Zeena Al-Obaidi – Page 41 – Augmented & Virtual Reality Confabulation

August 31, 2016

Batman: Arkham VR Devs Detail Gadgets and Scenes in Latest Video

Despite it being the week where EVE: Valkyrie is the highlight for PlayStation Blog Europe, it seems as though they couldn’t help themselves when it came to the release of this juicy behind the scenes video of Batman: Arkham VR, and we hear about a few more details than what we previously knew about the title.

The guys who were behind the main development at Rocksteady Studios feature in an in-depth video that may give you more of an idea as to what Batman: Arkham VR really is all about.

batman arkham vr screen

Bill Green, Acting Lead VR Designer, shared what kinds of equipment you will come across in the suiting up sequence and into the investigative tasks: “We were keen to bring in Batman’s gadgets with the gadget belt. We’ve got the old faithful bat claw that gets you round the environment. You get to take it off the belt, you aim, you shoot, and off you go. And then on the other side we came up with a new gadget, the Scanner gadget, that is effectively a detective mode for the VR world where you can use it like a torch and then Batman can piece together the evidence using the Scanner gadget.”

Watch the video below for more info, and check back with VRFocus for the latest news, updates, and features in the world of VR.

August 31, 2016

Valve and Quark VR Are Working On A Wireless Version of the HTC Vive

There’s no doubting that PC virtual reality (VR) head-mounted displays (HMD) are the more powerful when it comes to comparing platforms, but one of the downsides that developers and users have to work their way around is the fact that it is tethered, and with HMDs like the HTC Vive which require room scale movement it can be a real pain. However, this could soon become a thing of the past as Valve is working with Quark VR on developing a wireless version of the HTC Vive.

In Quark VR‘s latest newsletter, it is said that it is working with Valve on this wireless version of the HTC Vive, and a prototype will be ready for Autumn. For those who aren’t familiar with Quark VR, it is a software development kit (SDK) that translates VR projects between any tethered or untethered HMD, and appears to be a branch-off from the Bulgarian company Intugames.

quark VR Valve

In the way that Quark VR, or Intugame, can project VR images between both tethered and untethered HMDs, the HTC Vive will use this technology to enable it to not require any wires. Essentially, it will be video streaming, but it won’t take away from any VR features or visuals.

There are no further details on how this wireless HTC Vive will be powered, if it will then adopt a mobile-like device, or what Valve is even saying, but VRFocus will keep you up to date on the latest developments as the prototype will be coming out soon enough with its deadline of Autumn nearing ever so quickly. We have also reached out to Quark VR for further information.

For the latest news, updates, and features in the world of VR, make sure to check back with VRFocus.

August 31, 2016

Get Access to High Voltage’s Dragon Front Beta When You Buy Damaged Core For Oculus Rift

It was reported not too long ago that Damaged Core, developed by High Voltage, was to release yesterday. Along with this release it was also announced that consumers would also get access to the beta build of High Voltage’s upcoming collectible card game (CCG), Dragon Front.

Not much was shared before about Damaged Core, but in the latest Oculus blog post there is much more detail, and the concept might be something that sparks interest for its unique twist. The title is a first person shooter (FPS) where the player takes the role of a human-friendly AI where they can teleport into enemy robots and effectively self destruct them, following a hostile machine uprising.

damaged core screenshot

The title is described as “well-paced”, where it offers a balance of risk and reward. As you take over your enemies, you must take them down and jump to safety before you yourself are taken down.

Dragon Front, however, is a completely different kind of title, but it is still High Voltage working with Oculus Studios, so this partnership seems to be much more deeply set than a one-title partnership. This CCG lets players battle it out against each other where all that matters is skill level and how well their units perform when they come to life. There are boss battles between players and competitive leader boards, and players can choose from 280 characters, 80 different encampments, and more than 100 spells.

Dragon-Front-Screenshot700

However, time’s running out as this offer for Dragon Front is only available during its launch week, which will finish on 6th September at 11.59 PT. Damaged Core is available for the Oculus Rift for $29.99 (USD).

For more on the latest releases, as well as all the news, updates, and features in the world of VR, make sure to check back with VRFocus.

August 31, 2016

Artistic VR Pieces to Feature in Kaleidoscope Summer Showcase Vol. 1 Next Week

Kaleidoscope Summer Showcase Vol. 1 is an event going on in the capital of the UK where both the art and science of virtual reality (VR) will be admired with various showcases and plenty of talks, and it will all take place one week today.

The event, hosted by VR marketing company Virtual Umbrella, will consist of two different sections: the Official Kaleidoscope Selection Vol. 1 where there will be over 20 new VR experiences, and the Community Showcase selection which opens up its display to local VR creators who have been invited to share their works.

kaleidoscope

As described by the event organisers themselves in a press release: “The virtual reality film and art scene is bursting in London and the Kaleidoscope Summer Showcase is a fantastic opportunity to bring together local innovators and curious individuals to discover, share, and promote the work of VR artists and creators, exploring the talent and diversity within VR as an art form.”

The confirmed set of speakers that will be attending includes CTO of Breaking Fourth, Peter Short, who created Ctrl; Erfan Saadati, Head of VR from Surround Vision, who has created 360 degree interactive pieces for Sky News; Phillip Day, Creator of Whirligig, a VR player and publishing tool of VR and 360 video; and Kim Majkut, a BAFTA nominated freelance Creative and Director with companies such as BBC, Nickelodeon, and Nissan, who specializes in immersive visual storytelling.

