The Batman: Arkham franchise has had one hell of a run, from gliding onto the scene in 2009 with Asylum, to smashing directly into a brick wall with Suicide Squad earlier this year (Oh, and who could forget the confusingly not-canon Gotham Knights).

Now, for the first time since 2016, Batman has returned to VR with Arkham Shadow. I won't leave you in suspense! Things ??turned out pr??etty well this time.

Batman: Arkham Shadow (Quest 3 [reviewed], Quest 3S)
Developer: Camouflaj
Publisher: Oculus Studios
Released: October 21, 2024
MSRP: $49.99 (free with Quest 3 purchase)

I'll get right to the point, this is a legit "Arkham" first-person action-adventure game that will last you anywhere from 10-15 hours, depending on what you want out of it. If you haven't played any "AAA VR" games in a while, we're beyond the point of tech demos taking up space on digital storefronts. Arkham Shadow is basically on par with Arkham Asylum in ter??ms of scope, complete with an interconnected map to explore, Easter eggs, timed challenge r??ooms, and collectibles.

The idea is that you're still playing through a younger version of Batman voiced by Roger Craig Smith (through in-game dialogue we learn that it has been several years since Origins), pre-Asylum. I've always been a fan of Smith's take on the character, and his background as a prolific voice actor allows him to stretch the character in interesting ways that I won't spoil here. He's still a "younger" and generally angrier Batman, which nicely distances itself from the iconic Kevin Conroy portrayals. Setting it during this timeframe allows the team to inject a little more of their own flavor in, too, rather than striving to simply recreate the main Arkham trilogy.

This time around it's the week of July 4th, and Batman needs to infiltrate Blackgate Prison and stop a villain called the "Rat King," who is assembling the masses of Gotham to take on various city officials. Portions of Gotham City are available as an initial tutorial of sorts, acclimating you to the game's locomotion systems, as well as the bone-crunching combat mechanics (this time, you hear it up close). According to developer Camouflaj, Rocksteady developers were a part of the creation process of Arkham Shadow, and it shows.

What took me by surprise is how much this is painstakingly designed to feel like a mainline Arkham game. The countering, the sound effects, the atmosphere, all of it comes together in a way reminiscent of the Asylum/City/Knight trilogy. Speaking as someone who got into the hobby in earnest? in 2015, VR has come a long way. It's still mesmerizing to play a game like this in 2024, with branching environments, puzzles that only make sense in the VR space, and an intriguing mystery that's on par with Rocksteady??'s other projects.

Where Arkham Shadow really sold me, as a Batman fan, was in its ability to integrate more actual detective elements into the storyline (and I'm talking beyond the returning detective vision concept). Rocksteady and WB Games Montreal already did this to great effect with Arkham proper, but it's nice to see the tradition carrying on. Other than Matt Reeve's recent The Batman effort, we don't see Bruce putting his detectiv???e skills to the test nearly as often as we should.

To be clear, the "freeflow combat" system that Asylum helped cement with other contemporaries like Assassin's Creed 2 returns, as do the stealthy "predator" sections. Batman has access to a grappling hook, explosive gel gun, batarangs, smoke bombs, and a decoder: among other gadgets that are accessible through the in-game XP and upgrade menu. Truth be told this is basically all you need for a fully Arkham-like experience, and everything is handily available by grabbing them on Batman's chest, arms, and waist. Some VR games can go overboard with too many gadgets (including over-the-shoulder gestures), but this amount of tools feels just right, given that all of them serve an actua?l purpose in gameplay.

Shadow is lovingly crafted by both Arkham and Batman fans alike, filled with Easter eggs and references. It's one thing to walk around the GCPD building in Origins and chuckle at a fe?w signs, but it's something else entirely to meander through a locale in VR, grab a paper, read it, and then flip it over to read more. Getting around is really simple with the grappling hook (which can also bypass manually climbing ladders if that isn't your thing), and there are myriad accessibility options for folks who aren't used to full VR movement yet. Having to grab your cape and open your arms like an idiot to glide is also way cooler than it has any right to be.

Combat is simplistic, satisfying, and surprisingly therapeutic as an actual light workout. To attack someone you'll make a real fist, and swing at an enemy while looking at them. To "counter," all you need to do is hold out your hand toward an aggressor right before they connect, even if it's off-screen (which is indicated by an icon in your sightline). Sounds easy right? Well, it is, but it's also super fun to do once the Elite Beat Agents/Beat Saber elements pop in, like hitting combinations of punches to giant rhythm game-esque icons, or swinging in specific directions for finishers. All of these concepts, when meshed togethe??r, help keep things interesting, especially once you start encountering elite enemies.

I do have some hangups. Some of the game's cast doesn't really get to sing because of a lack of material, especially characters you're meeting for the first time in Shadow. The story tries to cram a lot in at first, but slowly ??pulls back and focuses on Batman's investigation into the Rat King. I wish a few more characters were fleshed out or even added, but there is a distinct lack of restraint present here that's commendable.

Gameplay is also a bit janky sometimes, which can happen in select expansive games, not just in the VR industry. There were several times when enemies could see me over an object despite being completely obfuscated by it, and I had several clipping issues (namely with grates, which make their return to the Arkham series in abundance). Another problem forced me to quit the game and reload, putting me on the correct side of a gl?itc?hed doorway.

While I get the skepticism over a VR Batman game (I was unsure how this would actually pan out when it was announced), Camouflaj has more than proven that they are a major player in the VR AAA space, and Oculus Studios has yet another feather in their cap with Arkham Shadow.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

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Back in 2021, we shared the news that GTA San Andreas would be making its way to the Meta Quest 2. That was a head scratcher from the get go, because despite being the highest-selling PS2 title of all time, San Andreas already f??elt quite dated to be announced as one of the biggest things in the platform's horizon.

The good news is that you now have plenty of time to ponder the choice, as IGN has just confirmed that the development of San Andreas VR is now on indefinite hold.

One of the most mind boggling parts of San Andreas VR, is that �even three years later �we never really learned much about it. The only written intel anyone ever got about it was Meta's claim that it was a project long in the makin??g. The only visual information we got was the logo that the company sho?wed during the announcement.

It's extra strange because Meta had previously seen success in bringing Resident Evil 4 to VR, and Rockstar had previously published LA Noire: The VR Case Files, an apt reimagining of the original game that was meant to be played on the HTC Vive. You'd expect that over three years later, the company would've at least provided us with one relevant update on the project, but this is all we have so far, and could be the last we end up hearing out of San Andreas VR.

This news comes after we learned that Meta's VR games endeavor is costing the company immense amounts of money, with losses of up to $16 billion dollars in 2023 alone. The reported hiatus in the development of San Andreas VR mi??ght be a direct result of a cos?t-cutting action, though Meta only states that its working on other projects.

Though this is not officially a cancellation, it would not be the first time that we'd see the cancelation of ports of highly successful Rockstar titles. Back in 2022, we learned that the company had reportedly cancelled a much in-demand PC remaster of Red Dead Redemption in response to the poor reception of the Gra??nd Theft Auto: The Trilogy �The Definiti?ve Edition. Then again, anyone actually interested in experiencing San Andreas in VR need not feel that bad, as we just very recently learned via a slip-up that the Red Dead Redemption PC port might be in the cards once again.

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It's been a tough old time for developers trying to bring the Alien franchise to the gaming world. The likes of Colonial Marines had all but killed hopes of a decent adaptation, while Isolation was a beautiful love letter to Ridley Scott's 1979 horror masterpiece. As such, Alien: Rogue Incursion has a lot to live up to.

Of course, we can't judge it at this stage, but in the meantime, we have been treated to a new trailer that shows us who the protagonist of the upcoming game will be. In the footage, we get the usual accoutrements associated with the Alien games before cutting to a shot of Zula Hendricks be?ing som?ething of a badass.

Combined with footage from the early build of the game, there's an impression that Rogue Incursion is going for that high-octane, gun-shootin' action that's more akin?? to James Cameron's vision.

How does Hendricks fit into the Alien universe?

