Knockout League
Step into the ring and get to boxing with 9 comedic boxers and some opponents with, let’s say character flaws with faces you’d like to KO. Train with Doug Johnson and hone your skills before you step into the ring or go glove to glove against heavyweights like Crimson Fang, Volt, and Tri-Tip in this boxing style VR game.
Fitness Potential
Boxing in Knockout League is going to push your upper body when you straight punch, hook, or uppercut and execute any number of hit combos. Ducking and dodging is going to reward you with lower body conditioning and the most points, but blocking incoming punches is going to eat away the stamina bar.
Are VR boxing games a fitness must have? Try playing: Soundboxing and BOX VR.
Developer/Publisher: Grab Games
Release Date: February 13, 2018
Compatible with: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Windows Mixed Reality, PlayStation VR, with tracked controllers
Price: $29.99
Link: Knockout League, Knockout League
Sacred Four
You’re equipped with a Ziegwen, a long whip-like chain that’s as sharp and deadly as a sword. Use the Ziegwen to slice up big burly monsters and skittering beasts as they attack in waves and groups. The more they group the easier and more satisfying it’ll be to kill them. Beware flying rocks and use your weapon to block or destroy them.
Fitness Potential
This game has 3 levels that you’ll teleport around to evade attacks and gain enough distance between monsters to fight them. The throwing of the Ziegwen sword whip is going to give your arms and shoulders a workout, but you should switch up the arms for symmetry. Adding hand wrap weights or a weighted vest could turn up the heat on this shorter VR game.
If you like VR games that use weaponry try out: Sairento VR and Gorn.
Developer/Publisher: AMG GAMES
Release Date: February 15, 2018
Compatible with: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, with tracked controllers
Price: $3.24 to $4.99
Link: Sacred Four
The Tower
Video Credit to: Nathie via YouTube
Players are taken to a very tall tower and placed on a conveyor belt that’s moving them towards swinging axes, blasting cannons, darts/arrows, spinning blades and other hidden obstacles. The aim of the game is to collect coins as you jump over and make your way around these traps and challenges without falling to your death and having to start over again.
Fitness Potential
This is a great game to practice your balance and coordination skills under a little pressure. The legs and abs will get a huge workout when you deep squat and jump over incoming projectiles and swinging blades. Balancing on the conveyor belt without dropping to the ground below and meeting the boss at the end are the two biggest challenges here.
Are coordination games something you’re looking for? Try playing: Challenge Park and Audioshield.
Developer/Publisher: Headroom.one
Release Date: February 16, 2018
Compatible with: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Windows Mixed Reality, with tracked controllers
Price: $5.59 to $6.99
Link: The Tower, The Tower, The Tower
Galaxy Race
Video Credit to: vrgamecritic via YouTube
Players are a Graviator that uses a flying hoverboard called a GraviDeck to race against other players around the Galaxy Race track as you hit them with discs. Use your body to balance on the GraviDeck, gain speed, and equip your shields to stop attacks from hurting you. Hit those neon question marks and gain special abilities around the track.
Fitness Potential
This is more of a balance game than anything. With that said, balance is done by keeping a squat formation where the legs hip-width apart and your abs tightened. Moving the GraviDeck board forward, left and right is going to activate the abdominals (tighten them to save your back) while throwing discs will use the upper body.
Do you like to race against AI challengers or other players? Play: Sprint Vector.
Developer/Publisher: Magic VR
Release Date: February 15, 2018
Compatible with: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Windows Mixed Reality, with tracked controllers
Price: $11.99 to $14.99
Link: Galaxy Race