During our last VR Game Roundup, there were several intriguing titles spotlighted including a game that was essentially Guitar Hero in virtual reality, an escape room title and a free fitness title to download. This week’s VR Game Roundup is also filled with some worthwhile releases. There is a game that lets you live out your wildest fantasies as a frog, several virtual destinations to relax at, and a new boxing video game to test your skills. Check out all the games you should keep an eye out below!
Frogworld
Kicking off this week’s VR Game Roundup is Frogworld. As the name suggests, this essentially lets you live your wildest dream and becomes a bullfrog. Wait, that isn’t your dream? Well, it probably is somebody’s inner-most desire. Regardless, players will be searching for a new place to call home while avoiding dangerous environments and predators
Fitness Potential
It’s hard to tell how the game controls exactly from the trailer and gameplay videos, but this doesn’t look to be a very active virtual reality title. A human can’t exactly mimic how a bullfrog moves and leaps, so that is understandable. This does look like an interesting nature simulation, though, and will get better over time as it is in Early Access currently.
Developer and Publisher: NatureSims
Release Date: August 14, 2020
Compatible With: Valve Index, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift
Price: $14.99
Link: Steam
Virtual Vacations
The novel coronavirus pandemic has been extra difficult for those that love to travel. Thankfully, virtual reality allows people to escape to exotic destinations while staying safe and social distancing. The latest of these releases is Virtual Vacations, which will take you to the beach. You can play with beach balls, watch dolphins play, and even put on a fireworks show. It’s currently in Early Access, so expect more to be added in the future.
Fitness Potential
You won’t get much of a workout here, although you can do physical activities such as playing with beach balls. This is more for relaxation and helping get rid of any mental fatigue. So, focus on that mental help rather than burning calories in Virtual Vacations. After all, it’s supposed to be a vacation!
Developer/Publisher: BadBoys Game Studios
Release Date: August 12, 2020
Compatible With: Valve Index, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift
Price: $11.99 ($14.99)
Link: Steam
vSpatial
Not a game but Oculus Quest owners will be glad to know that the productivity app vSpatial is now available for the headset. You are able to surround yourself with a number of apps and windows, which is a great way to have multiple screens at once without physically having them. You can have a secure remote desktop and it has full mouse and keyboard support. There’s even some basketball that can be played when you need a break from work.
Fitness Potential
As mentioned above, this is a productivity app, so you won’t be getting a workout. If you have a standing desk or some workout equipment, you can certainly burn calories while you work but it won’t be a result of the app itself.
Developer and Publisher: vSpatial Inc.
Release Date: August 13, 2020
Compatible With: Oculus Quest (Previously on Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality)
Price: Free
Link: Oculus Store
The Fight
The game with the most fitness potential this week is The Fight. This boxing game also allows players to participate in unsanctioned street fights. In addition to the fights themselves, players can also train at a virtual gym. Workouts include heavy bag, speed bag, dummy bag, focus bag, boxing bar, boxing machine, and pad work.
Fitness Potential
There aren’t many reviews out on The Fight yet, so it is difficult to know how it matches up with the many other boxing games available in virtual reality. However, it should be a solid budget-priced arm workout. Though it’s hard to imagine this title in our VR Game Roundup topping Thrill of the Fight or Creed: Rise to Glory.
Developer and Publisher: Adam Stanulewicz
Release Date: August 14, 2020
Compatible With: Oculus Rift
Price: $6.99
Link: Oculus Store
Kombo
Next up in the VR Game Roundup is a rather unique archery title called Kombo. Rather than focusing on fast action, it’s a puzzle game featuring bouncing arrows. Players have to search for the longest combo possible to get a high score. It can be played both standing and seated.
Fitness Potential
This won’t be as much of a workout as the most intense archery titles as they have you performing arm motions a lot more frequently. However, for a puzzle game, this still has you doing physical actions and will test your intellect as well.
Developer and Publisher: Laymine.com
Release Date: August 12, 2020
Compatible With: Oculus Rift
Price: $6.99
Link: Oculus Store
Virry Happy: Mindfulness In Nature VR
Ending this week’s VR Game Roundup is Virry Happy: Mindfulness In Nature VR. This relaxation title has 360-degree filmed environments from the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya. You’ll get to enjoy natural environments with no CGI and a relaxing area to practice meditation. It says you’ll be able to learn mindfulness techniques and learn about wildlife as well.
Fitness Potential
Similar to Virtual Vacations, this is a relaxation title with a meditation focus. So, you won’t be losing weight while playing it but helping your mental health.
Developer and Publisher: Fountain Digital Labs
Release Date: August 13, 2020
Compatible With: Oculus Rift
Price: $29.99
Link: Oculus Store
