Author: Peter Graham

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Win a Copy of Esper: The Collection from Coatsink

Today British indie studio Coatsink Software launched its Esper: The Collection package for Oculus Rift. Featuring both Esper and Esper 2 for the head-mounted display (HMD) the package allows anyone who hasn’t purchased the titles to but them both together, and for one week only at a discounted rate. VRFocus has gone one better though and acquired several codes for our lucky readers to win.

Esper 2 PreviewArt Oculus Rift 003

For Oculus Rift owners who are after Esper: The Collection we’ve got three codes up for grabs, and because Coatsink are so nice they’ve not forgotten Samsung Gear VR users either. There are three codes for Esper and three codes for Esper 2 available. All readers have to do is enter below to have a chance of winning. The winners will then be selected in a weeks time.

Win Esper & Esper 2 On Gear VR Or Oculus Rift

Both the puzzle titles involve solving increasing complex brain-teasers by way of telekinesis. The story is set in 1975, members of the public begin to display extra-sensory abilities and the government paranoid as it is, starts forcing citizens to undergo aptitude tests under the guise of national security. As an unwitting citizen taking part in these tests players are ‘encouraged’ by a government contractor – voiced by Eric Meyers – to prove they are not a threat by completing various tests using their new found abilities.

While the original was purely lab based Esper 2 takes it up a notch, expanded the premise, by taking the player out of the confining lab and onto telekinetic adventure around the world. Lending their voices to a new bunch of characters longside Eric Meyers are actors Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Paul) Lara Pulver (Spooks, Sherlock) and Sean Pertwee (Dog Soldiers, Event Horizon, Gotham)

For all the latest news from Coatsink Software, keep reading VRFocus.

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Esper: The Collection Launches with Week Long Discount

Last month Coatsink Software revealed the upcoming launch of its Esper: The Collection title. Supporting the Oculus Rift head-mounted display (HMD) it features both puzzle titles, Esper and Esper 2 in one package for the very first time. And not only will the package allow players to get their hands on both videogames for one all in price, but for the first week there will also be a further discount.

For the next week from today Oculus Rift owners buying Esper: The Collection will be able to get 33 percent off the regular price, dropping the cost down from £10.99 GBP to £7.99.

Esper 2 PreviewArt Oculus Rift 005

Both titles originally appeared on the Samsung Gear VR, and Coatsink has not forgotten the system. Both Esper and Esper 2 on Gear VR will have a 50 percent discount available for the next 7 days.

The series revolves around players having telekinetic abilities. Esper is a first-person puzzle game set in 1975 when members of the public begin to display extra-sensory abilities. So the government under the guise of national security starts forcing citizens to undergo rigorous aptitude tests. As one of these people, players will be ‘encouraged’ by a government contractor to prove they are not a threat by completing various tests using their telekinesis.

Then for Esper 2 Coatsink expanded the videogame further, moving beyond the confines of the lab taking the player on a telekinetic adventure across the globe. Alongside the expanded gameplay Esper 2 is most notable for the introduction of new characters voiced by actors Nick Frost, Lara Pulver and Sean Pertwee, who join Eric Meyers, the vocal talent from the original game.

VRFocus reviewed Esper 2 back in December 2015, giving it our highest rating. For all the latest VR releases keep reading VRFocus.

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Lenovo Planning Google Daydream Products

Chinese tech company Lenovo has been a strong supporter of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (VR) technologies. Back in January it sold 10,000 of its own VR head-mounted displays (HMDs), then in April announced its first VR-Ready PC’s in partnership with NVIDIA, and in June Lenovo announced the first Tango enabled device the Phab 2 Pro. The company has now teased further plans with Google and its Daydream headset.

In an interview with CIO, Jeff Meredith, general manager and vice president of Lenovo’s Android and Chrome Computing Business Group said: “We have some Daydream products on the roadmap.” No further details were given on what products these might be, but the two most likely are Daydream compatible smartphones or the Daydream HMD itself.

Daydream HMD

When Google officially announced the HMD back in May at its I/O conference manufacturers that were announced included Samsung, HTC, ZTE, Huawei, Xiaomi, Alcatel, Asus, LG, HTC, Mediatek, ARM, Qualcomm and Imagination Technologies on the smartphone side. And in a similar fashion to its Cardboard device, Google has created a reference design for Daydream so that multiple companies can manufacturer their own HMD to Google’s specifications.

As well as companies for the hardware side, Daydream will also get content from a range of service providers that include the New York Times, Netflix, HBO Now, Hulu, EA, and Major League Baseball.

Further details on Lenovo’s VR road map might not be that far away either. With Daydream supposedly arriving in November and last month Bloomberg reported that Google could be debuting the device “in the coming weeks”, Google might be wanting to make a further announcement before the launch of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s (SIE’s) PlayStation VR in October.

For all the latest VR news on Daydream and Lenovo, keep reading VRFocus.

