vast expanse of space, and of course, you’ll also need to go about collecting bounties. All in all, you can quite literally live another life out in space from the comfort of your headset.
Not only this, but Elite: Dangerous is multiplayer too. With a lively community that keeps on kicking, not only is the game immersive as a standalone experience that supports 4K Ultra HD display, but it’s even more innovative to experience alongside others.
5- Blade and Sorcery VR
Platforms: Valve Index, Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive
If what you’re really looking for is chaos – mainly in the form of brute strength and violence – Blade and Sorcery is no doubt the game for you. On the other hand, however, this game probably isn’t for the faint-hearted who prefer a more laid back experience.
Blade and Sorcery is a medieval-sandbox game specifically built for VR. As a result, the physics of combat feel incredibly satisfying; it feels realistic, to an extent, and acts as a great way to blow off some steam. If you can look past just how brutal you need to be to get far as a warrior, Blade and Sorcery is also full of laughs, too.
Pair this with the extensive modding community, and you’ve got one hell of a game. The Outer Rim is one of Blade and Sorcery’s largest mods, massively changing the game to make it feel as though you’ve landed in a Star Wars movie. For those who are fans of the franchise, it’s a must-try.
6- Resident Evil 4
Platforms: Meta Quest 2
Resident Evil 4 is, arguably, the best game in the series. Not only do we get to see the handsome Leon Kennedy take the reins after proving himself as a rookie cop, but we get taken to an all-new destination in Spain.
The game’s acclaim is no doubt the reason as to why it’s the one of the few Resident Evil games officially ported to VR, but it also works surprisingly well. Stepping into the shoes of Leon, you must go and rescue the president’s daughter while dipping and diving between zombies in VR.
It’s scary, but in all honesty, it’s an amusing game that’s made all the more entertaining in virtual reality. If Resident Evil 4 isn’t your favourite, either, Resident Evil 7 is available on PSVR, and various other games in the series can be played using your headset thanks to some talented modders.
The long awaited Resident Evil 4 Remake is also be playable on the PS VR2, if you happen to own a PS VR2 and would rather experience the remake in VR.
Other VR Games to mention
Honourable mentions are due to the following VR Games:Horizon : Call of the Mountain, I Expect You To Die, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes, Lone Echo, Astro Bot Rescue Mission, Cities VR, Jurassic World : Aftermath, The Walking Dead, Boneworks, Subnautica. , Wipeout, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Blood & Truth, A Fisherman’s Tale, Doom VFR, Unplugged, Everybody’s Golf VR, Fallout 4 VR, Ghost Giant, LA Noire : VR Case Files, Minecraft VR, The Talos Principle VR, Trover sauve l’univers.
