Community Download: Which Retro Games Would You Replay In VR?

Community Download is a weekly discussion-focused articles series published (usually) every Monday in which we pose a single, core question to you all, our readers, in the spirit of fostering discussion and debate. For today’s Community Download, we want to know which old-school retro games would you most want to replay in VR?


Over the weekend we published an article with some video footage of an upcoming mod that enables you to play classic id Software games such as DOOM, DOOM II, Heretic, and Hexen natively on Oculus Quest. You can check it out here to see it in action.

This got me thinking: We’ve got modern adaptations of DOOM already with DOOM VFR, games like Pixel Ripped really prey on nostalgia, and with other titles such as Battlezone, Tetris Effect, and more directly enhancing or remaking older games for VR, what else could benefit from a similar treatment?

Out of all the retro PC games, console games, or any other kind of video or computer game you’ve played, which ones do you most think you’d enjoy replaying in VR? One genre that feels criminally under-represented to me is the first-person dungeon crawler. Crystal Rift was a good tease of what’s possible, The Mage’s Tale was a wonderful adventure, and Vanishing Realms shares many elements, but other than those three the genre is basically non-existent in VR. The Well also flew way under the radar back on Gear VR and Go. On that note, I’d love to try games from the Wizardry series in VR.

So what are your picks? Which retro games would you most like to replay in VR if given the chance? Let us know down in the comments below!

The post Community Download: Which Retro Games Would You Replay In VR? appeared first on UploadVR.

PlayStation VR Demo Disc 3 Now Available for EU Customers

The act of releasing a demo is a bit more of a rarity nowadays, with virtual reality (VR) developers occasionally using the medium to promote an upcoming videogame. The demo disc, on the other hand, is a dinosaur of a bygone era, when magazines were your essential source of gaming info, with each monthly publication adorned with a selection of titles on disc. Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is still keeping that nostalgia alive with its PlayStation VR Demo Disc, the last or arrived in 2017. That changes today – for European customers at least – with the release of PlayStation VR Demo Collection 3.

Astro Bot: Rescue Mission

Completely free to download from the PlayStation Store, the collection features nine titles for PlayStation VR and is especially ideal if you’ve just purchased a headset over Christmas. On offer are some of the best examples of VR content for the headset.

All the titles support the DualShock 4 controller apart from Job Simulator where you will need PlayStation Move controllers.

Battlezone image

Titles like Job Simulator, Battlezone, The Persistence and Thumper have once again made the grade and stayed in place from the last demo collection, even though some were original launch window experiences from way back in 2016.

SIE happened to reveal the top downloads of 2018 for PlayStation VR recently, with Owlchemy Labs Job Simulator attaining the number one spot in the US and number two in Europe. Both Moss and SUPERHOT VR also made it into the top ten on both charts.

The company is also likely celebrating as it released sales figures for PlayStation 4 last week during CES 2019, with the console achieving a whopping 91.6 million sales worldwide by the end of 2018.

If you are new to the PlayStation VR platform then you’ll also want to take a look at VRFocus’ ‘Best PlayStation VR Games of 2018‘ feature to see what videogames should be in your library. And there are plenty of titles coming in 2019 to look forward to as well. For all the latest updates on PlayStation VR, keep reading VRFocus.

Two Years On: PlayStation VR – Videogames

Though the PlayStation 4 is capable of a fair number of functions, it is primarily designed as a videogames console, so you would expect the focus for its software to be on videogames.

Some of the earliest virtual reality (VR) titles released for the PlayStation VR amounted to be mostly tech demos, but since then a fairly significant library of content has emerged for the PlayStation VR.

Early adopters of the PlayStation VR tended to get the bundle that came along with PlayStation VR Worlds, a collection of smaller VR experiences that served as an introduction to VR for many users. The experiences included include the critically acclaimed The London Heist, watery adventure Ocean Descent, sci-fi exploration Scavengers Odyssey, street racing title VR Luge and futuristic sport tournament Danger Ball.

One of the first big releases for the PlayStation VR was Battlezone from Rebellion Games. A VR update of the classic arcade title from Atari, in Battlezone players take control of a tank to travel through environments that have more than a nod in the direction of sci-fi cult film Tron to destroy other thanks and take out various objectives. Battlezone was popular and successful enough that it eventually got a release on PC VR.