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Stop the End of Days in Wrath of Loki: VR Adventure on Gear VR

This week Polish indie studio The House of Fables has launched its Nordic themed Gear VR title, Wrath of Loki: VR Adventure.

The virtual reality adventure videogame casts players as Thor, the god of thunder, who must face Loki and stop Ragnarok, the mythical end of days befalling Asgaard.

Wrath of Loki VR Adventure screenshot 2

“Our team has quite a lot of experience creating adventure games,” said Adam Robaszyński-Janiec, CEO, The House of Fables. “We know what our fans expect and what kind of experience they are looking for. So as soon as VR headsets started to become popular, we knew that they were perfect for the kind of games we create. But instead of adapting one of our previously released titles to one of the platforms, we’ve decided to create a game that is designed specifically with VR headsets in mind. One that would allow gamers to fully dive into the game world and let them feel like they’re a part of it. That’s how Wrath of Loki: VR Adventure was born.”

Wrath of Loki: VR Adventure includes hand-drawn locations, an immersive soundtrack and the voice acting by Michael McConnohie, whose extensive back catalogue includes videogames, animation and anime.

Recently Steel Media along with Deepoon held the Global VR Challenge, beginning in the UK before being whittled down to 10 finalists at the ChinaJoy event in July. Wrath of Loki: VR Adventure was part of those ten but didn’t go on to win.

The videogame can be downloaded for $2.99 USD from the Oculus Store for Gear VR. And for all the latest releases, keep reading VRFocus.

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PlayStation VR Title Happy Manager to Debut at Tokyo Game Show 2016

There’s only a couple of weeks to go until this years Tokyo Game Show 2016 (TGS) opens its doors and details on what virtual reality (VR) demos will be available are already being revealed. D3 Publisher has now announced that its title Happy Manager for Sony Interactive Entertainment’s (SIE’s) PlayStation VR head-mounted display (HMD), will be on demonstration.

The developer hasn’t revealed any further information on Happy Manager since its initial announcement in June. At the time D3 Publisher launched a dedicated website for the videogame which simply stated ‘Coming Soon’, alongside listing a winter 2016 release date. That website currently remains unchanged, so this months TGS will be the first time solid details on the project are likely to be revealed. What we can tell you is that Happy Manager is a love simulation/adventure title, but as with so many Japanese titles a western release has yet to be confirmed.

Happy Manager - D3 Publisher

Also announced for TGS 2016 earlier today was a collaboration between HTC Vive and Square Enix on Kai-ri-Sei Million Arthur VR. The card-based brawler will be on demonstration at the event with a launch date scheduled for Spring 2017.

TGS 2016 will be taking place from 15th – 18th September at the Makuhari Messe, Tokyo, Japan, with the first two days dedicated to trade and industry professionals while the final to days will be open to the public.

With SIE gearing up for a worldwide launch of PlayStation VR on 13th October, the Tokyo Game Show will be one of the last big events to take place prior to launch, so the company is likely to put on a big showcase on its home turf. For all the latest VR news from TGS 2016, keep reading VRFocus.

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Apple Patents Design for Mobile VR HMD

Apple might be the biggest tech company in the world, but its interest in virtual reality (VR) has seemed lukewarm at best. While other global giants such as Google, Samsung, HTC and Facebook have all actively pursued VR getting the technology to where it is today – into the hands of consumers – Apple has so far kept very quiet on the subject. Now a new patent issue by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has revealed further details relating to Apple’s VR plans.

Issued this week under Patent No.: US 9,429,759 B2 and entitled ‘Head-Mounted Display Apparatus for Retaining a Portable Electronic Device with Display’, the patent details a mobile headset in a similar vein to the Samsung Gear VR rather than the basic Google Cardboard style of system.

Apple Patent 759 - Fig.4

This is reference over several of the claims, for example claim 1 of the patent recites: “A head-mounted device that is worn on a user’s head and configured to integrate with a cellular telephone that is removable, the head-mounted device comprising:

a frame that is configured to physically receive and carry the cellular telephone, wherein the frame places a display screen of the cellular telephone in front of the user’s eyes; and an optical subassembly configured to receive at least one image frame from the display screen of the cellular telephone, wherein the optical subassembly is interposed between the display screen and the user’s eyes.” While in claim 10 it details: ‘a connector configured to receive a corresponding connector of the cellular telephone when the cellular telephone is integrated with the head-mounted device.’

While it’s widely expected Apple will enter the VR fold at some point, offering a dedicated device that’ll partner with its iPhone, this patent issue doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be anytime soon. This particular patent was filed in September 2015, and it’s part of a series of applications dating back to 2008, suggesting the Cupertino company has long considered a headset for its smartphone.

As and when Apple finally decides to confirm any VR plans, VRFocus will bring you the latest details.

