If you missed last week’s HTC Vive releases, you can see those new releases here. And don’t forget that UploadVR has a Steam community group, complete with a curated list of recommendations so you don’t have to waste any money finding out what’s good in the world of VR. Let’s get to it.
Nebulous, from Namazu Studios
Price: $14.99
A pretty interesting physic-based puzzler. You have to guide an astronaut to portals by essentially setting up a level so that, when he begins his journey, you’ll bounce and fly all over the place until he reaches the goal. Look for it to hit PlayStation VR soon too.
Recommendation: Worth a look for puzzle fans.
Detached, from Anshar Studios
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNhyNj3IgGw
Price: $19.99 (Currently discounted)
A first look at a promising new multiplayer game in which players compete for corporate dominance in the depths of space. You’ll race for packages and stun other players with an assortment of power ups in intense 1-on-1 battles.
Recommendation: Definitely a game multiplayer gamers should get into.
AcrossFlash, from Uborm
Price: $2.99
This is described as a “flight shooting Parkour VR game” though we’re not exactly sure where the Parkour comes into it. What it really looks like is a very medicore Starfox wannabe that doesn’t seem to have much to it.
Recommendation: This looks like it’s worth skipping.
Toon Ocean VR, from Tomilano
Price: $4.99
We’ve dived the depths of the ocean plenty of times already in VR, but never quite like this. This is a child-like approach to the big blue sea where you’ll meet plenty of colorful critters and engage in a range of activities. Looks like it may be good for kids.
Recommendation: There aren’t too many VR experiences for kids so show this one your support.
The Enlightened League of Bone Builders and the Osseous Enigma, from INVIVO Communications
Price: Free
Well that’s a mouthful, isn’t it? This looks like a pretty polished experience. It’s an anatomy-based puzzle game in which you have to assemble a human skeleton using the bones given to you. Could be a powerful example of VR’s educational potential.
Recommendation: Definitely something you should give a shot.
Frantic Freighter, from Phr00t’s Software
Price: $3.99 (Currently discounted)
Think No Man’s Sky just with a falty ship that’s falling apart… okay so just think No Man’s Sky. You have to make deliveries across the universe while constantly juggling the various parts of your ship in need of constant repair. Could be a fun excersise.
Recommendation: Goofy and frantic fun for those that want it.
Bloxiq VR, from Red Meat Games
Price: $14.99
A pretty interesting puzzle game from the makers of the upcoming First Impact. Match colored blocks on something resembling a Rubiks cube, completing over 100 levels set in a variety of environments. Not VR exclusive, so something to check out for 2D fans too.
Recommendation: Something for the puzzler in you.
GravPool, from TinyCrease
Price: $8.99 (Currently discounted)
According to the developer, this is “A simulation of the version of billiards that space pilgrims played during the starship migrations of the 2300s.” It’s something of a historic preservation piece it seems. Actually it’s 3D pool and it’s pretty interesting. Definitely worth a look.
Recommendation: An interesting take on a classic sport for those that want it.
Onward, from Downpour Interactive
Price: $24.99
This is the hot topic of the week. Onward is an online multiplayer first-person shooter with military simulation pacing. In other words, it’s what a lot of VR fans have been waiting a long time to see. For now, it’s only in early access but it’s very interesting.
Recommendation: A must for FPS fans.
Power Link VR, from Himi Games
Price: $4.99 (Currently discounted)
Another don’t touch the sides game, only in this one if you don’t make it out in time you’ll burn in fire. No pressure, then. It’s only an early access release right now, so expect more levels later down the line.
Recommendation: Not an essential purchase at all.
Stars, from MatrixStudio
Price: $5.99 (Currently discounted)
A VR star viewer for those that didn’t already stumble across one. It features 6,000 stars, all of which are based on real data. They include various constellations to discover though, ultimately, it’s all about looking up and losing yourself.
Recommendation: There are better options out there for virtual star gazing.
Super VR Trainer, from Jorge Moreno Aguilera and David Erosa
Price: $9.99 (Currently discounted)
Pretty much everything you’ve already done in VR in one package. Use lightsabers, shoot zombies and wield a bow and arrow. It’s a nice idea though it really comes off feeling like a poor man’s version of The Lab from Valve.
Recommendation: Nothing you haven’t seen before and hasn’t been done better.
Wasps! from Mad Vulture Games
Price: $9.99 (Currently discounted)
Waves of wasps are incoming and you have to fend them off with whatever gardening tools you can find. Expect more updates with additional weapons later down the line, though for now this is a pretty colorful and fun project.
Recommendation: Cheerful, if unoriginal fun.
Limberjack, from DigitasLBi
Price: Free
Annual logging competitions are what VR was built for. Okay maybe not, but Limberjack still exists and we all have to accept that. You race to cut the branches off of a tree log as fast as possible and compete with your friends. Simple, no?
Recommendation: Not something we’d rush to do in VR, though it is free.
Piñata, from Nexus Interactive Arts
Price: Free
Beat up a Piñata that screams like a character from the original Worms as you torture him. Because that doesn’t sound too disturbing, right? You’re meant to get creative with a bunch of different weapons but we’d rather not, thanks.
Recommendation: Not something we’re too interested in getting involved with.
Koth, from Abbeytek
Price: $6.99
And the winner for this week’s weirdest experience is… Koth has a bizarre visual style and gives you a very simple task; make it to the top of the mountain and defeat the titular boss. Don’t ask us how you do that bit.
Recommendation: Looks a little sketchy to say the least.
Artstage, from Soy Software
Price: $19.99
Artstage looks to be a fairly standard TiltBrush knockoff. You can create 3D objects and do Voxel painting but not much else.
Recommendation: If you have Tilt Brush then this one may not be worth the extra $20.
Cosmo Crash, Vriver Network Technology
Price: $9.99
Cosmo Crash is a first person shooting, puzzle game that is sort of like a futuristic version of Bejeweled. You launch colored orbs in order to match with other colored orbs and complete levels.
Recommendation: There’s not a whole lot of depth here but if you’re the kind of person that genuinely loves matching games then this could be the VR game for you.
The Impossible Travel Agency, from Holospark
Price: $4.99
We recently published an extensive first-look at this game so feel free to head over there for all the juicy details. In short, ITA is beautiful, fun, and creative. It’s definitely one of the most must-have titles on this list.
Recommendation: Draw the curtains, drink a glass of warm milk, and let this game woo you off into a psychedelic adventure like no other.