One of the most lauded titles to be initially released on PlayStation VR is Moss from Polyarc Games, a title which accumulated nigh-universal praise from critics, getting top marks from VRFocus in its review and capturing the hearts of gamers the world over because protagonist Quill was just that adorable.

Moss screenshot

Often criminally overlooked is Polybius from Llamasoft, a space shooter in the vein of many classic arcade titles and taking its name from an infamous videogame urban legend. Its surreal aesthetics, incredible soundtrack and addictive gameplay ought to earn it a place in anyone’s PlayStation VR library.

If that isn’t enough, the following titles are also worth perusing if you are after something to add to your download queue.

For more, check out the PlayStation VR review listing.

Rebellion’s Jason Kingsley Says VR Hasn’t Taken Off As The Company Hoped

Rebellion have to date had a good run with virtual reality (VR) videogames with the release of Battlezone and the upcoming Arca’s Path. That said though, CEO Jason Kingsley has recently discussed how the adoption rate of VR is less then the company had hoped for in an interview with Pocket-lint.

Battlezone Gold Edition

“I’m a great believer in VR. It does something different to non-VR,” Kingsley explains. “It hasn’t become mainstream yet in the way that we would hope. But, at the same time, it’s a very compelling technology when you’re properly immersed in something. Each medium brings its own things and VR is one of those where you can truly feel that you are exploring a different landscape.”

What is interesting about Kingsley’s comments on the growth of the VR market is the focus on the long term goal rather than the short term. He mentions that the investment from the users is strong and a very exciting factor in working on VR titles. He notes the slow adoption rate of colour TV which, when it was introduced, took some time for a majority of households to bring the technology into their house. With the ever growing hardware options available to consumers and prices slowly coming down, the long term adoption of the technology will surely be larger.

“I have high hopes for VR. I think VR games are a bit different. We’ll know in a few years.” Kingsley adds. “The great thing about the games industry is it is no longer niche. We are arguably one of the biggest creative industries in the world, so we can afford to sub-divide ourselves down a little bit. Like different categories of music, there are different categories of games and there should therefore be different categories of display. VR is one of those.”

Rebellion are playing the long game with their VR strategy and if they continue to deliver strong titles, it will surely pay off. The market is already seeing some big steps forward both in software and hardware that will ensure it lasts for years to come and it will be interesting to see if Rebellion were right for aiming long term. VRFocus will be sure to bring you all the latest from the company in the future so make sure to stay tuned for more.

Battlezone Publisher Rebellion Announce New VR Game Arca’s Path

Battlezone Publisher Rebellion Announce New VR Game Arca’s Path

Rebellion, the same publisher behind the VR-revival of Battlezone, is today announcing a brand new VR title called Arca’s Path, which is slated for most all major VR platforms later this year.

Arca’s Path is in development by Dream Reality Interactive, a London studio founded by experienced VR developers that helped create PSVR Worlds for Sony’s flagship headset, as well as Wonderbook.

As you can see in the trailer above, Arca’s Path is a beautifully abstract world that raises tons of questions. I’m getting an esoteric endless runner meets adventure game type vibe, but I’ve got no clue if that’s accurate or not. We’re told that “skill, instinct, and awareness” will be needed to guide a girl through a dangerous labyrinth in the land of Arca.

That’s literally all we know.

According to the press release Arca’s Path will also be playable without a controller, which leaves me curious about how exactly it controls. Perhaps it’s all gaze-based, similar to Bazaar?

Arca’s Path is expected for PSVR, Rift, Vive, Windows VR, Go, and Gear VR this year. That’s a lot of headsets. We’ll find out more very soon at E3 2018 next month as we go hands-on with the title and see what it’s really like.

Let us know what you think so far down in the comments below!

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Something For The Weekend: Steam VR Spring Sale

The weekend is here and with the Steam VR Spring Sale still in full swing it is time to find something for the weekend. To help you out VRFocus has put together some of the best virtual reality (VR) deals from the Steam VR Spring Sale to make finding your new favorite even easier. As always be sure to check back every weekend for even more deals right here on VRFocus.