Don't worry if you don't know who Zula Hendricks is. I must admit, I had to do a little bit of reading myself to see how she fits into the Alien universe. While she's not been a feature of the films, the Xenopedia page shows that she's more of a comic book character. However, she is apparently mentioned in the novelization of Alien: Isolation.

As such, Hendricks is more of a canonical (if somewhat obscure) character, rather than a brand-new protagonist. Ho?w she'll fare against the iconic Xenomorph creatures is anyone's guess at this stage. But she looks like she can hold her own, judging by the above trailer.

It is a shame that Alien: Rogue Incursion is a VR exclusive. I'd wager there are plenty of people who would love to play an action-packed shooter that takes place in the Alien world with a character who is lore-friendly without the use of a headset. Oh well. I guess us non-VR players will just be over here wishing for Isolation 2 instead.

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Sony is bringing its PlayStation VR2 headset to PC gamers, as an adapter for the headset is s??et to a??rrive for PC on August 7, 2024.

The PS VR2 headset was originally released for the PlayStation 5, but Sony is now expanding its functionality to ma??ke it possible for PC players to play VR games using the headset adapter.

The company has mentioned in the official PlayStation Blog that it built the PS VR2 from “the ground up specifically for PS5�which is why some?? features that are present on the PS5 will be miss??ing on PC. These features include the absence of HDR, headset feedback, adaptive triggers, eye tracking, and haptic feedback (except rumbling).

However, features such as 4K resolution, 110-d??egree field of view, see-through view, finger touch detection, 3D Audio, and foveated rendering without eye tracking will be present for PC.

The PC adapter for PS VR2 will be sold for $59.99 in ?the US, and users will also need a DisplayPort 1.4 cable to use the headset for PC, sold separately.

PS VR2 minimum requirements for PC

S?ony has also listed the minimum PC requ??irements for the PS VR2 to run. Here’s the minimum PC requirements for the PS VR2:

How to set up PlayStation VR2 on PC

Players have to simply connect the PlayStation VR2 to their?? PC via the new PS VR2 PC adapter and a DisplayPort 1.4 cable. To play VR games on Steam, players have to download the SteamVR app from Steam, and they also have to download the PlayStation VR2 app for PC.

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Today Meta announced “a new era for mixed reality�and unveiled a surprising plan to ?let third-party developers use its operating system. 

The newly renamed Meta Horizon OS will bring the Quest and Rift OS to new, more specialized devices, and the company already announced some of its new collaborators. ASUS is working on a “performance gaming headset�as part of its Republic of Gamers brand. Lenovo is making “mixed reality devices for productivity, learning, and entertainment,�and Microsoft is partnering?? with Meta to make an Xbox-inspired Quest device. Handy, considering you can use a beta version of Xbox Cloud Gaming on a Quest.

Meta is taking some inspiration from Google’s Android OS here, and the company drew a clear parallel in its announcement, writing: “As we’ve seen with the PC and smartphone industries, consumers are best served by a broad hardware ecosystem producing both general-purpose computing devices and more specialized products, all running on a common platform.�Thi??s move could make Meta’s OS the go-to platform for VR and AR devices, and its hefty suite of partnerships is sure to push that front. 

At the same time, Me??ta is also making some changes to its App Lab, a platform that lets just about anyone publish an app on Meta devices. The App Lab will now be openly featured in the also-newly renamed Meta Horizon Store, which should make finding the newest, strangest VR apps quite a bit easier. Alongside that, Meta is trying to promote more mixed reality experiences by allowing developers to apply for access to its “spatial app framework�that’s designed to make bringing mobile apps to the Meta Horizon OS easier. 

It’s unclear how open Meta is going to be with its OS, but even if it’s only working with certain companies on Meta OS-powered devices, this could still be hugely impactful for VR and AR development. The Metaverse hasn’t really taken off, but with new devices like the Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest 3, and PlayStation VR 2, it’s an exciting time for VR in general and VR gaming in ?particular. Personally, I’m still not sold on strapping a headset to my face to workout or jump on a Zoom with my coworkers, but any move that leads to even more high-quality VR games has my interest. 

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My experiments with VR have led to some strange experiences, as well as a few action-packed titles. Titanic: A Space Between falls more in the strange category, though it manages to ca??pture my attention thanks to its gorgeous visuals, comp?elling tale, and a runtime that is just long enough to leave you wanting more.

The Titanic ship and its t?errible fate have always been a magnet for macabre myths and mysteries, and Globiss Interactive's game plays on this concept while grappling with the morality of turning a real deadly disaster into a thing of amusement. The terror and tragedy are all present, and it's up to you to decide whether you want to engage with it or get sucked into a sightseeing adventure instead.

VR done right

Though it's listed as a horror title, A Space Between is a puzzle adventure game at its core. To make progress, you'll have to solve problems and make use of tools around you and items you find. You can expect an average difficulty level, though it's not always obvious what you should do next, especially if you miss?? the instructions the first time around. Nevertheless, ?nothing ever feels unfair or nonsensical.

Like I said, there's also an adventure aspect to things. The Titanic was a thing of beauty, and the game captures it beautifully. Although it has its heart-racing moments, A Space Between isn't a particularly fast-paced game. Consequently, I had time to take things slow and drink in the ship's decadent design. On the Quest 3, it's a beautiful?? marvel that I'd recom??mend to anyone looking for something visually impressive.

You get to explore various par?ts of the ship, including the upper deck which gives you a spectacular view of the night sky and the sights the passengers must have been treated to. For a?nyone who has pondered on why the ship has captured imaginations for decades, this game may be the one to answer that question. As soon as that headset is on, you're transported to a ship that looks and feels like it was made for royalty.

When it comes to VR gaming, it's never just about the sights. Interactivity is also important. Do items in the environment react to my actions? Can I grab things or intuitively use the various items I find? A Space Between excels in this regard, giving you? random objects around the ship you can interact with. Whether it's champagne glasses you can break, door knobs you can twist, or barrels you can break with a shovel, it's all possible. It might sound like a minor aspect, but such things play an important role when it comes to immersion in VR.

Guilt and gorgeousness

As previously highlighted, part of what attracts us to the Titanic is the splendor of the ship. Scintillating glass chandeliers, brass doorknobs that shimmer, and hallways draped with luxurious carpets are inextricable parts of how the ill-fated ship is remembered. All of this is rendered in A Space Between.

As I take in the sig?hts, I can't help but feel a sense of guilt. It's beauti??ful, but I'm also in the middle of an event that resulted in numerous deaths. This is some morbid sightseeing, and if you're immersed enough, you can't help but feel some discomfort.

How you interpret things is up to you. For some, the main focus w?ill be the rich excesses that some enjoy while others live in poverty. Others will, like myself, ponder on whether tragedy should become entertainment.

You'll get to see things from the perspective of different characters, and the game dips into both sci-fi and horror, but to say more would be to spoil its secrets. This is one title where the story is bes?t enjoyed going into it as blindly as possible because it goes places you won't expect.

A great game flying under the radar

VR is still incredibly niche which limits the reach of games on the medium. The problem is made worse by the fact that VR man?ufacturers don't always support their headsets as m??uch as they should. This has led to VR studios like First Contact Entertainment shutting down.

Nevertheless, now and again, a title will appear that serves as a reminder of what VR is capable of when it is at its best. A Space Between is one of those titles. I enjoyed my time with the game. Its tale has both entertaining and unexpected twists, and the visuals are splendid, to say the least. If you're looking for a slightly terrifying title you can complete in about three hours, Titanic: A Space Between won't disappoint.

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Look, I'm a simple man. Point me towards anything Vampire: The Masquerade, and I'm ready to give it a whirl. Developer Fast Travel Games brings the master vampire experience to VR with Vampire: The Masquerade - Justice. For the most part, it hits on its primary goal: to make you?? feel like a real vampire in?? the immersive medium of VR.

