Virtual Reality Games:
Virtual Reality 101 

My guess is that you arrived here because you are interested in Virtual Reality (VR) gaming. But aren't you tired of all the hype and hoopla surrounding this great new technology? 

We strip Virtual Reality down to it's bare bones so you can understand what it is, what you need to get started, and we also recommend some fun and interesting VR games and apps for you to try.

Ready? Here you go... 

• What is Virtual Reality? 
• The Big 3 Players & Necessary Equipment 
        Oculus 
        HTC Vive 
        Playstation VR 
• Budget VR (Smartphone, Nintendo Switch) 
        Samsung Gear VR 
        Google Dream 
        Nintendo Switch Labo
        Oculus Go
• What VR Games are available? 
• Unleash your creativity and develop your own incredible VR experiences.
  
  

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Virtual Reality Games
What is Virtual Reality?

Now, on a practical level, VR is best experienced by wearing a special high-tech VR headset (Goggle-like glasses) + headphones + processor unit. All are attached to a computer (or PlayStation console) with wires or wirelessly.

Special VR hand controllers are recommended to convert your real-time commands into your gaming actions in the VR setting. (Although many of the VR games can be played with standard gaming joypads).

Some games also recommend or require pricey peripheral equipment like VR gloves, guns, foot-pads or treadmills.

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Virtual Reality Games
The Big 3 Players in VR Gaming 
& Necessary Equipment for Each

Oculus Rift S (High-end; requires a PC with minimum requirements*)

Oculus Quest (Standalone; no PC required!)

HTC Vive (High-end; requires a PC with minimum requirements**)

Sony PlayStation VR (Mid-range; requires PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 4 Pro)

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Virtual Reality Games
Oculus Rift S

One of the two "Big Boys", this is the lower-priced VR Kit. Some reviewers claim that for the price, the Rift S is the best VR system available today. While others favor the more expensive HTC Vive below, all agree that Oculus Rift S is one of the finest.

The Rift S is Oculus' latest PC-powered VR system, with game-changing Touch Controllers, improved optics with higher resolution, Insight Tracking, and Passthrough+ (which allows you to look around your "real-world" space without removing your headset).

Virtual Reality Games
Oculus Quest

Oculus has recently released it's "next generation" VR setup, called the Oculus Quest. This system requires NO PC, and NO WIRES. Now, you might think that a VR system not hooked up to a PC would lack power, but reviews have been great for the Quest!

Because you don't need a PC, you can take this device almost anywhere! But the best feature is that it is totally wireless. This eliminates "cable panic" and delivers a worry-free, liberating VR experience.

Oculus Quest has Room-scale Insight Tracking, Touch Controllers which translate your movements into VR action, and audio built right into the headset.

Best of all, the Oculus Quest is surprisingly affordable for what you get:

Virtual Reality Games
HTC Vive

The HTC Vive is arguably the best home-version VR gaming system on the market; but it is also the most expensive. Use it seated or up and about in a 15' X 15' Safe Gaming Zone. The experience is simply awesome!

This bundle includes the headset, two wireless hand-controllers, two base stations and a link box to connect it to your computer. A highly recommended add-on is the Deluxe Audio Strap, which adds earphones to your headset. 

Virtual Reality Games
PlayStation VR

PlayStation is currently the only console system offering a VR package. The PlayStation VR (PSVR) works in conjunction with either PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 4 Pro console.

Although it does not have quite the technological power of the high-end Oculus or Vive, the PSVR nonetheless delivers a “full VR” experience at a mid-range price. It will still "blow you away"!

PlayStation VR uses the PS4’s standard console controller, (the DualShock 4). 

PlayStation VR has a “Social Screen” feature, where your guests get to see what you are seeing through your headset, displayed on a connected TV.

• To set up your PSVR, you will need PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 4 Pro
  
  
• PLUS: PSVR Bundle (headset, processor unit, earphones and cables)
  
  
• PLUS: PlayStation 4 Camera

Virtual Reality Games
Budget VR headsets

The budget VR systems work with your Smartphone.

The Samsung Gear and Google VR kits work by clipping your Smartphone into the front of the VR headset.

• Samsung Gear VR (Requires Samsung smartphone series)
• Google Daydream (works with various Android phones) 
• Google Cardboard (works with various Android and iOS Smartphones)
• Nintendo Labo Headset (works with Nintendo Switch)
• Oculus Go (no PC, wires or phone required)
  
  
  

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Virtual Reality Games
Samsung Gear VR 

For Samsung cell phone owners, the Gear VR is an affordable and easy way to explore virtual reality.

Requires Samsung’s Galaxy S9, S9+, Note8, S8, S8+, S7, S7 edge, Note5, S6 edge+, S6, S6 edge, A8 Star, A8, A8+

*Galaxy Note9 is compatible with Gear VR model number SM-R325NZVC*** only. 

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Virtual Reality Games
Google Cardboard & Daydream

Google has created an intriguing but easy and affordable introduction into the world of VR. These systems have lots of fun and interactive low-cost games and apps to try. 

Tip: Serious gamers will be more satisfied with one of the Big 3 VR systems above.

Google Cardboard- Yep, this headset is actually made of cardboard, with a price tag to match. It works with most Android phones and iPhones with screen sizes from 4 to 6 inches.

Google’s Daydream View is a step above the Cardboard. It is made of fabric rather than cardboard, and comes with a motion controller to transfer your gestures into the apps and games. 

Which Smartphones work with Daydream View? Find out here.

The Daydream app must be installed on your Smartphone in order for the VR system to work.

