With the official release date and price set in stone for Oculus Touch, the upcoming motion-tracked controllers from Facebook for their flagship VR headset, the Oculus Rift, it’s time to focus squarely on the content. After getting our hands on a litany of games this past week at Oculus Connect 3, we’re excited for the general public to soon dive into these three dozen or so amazing worlds on their own.
You can also now pre-order the Touch controllers, starting yesterday. They will ship on December, 6th, and will cost you about $200.
Some of these games will be available on day one to download once you have the Touch controllers, while others will be available later this year — or even next year — so we’ve done our best to denote the approximate launch time frame where possible. For the sake of clarity, we are referring to “December 6th, 2016” as the date that Touch launches, so any game with that release date, we expect to be available on day one.
To be clear, Oculus has not given us specific dates at the time of this publication.
Additionally, this list does not contain any of the existing games on Steam with “tracked motion controller” VR support that should, theoretically, also work with Oculus Touch input by default. This list is specifically tailored to confirmed, integrated Touch titles that we have either seen played with Touch, or have played them with Touch ourselves.
VR Sports Challenge – Sanzaru
Release Date: December 6th, 2016 – Bundled With All Touch Pre-Orders
Website: http://www.sanzaru.com/games/vr-sports-challenge
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/vr-sports-challenge-preview/
Consider this the immediate favorite party game for most Oculus Rift with Touch users. It channels the familiar (sports like baseball, basketball, American football, and hockey) into an easy-to-understand and fun-to-play package.
The Unspoken – Insomniac
Release Date: December 6th, 2016 – Bundled With All Touch Pre-Orders
Website: http://www.insomniacgames.com/games/the-unspoken/
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/unspoken-urban-magic-fight-club-oculus-touch/
The first time we played The Unspoken, we referred to it as an urban magic fight club, and that holds true. Face off in a one-on-one duels against other wizards with intense spell casting and epic combat.
Dead and Buried – Oculus Studios and Gunfire Games
Expected Release Date: December 6th, 2016
Website: TBD
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/dead-and-buried-competitive-multiplayer-shooter-oculus-touch/
This one’s like a Wild West shootout with a variety of game modes. Take on two enemies with a partner, rob a train, or shoot some targets in a regular ol’ practice mode. It doesn’t sound fancy, but it’s one of the most fun (and active) titles coming to Touch.
Rock Band VR – Harmonix
Expected Release Date: TBD, 2017
Website: TBD
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/hands-on-rock-band-vr-pax-west/
Whether you like to play with a standard bar of notes across the screen or want to play something a bit more unique and fresh made specifically for VR, then this is the rock-star fantasy for you. Every Touch order will come with the accessory needed to play this game once it’s released.
Serious Sam VR: The Last Hope – Croteam
Expected Release Date: December 6th, 2016
Website: http://www.croteam.com/serious-sam-vr-last-hope-hits-steam-early-access-summer/
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/hands-on-preview-serious-sam-vr/
The Serious Sam franchise has always been known for setting a bombastic tone and delivering on over-the-top gore and action. Sam’s VR debut aims to be no different, even if it is “just another” wave shooter in VR.
Pro Fishing Challenge VR – Opus
Expected Release Date: TBD, 2017
Website: TBD
This one is a bit of a wild card, but it sure does look fun. Memories of Sega Bass Fishing on the Sega Dreamcast are crossing my mind, except this time with the motion controls I’ve always wanted in my ideal fishing game.
I Expect You to Die – Schell Games
Expected Release Date: December 6th, 2016
Website: https://iexpectyoutodie.schellgames.com/
Puzzle games are a perfect fit for VR and that layer of immersion and excitement is taken to new heights using motion controllers. Reach out and truly interact with the world as you must survive a series of deadly trials as a secret agent.
Luna – Funomena
Expected Release Date: December 6th, 2016
Website: http://www.funomena.com/luna/
Wispy and whimsical are the two most appropriate words I can think of to describe Luna, an upcoming experiential puzzle game. Its creators formerly worked on indie mega success project, Journey, and bring a special dash of creative influence to the field of VR.
Giant Cop – Other Ocean
Expected Release Date: December 6th, 2016
Website: http://giantcop.com/
This may not be the most obvious game your mind jumps to when thinking about playing as a cop in VR, but it’s actually lots of fun. You’re a giant — just as the game title suggests — and can move around a city picking up and interacting with people and objects.
Fantastic Contraption- Northway Games
Expected Release Date: December 6th, 2016
Website: http://fantasticcontraption.com/
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/fantastic-contraption-and-a-mediocre-mind/
The mission in Fantastic Contraption, a unique VR puzzle game, is simple: Get the ball to the goal. However, the ways in which you do that vary wildly between each level and require you to really think outside the box.
Oculus Medium – Oculus Studios
Expected Release Date: December 6th, 2016
Website: https://www.oculus.com/medium/
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/oculus-medium-future-creativity/
Whereas many VR creation tools task you with drawing or painting in a 3D environment, Medium is all about sculpting. You can even 3D print your creations, which can be defined with a surprising level of detail and articulation.