But while journeying through Venice as a bloodsucker in Justice is overall a rather solid experience, the faults and glaring issues of VR are still present. There's been a lot of "cheap" attempts to bring quality licenses to VR for a quick buck. That isn't the case with Justice. You can tell there was a lot of passion put into honoring the Vampire: The Masquerade IP. However, the technological shortcomings of VR do weigh down the roughly 10-hour ad?venture, making me wonder what this attempt would look like when the technology is in a better place.

Vampire: The Masquerade - Justice (Meta Quest, PS VR2[reviewed], SteamVR)
Developer: Fast Travel Games
Publisher: Fast Travel Games
Released: February 6, 2024
MSRP: $29.99

Hello, Venice

We're thrust into the role of a vampire from the Banu Haqim clan, a moniker that roughly translates to "Sons of the Wise". Our sire has been murdered—as in, dead-dead, not just a vampire—and it's our job to hunt down his killer. The hunt takes us to the dark and gloomy underbelly of Venice, Italy. In VR, Venice is a bit hit or miss in terms of its design. Character models of NPCs and enemies look better than the environment they are in, but overall still feel dated. However, I've only played a few VR titles so far. From what I have played, I'd say ove??rall Venice looks better than most VR titles but still leaves a?? bit to be desired. Some of the environmental textures look blurred or basic if you take the time to really investigate and look closer.

As for the actual world of Justice, though, it fits. The dark and gloomy Venice under the glowing full moon certainly feels like you're in the world of Vampire: The Masquerade, which I can certainly appreciate. You'll traverse the underbelly of Venice, including its dark and damp sewer system, which certainly fits the Vampire: The Masquerade tone in a VR setting.

Unfortunately, the whole dark color scheme, while fitting, often makes missions blur together and feel somewhat repetitive, especially when the gameplay on each mission is usually the same too. Stealth towards your next objective, perform a stealth takedown without being spotted, and eat—well, feed on, I guess�some rats along the way to replenish your strength. I think the biggest issue I had with Justice is that while the story kept things pretty fresh, the gameplay loop itself sta??yed mostly the same.

Darkness Falls

For the most part, Vampire: The Masquerade - Justice nails feeling like a real vampire, which is quite impressive. However, it's important to note that Justice is a ste?alth game first and foremost. At the start of the game, you are required to stealth through your missions. In fact, most early Vampire Powers you unlock simply aid your capabilities to sneak through the missions. Your first power allows you to become invisible so you can sneak past enemies, refueling your strength along the way by?? sucking the blood of unaware humans and even rats scurrying around the Venice sewers.

As you progress, you'll unlock more Vampire Powers, as well as different types of ammo for your crossbow. However, even with new powers and a flashy crossbow, stealth first is still the mantra throughout Justice. In a way, it does kind of hamper every truly feeling like the super-powerful vampire we probably should be. Even near the end of Justice, you can only use a few powers before having to replenish you??r strength by feeding, which often felt like more of a chore than a fun gameplay element.

Of course, you can also upgrade these powers. At least to an extent. The upgrade potential is very limited, only allowing you to upgrade each power a couple of times. There aren't a massive amount of powers here like you might expect from Vampire: The Masquerade, but that's because it's mostl??y only powers that assist with the core gameplay element of stealth.

Real terror is not the sight of death

Unfortunately, there are a few flaws that become quite cumbersome in a ten-hour experience. The AI of enemies leaves a lot to be decided. Often times they freeze or stutter in place or are completely oblivious to what's going on around them. With such a focus on stealth, I feel like this is an important aspect that Justice should get right, not just half-right.

A lot of key mechanics?? that utilize the VR functionality often didn't work too well, either. Grabbing ahold of enemies to feed on them without being seen was quite challenging to actually pull off. And I think the difficulty wasn't necessarily intended, but rather just the VR not properly realizing what I was trying to do. A lot?? of times it didn't quite pick up correctly, then I'd end up getting seen, and it was not a good time from there.

It is the fear of death

I also tried playing the game while sitting, an option most VR games have nowadays, which Justice does as well. But, even though it's technically available, it did not work right at all. You can adjust the elevation that the game detects you at so that you should properly be able to stay seated and feel like you are? standing at normal height??, allowing you to crouch and look up. However, no matter how I adjusted the elevation, I was either positioned too high or too low.

If you're looking for a stealth VR game, Vampire: The Masquerade - Justice will certainly scratch that itch. The story is intriguing and thought out enough to make it worthwhile if you care about Vampire: The Masquerade. And it’s very evident that Fast Travel Games aimed to fit into the overall material setting. But the underwhelming RPG elements, primarily the Vampire Powers, as well as bugg??y controls and AI, make the experience fall a bit short of what I think this bloodsucking journey could have been.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

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During today's PlayStation State of Play, developer Vertigo Games and publisher Deep Silver revealed the next entry in the post-apocalyptic Metro series is headed to VR. Metro Awakening serves as a prequel to the original Metro games that has been built from ??the ground up?? for VR as a story-driven first-person adventure.

"This origins story is so essential to me," said Dmitry Glukhovsky, who is also serving as a lore consultant for Metro Awakening. "It feels like retur?ning to the foundations and roots of the series - now at the level that VR technology can bring."

- Dmitry Glukhovsy, Author and Creator of Metro and Lore Consultant on Metro Awakening

Survivors of Nuclear Armageddon cling to life in buried subways of the Moscow Metro where ghosts and spirits haunt the living. Players will quite literally—via VR—step into the role of Serdar, a doctor and rationalist. Players have to brave the darkness, crippling radiation, and deadly threats of Metro in search of Serdar's wif?e and the medication she desperately needs.

I'm still not 100% sold on VR but Metro is a pretty creepily immersive series, so I think this could turn out to be a good experience if done right. It's promising that rather than doing some sort of port, Vertigo Games is developing Metro Awakening? with the features of the PlayStation ?5 and PS VR2 in mind from the start.

Metro Awakening is set to release on PS VR2, Meta Quest 2 and 3, an??d PC VR in 2024.

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VR isn't for everyone. Financially, the entry point is relatively high; then? there's the potential nausea that comes with it. Plus, all that space required should you have one of those fancier rigs.??

The worst part is that if you stop playing for a while, you'll have to re-discover your "VR legs," which means another round of nausea, a problem I complained about with Resident Evil 4 VR mode. For some, the nausea never ?goes away, keeping them from an otherwise innovative platform.

This is a problem NeuroSync is attempting to overcome with the C-Infinity, which advertises itself as a no-nausea device ?for VR games. According to NeuroSync co-founder Dr. Slobodan Paessler, "playing action games in VR does not have to cause nausea and that true feeling of locomotion in VR is possible i??n a safe and practical way."

The project managed to reach its Kickstarter goals in three hours, and while it's not commercially available yet, the site does have a form to let you know when it's ready for pre-order. Skeptical? Well, there's good reason to be. The device ha??s a tall mountain of problems to climb in front of it, and it might need to be a pioneer if it wishes to justify its ??enormous price tag.

Why the green face?

The problem of VR nausea isn't a simple one, nor does it stem from a single source. One of the biggest issues is motion sickness. VR has your brain telling you that your body is moving, yet your physical body is still. That causes a mismatch of information and the consequence is that queasiness we call motion sickness. You can experience it in a car sometimes.

Naturally, games with a lot of movement will trigger this a lot more. Some t??itles have tried to minimize how hard the motio?n sickness hits by "snap rotation," which ensures you aren't moving too fast in the virtual world, or by reducing depth of field.

You should be aware that this is far from an open-and-shut case, with one research paper pointing out that "forty factors shown or believed to influence the occurrence or simulator sickness were identified." This leaves the C-Infinity with a tall? task ahead of it that should keep you on your toes as you delve into its market?ing.

On a side note, if you're feeling nausea during gameplay, stop immediately. The debilitating after-effects are not worth it. You will feel incredibly sick for hours. There are unpro??ven solutions shared among VR players like eating ginger, but nothing beats rest. Your game will still be there, waiting for you, after you take a break.

C-Infinity and Compatibility

Dr. Paessler explains that "years of research and testing led us to this point, and we are beyond excited t??o share this VR breakthrough with the current community of g??amers and future VR gamers and participants."

