Oh boy we have a lot of stuff to get through after the VR Games Showcase
Well it has finally come and gone, the VR Games Showcase dropped today and oh boy are we going to be feasting this year with new games.
A lot was announced and we have loads of new gameplay footage, reveals and release dates. Lets take a look at what was featured.
Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded Gameplay Trailer
This is one that has been on everyone’s radar since its surprise announcement back in June. Now we finally have our first proper look at the gameplay (not counting that 2 second clip that came with the original announcement).
A few people were concerned with what has been released already about the graphics of Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded. However I think after this trailer we can rest a little easier. Obviously it is a step down from the flat version of the game, but that was to be expected, it is running in VR on a mobile chipset. Keeping that in mind, what was shown tonight is truly impressive.
It still has the massive crowds, decent lighting and the characters don’t look bad. Considering what this is running on that alone is a minor miracle.
This doesn’t look like a scaled back version of the game either, it looks like we are getting a full fledged port of Hitman 3. So you can still take out your targets with explosive rubber ducks, AK47’s or if you wish, banana skins.
Hitman arrives exclusive to Quest 3 in summer 2024. Unfortunately Quest 2 and Pro owners won’t be able to join in on the fun for this one.
Arizona Sunshine: Remake
Arizona Sunshine holds a special place in my heart. I remember when I was fresh faced and just got my first VR system, the PSVR 1, this was the first full fledged shooter I played on it. At the time I thought it was revolutionary but my god times have changed since.
Arizona Sunshine is getting a full remake from the ground up. That means improved graphics, improved gore systems, more zombies on screen, all the DLC included and most importantly it has melee combat. The lack of melee was my biggest gripe with the original so that alone makes this worth the price of admission for me.
Owners of the existing version will be given an upgrade path for the remake at a reduced price. It is coming to Quest, PC and PSVR 2 on October 17th.
Vendetta Forever
Well this just came out of nowhere and frankly looks amazing in every way possible. Developer nDreams new game Vendetta Forever looks like a mashup of Superhot and Pistol Whip (coincidently two of my favourite VR games).
It has a unique locomotion system where you seem to move by grabbing defeated enemies guns out of the air and teleport to them. A lot of VR games make you feel like John Wick, but judging by the trailer this seems to be the best one yet.
Keep your eye on this one, its looks like it has the potential to finally take the crown from Superhot for the coolest VR shooter.
There is a demo out now for the Quest systems. Full release comes in October 2024 for Quest, PSVR and PC.
Grim
Ever wanted to play Rust in VR but set in space? Well now it looks like you can with Grim. This is one of two games announced by Ghosts of Tabor developer Combat Waffle. And bloody hell it looks fantastic.
Set on a Mars like planet you will need to scavenge and fight other players to build up your base.
By the looks of it, it is going to take a realistic approach, meaning everyone is in space suits and the combat is gritty and realistic, Ghosts of Tabor style.
Grim is coming to the Quest systems and PC in 2024.
Silent North
Honestly I can’t decide which Combat Waffle game looks better, Silent North or Grim. It’s close but I am going to have to give Silent North the edge.
If Grim is Rust in VR, Silent North is Dayz.
In this PVPVE shooter you need to survive the Alps, but the Alps with zombies, oh and other players who may or may not decide to kill you. The extended trailer looks incredible, this game looks like it is really going to capitalise on those moments where you can’t decide whether to trust or betray another player.
There is not much news about this game yet, but we do know it is coming to Quest and Steam sometime in 2025.
Flat2VR Ports
Flat2VR is a new studio that has one goal, take classic flat games and give them proper ports to VR. And they haven’t been sleeping either, they announced four games tonight.
We have the following:
- Flatout
- Wrath Aeon of Ruin
- Trombone Champ
- Robo Quest
The unofficial ports that have come from these guys already (Portal, Half Life 2, Doom and more) have all been insane. Now they have finally been given the keys to make them official.
Into the Radius PSVR Version
It’s finally happened, PSVR 2 owners can rejoice. Into the Radius is coming to the Playstation.
Anyone who has played this paranormal survival shooter that takes its survival mechanics to insane levels knows how good it is.
It is coming to PSVR 2 on September 19th.
Frenzies
In all honesty this is not my usual type of game. But Frenzies is a new PVP shooter coming from nDreams.
It has style and looks like a lot of fun. Considering this is the team that made Synapse for PSVR 2 they have a good track record.
They seem to want to always keep you on your toes in this shooter, so the modes will change with every match. So far Team Deathmatch, Domination and a very fun sounding Red Light Green Light are confirmed.
The free to play early access is coming in October for PSVR 2 and Quest.
Fracked Quest Port
Like skiing? Like climbing? Like doing both of those things whilst engaging in crazy gunfights? Of course you do.
The hit game for PSVR 2 is now coming to the Quest systems, and the best news is that we won’t be waiting long. It’s coming on August 29th.
Silent Slayer: Vault of the Vampire
This game looks brilliant, scary and tense all at the same time.
You solve puzzles on vampire coffins, desperately trying not to wake the vampire sleeping inside. If you do it is game over.
The Quest version is getting a passthrough mode and it is coming to PC too
It is out already for the Quest, the PC version will come on 10th October.
Band Space
Some genres are just meant for VR, and Guitar Hero type games are one of them. Band Space looks to fill that void.
This one lets you play drums, guitar, keyboard, or bass whilst taking you live on stage.
Keyboard and drums honestly just look so natural on VR that I imagine it is a great experience.
There is a demo out now for Quest. Its full release is coming to PC and Quest Autumn 2024.
Escaping Wonderland
Not my usual type of game but you can’t say this puzzle adventure lacks imagination or ambition. Set in the world of Alice and Wonderland you will play as Molly as she attempts to escape.
Meaning you have to solve a lot of (admittedly) very imaginative looking puzzles.
It’s out on Pico and Quest systems September 26th.
Mannequin
This one intrigues me a lot, I keep meaning to try it out ever since I heard its premise because it sounds genius. This cat and mouse multiplayer game features two teams, Agents and Aliens. Agents hunt the Aliens, whilst Aliens blend in with the surroundings and stand still to keep the agents unsure of which mannequins are just mannequins and which ones want to kill them.
It’s in early access now but it will be getting a full release for PC and Quest on September 12th.
Action Hero
This game just looks insane and crazy (I know I am saying that a lot but….)
In this shooter/brawler you fight everything from Nazis to Ninjas to Triads to freaking Dinosaurs.
How you fight them is up to you, want to go all guns blazing? That’s fine. Want to punch them in the face instead, that’s fine too.
The game takes inspiration from Superhot with time moving faster the faster you move, or slower if you move slower too. We all know how much fun that mechanic is so I don’t see why it wouldn’t be amazing here as well.
It’s coming to the Quest systems in 2024.
Conclusion
And that’s everything for tonight. Between the games announced today and Batman, Aliens, Behemoth I don’t think we have ever had such an exciting lineup for VR games. It is a good time to like VR gaming, that’s for sure.
Now I’m going to go play the Vendetta Forever demo.
