Back in November, the NBA 2k franchise dropped their first VR entry but the major series was immediately overshadowed by the independently developed Nothin’ But Net in our HTC Vive new release roundup. Despite being in Early Access at the time, it out-shined the competition with an experience obviously better built for virtual space by giving players a bball sandbox with realistic physics, movement freedom, and customization options like adjustable goal height. The game is still in Early Access, but their most recent update is adding online multiplayer and a new game mode.
In it’s original form, the game included a realistically modeled gymnasium that you could customize along with your avatar. You could freely shoot around or try one of the handful of modes including HORSE against an AI with different levels of difficulty and three-point shootout. Now, development team What Up Games LLC is bringing some competitive fire to the game by allowing multiplayer for up to four players. You’ll initiate the search for matches via a ball icon in the top right of the menu, but you’ll be able to continue playing the single player modes while you wait. Voice-support is available as well, so you’ll be able to talk plenty of trash during matches.
One of the modes you’ll be able to play online is a new addition called Speedball and it looks like a pretty intense 1v1 outing. You’re only allowed the hold the ball for 2 seconds (dribbling will extend the time) and you’re passing the ball down the court where you’ll automatically teleport and try to catch it before the other player does. Once you get close enough, you’ll shoot to score and the first to 20 points wins. The movement style where you teleport automatically will likely be a major focus for feedback and, if it turns out to be really comfortable for players, could be something other VR sports games could look into. Nothin’ But Net is available on Steam for $14.99.