Commenting to Destructoid, Scott Robertson explains that the C-Infinity has "been successfully tested with  PC/Android/Standalone/PS4 & PS5.  Plus AL??L top PCVR headsets from leading brands like HTC, Meta (including Quest 1, 2, P?ro, and 3), PlayStation VR, Pinax, Valve Index, Pimax Crystal, HTC Vive Pro 2, HP Reverb G2, Varjo XR-3, and more!"

It won't work with all devices that have been unofficially modded from flatscreen to VR, as they can be unpredictable. However, Robertson lists several that do work, including "Cyberpunk 2077, FarCry 6, Horizon Zero Dawn, Skyrim VR, Doom VFR, Hogwarts Legacy, Elden Ring, Resident Evil Village, Resident Evil 7, VR Chat, and 11,000+ more."

An experience that costs a pretty penny

Despite the confidence, it is?? evide?nt that NeuroSync has several hurdles to overcome before it can be trusted to do what it advertises. Hypothetically, if it does, the only question left is whether there are any downsides besides the size.

It's the price tag. At $799, in addition to the price of your headset, it's a device best left for enthusiasts. I've explained the shortcomings of PlayStation's headset and while the Ques?t 3 leaves me far more satisfied, $799 is still $799.

Will the C-Infinity ever become mainstream? No, not even VR is managing to do that. But i?t does claim to provide a so??lution to the puking problem that plagues the platform.

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Ultrawings 2 originally released in October 2022, receiving good reviews. You can grab it on Steam and the Meta Quest, and to the? surprise of the dev??elopers, on the PS VR2 as well.

Bit Planet Games expressed as much shock as players when the game suddenly appeared on the PS Store. The studio has mostly taken it in stri??de, describing it as a "shadow drop" despite how the sudden release has robbed the team of prior marketing?? for the new version. According to the devs, a patch is on the way, though many players on the r/PSVR subreddit claim it runs well despite the lack of a day-one patch.

Wh??en asked, the team confirmed that the launch was entirely unforeseen. Fortunately, the team is not stuck with a broken game and those who have jumped in are experiencing minimal issues. Sony hasn't commented on the matter.

It goes without saying that fans on PS5 are delighted, though they do express sympathy for the developers. The team also confirms that a physical edition is probably never coming.

It's described as an island-themed aerial action-adventure game and while I have admittedly ne??ver played it, th?e praise and trailers have piqued my interest.

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The VR gaming realm appears to be struggling to gain its footing as yet another studio e?xperiences problems. This time around it's Archiact which ??has announced it is going through layoffs.

Archiact describes itself as "one of the largest independent VR studios" and it is behind VR titles like Doom 3: VR Edition, Freedriver: Triton Down, and Marvel Dimension of Heroes. One of the latest titles it has released is Journey to Foundation which is inspired by Isaac Asimov's series.

A reason for the layoffs was not given in the announcement, though it's stated that it wasn't an easy process. Archiact also asks for any fellow studios to reach out if they are hiring in numerous fields, which offers a gli??mpse at how many departments the layoffs affected, from Art and Animation to Engineering.

Archiact doesn't struggle alone, as First Contact Entertainment has announced its closure. According to the developer, the closure was a product of a lack of "lack of support for VR within the industry." This is a notable event for VR players, as the studio was one of the leaders when it comes to AAA VR experiences, as seen in titles such as Firewall Ultra.

VR continues to be a tricky platform to master, even for companies as massive as Sony. Fortunately, those who enjoy the gaming experience aren't left without any new titles, as games like RE 4 Remake's VR mode and Tiger Blade continue to e?nsure VR libraries are never entirel?y empty.

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There's barely time to breathe between Steam events and sales lately. However, if yo??u have a virtual reality headset and are hankering for some pre-Christmas gaming, you might want to check out the Steam VR Fest next wee?k.

Th??e latest video on the Steam YouTube channel breaks down what you can expect between December 4 and ??December 11. There's not a whole lot that needs to be explained, to be honest. It's a Steam event. It caters to VR games. You know the score.

As for what's involved, the teaser shows off clips from games like Among Us VR, Star Trek: Bridge Crew, Elite Dangerous, Golf It!, and Tetris Effect: Connected. How you play a virtual reality version of Tetris, I'm ??not sure. But these are the times we live in.

Steam work makes the dream work

While these Steam events have been pretty short, lasting about a week or a few days, many of us are still recovering from the last one. The Autumn Sale took pla??ce at the end of November, and we still have the big Winter event?? to come.

Can't complain, of course. I've got a laundry list of games on my wishlist that I wo?uldn't mind buying at?? a lower price. If waiting until a Steam sale is the way to do it, then so be it.

Plus, with virtual reality still finding its footing in the market, the VR Fest is a great way those who have a headset to test out their hardware. I would get a virtual reality kit myself, but I can't justify the cost. Although, with Taskmaster getting its own VR game, maybe it's time to make the leap.

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Fans of the UK-based comedy panel show Taskmaster will have just finished up watching series 16. The program itself just seems to go from strength to strength, so it's not surprising that it's being turned int?o an official video game. Specifically, a VR g?ame.

Scallywag Arcade, a new developer based in Liverpool, UK, just debuted its trailer for a virtual reality adaptation of Taskmaster. The teaser shows all the familiar assets from the program, such as the studio, the caravan, as well as some of ?the tasks players will be challeng?ed with.

The VR comedy will also feature the voices of Taskmaster Greg Davies and his assistant Alex Horne (the actual brains behind the show). There's currently no release date yet, but you can wishlist it on Steam. It also says that it'll be compatible with Steam?? VR.

Your time starts now

Featuring a plethora of well-known British comedians and TV personalities, Taskmaster has not only won BAFTA awards, but has also been adapted outside the UK. There are versions of it i??n the ?US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Finland, Norway, and more.

For those who haven't seen it, the show sets five panelists a series of tasks over the course of several months. These are filmed at the Taskmaster ??house in London. These clips are then shown to the Taskmaster himself in the studio, who then gives out poin??ts based on a number of criteria (sometimes arbitrary, typically funny).

Tasks t??hemselves range from the bizarre to puzzling to team-based ones in which contestants must work together?. Given the format, it's actually quite surprising that someone hasn't done a VR version of it already. But, here we are now.

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My VR2 sits under my television, almost taunting me whenever I'm on the couch. It's covered in Pokemon stickers, and it hasn't been used for months.

Unfortunately, this is a familiar feeling. My PlayStation Vita watches me from? a shelf just above head level whenever I'm at my desk. It hasn't been used in years, and I should probably put it in its pouch to stop it from getting any dustier, but I like looking? at it. Hands down, it's one of the most elegant handhelds of all time.

PlayStat??ion has a stellar track record when it comes to home consoles, but its history with peripherals and portables is a little spottier. Part of the problem seems to be that the company is seemingly incapable of learning from its past mistakes, and I'm afraid I'm beginning to see errors made with the Vita being replicated with the PS VR2.

PlayStation Vita hits the ground running

When the PlayStation Portable launched in 2005, it was a media powerhouse capable of playing music and movies via memory cards or UMDs. It didn't slack when it came to its main objective - running games - and ambitious titles like Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories e??nsured the PSP truly felt like a portable home console.

Sony also supported the PSP with a good selection of first-party games, including Gran Turismo, Patapon, and LocoRoco 2. Though it didn't outsell Nintendo's handheld (not even close), the PSP was a success for Sony, as it managed to sell over 76 million units by 2012.

With the PSP under PlayStation's belt, the hype was high for the handheld's successor. Originally just titled Next Generation Portable, it was announced in 2011. It hit shelves in the West in 2012 and it had a f?antastic launch line-up beefed up by So?ny's first-party support.

There were impressive games - such as Uncharted: Golden Abyss and the racing game WipeOut 2048 - that emulated the console experience on the go. The handheld received plenty more first-party titles such as Gravity Rush, but these began to dry up as time passed. This was likely due to lower-than-expected sales which forced Sony to cut back its forecasts.