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RIGS: Mechanized Combat League Single Player Detailed in New Trailer

There’s just over a month to go until the launch of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s (SIE’s) virtual reality (VR) head-mounted display (HMD), PlayStation VR. One of the earliest titles to be announced for launch day was RIGS: Mechanized Combat League, and the videogame has seen a prominent position at events SIE has attended. Demos and video footage have revolved around the multiplayer aspect but now Guerrilla Games has released a trailer for the single player career mode.

Samrat Sharma, Senior Online Producer, Guerrilla Games, revealed the new trailer which intersperses gameplay video with several of the team discussing the single player side via a PlayStation.Blog posting.

RIGS: Mechanized Combat League will include several single player features alongside the 3-versus-3 online mode. There’s a 1-versus-1 online mode, in which players will form a team of three with AI pilots against another player and their team to play friendly or exhibition matches.

The videogame also has an offline career mode where players can rise through the leagues, in doing so earning fame to unlock new RIGS. There are 24 unique RIGS to unlock, set across four classes, each with their own style of play. Three classes have already been revealed with the fourth still under wraps. As players climb the ranks in career mode impress sponsors and obtain exclusive sponsorship deals, liveries and pilot outfits.

PlayStation VR will launch on 13th October and VRFocus will continue to bring you all the latest news on the VR HMD as announcements are made.

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Duckpocalypse: Achievements, Cheats, Tips & Tricks

Arriving on the HTC Vive head-mounted display (HMD) last month was Duckpocalypse. Developed by Capitola VR, the title has players fending off waves of evil robotic ducks and there are 14 Steam Achievements included which VRFocus has fully listed below.

Duckpocalypse is a single-player shooter that suits seated, standing and Room Scale gameplay styles. It can be downloaded through Steam for £1.99 GBP

duckopocalypse screenshot

Full Achievement List:

 

NOVICE

Get a score of 15k or higher.

 

PERSISTANCE

 

HUNTER

Get a score of 20k or higher.

 

THE ROOF IS ON FIRE!

 

TREE LOVER

Harm no trees a whole game.

 

BIKER KILLER

Kill 50 biker ducks.

 

LUMBERJACK

Cut down 20 trees.

 

PACIFIST

Shoot and miss 30 times in a row.

 

NOSTALGIA

 

BEAT THE DEVELOPERS

Get a score of 25k or higher.

 

D-DAY

Shoot 1984 ducks.

 

LEVIATHAN SLAYER

Kill 50 leviathan ducks.

 

WEAPON OF MASS DUCKSTRUCTION

Kill 20 ducks with 1 barrel explosion.

 

TRAFFIC JAM

Kill 20 ducks with an exploding car.

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HTC Vive and Square Enix Reveal Collaboration on Kai-ri-Sei Million Arthur VR

Japanese card battler Kai-ri-Sei Million Arthur will be getting the virtual reality (VR) treatment next year, with a newly announced title for the HTC Vive head-mounted display (HMD). Kai-ri-Sei Million Arthur VR has been revealed by HTC, Square Enix and Gree Co, and will see its first showcase later this month at the Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2016.

Kai-ri-Sei Million Arthur VR isn’t just a VR version of its predecessor, Gree has created a unique title with its own storyline and content. Previously a beta version has been shown before, but this new announcement and demo at TGS goes further, with newly developed scenarios being introduced.

Kai-ri-Sei Million Arthur VR - image 1

Naoya Kashima, Producer at Square Enix, said, “We are delighted to announce Kai-ri-Sei Million Arthur VR is finally being delivered to the end users. This is not just a brush-up version of the pilot; all scenarios have been newly developed. We strongly believe the powerful 360-scened card battle and unique characters in the immersive world of VR in started with HTC Vive will be loved by the fans.”

While Eiji Araki, Vice President of Gree, commented: “Having the opportunity to develop this world famous title Kai-ri-Sei Million Arthur of Square Enix Co., Ltd. to a mature VR game was a challenge for both Gree Inc. and Gree VR studio. It is also a great chance to deliver such an attractive VR experience to consumers. We hope you will enjoy it at TGS 2016.”

“Since the HTC Vive arrived at retail stores across Japan last month, there’s been a growing swell of acclaim and a strong sales response,” says Jack Tong, President of North Asia, HTC. “We are now extensively working with the global leading Game Soft creator and developer, Square Enix and its partner, Gree to launch the VR version of Kai-ri-Sei Million Arthur VR, one of the best-selling mobile card games worldwide, exclusively on HTC Vive. This strategic partnership will help foster the global virtual reality ecosystem, and deliver the most inspiring and vibrant experiences on the HTC Vive.”

Kai-ri-Sei Million Arthur VR will be available at TGS 2016 from 15th – 18th September at Makuhari Messe. The videogame is scheduled to launch on HTC Vive in Spring 2017.

For all the latest news on Kai-ri-Sei Million Arthur VR, keep reading VRFocus.