During our previous VR Game Roundup of 2021, we saw X-Booster arrive on the Oculus Store, Brain Beats come to additional platforms, and the release of a VR cricket game featuring aliens. After a slow start to the year, 2021 is finally picking up as there are multiple exciting releases this week. This week’s most notable virtual reality releases are REAKT Performance Trainer, GORN coming to Oculus Quest, and a cool drumming experience for Oculus Rift.
Into the Rhythm VR
Kicking off this week’s VR Game Roundup is Into the Rhythm VR, which is the latest rhythm title to release for Oculus Rift. This will have players using both of their arms as they virtually drum to songs. The music highway is all around you and is quite varied, so expect a good amount of movement despite the game being easy to pick up and play.
Fitness Potential
The long-term appeal of Into the Rhythm VR will rely on its replayability and difficulty levels, but it definitely has a great base to build from. There are multiple different drumsets to unlock in the game, including some cool Halloween-themed kits, and the game will deliver an excellent arm workout when playing uptempo music. You’ll constantly be moving both arms to keep up with the music.
Developer and Publisher: Barunson Co., Ltd.
Release Date: January 28, 2021
Compatible With: Oculus Rift
Price: $14.99
Link: Oculus Store
Crystal Raiders VR Demo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc8PaYQ-DBI
Crystal Raiders is scheduled to be out in Spring, but there is a time limited demo that will be available until February 9. It looks really cool as players make their way through an ancient castle in a search of treasure. You’ll be using melee and ranged weapons to take out foes and it can all be done in cooperative multiplayer as well.
Fitness Potential
Swinging around a melee weapon can make for a decent arm workout, but it doesn’t seem to be the fastest-paced experience. While it might not be as good of a workout as fitness-specific games, it will still keep you moving. If you have any interest, check out the free demo and give it a go.
Developer and Publisher: One Edit – Lionel Jayaraj
Release Date: January 26, 2021 (full game is out in the Spring)
Compatible With: Valve Index, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift
Price: Free
Link: Steam
BOW MAN
Archery games are always a good workout and the latest one to release for virtual reality is BOW MAN. Based upon traditional Japanese archery, it has a unique look compared to its contemporaries and stands out because of it. You’ll take part in archery duels, where you’ll have to dodge out of the way of foes, and there are 80 levels in total.
Fitness Potential
As always, an archery title results in a good arm workout as you are constantly using both arms to play. There’s also a good amount of variety here as there are solo and duel levels. The rest of your body will be used to dodge and block enemy arrows, so you can expect a quality Quest workout if you take the plunge.
Developer and Publisher: DMM.com LLC
Release Date: January 28, 2021
Compatible With: Oculus quest
Price: $14.99
Link: Oculus Store
REAKT Performance Trainer
Fitness Potential
REAKT is an excellent workout and has a practical use as well, so this isn’t merely a game for fun. While that may limit its audience, those that it does appeal to will get a lot out of the performance trainer. The game will boost an athlete’s reaction time, decision making and hand-eye coordination. There are high scores to aim for, which will appeal to an athlete’s natural competitive nature as well.
Developer/Publisher: NeuroTrainer
Release Date: January 28, 2021
Compatible With: Valve Index, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift
Price: $19.99
Link: Oculus Store
GORN
Fitness Potential
As demonstrated in VR Fitness Insider’s review, GORN has never been the greatest workout from a physical intensity standpoint. However, if you are looking for a replayable game that is a lot of fun and will keep you regularly moving around, this certainly fits the bill. It’s not as exhausting on your arms as a boxing title, but this is a solid alternative if you want something less taxing.
Developer/Publisher: Free Lives, 24 Bit Games, and Devolver Digital
Release Date: January 28, 2021
Compatible With: Oculus Quest (previously on PlayStation VR, )
Price: $19.99
Link: Oculus Store
That does it for this week’s VR Game Roundup. Let us know if you are checking out REAKT or any of the other new releases!