There has been plenty of speculation regarding why the Vita didn't sell as well as its predecessor. Some have pointed to its proprietary memory card which was pricey enough to deter consumers. Others have argued that the Vita was poorly marketed and it was often pr?esented as a PS3 remote play accessory rather than a fully-fledged standalone device.

Vita and 3rd party support

Before long, it felt like Sony had forgotten about the Vi?ta entirely, and it became the company's neglected failure as the company set its sights on the PS4. Though the first-party support lessened, it took a long time for the handheld to fin?ally meet its demise.

For years, the Vita was kept alive by third-party support, mostly from indie creators and smaller Japanese developers. Whether you're searching for morbid titles like Actual Sunlight or an unsettling scare like Neverending Nightmares, you can find it on the Vita. It is also impossible to ignore the explosion of visual novels that appeared on the gadget, and Steins; Gate and Root Letter?? are just a few of the unmissable titles available.

This third-party support wasn't enough to keep Sony interested in the Vita, and in 2019, it was discontinued. Surprisingly, the handheld's story isn't quite over yet. It's still getting games, and thanks to homebrewing, it is also possible to remote play your PS5 on?? it.

The Vita's story is a sad one because it had so much potential. It had everything it needed to be a PS3 in your pocket, but it missed the mark badly, and we were left with a gadget that could play Uncharted but was stuck flipping the pages of visual novels. Sony has?n't attempted to penetrate the handheld gaming market since. Surely this means it learned its lesson.

PS VR2 hits the ground running

When the PlayStation VR launched in 2016, it was a media powerhouse capable of playing 3D movies. It didn't slack when it came to its main objective - running games - and ambitious titles like Resident Evil 7?? ensured the headset truly felt like a ?home console gone virtual.

Sony also supported the PS VR with a good selection of first-party games, including Astro Bot Rescue Mission, WipeOut Omega Collection, and Dreams. Though it didn't outsell Meta's Quest headsets (not even close), the PS VR was a success for Sony, as it managed to move over 5 million units.

With the PS?? VR under PlayStation's belt, the hype was high for the headset's successor. It was announced in 2022 and it hit sh??elves in Febraury 2023 with a fantastic launch line-up beefed up by Sony's first-party support.

There are impressive games - such as Horizon Call of the Mountain and the racing game Gran Turismo 7 - that emulate the console experience in the virtual ?realm. Unfortunately, the stream of first-party titles has dried up rather rapidly.

VR2 and 3rd party support

Already, it feels like Sony has forgotten about the PS VR2. It's not a failure, as reports indicate that the headset is outselling its predecessor. Howeve??r, its future doesn't look bright if it continues its current trajectory.

At present, it feels like the headset is being kept alive by third?-party developers, and on this front, there is actually an impressively sized library available. Some must-play titles include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Before Your Eyes - Easily the best narrative game on the headset, and its use of eye-tracking is genius.
• Pavlov VR - A great multiplayer FPS with an active user base.
• Jurassic World Aftermath Collection - Expect plenty of adventure and a few scares too.
• Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge - One of the best-looking titles available on the headset.

You're going to have to wade through quite a bit of jank and failed experiments before you find the gems. A string of bad experiences put me on my current hiatus from the headset. The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR has poor graphics and bugs, No Man's Sky is a blurry mess (though I've read an update has since improved things), and Kayak VR: Mirage is cool but it gets boring very quickly.

The PS VR2 disappoints me because it has so much potential. Its specs make it one of the best headsets on the market currently, but we've hardly received titles that push the headset the way Call of the Mountain has. It can play Resident Evil 8 but we're stuck flipping the pages of Moss.

I really hope things take a turn and Sony continues to support the headset. There are signs that it's still being invested in, as it does have exclusives such as Resident Evil 4 coming up, but one or two of these titles a year isn't going to be enough to ensure the VR2's longevity. As it stands, if you don't have ??the headset, you aren't missing out on too much.

On an entirely unrelated note, the PlayStation Portal recently launched and it looks interest?ing. Wireless headsets require PS Link to connect to the remote play device. I'm sure Sony will continue to make such headsets available well into the future regardless of the Portal's sales number. What could go wrong?

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Amnesia: The Bunker has all but reinvented Frictional Games' horror series, a crucial move at a time when the previous entry didn't quite hit the mark for some. However, the original �The Dark Descent �will always hold a special place in the hearts of horror fans. And if you thought the 2010 ??game was scary as it is, get ready to play it in VR.

As spotted by PCGamer, a mod over on ModDB has taken the OG Amnesia title and completely remade it. By rebuilding it in the Unity engine (boo hiss, etc.), CreaTeam's Sclerosis has managed to implement VR into the acclaimed horror game.

The above trailer shows off the more immersive aspects of the game. If you didn't know it was a rebuild, you'd swear it was just the original release. The team looks to have done a comprehensive job remaking Dark Descent, right down?? to the redesigned controls that have been "meticul??ously adapted to virtual reality controllers."

If you've missed Amnesia, you've missed a treat

I'm a long time fan of the Amnesia series. The first game set quite the tone in the indie horror scene, particularly at a time when the genre was experiencing something of an identity crisis (Resident Evil 5 came out the year before �just saying).

With no ability to defend yourself, being forced to hide from monsters, and the knowledge that staying in the dark too long was just as detrimental, The Dark Descent was a breath of (horrifying) fresh air.

Who knows whether Frictional will be able to reinvent the franchise again with subsequent entries. But judging by the likes of The Bunker, the series still has a lot of life left in it.

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Stellaris is probably my favorite grand strategy game of all time, so when I saw developer Fast Travel Games was creating a standalone VR roguelite set in the Stellaris universe, I immediately became interested. I'll admit, I don't have too much experience with VR. But the idea of a Stellaris story with its many species, systems, and space structures sounded like the perfect fit for VR. Ghost Signal: A Stellaris Game steps away from grand strategy and instead puts play??ers in control of a single ship as they traverse systems dealing with threats, acquiring up?grades, and tracking down the Ghost Signal.

Ghost Signal: A Stellaris Game puts players in the role of the captain of a single ship called the Aurora. At the end of the tutorial the Aurora receives a mystery signal, dubbed the Ghost Signal, that sets in motion the story of the game. Players must track down the source of the sign??al as they take on various enemy ships, traverse asteroid fields, and even encounter various space creatures.

Honestly, I was expecting the Stellaris universe to do a lot of the heavy lifting here. But in reality, the roguelite gameplay is what shines. The overarching story of the Ghost Signal sort of fell into the background, and I found myself more?? just worrying about getting ship upgrades and taking on more—and stronger—enemies.

Ghost Signal: A Stellaris Game (PSVR2[reviewed], Meta Quest 2, SteamVR)
Developer: Fast Travel Games
Publisher: Fast Travel Games
Released: October 5, 2023
MSRP: $19.99

VR was made for space

Space really is the perfect environment for VR. In Ghost Signal, you'll progress through different Sectors via a map, similar to the progression in FTL: Faster than Light. Each Sector has a diffe??rent encounter upon reaching it. These include battles, boss battles, random events, or even shops and rest points. But also, each sector features a beautiful backdrop of space, with differing planets and other celestial bodies in the background. In the foreground, whatever you are encountering takes center stage alongside asteroids, your Aurora ship, and other entities you can interact with.

A robot companion assists you with learning the ropes and exploring the universe in Ghost Signal. As you find new entities in space, the robot will tell you more information about it. It's a nice little added element for fellow Stellaris fans, helping to flesh out the universe. Unfortunately, I do think the overall narrative is a bit lacking. For me, upgrading my Aurora and taking on more challenging encounters is what got me excited. Not so much finding out the source of the Ghost Signal. Of course, as a roguelite, the story is probably intended as added flavor, anyway. But with "A Stellaris Game" in the title, I really hoped for more actual Stellaris.

A hybrid of various genre favorites

The core gameplay of Ghost Signal revolves around swapping between three different weapon types for the Aurora. Autocannons deal hull damage, lasers deal shield damage, and mis?siles deal damage to both types while sacrificing attack speed for increased range. Meanwhile, yo??u can navigate your ship to create distance from attacking fleets. The goal is to take out enemy ships one by one while taking the least amount of damage you can. Once you've taken out the entire fleet, you obtain a reward that will enhance your ship in some way, and then choose the next sector you want to advance to.

