Pistol Whip
Who hasn’t wanted to be the ultimate action-shooter stuntman in virtual reality? In Pistol Whip, you fight your way through action scenes inspired by films like John Wick. It plays out like a violent rhythm game but gives you the freedom to take down enemies however you want. Dual-wielding weapons, you can cause absolute chaos and look very cool while doing it.
Fitness Potential
You will be moving the entire time you play Pistol Whip, swinging around to hit enemies in all directions. Depending on your style, you can work up a sweat, and the game was designed to minimize motion sickness. There are leaderboards to climb, so pushing yourself to the limit is necessary in order to beat your friends. If you’re in the mood to boogie while you play, the game’s soundtrack has you covered, too.
Developer/Publisher: Cloudhead Games
Release Date: November 7, 2019
Compatible With: Oculus Rift, Oculus Quest, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality
Price: $24.99
Link: Pistol Whip
Audica (PlayStation VR)
From the rhythm game masters at Harmonix comes Audica, a game built from the ground-up for VR. Now on PlayStation VR for the first time, Audica is part music game and part shooter. You have to shoot and hit targets along to a jamming beat, and you will be rewarded with a higher score based on both speed and accuracy.
Fitness Potential
Audica is perfect for use as a fitness game, as you have to be quick while shooting targets. Smashing targets requires you to swing the PlayStation Move controllers, as well, so your arms are sure to get a workout. If you intend to beat your friends’ scores, you can do a prolonged game session and really start getting your heart pumping. If you just want to jump in for a few minutes, you can do that, as well.
Developer/Publisher: Harmonix
Release Date: November 5, 2019
Compatible With: PlayStation VR
Price: $29.99
Link: Audica
IgKnight Golf Defender
We’re not sure who came up with the idea to combine elements of golfing games with tower defense. However, we’re glad they did, because IgKnight Golf Defender is a unique spin on the genre that is a perfect fit for VR. In the game, you fight through 50 waves of demons and must aim your golf shots at them. Using different magic types can destroy them more easily, and there is a leaderboard to climb.
Fitness Potential
You’ll be swinging your virtual golf club for the entirety of the time you play IgKnight Golf Defender. You need to line up careful and precise shots in order to beat the demons effectively. What’s even cooler, however, is that you can hook up your Vive tracker to an actual golf club and use it as a custom controller. Of course, this does come with increased risk of destroying your computer by accident.
Developer/Publisher: Ignite VR
Release Date: November 7, 2019
Compatible With: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality
Price: $8.99 to $9.99
Link: IgKnight Golf Defender
Into the Radius
Atmospheric first-person shooter games are perfect for VR – especially single-player experiences. Into the Radius is a spooky post-apocalyptic game that wears its S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and Metro influence proudly. In the game, you’ll use realistic weapons with bullet physics to take down enemies, all while trying to uncover a mystery. Are you up to the challenge?
Fitness Potential
As enemies approach in Into the Radius, you’ll have to quickly react with the weapons at your disposal. This includes not only firing guns, but also throwing grenades with your motion controllers. You’ll also have to take cover to avoid getting hit, and will often by holding your arms out to scan the environment.
Developer/Publisher: CM Games
Release Date: November 6, 2019
Compatible With: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index
Price: $20.99 to $29.99
Link: Into the Radius
Epic Fun
Despite having an extremely vague title, Epic Fun is a collection of theme park attractions that you don’t have to pay to experience. We mean that literally, as the base game Is available for free and includes a rail-shooting rollercoaster and a hammer strength game. If you want to test your height limits, you can also play a free fall game for free. Should you like what you play, there are five additional packs available for between $3 and $4.
Fitness Potential
Your fitness potential in Epic Fun depends on the game you select. The rail shooter will offer a workout similar to other first-person shooter games. If you choose to play the whack-a-mole style game, you’ll get a more vigorous workout by hammering objects that pop up. The many options mean no two workouts will be the same.
Developer/Publisher: B4T Games
Release Date: November 6, 2019
Compatible With: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality
Price: Free (base game)
Link: Epic Fun
