During last week’s VR Game Roundup, we saw a free frisbee golf title release for Oculus Rift, a virtual reality version of Minesweeper, and a boxing trainer called Boom Dojo. While last week was on the slower side, this week is more akin to molasses as it is truly slim pickings (especially since the bulk of this week’s Steam VR releases were hentai related). 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 are a new virtual reality shooter called Malicious Payload, a ninja-themed title tasking you with becoming a true shinobi, and Grapple Tournament hits early access on the Oculus Store.
Grapple Tournament
Kicking off this week’s VR Game Roundup is a competitive shooter called Grapple Tournament, which hit Steam late last year. Now available on the Oculus Store, Rift owners will get to enjoy this unique vertical-based shooter. As the name suggests, players always have 3D movement available to them thanks to their grappling hook, which makes for some unique gun battles across levels. With 12 guns, the ability to practice against bots, and multiple modes (including deathmatch, team deathmatch, and capture point), there is a lot to like here.
Fitness Potential
While competitive shooters are largely limited when it comes to workouts, Grapple Tournament has some things going for it from a fitness standpoint. You’ll be working out your arms a bit as it requires plenty of quick hand movements and you’ll be constantly moving your arms to get around levels. It has been getting great reviews, so it is great to see it reach additional storefronts.
Developer and Publisher: Tomorrow Games
Release Date: February 11, 2021
Compatible With: Oculus Rift (also on Valve Index, HTC Vive, and Windows Mixed Reality)
Price: $14.99
Link: Oculus Store
Vanishing Grace
The latest first-person puzzle game to release for Oculus Quest is Vanishing Grace. This has the distinction of being a narrative one, so expect to learn about a futuristic world that has been forever changed due to an intense solar storm. You’ll explore several wastelands and test your mental capacity as you solve puzzles and repair your vehicle.
Fitness Potential
This is a fully interactive title, so you will be standing for it and moving to interact with various objects similar to a game like Job Simulator. That means it’s more active than a passive experience, but it won’t top a fitness-oriented title by any means. However, it does have the bonus of testing your wits as well.
Developer and Publisher: Monte Perdido Studio
Release Date: February 11, 2021
Compatible With: Oculus Quest
Price: $19.99
Link: Oculus Store
Shinobi Breaker
Fitness Potential
This should be a really solid arm workout. Weapons range from swords to bows, and you will always be using your arms to stay safe from enemy bullets. There aren’t any reviews yet, but this looks like a solid addition to a Steam library at a relatively cheap price.
Developer/Publisher: Dounts Co. Tld.
Release Date: February 10, 2021
Compatible With: Oculus Rift
Price: $11.99 ($14.99)
Link: Steam
Malicious Payload
Wrapping up this week’s offerings is Malicious Payload, which is exiting Early Access on Steam. This stylish first-person shooter has the player battling against plenty of robots using guns and melee weapons. Similar to Superhot, there is a time mechanic, although it doesn’t seem to be quite as much about body movement (although you still can dodge out of the way of attacks). There are story and survival modes available, so it is fully featured.
Fitness Potential
While Malicious Payload might not top Superhot as the time-bending shooter of choice, this does appear to be a great low intensity workout as you can dual-wield weapons and will be using both arms. It’s ultimately a wave-based shooter, though, so know what you are getting into before buying.
Developer and Publisher: Last Howl
Release Date: February 6, 2021
Compatible With: Oculus Rift, Valve Index, and HTC Vive.
Price: $8.49 ($9.99)
Link: Steam
That does it for this week’s VR Game Roundup. Let us know if you are checking out Grapple Tournament or any of the other new releases in the comments below!