As you progress, you'll find various ways to enhance your Aurora. Alongside upgrades for encounters, you'll also come across shops and other NPCs that are willing to trade upgrades. There's also a mechanic where you can gamble for the opportunity to receive an upgrade while having the chance to instead receive a debuff. It's all the roguelite mechanics you can expect, plopped into the Stellaris universe.?? It works surprisingly well, as upgrades feel me??aningful.

Even if you end up failing a run—as is common with this genre—you'll have the opportunity to carry over some resources and use them to obtain permanent upgrades to the Aurora. These upgrades will persist for all future runs. As such, each successive run should allow you to gradually progress further. It's a fun gameplay loop and definitely where Ghost Signal shines??. The rock paper scissors style combat mixed with the ability to focus your build in a specific way keeps the ??combat fresh with each run.

Yep, that's a Space Dragon

With some slight alterations, I could easily see Ghost Signal: A Stellaris Game working in a non-VR environment. I'd imagine controls could easily be reworked to a mouse and keyboard or even a controller to operate the Aurora. With its replayability value and low price point, it's the perfect play-a-run-here-and-there sort of title. It's a very similar experience to FTL and other similar ro??gue??lites. That's not to say it doesn't work as a VR title. It's just one of those games that could work as both.

But as it is, Ghost Signal: A Stellaris Game is an entertaining and worthwhile adventure through the universe of Stellaris. If you want to play captain and commandeer a ship through asteroid belts while you fight entire fleets of enemies and even massive bosses, look no further. The roguelite loop is satisfying and rewarding, and slots well into the VR experience. I don't know what Fast Travel Games plans to do next, but I'd love to see what other genres the studio could pull off in the Stellaris setting.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

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PowerWash Simulator VR will be heading to the Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3 on November 2. The developer FuturLab revealed a n?ew trailer for the virtual reality spray-fest today.

You'll be able to explore the town of Muckingham like never before with a 360-degree view of the washing action. If you pre-order?? this experience, you'll get the Cat-Proof gloves as an in-game item.

Power washing in VR sounds like a relaxing task

Throughout the town of Mucki??ngham, you'll be able to clean a skate park, play golf with your spray gun, and wash cars in a garage. You can even clean up the mayor's house. How fancy.

The co-op VR experience may be a bit odd, however. The PowerWash Simulator VR release date trailer shows e?ach team member as a floating head with two hands. It might be strange for those who want to see the bodies of each person in your squad.

What makes VR so entertaining, on the other hand, is the physical interactivity behind your movements in-game. I don’t know about you, but that pulls me into a VR game so much. According to the game’s official Meta listing, we’ll “reach up, get down and lean-in to tackle those pesky hard-to-reach spots.�/p>

You can also play this game from your chair if you don't want to bend down.

The Meta Quest 3 arrives just before this

The Meta Quest 3 will be arriving on October 10. It has double the graphical processing power and has a 4K+ Infinite Display. The cheapest model has 128GB and costs $499.99, while the 512GB model is $649.99. Hopefully, PowerWash Simulator VR only sinks a small amount of GB of that storage.

Thankfully, PowerWash Simulator VR will?? support the Meta Quest 2 as well. It might not look as pretty, however.

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We'll likely never see a third entry in Valve's puzzle magnum opus. But that's okay, because Portal 2 is a magnificent beast that maybe doesn't need improving on. However, one way it can be improved a little bit is with?? virtual reality.

As spotted by DSO Gaming, modder Gistix has released an early version of their Portal 2 mod that makes the game compatible with VR headsets. You can download it right now from GitHub, with version 0.1.5 having released just a?? few hours ago.

It's still a work in progress, but it at least gives you a chance to take on t?he test cham?bers of Aperture Science in a more immersive environment.

GLaDOS would approve

If you don't have a VR headset, the embedded video above gives you an idea of what it would be like to play the game using?? one. Perhaps it's not the same as actually pla??ying it, but it offers a glimpse into Gistix's mod.

It doesn't specify which headset in particular it's compatible with. Presumably it will work with any device you plug into your PC, so long as?? it meets certain requ?irements.

The question of whether there'll ever be a Portal 3 has been on people's minds for years now. We know that Valve has a tough time breaking out those third installments, so seeing Portal 2 in VR may be the closest thing ??we'll find for now.

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There were previous reports that Lenovo may be preparing to release a handheld PC gaming device that will compete with the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally. A recent article from Windows Report goes mor??e in-depth regarding the rumored handheld device, while also ?revealing that there could be AR goggles to accompany it.

According to Windows Report, the glasses are part of a gaming ecosystem being developed by Lenovo. No release date or price is given for the handheld or the gla?sses, and Lenovo has yet to confirm or deny the reports.

[caption id="attachment_394545" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Taki Udon.[/caption]

Lenovo’s Legion Go could have accompanying AR glasses

Win??dows Report had previously revealed a few images of the Legion ??Go handheld gaming device from Lenovo. It is reported to run Windows 11, and it may be unveiled at this year’s IFA Berlin Trade Fair in September. The Legion Go wouldn’t be Lenovo’s first attempt at a ??handheld gaming console. The company once had plans to release the Legion Play, and a few prototype units were made available in China. However, the product was never widely released.

No specs are given regarding the AR glasses, though images suggest that it is meant to be used in tandem with the Legion Go. As for the handheld, it appears it will feature a microSD reader, an FPS mode switcher, as well as detachable controllers similar to the Nintendo Switch’s joy-cons. It is also expected to feature an “AMD Ryzen Z1 processor specifically designed for handheld Windows-based devices.�/p>

Using AR glasses, players could potentially blend virtual elements with the real world. A simple example of this can be found in Niantic's mobile game Pokemon Go which allows you to see your favorite critters in? your living room. With a much more powerful device, such as a handheld gaming PC, even more opportunities could be opened up.

Though AR glasses are an interesting idea, they won’t be the only ones on the market. Apple has unveiled the upcoming Vision Pro headset that will o??ffer both augmented and virtual reality. Lenovo’s AR glasses could gai??n a competitive advantage if it manages to undercut the Vision Pro’s hefty $3,499 price tag.

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The old Quest 2 is also getting a price cut

Meta has announced a new version of its Quest headset series. The Meta ?Quest 3 is a new virtual reality (and mixed reality) headset arriving this fall.

The new Quest was announced this morning, ahead of the Meta Quest Gaming Showcase that's airing today at 10 a.m. PT. Much like its predec??essor, the Meta Quest 3 is a wireless VR headset, with ?a competitive price tag starting at $499 for the 128 GB version.

For upgrades, the Meta Quest 3 is packing a higher resolution display and "pancake optics," as well as a new Snapdragon chip. The internals should, according to Meta, deliver "more than twice" the graphical performance compared to the???? Quest 2.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AKl_cEB26c

The headset's mixed reality, through high-fidelity color Passthrough as well as "machine learning", looks to emphasize that virtual-in-real feeling. Like playi?ng a board game at your table, using the headset and its ge?nerated images. Quest 3's form factor also looks to be a bit slimmer than the previous Quest.

Another quest awaits

That's not all for Quest news today, though. Alongside the Meta Quest 3 announcement, Meta also announced that the Quest 2 headset is seeing a price drop. On Jun??e 4, the 128 GB version will drop to ?$299.99, while the 256 GB will head to $349.99.

While Meta positions this as making VR more affordable for all, it's worth noting that Meta hiked these Quest 2 prices last year. So the Quest 2 128 GB is really just returni??ng to its original price point. The Quest 2 and Quest Pro are also getting a software update in the future, which will see up??grades to GPU and CPU performance.

With all these headsets, Meta certainly is building up a lineup of VR tools. Some reports indicate Apple is getting ready to announce its own headset as well, so this announcement does feel like a pre-empti??v??e response to that.

Either way, between all this and the PlayStation VR 2 recently hitting shelves, virtual reality really seems set to ?keep rolling on in 202??3.

