Drums of War
Ever wanted to feel like those drumming War Boys in Mad Max: Fury Road? In Drums of War, you get your chance to drum into battle and destroy the pitiful dwarves on the other side of the battlefield. You move forward by drumming and launch attacks by drumming, creating music that is both a figurative and literal assault on the senses. It’s all played to a groovy metal soundtrack that’s perfect for medieval combat.
Fitness Potential
You will be using the tracked motion controllers to drum for the entirety of the time you play Drums of War. Drumming to the rhythm is crucial for playing properly, and you’ll take a “step” whenever you hit the drums on the outside. Once you’re done with enemies, you can play a “Wardrum Hero” mode inspired by the Guitar Hero games. There is also Jukebox mode, where you can just jam out for fun.
Developer/Publisher: Grind Core Games
Release Date: October 1, 2019
Compatible With: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality
Price: $9.74 to $14.99
Link: Drums of War
Vive Cosmos
The ultimate headset for dedicated virtual reality players, HTC’s Vive Cosmos raises the bar across the board. It features the highest resolution of any Vive headset to date and features inside-out tracking to remove external sensors. It also supports mods, wireless play, and optional Lighthouse tracking. If you have a PC, you can do a whole lot worse than Vive Cosmos.
Fitness Potential
The Vive Cosmos supports all the same games you play on the standard Vive, and it comes with a 6-month Viveport Infinity membership. This means you get access to a ton of different games out of the box, and many have a fitness element to them. If you want to play rhythm or boxing games, it’s a tremendous option. The variety should help you stay interested in long-term fitness goals.
Creator: HTC
Release Date: October 3, 2019
Price: $699
Link: Vive Cosmos
Cartoon Network Journeys VR
If you’re into the bizarre worlds of Cartoon Network’s original shows, then check out Cartoon Network Journeys VR. The experience features three short games, including one where you play as a one-winged bee. You’ll also become a court jester and venture a strange cosmic dimension. Comedian and musician Reggie Watts will join you on the journey as traveling wizard Gormlorm.
Fitness Potential
You will be using the tracked motion controllers of the Rift or Vive throughout all included games. As the court jester, you’ll need to slam your arms down on a piano and make a full of yourself. You’ll also use your arms as you solve puzzles, particularly as you enter the final cosmic mini-game.
Developer/Publisher: Paper Crane Games, TwinSky Games/Cartoon Network Games
Release Date: October 1, 2019
Compatible With: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift
Price: Free
Link: Cartoon Network Journeys VR
Funny Archery
Want to play an archery VR game but don’t want to be limited to tower defense? In Funny Archery, you can pick from three different game modes, each offering a different experience. Alongside the aforementioned tower defense mode is a one-on-one arena deathmatch, as well as a map with enemies leading up to a final boss. The goofy enemy designs make it a good choice for families, as well, and it’s free to play.
Fitness Potential
As with most archery VR games, you’ll play Funny Archery by using two tracked motion controllers. With one arm, you’ll draw back the bow and launch arrows at your enemies. With several rushing your position at once, it requires quick reflexes and accuracy in order to be successful.
Developer/Publisher: Holo Infinity
Release Date: October 4, 2019
Compatible With: HTC Vive, Valve Index
Price: Free
Link: Funny Archery
Linea VR
A VR version of the earlier Linea game, Linea VR is effectively a dodging simulator. To a bumping beat, you must dodge the difficult obstacles flying toward you, leaning and ducking around them. If you think you can become the best limbo player on the planet, then Linea VR is one you won’t want to miss.
Fitness Potential
Linea VR makes you move like few other VR games out today. You will have to dodge left, right, and down in order to avoid hitting the obstacles in your path, and you’ll even have to basically hit the floor at some points. This requires some playing space, but you’ll not find many more intense VR workouts.
Developer/Publisher: KHB-Soft
Release Date: October 4, 2019
Compatible With: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Windows Mixed Reality, Valve Index
Price: TBD
Link: Linea VR