Tickets are now available to purchase from its official Eventbrite page for £10 (GBP) – plus a fee of 84 pence. Doors will open at 6.30pm on the 6th September, and the event will wrap up at 11pm.

For more on the latest events going on in the industry, as well as all the news, updates, and features in the world of VR, make sure to check back with VRFocus.

August 30, 2016

Tactical Military Shooter Onward Arrives For HTC Vive As Early Access Title

There are plenty of shooters available for the HTC Vive, but very few put players in a realistic military setting with a serious atmosphere – that is exactly what Downpour Interactive’s Onward does.

Onward is very much a military simulation, with players requiring coordination, communications and object completing skills in online infantry combat, all on the HTC Vive. In this Early Access version, the title has functioning online multiplayer, two maps with day and night modes, and equipment such as grenades, flash bangs, and night vision. There are also 28 faction speccific weapons, and a shooting range to become as skilled as you can.

onward

If you think that this build isn’t up to scratch, then the developers have reassured us that there is so much more to come of the title: “Onward is still in its early stages, so there will be bugs and issues found in this current build. However, this is only the beginning. Onward will continually improve over time with weekly updates, bug fixes and new content!”

The full version is expected to have six to eight maps, custom built weapons, a character assets. The developer went on to explain: “Once the community has grown and I have stress tested servers, I hope to push the player count up to 12v12. I also want to add a coop “enemy elimination” mode in the future so players can team up together against AI on multiplayer maps, to practice before going to PVP. And lastly I also plan to have deeper steam integration in terms of ranks and achievements.”

The price for Onward is currently £18.99 (GBP), and it is expected to increase as it becomes a full title. The full title is expected to come out after 10 to 12 months in Early Access.

For more on the latest HTC Vive releases, as well as all the news, updates, and features in the world of VR, make sure to check back with VRFocus.

August 30, 2016

It All Comes Down to Physics and Luck in Nebulous For Oculus Rift With PlayStation VR Support Coming Soon

A popular trend that is happening, but is by no means a new thing, is the reappropriation of regular PC videogames as virtual reality (VR) titles, and although titles like Nebulous could be played just as well without VR, it has been given the added punch of it with the Oculus Rift.

Nebulous, developed by Namazu Studios, is a sci-fi puzzler that is sprinkled with amusing commentary on the misfortunes that Astronaut Dash Johnson, the guide of the title, experiences. Players can expect cutting insults as they float through the maze-like levels, likened to board games such as Mouse Trap.

nebulous

Every stage starts out with Johnson in a fixed position, and to advance in a level players position objects like a conveyor belt. As a result of this, the gravity is altered before letting Johnson drop and fall through the level with hopes of reaching the exit.

“Nebulous‘ VR support lets players solve challenges in an intuitive, natural way, but the game’s essence is still a blast without a cutting-edge control scheme,” said Keith Hudnall, technical director, Namazu Studios, “If you want an experience that makes you think but also make you laugh along the way, you definitely need to play Nebulous.”

Nebulous can be purchased for the Oculus Rift on Steam for £10.99 (GBP), with PlayStation VR support to come later this year for the same price – which translates to $14.99 (USD).

For more on the latest Oculus Rift releases, as well as all the news, updates, and features in the world of VR, make sure to check back with VRFocus.

August 30, 2016

Chinese Studio Oasis Games Have Five PlayStation Launch Titles

Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has been quite selective when it comes to allowing developers create games for its PlayStation VR head-mounted display (HMD) that will be coming out in October, but one studio has had the opportunity to create five different titles for its release.

Oasis Games, a Chinese publishing partner of Sony Computer Entertainment Shanghai (SCES), has shared its five titles that will be coming to PlayStation VR for 13th October on the PlayStation Blog. Each of these titles seem to differ a fair amount from each other, and range from survival horrors to playful pixelated shooters.

“Oasis Games is creating a wide range of fun titles for PlayStation VR, as shown in our launch lineup that ranges from colorful arcade archery to spooky horror to 3D pixel shooter,” said Alen Wu, business director for Oasis Games in a press release. “We are proud to have so many titles slated for the launch window, more than any other publisher, and this is a testament to our commitment to providing entertaining experiences for the global PS VR audience.”

Ace Banana is the first title detailed, and it puts the player into the shoes of a Banana Archer protecting their stash of bananas against cheeky monkeys trying ot grab at your goods. Using your Move controllers, you will simulate using a bow and arrow to impale the primates in both single and multiplayer.

The next title shouldn’t be mistaken by its screenshot featured on the blog post, as it is much more sinister, but in a way that makes it seem chaotic good. Weeping Doll is a story-driven horror adventure where dolls come to life, animated by angry thoughts when their children owners are wronged. Players will work through puzzles as an abused girl’s doll takes revenge on her parents.

Pixel Gear lightens the mood from the previous title as it is a pixelated colourful 3D shoot ’em up with wacky cartoon monsters and ghost enemies. Objects will be interactive, and weapons can be upgraded to slow down time.

Another scary one comes from Oasis Games with Dying: Reborn, but it is more familiar to us as it is an escape the room kind of title – only with more scary features than usual.

And finally, Mixip is an arcade space shooter where you control two ships at once, dodge heavy fire, upgrade your weapons, and take down bosses.

For more on these titles and all VR news, make sure to check back with VRFocus.