During our last VR Game Roundup, there were several intriguing releases featured including a great shoulder relief workout, a free mini game collection, and a new archery title. This week’s VR Game Roundup is also filled with some interesting releases. There is an Oculus Rift port of In Death, a cool adaptation of squash, and several other titles. Check out all the games you should keep an eye out below!
In Death: Unchained
Kicking off this week’s VR Game Roundup is the Oculus Quest port of In Death, which has become unchained due to the cordless nature of the system. This archery title has players taking on procedurally generated levels that are always made to challenge the player. Its rogue-lite nature means there is plenty of replayability and it has a bigger focus on tactical positioning than many other archery titles. So, you’ll be moving in real life to aim around corners and using cover.
Fitness Potential
We were big fans of the original In Death, having awarded it the Best VR Fighting Fitness Game of the Year in our 2018 awards. It’s a fantastic upper body workout that never becomes old. With no cables to get in the way, it’s just as great on Oculus Quest. It is definitely worth picking up if you dig archery games.
Developer and Publisher: Superbright
Release Date: July 23, 2020
Compatible With: Oculus Quest
Price: $19.99
Link: Oculus Store
Quash
https://twitter.com/quashgame/status/1285918036994805760
A virtual reality take on squash, this has players using their racket to destroy bricks on the wall. Each level is unique and will give players a different challenge to overcome. The game was built around getting players to move and exercise as well.
Fitness Potential
Quash looks to be a decent arm workout, although like other racket-based titles only one of your arms will be moving constantly due to how you only use a single racket. That being said, it’s not likely to make the list of our best arm workouts in VR. It still has a place in your library if you dig the arcade gameplay and enjoy squash, though.
Developer and Publisher: Team Quash / Rubika Supinfogame
Release Date: July 21, 2020
Compatible With: Valve Index, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift
Price: $8.79 ($10.99)
Link: Steam
Paper Beast
Previously available on PlayStation VR, Paper Beast has now made its way onto PC virtual reality headsets. The adventure game has players exploring a dreamlike world and learn about its ecosystem. Players are able to interact with creatures and will have to solve puzzles using the game’s physic system. There’s also a sandbox mode that allows players to play God and create a world to their liking.
Fitness Potential
This game is more about exploration than rapid movements, so don’t expect to burn a ton of calories while playing. It can also be done while sitting the entire time. It will offer a gorgeous world to check out, though, and has received rave reviews. So check it out if it looks like something you would dig, but don’t expect it to help you lose weight.
Developer and Publisher: Pixel Reef / Plug In Digital
Release Date: July 24, 2020
Compatible With: Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality
Price: $17.99 ($19.99)
Link: Steam, Oculus Store
Airborn
One of the coolest titles in this week’s VR Game Roundup is Airborn by Still Not Sure. This unique shooter has players flying through outer space and using guns to fight off robotic baddies.
Fitness Potential
This looks to be a really good arm workout as you will use your arms to fly around, which makes movement a physical action, and then to aim guns at enemy robots. You are constantly staying active and that will keep your heart rate up over time.
Developer and Publisher: Still Not Sure
Release Date: July 24, 2020
Compatible With: Valve Index, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift
Price: $11.69 ($12.99)
Link: Steam
Whispers from Within: Moving On
Ending this week’s VR Game Roundup is a title heavily inspired by the Twilight Zone television series. Whispers from Within is a new episodic series that has players exploring psychological issues in virtual reality. Moving On is based around unlocking memories and eventually go forward with your life after tragedy strikes.
Fitness Potential
This won’t be much of a workout as it is narrative focused and has players exploring the environment rather than staying active. Due to its budget price, this could be worth checking out if you dig psychological stories.
Developer and Publisher: Think Ten Media Group
Release Date: July 16, 2020
Compatible With: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality
Price: $3.99 ($4.99)
Link: Steam, Oculus Store