We have a Google Daydream View Headset and highly recommend it as a low-cost introduction to the VR  experience. Read about our experience with the Daydream and some helpful advice.

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Virtual Reality Games
Oculus Go

The Oculus Go is a mid-level Virtual Reality Headset which does not require wires, a PC or a smartphone in order to operate. (called "Standalone") The VR environments are downloaded to the unit via it's own Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile platform. 

The result: great visuals, state-of-the art 3D graphics and high quality audio. Oculus Go is best utlized for VR viewing of downloaded movies, concerts, multiplayer gaming and numerous popular VR apps.

A great VR Headset at an affordable price:

Virtual Reality Games
Popular VR Games

Popular Oculus Rift Virtual Reality Games

• A Fisherman's Tale- You solve environmental puzzles that will blow your mind.
• Wilson's Heart- Unique psychological horror game
• Star Trek: Bridge Crew- Beam me up, Scotty!
Chronos: Gorgeous graphics; action/adventure RPG with plenty of thrills.
• Minecraft VR: The blocky building game suits VR well.
• Elite Dangerous: Hardcore online space simulation.
• Eve Valkyrie: Intergalactic dogfighting; "May the force be with you".
• The Climb: Free-climb mountains around the world; with all of the thrills but none of the risk.
• Jaunt VR: Oculus' "sample pack" several made-for-VR videos, from documentaries to music.
• Apollo 11 VR Experience: Land on the moon with Neil Armstrong. "That's one small step..."
• Time Machine VR: Travel beneath the sea during the age of the dinosaurs.
• Project Cars: Take your dream car for a high-speed spin on 100+ unique racetracks.
• Lone Echo- Floating in space
• The Invisible Hours- A very different murder mystery
• Adrift: You are an astronaut, lost in space. Simply amazing.
• Defense Grid 2: Great tower defense game greatly enhanced by VR.
• Kittypocalypse: Keep waves of evil alien kitties from taking over Planet Earth.
  
  

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Popular HTC Vive Virtual Reality Games 

• Sairento VR- Amazing shooting game which pushes the boundaries of VR
• Vanishing Realms- Highly immersive and thrilling. A must have!
• Job Simulator: A big cult hit; Robots take over jobs in 2050. 
  
• Elite Dangerous: Epic space game with intense space combat and plenty of room for strategic planning.
• Cosmic Trip: Create strategies to help colonize alien planets.
• The Brookhaven Experiment: Survive tons of monsters and scares in this VR thriller.
• Fantastic Contraption: This machine-building puzzle game is perfect in 3D and VR.
• Tilt Brush: Joyfully create trippy paintings in Neon Colors.
• Apollo 11 VR: Go on the moon landing mission with Neil and the boys.
• Selfie Tennis: Play against yourself... and win all the time.
• Evil Robot Traffic Jam: Save the planet by defeating the evil robots.
• Subnautica: You are the lone survivor of a crash-landing on an alien underwater planet.
• HoloBall: Super-action sports game.
  
  

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Popular PlayStation Virtual Reality Games

• I Expect You to Die- White-knuckled and tense spy action thriller
• Batman: Arkham VR- You become Batman and battle the bad guys in Gotham City.
• Doom VFR- Irresistible battlefield action
• Rez Infinite: Brilliant remake of futuristic funky shoot 'em up.
• Tumble VR: Clever puzzle game that involves piling up blocks.
• EVE Valkyrie: This space dogfighter game was specifically made for VR.
• Batman: Arkham VR: You are Batman, using detective work and some great gadgets to keep Gotham safe.
• Superhypercube: Addictive puzzle game with stunning, trippy graphics.
• Thumper: Racing, shooting and rhythm-action combine in a psychedelic experience.
• Headmaster: "Use your head" to complete a series of delightful soccer mini-games.
• Driveclub VR: Slick racing game; pick from 80 cars and 100+ speedways.
• Resident Evil 7: BioHazard- Turn the house lights low and scare the crap out of yourself.
• The Inpatient: Dark & creepy change of pace.
  
  

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Popular Samsung Gear VR apps and games

• Land’s End: Eerie exploration game.
• Minecraft Gear VR: Explore the blocky world you create, in Creative or Survival modes.
• Smash Hit: Inventive rhythm-puzzle game.
• Heroes of the Seven Seas: Become a swashbuckling pirate on your own tricked-out ship.
• Anshar Wars 2: Hands-free first-person shooter game.
• Bazaar: Collect stolen relics as you drive your magic carpet with eye movements.
• Tomb of the Golems: Engage in pitched battles as you solve some great puzzles.
• Disc League: Endless strategy possibilities help you maneuver this fast-paced disc war.
• Super Island God: Quirky civilization-building games with Easter Eggs and Special Coins.
• Space Dragon: Stunning graphics keep you glued to this psychedelic space combat game.
  
  

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What to Try with Google Cardboard and Daydream

There are a growing number of apps available on the Android and iOS app stores, from 360-photography to games and documentaries. 

10 Google Cardboard apps and games to try... it's not just games.

Cardboard: Google’s own collection of VR demos for Cardboard is a great place to start.

• Bohemian Rhapsody Experience: Google teamed up with Queen for this fun VR music video
• NYT VR: The New York Times’ take on VR, with video news reports.
• Star Wars: Official app includes the story of Jakku Spy.
• Sisters: One of the scariest VR horror apps
• Cardboard Camera: Shoot 360-degree photos with sound on your Smartphone, then relive them in your headset.
• YouTube: The standard YouTube app, but you can watch its 360 and VR videos come to life through Cardboard.
• InMind VR: Clever medical arcade adventure lets you travel into a patient’s brain.

More free VR offerings are listed here.

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