The DVNC team loves playing VR games almost as much as making them. We especially enjoy playing indie titles that showcase the possibilities of virtual reality through unique art or gameplay systems. Below you’ll find indie VR titles that we’ve fallen in love with.
COMPOUND
Genre: Retro Shooter
“COMPOUND, while still a very early work in progress, is a randomized, rogue-lite, free-roaming shooter for Virtual Reality veterans. Duck and dodge around enemy fire in a tough-as-nails retro FPS with multiple locomotion options. Prepare to die — a lot — until you are good enough to reach the heart of The Corporation and take back what belongs to everyone…” (Steam page)
Why We Love It
Honestly COMPOUND is great in its simplicity. It’s reminiscent of DOOM with its retro style and provides interactive gameplay by allowing the player to dodge bullets. We fell in love with the variety of guns and enemies in the game. Many say COMPOUND lacks content, however, the developer is devoted to COMPOUND as a project (it’s been on Steam in Early Access for over a year getting updates frequently, and the updates log goes back to 2017). If you want to try out an entertaining VR retro shooter with joystick movement we definitely recommend COMPOUND.
To the Top
Genre: Parkour Racing
“[To the Top is a] VR Platforming Game, that gives you the freedom to move across the environment with superhuman abilities. Conquer over 35 levels with new obstacles and challenges. Compete for the fastest times or explore the environment. Experience the freedom of movement” (Steam page)
Why We Love It
To the Top features one of the most fun VR movement systems that we’ve seen. There is a bit of a learning curve, but once you get used to the controls and the environmental hazards you really start feeling like you’re in a super suit designed for traversal. On top of the movement system, the game features an interesting level design with each level feeling unique in some shape or fashion. We’d love to see a second version!
OrbusVR
Genre: Fantasy MMO
“[OrbusVR is] the only MMORPG designed exclusively for room-scale virtual reality. It features everything you love about an MMO: a huge open world, over a hundred hours of quests following an intriguing story, interesting lore and characters, dragon pets, five-player group dungeons, world bosses, voice chat, player trading, fishing and crafting, and more! Plus you’ll be part of a world brimming with thousands of other players” (Steam page)
Why We Love It
An amazing feat by far is the creation of OrbusVR, but on top of its massively multiplayer features, it also features unique and engaging VR gameplay depending on the class you choose. Later this month OrbusVR will be receiving its first expansion which will add 3 new classes plus more content as well as art updates. In terms of an MMO, the game has most of the necessary features even though it is still in early access. We hope to see this title grow into what could be the World of Warcraft of VR! (something even bigger!)
SUPERHOT
Genre: Action Shooter
“SUPERHOT VR is the definitive VR FPS in which time moves only when you move. No regenerating health bars. No conveniently placed ammo drops. It’s just you, outnumbered and outgunned, grabbing weapons off fallen enemies to shoot, slice, and maneuver through a hurricane of slow-motion bullets” (Steam page)
Why We Love It
SUPERHOT is arguably the most immersive VR shooters available. Not only can you dodge bullets by slowing down time you can beat up enemies, throw knives, bottles, pool balls, and other items, shoot every basic type of gun, and explode heads using a telekinetic power. SUPERHOT’s immersion lies in the fact that as you move time moves making you super aware of each move you make. There’s definitely a reason it’s part of the VR Essentials pack!
Beat Saber
Genre: Rhythm Arcade
“Beat Saber is a unique VR rhythm game where your goal is to slash the beats (represented by small cubes) as they are coming at you. Every beat indicates which saber you need to use and also the direction you need to match. All the music is composed to perfectly fit the hand made levels. Our goal is to make players almost dance while cutting the cubes and avoiding obstacles. Each cut is strongly supported by great sound and visual effects to emphasize the rhythm” (Steam page)
Why We Love It
The most popular VR game of last year, Beat Saber is Guitar Hero with lightsabers. At its core Beat Saber is a fun rhythm slashing game that features great music. What makes Beat Saber even more amazing is its active community. Thanks to mods you can add almost any song you can think of to Beat Saber and customize your aesthetics to fit your style. We can’t wait to see what happens next with Beat Saber and Beat Games!