During our last VR Game Roundup of 2020, we saw Swords of Gurrah arrive on the Oculus Store and the meditation app Visitations come out. Since this is another holiday week, the amount of new releases for the first 2021 edition is on the lower side, but that isn’t to say that there’s nothing to check out. Headlining this week is a rhythm shooter called Cosmic Disco, a game called Alienation (no, not the PS4 one), and a port of Rhythm ‘n Bullets.
Alienation
Kicking off this year’s first VR Game Roundup is Alienation, which isn’t to be confused with the Housemarque PlayStation 4 title of the same name. This trippy sci-fi shooter is influenced by classic films like “The Matrix” and “Ghost in the Shell.” Each level promises music-based gameplay that features a new story to experience.
Fitness Potential
With multiple difficulties and bullets to dodge, Alienation looks like a light-to-decent workout for a virtual reality shooter. It appears to test your reflexes more than anything, so expect plenty of shooting from all angles. As for what music the game has, it promises hardcore, hard rock, industrial, and metal. If you dig those genres, then this might be up your alley.
Developer and Publisher: 51 Aliens LLC
Release Date: December 25, 2020
Compatible With: Oculus Rift
Price: $19.99
Link: Oculus Store
Rhythm ‘n Bullets
Previously out on Steam, DB Creation’s Rhythm ‘n Bullets is now on the Oculus Store. This unique rhythm game plays like an old arcade SHMUP but with rhythm elements. There’s also a unique VR twist as players control different ships with each of their hands. Featuring a full campaign and an endless mode to test your skills, there’s plenty of replayability on offer.
Fitness Potential
As with the previous release, this isn’t a huge workout for anyone. Sure, you will get a light arm workout as you’ll be dodging bullets with your ships, but you’re only making smaller arm movements rather than moving your whole body around like in Superhot VR. Enemies do come from all angles, though, so you will have to look around.
Developer and Publisher: DB Creations
Release Date: December 29, 2020
Compatible With: Oculus Rift (Also on Valve Index, HTC Vive, and Windows Mixed Reality)
Price: $9.99
Link: Oculus Store
Cosmic Disco
Ending this week’s VR Game Roundup is Cosmic Disco. Another rhythm shooter, it has players rhythmically shooting targets to the music in order to take out enemies. There are multiple modes, so if you want to dual wield or have aim assist on, it’s entirely up to you. There’s an electronic soundtrack and the game takes inspiration from titles like Hotline Miami and My Friend Pedro.
Fitness Potential
As far as a workout goes, this looks like one of the less exercise-based rhythm shooters. Rather than moving much, you’ll just be aiming your gun all around and trying to stay on beat. So, it’s a light arm exercise at best and doesn’t offer a ton in terms of cardio.
Developer and Publisher: Vasiliy Kotik and The Spiteful Games
Release Date: December 27, 2020
Compatible With: Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality
Price: $12.74 ($14.99)
Link: Steam
That does it for this week’s VR Game Roundup, which is definitely lighter than usual. We want to wish all of our VR Fitness Insider readers a happy new year!
