Stupid Cupid
There are plenty of archery games on virtual reality devices already, but most of them have you killing or destroying enemies. In Stupid Cupid, your goal is to save the wildlife on Earth by making them fall in love with each other again. However, you’ll also need to be careful to avoid accidentally killing the animals you’re trying to save. In certain levels, you will have to curb overpopulation, as well, so prepare to shed a few tears.
Fitness Potential
As a VR archery game, Stupid Cupid makes use of the track motion controllers, and you’ll need to be quick. Hit the same species of animals and they’ll be able to mate. Shoot incorrectly and hit an environmental hazard and they could die, so it’s important to master accurate shooting. Stupid Cupid works in standing or room-scale setups.
Developer/Publisher: Shadow Factory
Release Date: March 14, 2019
Compatible With: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift
Price: $4.19 to $5.99
Link: Stupid Cupid
Junkyard Wizard
Most games with magical abilities take place in fantastical lands. Junkyard Wizard is not one of those games. Set in a literal junkyard filled with telekinetic enemies, the game forces you to defend yourself against incoming garbage with three spells. Everything from vacuum cleaners to toasters is out to get you, but your skills can help you prevail.
Fitness Potential
Junkyard Wizard requires quick movements with tracked motion controllers as you fling garbage back toward the enemies charging at you. You can also raise your arms and put up a “junk shield” or hit them with a “force push” like something out of Star Wars. Eliminating enemies fills your “star meter” which you need to keep using special abilities.
Developer/Publisher: Werechicken Studios
Release Date: March 13, 2019
Compatible With: HTC Vive
Price: $4.99
Link: Junkyard Wizard
SpaceFrog VR
You don’t want to see the SpaceFrog civilization destroyed by the even Klurxon, do you? You don’t know what that means? Regardless, SpaceFront VR is a retro-style room-scale VR shooter inspired by the Star Fox series. You progress through the mission-based story mode and fight more than 24 different enemies, and there’s even an endless mode for those who want to test their skills.
Fitness Potential
SpaceFrog VR is only playable in room-scale setups with tracked motion controllers. This is because you have to move around the entire “capture zone” as you aim at enemies and defeat them with your weapons. Attacking itself is done by punching with your controller, so you’ll get an arm workout, as well.
Developer/Publisher: Hyperspong Studios LLC
Release Date: March 12, 2019
Compatible With: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift
Price: $9.99
Link: SpaceFrog VR
RIFF VR
Who hasn’t dreamt about becoming a rock star, singing or playing onstage with their favorite bands? In RIFF VR, this can become a reality for prospective vocalists, guitarists, or drummers. Without needing plastic accessories, you can jam to the beat of your favorite songs – more than 20 are included. Scoring highly will even unlock new environments.
Fitness Potential
You’ll be swinging your arms as you play the drums or guitar in RIFF VR, and some of the songs you’ll need to master are not easy. Anyone who has played drums knows it’s a workout, and staying on time with even simple songs can be a challenge for newcomers. Higher difficulties will also provide you with greater challenge. You just might find yourself getting some real drumming skills after practicing for long enough!
Developer/Publisher: IMEX Media, Inc
Release Date: March 11, 2019
Compatible With: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Windows Mixed Reality
Price: $7.99 to $9.99
Link: RIFF VR
The Wizards: Enhanced Edition
Perhaps the junkyard setting of Junkyard Wizard isn’t magical enough for you? If this is the case, then The Wizards: Enhanced Edition is the sorcery game for you. With a time-traveling campaign, six different spells to learn, and an Arena mode, there is plenty of content to keep VR fans busy. You also have the option to move either freely or with teleportation, if one makes you nauseous.
Fitness Potential
The spells you’ll learn in The Wizards: Enhanced Edition are all gesture-based so you’ll be moving your controller to conjure them. You’ll have to do this quickly to defeat enemies like dragons and giants. Once you have a fireball in your hands, you just throw them forward and launch the projectile at the enemy you wish to destroy.
Developer/Publisher: Carbon Studio
Release Date: March 12, 2019
Compatible With: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, PlayStation VR
Price: $24.99