The Climb with Touch – Crytek
Expected Release Date: December 6th, 2016
Website: http://www.theclimbgame.com/
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/crytek-offers-first-look-climb-oculus-touch/
The Climb is one of the most exhilarating VR games on the market right now and using the Touch controllers just makes sense. Reach out and grab ledges as you ascend mountains in this thrilling adventure.
Job Simulator – Owlchemy Labs
Expected Release Date: December 6th, 2016
Website: http://jobsimulatorgame.com/
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/job-simulator-review-making-the-mundane-magical/
Usually when I think of playing a game, I think of doing something like fighting a dragon or blasting off into space. Anything and everything that isn’t real life. But Job Simulator is proving that with a little humor, even the mundane can be magical.
SUPERHOT – Superhot Team
Expected Release Date:
Website: http://superhotgame.com/
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/hands-on-superhot-oculus-touch/
Time moves only when you move, which turns Superhot VR into both an action shooter and a cerebral puzzle game. Taking the experience into VR has you dodging bullets like Neo in The Matrix as you fight your way through the journey.
Kingspray – Kingspray Studios
Expected Release Date: December 6th, 2016
Website: http://infectiousape.com/
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/not-photos-actual-creations-vr-graffiti-simulator/
Now you can tag walls and create beautiful spray paint graffiti art work from the comfort of your VR headset. With multiplayer support and a sleek interface, this is surely shaping up to be one of the most addicting ways to create art in VR.
Arizona Sunshine – Vertigo Games
Expected Release Date: December 6th, 2016
Website: http://www.arizona-sunshine.com/
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/arizona-sunshine-made-me-feel-like-a-real-life-zombie-killer/
Killing zombies in VR is quickly becoming the go-to genre for games, much like killing terrorists outside of VR was the go-to genre for games several years ago. However, when it looks this pretty, supports coop, and is still fun, we don’t have a problem with it.
Space Pirate Trainer – I-Illusions
Expected Release Date: December 6th, 2016
Website: http://www.spacepiratetrainer.com/
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/space-pirate-trainer-tips-higher-score/
Space Pirate Trainer has been a favorite of Upload’s and the majority of the VR gaming community ever since it released on Vive several months ago and now it’s bringing the laser battles and intense gunplay over to the Oculus Rift with Touch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7-dXzp1p3s
ZR: Zombie Riot – PlaySide VR
Expected Release Date: December 6th, 2016
Website: http://www.playsidevr.com/
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/hands-on-preview-zr-zombie-riot-oculus-touch-rift/
While this is technically just another wave shooter for VR, it’s super polished, sports a nice cartoony art style, and features a unique crafting system. It won’t be for everyone, but it’s a great option if realistic gore is a bit much for you to handle.
Arktika.1 – 4A Games
Expected Release Date: TBD, 2017
Website: http://www.4a-games.com.mt/all-games
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/4a-games-secret-vr-project-arktika-1-post-apocalyptic-shooter/
This was one of the most shocking and fantastic games on display at Oculus Connect 3. The post-apocalyptic setting, gritty visuals, and intense duck-and-cover gameplay add up to this being one of the most impressive Touch titles in development so far.
Lone Echo – Ready at Dawn
Expected Release Date: TBD, 2017
Website: http://www.loneecho.com/
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/lone-echo-oculus-touch/
The single player campaign feels like Gravity from the eyes of an AI companion, while the multiplayer is like Tron meets Final Fantasy X’s Blitzball in zero-gravity. That description should sell you on what Ready at Dawn is building.
Final Approach – Phaser Lock Interactive
Expected Release Date: December 6th, 2016
Website: http://www.phaserlock.com/final-approach/#fa-intro
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/final-approach-become-an-air-traffic-controller/
You can file this one away under the category or “has no business being as fun as it is,” and call it a day. You’ll take on the role of an air traffic controller as you direct planes as they enter and exit a variety of cities and airports.
Robo Recall – Epic Games
Expected Release Date: TBD, 2017
Website: https://www.epicgames.com/roborecall/en-US/home
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/epic-announces-robo-recall/
Remember Bullet Train? Well, this is that, but as an actually full game and it’s coming out for free early next year for Oculus Touch. It’s one of the most-fun games we’ve played with the hand controllers so far and we can’t wait to see more.
Wilson’s Heart – Twisted Pixel
Expected Release Date: TBD, 2017
Website: http://twistedpixelgames.com/wilsonsheart/
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/wilsons-heart-terrifying-movie-youve-ever-played/
This one is shaping up to be a text-book example of what to do in a VR adventure game. The setting is ominous, the tone is creepy, and the black and white visuals lend a unique flair you won’t see anywhere else.