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Condense it back down to your monitors

Half-Life: Alys is, by many accounts, a fantastic experience for virtual reality headset owners. But for those who haven't had the chance yet or don't have the means, there is also a mod that has now made Half-Life: Alyx playable from start to end, without VR.

The GB_2 Development Team has been steadily working on Half-Life: Alyx NoVR, a project with a simple goal: make Alyx playable without vi??rtual reality. No need to install new drivers or anything like that; just drag, drop??, and hit Play.

In an update published on April 9, the NoVR mod team confirms Half-Life: Alyx is now playable from start to finish, without a headset. Additionally, the Gravity Gloves and Combine fabricators are operational. The team also has an FAQ set up, with any additional i????nfo or details you could want.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTLotwKpLgk

Currently 33 of the 42 achievements on Steam are also earnable using NoVR. The other nine can't be earned at the moment due to workarounds and i??ssues with triggers, t??hough the crew is working to get these running in the future.

More updates are on the way, and other Half-Life: Alyx mods are even somewhat compatible with NoVR. It's pretty impressive.

Seeing the world a different way

You might wonder why, with Half-Life: Alyx standing as one of the titans of virtual reality, you'd want to play it without the tech it's emphasizing. Well, as the GB_2 team points out, there's a multitude of reasons. Maybe you have health concerns, like easily getting motion sick. Or maybe it's an accessibiliy issue. Heck, maybe you just don't want to play it in VR, or want to experience it outside of VR after having done so in VR.

It's your choice, and though I think I'll want my own Alyx playthrough to be in VR when it comes up on the backlog docket, I appreciate how much work has been put into this alternative option. You can find the mod and keep up with its updates here.

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The 128 GB stays where it is, though

Meta is dropping the cost of some of its virtual reality?? headsets, thoug??h one is staying right where it's at. The 256 GB Meta Quest 2 and the newer Meta Quest Pro VR headsets are both seeing price cuts.

In a blog, ?Meta confirms the 256 ?GB Meta Quest 2 is dropping from $499.99 to $429.99. That price cut won't be spiralling down to the lower-capacity 128 GB Meta Quest 2, which still sits at $399.99.

The Meta Quest Pro sees a deeper cut, dropping from $1,499.99 to $999.99. The changes will take place on March 5 for both ??US and Canada.

Meta says it's goal "has always been to create hardware that's affordable for as many people as possible to take advantage of all that VR has to offer." Though the 128 GB isn't d??roppi?ng in price, the company says the lowered prices on both 256 GB and Quest Pro will make them more available.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv4GWoCB4Zo

The price of virtual reality

Meta Quest 2 headsets saw a price hike last year, when the company bumped the price of both the 128 GB and 256 GB models up by $100. When the Quest 2 launched in 2020, its wireless format, internal hardware, and price point all made for a very solid entry point into virtual reality.

That changed with the price shift though, and I don't think the cut back down on the 256 GB model changes that. Especially for PlayStation 5 owners, who now have a shiny new headset option that's in a similar price range.

What's surprising to me here is the price cut on the Meta Quest Pro headset. A $500 price cut on a headset that debuted less than a year ago feels drastic. Granted, reviews of the headset weren't all glowing, and with a big price point like that, there may still?? be some hesitancy to buy into the newer of Meta's headsets.

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The OG Zelda game like we've never seen it before

Of all the games to be modded into VR, the original Legend of Zelda game was near the bottom of my list in terms of expectations. Usually when a game goes VR, it's already got a 3D art style, but I have to admit adding a whole new dimension to a title, especially such a classic one, is a really intriguing idea. Now we get a chance to see what that experience is like, because Japanese modder and retro gaming enthusiast Sugar Noe posted a video of themselves playing The Legend of Zelda to both Twitter and YouTube, as originally reported by Nintendo Life.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vNA8-UE780

In 2021, a user named DeTwelve created a mod called The Legend of Doom, which faithfully recreates The Legend of Zelda in the engine of the original Doom. Then Sugar Noe took that mod and made their own tweaks so that it would be playable on a Quest VR headset. This thing has layers, but the final result has to make for one of the most immersive Zelda experiences ever.

I played through The Legend of Zelda with a friend a few years ago on his SNES Classic, but admittedly I wasn't too intrigued considering how much the game showed its age, if you can pardon my blasphemy. We never finished it, but I will say that the added twist of playing it in VR might just be the push I need to get the very first Zelda game under my belt once and for all.

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Dive into the Upside Down

Netflix Games, in association with developer Tender Claws, has announced that it will be adapting its hugely popular horror series, Stranger Things, for the VR platform. According to the publisher Stranger Things VR will? launch in the winter of 2023 for all "ma??jor VR platforms".

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQnFM5X5XQM

Perhaps surprisingly, players will actually take up the role of Vecna �the antagonist of the show's fourth season �as they attempt to wreak havoc and vengeance on both the town of Hawkins and, in particular, its powerful psychic savior, Eleven. Stranger Things VR will see Vecna, (and by proxy, the player) invade multiple worlds, conjure up terrifyin??g and vivid nightmares, and engage in reality-shattering psychological warfare.

In many ways, Stranger Things is custom designed for virtual reality, given its "no rules" approach to the simple act of physical existence. While VR, for many, remains little more than a som??ewhat inter??actable rollercoaster ride/ghost train, it is a medium that perfectly suits franchises that focus on the strange, the bizarre, and the warped. And, as such, fans of The Upside Down and its occupants would likely have a real thrill ride exploring its mind-bending themes and aesthetic ?in fully immersive 3D action.

Stranger Things VR wi??ll launch winter 2023 on all majo??r VR platforms,

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Don't be suspicious, don't be suspicious

A virtual reality version of a very popular impostor game hits headsets soon. Among Us VR arrives on November 10 for Steam and Meta Quest.

This version of Among Us is a collaboration between Schell Games, Innersloth, and Robot Teddy. The new version will run for $9.99, and you can find it on the Steam store here or over at the Quest storefront.

As you can tell from the trailers we've seen thus far, this is essentially first-person VR Among Us. Players take on the role of different crewmates, all trying to complete their tasks on?? the ship. Meanwhile, one or some of them are impostors, and their goal is take out the crew while not getting caught.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y_QmaFkJ4g

A brand-new perspective

Among Us VR will support four to ten players in a match. VR players can only play with other VR players, though. And it looks like the level included so far is called Skeld II, a 3D made-for-virtual-reality version of the Skeld from classic Among Us.

The old mini-games will return, as will some new ones just for VR. And of course, there's the difference in perspective. While 2D Among Us takes an overhead view, Among Us VR ?goes fully first-?person. Seeing someone vent in VR will probably be terrifying.

Alongside the news of Among Us VR's release date, today's Meta Connect showcase also held a few more big reveals. Meta has picked up several gaming studios, including Iron Man VR developer Camouflaj, Twisted Pixel, and Armature Studio, the team behind Resident Evil 4's Meta Quest adaptation.

Meta also unveiled its new virtual reality headset, the Meta Quest Pro. It's a high-end piece of hardware that comes with a hefty price tag. Among Us VR, meanwhile, can run on th??e Meta Quest 2 or on other headsets via?? Steam.

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That's a whole lot of virtual reality

Meta has unveiled the latest in its line of virtual reality Quest headsets today. It arr??ives with both a lot of tech, and a hefty price tag to match.

The Meta Quest Pro VR headset is a new form factor and set of hardware tools from the c?ompany formerly known as Facebook. Its got 12 GB of RAM, a Snapdragon XR2+ processor, 256 GB of storage, and 10 advanced VR/MR (virtual reality/mixed reality) sensors. Each controller has three cameras and a Snapdragon 662 processor, with haptic feedback and precision pinch.

Matching the hardware inside the headset and its extras is the price tag. The Quest Pro will go for $1,499 on the Meta site.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv4GWoCB4Zo

The Meta Quest Pro headset also comes with a charging dock, related?? cables, stylus tips, a cable clip, and more. And much like its prede??cessor in the Quest line of headsets, this is a wireless VR headset.

