During last week’s VR Game Roundup, we saw a new virtual reality shooter called Malicious Payload, a ninja-themed title tasking you with becoming a true shinobi, and Grapple Tournament hitting early access on the Oculus Store. While last week was on the slower side, this week is more akin to molasses as it is truly slim pickings. However, the few releases that don’t revolve around questionable actions around anime girls are actually pretty interesting, so it’s far from a lost cause. This week’s most notable virtual reality releases include several new shooters, a new VR spin on the video game classic Pong, and Space Dance Harmony, a dancing title that will have you shaking your groove thing in the cosmos.
Monster Collector
Kicking off this week’s VR Game Roundup is Monster Collector. This is a physics-based melee combat title that will have you facing off against everything from dragons to demons. There are plenty of foes to slice up and each offers a different challenge. If you like physical combat, then this seems like a great title due to how in-depth the systems go.
Fitness Potential
This could be a standout fitness title. You’ll be using both arms to battle enemies, and your full body could get involved as you move around and dodge enemy attacks. At the very least, this will offer up a solid arm workout, although it could be much more than that from the looks of the trailer.
Developer and Publisher: go go go studio
Release Date: February 19, 2021
Compatible With: Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality
Price: $22.49 ($24.99)
Link: Steam
Brutal Wizardry
There are dozens of different VR first-person shooters, but Brutal Wizardry has a pretty sweet twist as you are using your arms to cast magic at foes. There are also traditional weapons as well, such as arrows and using a shield to deflect beams at foes. You have many different ways to battle against waves of hordes as there are 10 weapons and eight wands to choose from. With procedurally generated levels, the replay value is endless as well.
Fitness Potential
Brutal Wizardry is yet another great arm workout for virtual reality. Those looking for a fresh challenge can find a lot to enjoy as you are constantly on the move as you take on waves of enemies. Changing weapons can deliver different workout experiences as well, so make sure to experiment and find what loadout works best for you!
Developer and Publisher: Ivan Chernyakov
Release Date: February 17, 2021
Compatible With: Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality
Price: $17.99 ($19.99)
Link: Steam
KING PONG
Who doesn’t love pong? The classic tennis simulator has now seen a new spiritual successor in virtual reality called KING PONG. It’s a fast-paced table tennis title that will challenge your reflexes. There’s an arcade mode and online multiplayer to challenge yourself in and plenty of customizable objects to unlock.
Fitness Potential
KING PONG is yet another arm workout, although you’ll just be using one arm primarily. However, it will keep you engaged and you’ll be training your hand-eye coordination over time. This has a solid amount of replayability and since it is in Early Access, it will only get better over time. Expect to see additional modes get added over time.
Developer and Publisher: Iconik
Release Date: February 18, 2021
Compatible With: Valve Index, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift
Price: $17.99 ($19.99)
Link: Steam
ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos
Fitness Potential
Sadly, this doesn’t have a ton of fitness potential. While early reviews point to it being one of the most intriguing virtual reality titles of 2021, ALTDEUS: Beyond Chronos is more about storytelling and puzzle-solving than working up a sweat. Thanks to its puzzles, your brain will get a small workout, but this isn’t going to have you losing a ton of calories while playing.
Developer/Publisher: MyDearest Inc.
Release Date: February 18, 2021
Compatible With: Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality
Price: $26.99 ($29.99)
Link: Steam
Space Dance Harmony
Wrapping up this week’s VR Game Roundup is Space Dance Harmony. It’s also one of the best full body workouts to release in virtual reality this year so far. Space Dance Harmony is all about replicating real dance moves and that is a great way to stay in shape. While playing, you’ll also get to enjoy the sights of space and a trippy atmosphere.
Fitness Potential
There are many dance routines to master in Space Dance Harmony. Created by real dancers, you’ll be working out your entire body as you learn them. There are leaderboards to test your skills and there is enough routines to appeal to everyone from experienced dancers to newcomers.
Developer and Publisher: Phenomena
Release Date: February 18, 2021
Compatible With: Valve Index, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift
Price: $12.99
Link: Steam
That does it for this week’s VR Game Roundup. In the comments below, let us know if you are checking out Space Dance Harmony or any of the other new titles!
