During our last VR Game Roundup, there were a number of intriguing titles including Pro Putt by Topgolf that allows you to increase some of your golfing skills. This week’s VR Game Roundup features four games that all have some fitness potential. What’s available includes an Oculus Quest port of a great bowling game, VR disc golf, and several interesting new titles!
Premium Bowling
Kicking off our VR Game Roundup is the Oculus Quest port of Premium Bowling. This bowling simulation previously released last year on Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality. It received plenty of praise for its physics and it’s as good of a bowling game as you’ll get as it features player rankings and leagues to participate in. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends you’re in for a good time.
Fitness Potential
Bowling isn’t the most exhausting physical activity and you won’t be lifting heavy balls in virtual reality. However, you are getting a low impact arm workout (for one at least) and it’s more active than playing a traditional game. Wii Sports’ bowling was a favorite for kids and seniors, and there’s no reason this can’t be the same.
Developer/Publisher: Sadetta
Release Date: June 4, 2020
Compatible With: Oculus Quest
Price: $19.99
Link: Oculus Store
The Wizards – Dark Times
A sequel to The Wizards, Dark Times features an enhanced spellcasting system that still uses gestures from the players to cast spells and battle enemies. There’s also new environment interactions, additional foes to go up against, and a whole new adventure to go on.
Fitness Potential
The first game was a surprisingly good arm workout and the sequel should deliver even more in terms of exercise. While legs and your core won’t be tested, workouts will go by quickly and there’s a good bit of replayability. If you enjoyed the original then the sequel is definitely worth checking out.
Developer/Publisher: Carbon Studio
Release Date: June 4, 2020
Compatible With: Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality
Price: $22.49-24.99
Link: Steam, Oculus Store
VR Immersive Fitness Gym
Developed by Oxford graduate William Chan, VR Immersive Fitness Gym features five exercises: a neck-based version of football that is used to combat chronic neck pain, a cycling experience where you tie the controller to your legs, an immersive running title, a shoulder exercise that has you picking apples, and a bow and arrow title that serves as an arm workout. There’s also a yoga simulation that will launch for free in August.
Fitness Potential
Built with fitness in mind, this looks to be a solid addition to anyone’s library even though the production value isn’t as high as other titles. The neck and shoulder exercises are great for those dealing with soreness or other issues and it’s hard to find a ton of virtual reality fitness games that target these areas specifically rather than just helping you burn calories.
Developer/Publisher: William Chan at Oxford
Release Date: June 4, 2020
Compatible With: HTC Vive and Oculus Rift
Price: $26.99-29.99
Link: Steam
Disc Ninja
Finishing up this week’s VR Game Roundup is Disc Ninja, a virtual reality version of disc golf. You’ll play as a ninja that has to pass tests and compete in tournaments to prove his worth. The environments show off Japan’s beautiful scenery. The game is currently in early access with six maps and ten more are on the way, totaling to 16 maps you can play VR disc golf in.
Fitness Potential
Much like bowling, disc golf isn’t the most intense sport in real life and neither is the virtual version. It is a solid low impact arm workout, though, so those looking for that can’t go wrong. If you enjoy disc golf, this will be a fun way to test your skills while staying inside.
Developer/Publisher: Immersion
Release Date: June 2, 2020
Compatible With: HTC Vive and Oculus Rift
Price: $17.99-19.99
Link: Steam