The wide world of Meta VR

That price point is certainly something worth noting. In terms of how it feels, The Verge got some hands-on?? time with it and reports it has shorter battery life, and weighs a little more than the Quest 2, though it's appa??rently better balanced and comparable to a Quest 2 with the Elite Strap.

What caught my eye was the presentation around? it. With?? expression tracking and an emphasis on mixed reality, it certainly seems like more of a push towards Meta's metaverse.

Today's news also coincided with announcements that apps like Microsoft Teams and Windows 365 are getting Meta integrations for both the Pro and Quest 2. Users will also be able to join Teams meetings from inside a Meta Horizon Workroom, a collaborative VR workspace. Xbox cloud gaming is also coming to the Meta Quest headsets, too.

Speaking to The Verge and other reporters at that hands-on demo, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg?? describes the Pro as a device "for enthusiasts, the prosumer, the sort of people who are trying to get work done."

Which is good if you're looking to add more VR meetings to the workplace, I guess. But the high price point, alongside the recent price hike of the Quest 2, doesn't have me optimistic about a future for folks who just want to play Resident Evil 4 in VR.

The Meta Quest Pro launches on October 25.

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A hefty hardware haul

Sony's new generation of PlayStation ?VR is due to roll out in 2023. And from the sounds of a new report, the PS VR2 will be moving quite a few units out.

According to Bloomberg, Sony plans to make 2 million units of t??h??e PS VR2 headset by March 2023.

Bloomberg's sources say mass production of the new VR headset began in September, and it hasn't dealt with any supply? chain constraints yet. Those figures could be adjusted, the report notes, dependin?g on how the device sells upon its release.

A spokesperson for Sony Interactive Entertainment declined to comment on the report to?? ??Bloomberg.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5L9Mvh7tAk

The future of PlayStation VR

Sony's new PlayStation virtual reality headset is currently set for an early 2023 date, with no hard launch locked in just yet. The hardware is set to make use of the PlayStation 5's power, as the PS5's VR headset. It also has new controllers and a new headset design.

PlayStation has some big plans in store for the PS VR2, including a VR version of the Resident Evil 4 remake. It's also making a big generational jump by not supporting PlayStation VR 1 games.

"PSVR games are not compatible with PSVR2 because PSVR2 is designed to deliver a truly next-generation VR experience," said Sony's senior VP of platform experience Hideaki Nishino on the Official PlayStation Podcast. "PSVR2 has much more advanced features like all-new controllers with haptic feedback a??nd adaptive triggers, inside-out tracking, eye tracking, 3D audio is coming together, [and] 4K HDR, of course. This means developing games for PSVR2 requires a whole different approach than the original PSVR."

That's a bummer for those looking to play something like Astro Bot Rescue Mission on their new headset. Still, there are a few things left up in the air for PS VR2, including its actual launch date. Either way, this new report makes i?t look like Sony is putting their arm into the pitch for PS VR2.

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Roberta Williams' reimagining will also head to the Switch

Colossal Cave - Reimagined by Roberta Williams is adding another platform to its lineup. The 3D remake of the adventure classic is now also finding a home on Nintendo Swi???tch.

The remake of the original Colossal Cave Adventure is also aiming to launch on PC and the Meta Quest 2. No launch date has been set yet, though it has a window of Fall 2022.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn38Ailw7cA

We got news of the Colossal Cave reimagining earlier this year, with Sierra On-Line founders Ken and Roberta Williams revisiting the adventure ??c??lassic.

Colossal Cave Adventure was originally a text-based adventure released in the '70s by Will Crowther and Don Woods. It was the inspiration for many games to follow. Zork, Rogue, and Adventure all owe a fair deal to t??his original game about searching a cave for treasure. And ?now the Williams are bringing it to 3D, on modern platforms, and to a new generation.

"Colossal Cave - Reimagined by Roberta Williams will soon be accessible to gamers worldwide on an additional platform," said Ken Williams in a press release. "We hope to bring back the spirit of traditional adventure games for devoted fans who grew up with the original game and the new generation of explorers alike. We believe bringing Colossal Cave Reimagined by Roberta Williams to the Nintendo Switch will help us do that."

Dive further into the cave

The remake wil??l head back into a cave, with players exploring a massive underground labyrinth with their lantern and dwindling oil supply. Many different sights and puzzles await down below, and this version will have several different easter eggs and hidden treasures to discover.

Switch getting a version of this seems fantastic. The portability is one upside, for sure. But having Colossal Cave head to a pretty p??opular console alongside PC and VR means even more players could?? play it. It's nice to see a piece of gaming history re-released like this.

Colossal Cave is expected to launch in fall 2022.

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Chunky VR headsets might be a thing of the past thanks to this prototype

For even the most diehard VR fans, the cumbersome nature of chunky VR headsets is something of a barrier to overcome in search of an immersive gaming experience. It's one of the main factors that keeps VR from becoming more widespread than it already is, but experts have figured out how to remove at least this one inconvenience from the VR experience �researchers from Stanford University and Nvidia teamed up on a project to create a VR headset that is the same size as normal glasses. (Thanks, PC Gamer.)

They're called Holographic Glasses, and are "composed of a pupil-replicating waveguide, a spatial light modulator, and a geometric phase lens to create holographic ??images in a lightweight and thin form factor." They create a full 3D holographic image with optics that are a minuscule 2.5mm thick, also adorably named pancake lenses.

There are other benefits to the pancake lenses as well, like supposedly unlimited resolution, and a wider field of view that can reach up to 200°. As if that's not enough, the Holographic Glasses only weigh 60g, as opposed to the Meta Quest 2 at 503g.

If you want to learn more about exactly how the glasses work, check out the paper that the research team published.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGzj-AgI6RI

T?here are a few downsides, however. The FOV is much more limited on the Holographic Glasses than on a traditional VR headset, and the current prototype requires precise calibration with the wearer's pupil, which can be hard to achieve effectively in real-world scenarios. Then there's the fact that there are two giant ribbons coming off of the glasses, but those just make you look a little silly more than anything else.

As someone who was very into VR for a period of time, seeing advancements like this really gets me pumped for the future of VR. Aside from maybe issues with motion sickness (which I also have), t?he heft of usual VR headsets seemed to be the biggest factor that was holding them back.

Playing Beat Saber with lightweight glasses would l?iterally be a game changer, so I'm looking forward to when this technology makes its way into the mar??ket.

The post This VR prototype shrinks the hardware down? to the size of ??normal glasses appeared first on Destructoid.

The Meta gets a little more expensive

The price of the Meta Quest 2 is going up next month. Today, the VR company announced the Meta Quest 2 virtual reality headse??t will get a price bump in August, tacking another $100 onto the price tag.

This will bring the Meta Quest 2 up to $399.99 for the 128 GB version, and the 256 GB version u??p to $499.99. Refurbished units and Meta Quest 2 accessories will also see a price increase.

Meta, a.k.a. Facebook, bought Oculus in 2014 and shifted the naming convention away from Oculus and under Meta in 2021. In today's statement on the pricing change, the company acknowledges VR's momentum, but also cit??es the cost of production as a concern.

"At the same time, the costs to make and ship our products have been on the r??ise. By adjusting the price of Quest 2, we can continue to grow our investment in groundbreaking research and new product developmen??t that pushes the VR industry to new heights."

Those who pick up a Meta Quest 2 headset between August 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 will get a freebie. A copy of Beat Saber will be f??ree to download ?for 14 days, after they've activated the headset.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTIizcuSdHg

The cost of virtual reality

This is surprising on a few levels. First, the Quest 2 has been available since 2020. A price hike without a hardware ??refresh is strange, to say the least.

But the Oculus Quest 2, or Meta Quest 2, has been the affordab??le entry point to virtual reality. Its ability to run wireless or hooked up to a computer is a huge boon. And the price point made it a no-brainer for those looking to get into the techn?ology.

It certainly ratchets up the potential appeal of other headsets. For those who already managed to grab a PlayStation 5, the PS VR2 is s?lowly but surely leading ?up to its eventual launch.

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