It’s a rare week here in Oculus camp; there are actually quite a few more Rift releases than there are Gear VR ones. In fact, that might be the first time ever that’s happened, as there aren’t actually any new Gear games at all this week. Rift is picking up the slack, though, with a decent selection of new titles for both Touch controllers and the gamepad.
If you missed last week, 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 that you don’t have to waste any money finding out what’s good in the world of VR.
Plus — check out our list of the best Oculus Rift games and best Gear VR games for more suggestions!
Landfall Open Beta Weekend, from Force Field
Price: Free This Weekend Only (Rift)
Oculus’ first Studios game of 2017 isn’t a Touch title but instead this multiplayer top-down shooter in which you’ll fight for control of Earth’s remaining resources. Take mechanical war machines into the fight in tropical jungles, deserts, and more. The game features 2 vs 2 matches. Get in quick, as the free beta will be closing on February 6th.
Recommendation: You should definitely check this one out while you have the chance.
DinoFense, from Blue Goji
Price: $14.99 (Rift)
DinoFense looks like a pretty vivid wave survival game, even if there’s no shortage of those in the industry right now. Strangely, though, this one isn’t played with position-tracked controls but instead head-tracking and a gamepad. You keep waves of caveman and creatures off of your back across a prehistoric island.
Recommendation: You probably have tired of this genre by now.
Final Goalie: Football Simulator, from Ivanovich Games
Price: $19.99 (Rift)
Flipping the script on the typical VR soccer games, this time you’re the goalie. Swat, grab, and throw as you defend your domain through 300 challenges. There’s a simulator mode with realistic physics and an arcade mode that adds effects like giant gloves and slow-motion.
Recommendation: Simple concept with great execution and visuals. Worth picking up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE_EUVXvshs
We Were Here, from Total Mayham Games
Price: Free To Play (Rift)
In the middle of a frozen wasteland, you find yourself separated from your group with only a walkie-talkie on your person as you explore an abandoned castle. Engage in a puzzling escape the room experience inspired by classic adventures like Myst and Amnesia.
Recommendation: Very solid free escape the room game that is a welcome addition to any library.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=truqMdwFStw
Ropes and Dragons VR, from nobodyshot
Price: $10.19 (Rift, Currently Discounted)
This family-friendly VR experience puts players in the role of wizard that uses magic to guide items through obstacles so they can feed their young dragon companion. A charming and fun experience with room to grow in Early Access.
Recommendations: Good for kids.
TheScreamer VR, from LunarCitySeven
Price: $0.99 (Rift)
TheScreamer VR virtually recreates the classic carnival pendulum ride. That’s about it.
Recommendations: Pass on this one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ycw4OZtEQY
Hollywood Hills Mansion, from LOOT Interactive, LLC
Price: $9.99 (Rift)
Every once in a while you’d love to escape to a luxurious and peaceful villa and that’s exactly what this experience offers. You wander the virtual home, relax poolside, and can even watch Facade TV or your own side-loaded content on the the big screen television.
Recommendation: It may be a bit pricey for the experience it offers, but this quite a visual feast.
Kygo ‘Carry Me’ VR Experience, from MPC VR
Price: $1.99 (Rift)
This vibrant, abstract visual and aural experience drops you into a dreamscape that lives on the song “Carry Me” from electronic musician Kygo.
Recommendation: A cool one off for the price if you dig the track.
Across The Line, from Emblematic Group
Price: Free To Play (Rift)
Across The Line is another polarizing and informative virtual feature from Emblematic Group, this time tackling the subject of abortion. 360-degree video and CGI combine to give you a deeply personal experience.
Recommendation: Free and informative. Grab it. Here’s more info.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPEVlZFqRNs
VRChat, from VRChat Inc.
Price: Free To Play (Rift)
VRChat, which we covered recently, is aiming to be a definitive social experience with custom avatars, worlds to create, games to play with each other, and more.
Recommendation: A must have social experience that’s free to play.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAzeLkTiEtY
Snow Games VR, from Kenziko Ltd.
Price: Free (Rift)
Groundhog Day confirmed another 6 weeks of winter so Snow Games still has a timely theme for players to embrace. Shape and throw snowballs at your targets while dodging the snowballs of enemy snowmen.
Recommendation: Free. Grab it and give it a shot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-wJ_eo71kw
Power Solitaire VR, from Parkerhill Reality Labs
Price: $1.99 (Rift)
Solitaire fan? Well get comfy. Power Solitaire VR is a seated experience for the card game. It only has single player in early access, which has special pricing, but will include multiplayer at full release.
Recommendation: It’s a steal at EA pricing if you love the game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0D81frPVulU
CuVRball, from Hypergolic Games
Price: $12.74 (Rift, Currently Discounted)
CuVRball blends a lot of the best elements of VR and multiplayer sports, dropping players into competitive zero-G arenas where they slingshot a ball into goals. The game also includes power ups like explosives, black holes, and more.
Recommendation: Clever concepts show a lot of promise. Worth it if you’re looking for something unique.
1-2-Swift, from MNGOVR
Price: $2.63 (Rift, Currently Discounted)
To all the Overwatch fans, it’s officially HIIIIGH NOOON. 1-2-Swift is a gunslinger part game that utilizes one set of motion controllers for a two player experience. It’s essentially a shameless ripoff of the Nintendo Switch’s identical mini-game.
Recommendation: Not a bad way to get some use out of your VR controllers without the headset. Very cheap.