Ripcoil – Sanzaru Games
Expected Release Date: TBD, 2016
Website: https://www.oculus.com/experiences/rift/1116529661735159/
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/hands-on-preview-ripcoil-oculus-rift-touch/
Take the back-and-forth premise of Pong and infuse it with futuristic Tron-style disc throwing. That’s what Ripcoil is and it’s a great time. What’s more, is that it actually has super fast movement that generally works and feels great.
Pulsar Arena – Zero Transform
Expected Release Date: TBD, 2016
Website: http://www.pulsararena.com/
In a similar vein to Ripcoil and other volley-based multiplayer titles, Pulsar Arena is also aiming to utilize the Oculus Touch controllers. However, this one takes a much more futuristic visual style for a spin.
Killing Floor: Incursion – Tripwire Interactive
Expected Release Date: TBD
Website: http://www.killingfloorincursion.com/
Rather than being just another zombie wave shooter, this time you’ll be able to freely explore environments and solve puzzles while also mowing down droves of the undead in your spare moments between terror and investigation.
Dead Hungry – Q-Games / Pixel Junk VR
Expected Release Date: TBD
Website: TBD
You’re manning a food truck and trying to feed hordes of hungry undead. That’s about it. It sounds silly — because it is — and is assuredly a game about mostly laughing and not so much innovative game design.
MoonStrike VR – Big Dork
Expected Release Date: TBD, 2016
Website: http://www.moonstrikevr.com/
Strategy games just fit into VR so well, they’re a no-brainer for fans of the genre. If you’ve already gotten your fill of AirMech and Tactera, then this could be your next addiction.
Project Hikari – SquareEnix
Expected Release Date: TBD
Website: http://www.jp.square-enix.com/tech/hikari/
This one is a bit more experimental, as it lets the user delve into the world of a manga itself. You can lean in, see the depth of the panels, and actually peer into them like portals to other realities. It’s an entrancing aesthetic.
Surgeon Simulator – Bossa Studios
Expected Release Date: December 6th, 2016
Website: http://www.surgeonsim.com/surgeon-simulator-vr/
One of the biggest glaring commissions from Job Simulator is the inclusion of being able to cut open people as a surgeon. This is far from a realistic take on the profession, but it makes up in humor what it lacks in accuracy.
Quill – Oculus Story Studio
Expected Release Date: TBD, 2017
Website: TBD
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/how-facebooks-quill-art-tool-differs-from-medium-and-tilt-brush-hands-on/
If Tilt Brush is for painting and Medium is for sculpting, then Quill is for illustrating, to put things simply. You’re afforded such a high degree of nuance in every stroke that it quite literally resembles a powerful creation tool such as Photoshop rather than a sandbox VR canvas.
Star Trek: Bridge Crew – Red Storm Entertainment
Expected Release Date: TBD, 2016
Website: https://www.ubisoft.com/en-US/game/star-trek-bridge-crew
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/hands-on-star-trek-bridge-crew-vr/
This one is shaping up to be the dream Star Trek game that Trekkies around the universe have been waiting for. Using the Touch controllers, you can take on the role of the Captain, Tactical Officer, and more on the bridge of your very own ship.
Viral Ex – Fierce Kaiju
Expected Release Date: December 6th, 2016
Website: http://fiercekaiju.com/game/viral/
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/fierce-kaijus-viral-coming-oculus-touch-spin-off-heading-gear-vr/
Shooters in VR can be simple and fun, or they can be complex and intense. As it turns out Viral EX, the upcoming port for Oculus Touch of the existing Gear VR title, definitely falls into the former category and it’s all the better fro that.
Cosmic Trip – Funktronic Labs
Expected Release Date: December 6th, 2016
Website: http://cosmictripvr.com/
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/cosmic-trip-first-person-vr-real-time-strategy-game-htc-vive/
You’d be lying if you told me first-person strategy games were the first thing you thought of when you brain dreamed of VR gaming. But you’d also be lying if you told me you tried this and didn’t have a blast. Keep an eye on this one and check out the gameplay above.
VR Funhouse – NVIDIA
Expected Release Date: December 6th, 2016
Website: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/2016/10/05/vr-funhouse-oculus-touch-new-levels/
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/vr-funhouse-hands-nvidia-brings-uncanny-valley-vr/
Free trips to the carnival are never a bad thing, especially when they double as tech demos for the power and beauty of NVIDIA. Some of the visuals may even be too realistic for you to handle — they certainly freaked us out a bit.
Technolust – IRIS VR
Expected Release Date: TBD, 2016
Website: http://irisvirtualreality.com/un-portfolio/technolust-2/
What We Think: https://uploadvr.com/technolust-review-immersive-vr-storytelling/
One of the Rift’s best cyberpunk adventure titles is getting a massive, free update that will incorporate all new content and support for the Oculus Touch controllers. One of our favorites is about to get even better.
Since publication, other games have been brought to our attention that we either forgot or were not aware of immediately. Those games include Minecraft with Touch, The Gallery: Call of the Starseed, Windlands, and Ultrawings. Please leave a comment or notify us of any others we may have missed. Thank you!