STAND OUT : VR Battle Royale

STAND OUT : VR Battle Royale

“Stand Out is the ultimate fight for your life. You will be parachuted on a wide island and you will have to explore your surroundings to find weapons and equipment to fight for your survival. Use vehicles to move faster and keep an eye on the deadly barrier that shrinks the battleground during the game and forces the players to murder each other. Only one will remain.”

STAND OUT : VR Battle Royale is currently half price at £13.64 (GBP) down from £19.49.

Serious Sam 3 VR: BFE screenshot 1

Serious Sam VR Bundle

If you are wanting to grab yourself a bargain that features a lot of shooting then you will want to pick up the Serious Sam VR Bundle. This package contains Serious Sam VR: The Last Hope, Serious Sam VR: The First Encounter, Serious Sam VR: The Second Encounter and Serious Sam 3 VR: BFE. Each of these titles will have you running, gunning and fighting against endless hordes of enemies in true Serious Sam style.

Serious Sam VR Bundle is currently on sale for for £36.26 (GBP) down from £120.96. Each title is available separately for around £15 as well.

L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files screenshot

L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files

“it’s that believability that makes L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files one of the most immersive VR videogames to date. As with most releases on modern VR hardware, it’s easy to pick flaws in the videogame due to the control systems and lessened visual quality, but to do so would be to ignore the huge leap forward L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files makes in the creation of a real-world playground. The delivery of unique characters impresses a sense of urgency, empathy and often distain unlike any other videogame experience, playing into the strengths of the VR medium by placing the player face-to-face with convincing digital human beings. L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files presents an unwavering argument for VR as a compelling entertainment medium, and should be welcomed as a yet another stepping stone to true presence in digital worlds.” – Read VRFocus’ Editor Kevin Joyce’s review of L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files.

L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files is currently the low price of £18.74 (GBP) down from £24.99.

The Talos Principle VR

The VR version of Croteam’s critically acclaimed first-person puzzle title in the tradition of philosophical science fiction. You will find yourself in a strange, contradictory world of ancient ruins and advance technology. Tasks by your creator with solving a series of increasingly complex puzzles, you must decide whether to have faith or to ask the difficulty questions: Who are you? what is your purpose? and what are you going to do about it?

The Talos Principle VR is currently on sale for £14.99 (GBP) down from £29.99.

Payday 2 VR screenshot

PAYDAY 2

Have you ever wanted to carry out the prefect heist? Well, with PAYDAY 2 you can do just that. The title recently made the PAYDAY 2: VR mode free and a part of the main game meaning anyone with a VR headset can download the DLC and jump right into the VR mode. With up to four players carrying out each heist, you can expect to experience tense, action-packed moments throughout the title.

PAYDAY 2 is now only £3.74 (GBP) down from £7.49.

Fruit Ninja VR

Fruit Ninja VR

The Fruit Ninja phenomenon comes to VR with the release of Fruit Ninja VR, bringing the fruit-slicing action title to a new level. Jump in and get slicing as you play through a number of different gamemodes making use of not just one but two swords. Can you earn the highest score and become the Fruit Ninja master?

Fruit Ninja VR is available for only £7.14 (GBP) which is down from £10.99.

Battlezone image

Battlezone

Battlezone is arcade VR action at its finest, with options galore allowing players to uniquely hone their combat strategies. With both extensive single-player and multiplayer modes there’s enough here for countless hours of gameplay, so you can comfortably sit cocooned inside these rolling machines of destruction and never get bored, because quite frankly, it’s too much fun. PlayStation VR owners have been enjoying Battlezone for months, if you own an Oculus Rift or HTC Vive you don’t need to have second thoughts about this, Battlezone is one of the best VR titles out there” – Read VRFocus’ Senior Staff Writer Peter Graham’s review of Battlezone.

Battlezone is currently over half price on sale for £14.99 (GBP) down from £29.99.

GORN Screenshot 3

GORN

GORN is a ludicrously violent VR gladiator simulator, made by Free Lives, the developers of Broforce and Genital Jousting. Featuring a unique, fully physics driven combat engine, GORN combatants will be able to creatively execute their most violent gladiatorial fantasies in virtual reality. Savagely strike down an infinite supply of poorly-animated opponents with all manner of weapons – from swords, maces, and bows to nunchuks, throwing knives, massive two-handed warhammers or even your blood-soaked bare hands. The only limits to the carnage are your imagination and decency, in the most brutal and savage VR face-smashing game ever produced by man.”

GORN is currently on sale for £11.24 (GBP) down from £14.99.

VTOL VR

VTOL VR

VTOL VR is a near-futuristic combat flight game built specifically for Virtual Reality. You are the pilot of an AV-42C, a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capable vehicle that can perform transport, air to surface, and air to air combat roles. Take on a wide array of challenges that will put your flight skills, situational awareness, and combat tactics to the test.”

VTOL VR is currently only £6.79 (GBP) on sale from £7.99.

Star Trek Bridge Crew bridge

Star Trek: Bridge Crew

“While Star Trek: Bridge Crew definitely appeals to the core fan base – Ubisoft has added the original USS Enterprise in there as well – non Star Trek fans of the franchise will also find something to like about the title, especially with a few mates playing. The production values are top notch making Star Trek: Bridge Crew one of those rare VR experiences that feels like a AAA title, and likely part of most VR gamers’ collections.” – Read VRFocus’ Senior Staff Writer Peter Graham’s review of Star Trek: Bridge Crew.

Star Trek: Bridge Crew is available for only £15.99 (GBP) right now on sale from £39.99.

That is all for this week but remember that VRFocus gathers all the best sales and deals every week, so check back next weekend at the same time to discover more.

Rebellion Confirm Non-VR Battlezone Gold Edition

If you had to ask us at VRFocus to name our favourite virtual reality (VR) videogames – and in particular those on PlayStation VR, you’d find a number of us will list UK developer Rebellion’s VR adaption of the classic tank-shooter series Battlezone.

BattlezoneIn fact, when we reviewed the title following its jump to PC VR last year, Peter gave it – a then very rare indeed – 5 stars and described it as “intense and addictive” and that “there’s enough here for countless hours of gameplay, so you can comfortably sit cocooned inside these rolling machines of destruction and never get bored, because quite frankly, it’s too much fun.”

Yesterday the Oxford-based developer teased a forthcoming announcement for the title on the videogame’s official twitter account. Further to this a list of achievements for a ‘Battlezone Gold Edition’ leaked – perhaps a slight nod to the rare and highly prized Battlezone Gold Pack that Activision created for the series so long ago. The leak, which specifically featured XBOX One as a platform, became the subject of much heated discussion on the likes of Reddit overnight.

Today Rebellion have confirmed that Battlezone Gold Edition is indeed coming as a non-VR version to XBOX One, as well as to PC, PS4 and even Nintendo Switch later in the year. However, the news did not stop at bringing Battlezone to more platforms, as the Gold Edition contains all existing DLC for the title. Most relevantly to VRFocus readers, Rebellion have also confirmed that non-VR players will be able to do battle with their headset-wearing cousins. 

Unfortunately, while HTC Vive owners will be able to wage war with and against regular PC users, and PlayStation VR owners will be able to fill their PS4 counterparts full of laser they will not be able to do so against each other. Nor will a Rift user be able to shell a Switch user into oblivion either, as Rebellion have confirmed to VRFocus that sadly there are currently no plans to introduce cross-platform play to Battlezone Gold Edition.

Rebellion have released a new trailer for the title so if you’re not familiar with what Battlezone VR was all about you can watch it below.

Something For The Weekend: PlayStation VR Easter Sale

Another weekend and another chance to see what virtual reality (VR) deals are hidden away. This week it is the Easter Sale on the PlayStation store so we picked up a number of PlayStation VR titles to for you consider picking up. With plenty of experience to pick from including tank battles, flying like a bird and even defending your home with a sword there is sure to be something for everyone. As always be sure to check back every weekend for even more deals right here on VRFocus.

Battlezone screenshot

Battlezone

Battlezone is arcade VR action at its finest, with options galore allowing players to uniquely hone their combat strategies. With both extensive single-player and multiplayer modes there’s enough here for countless hours of gameplay, so you can comfortably sit cocooned inside these rolling machines of destruction and never get bored, because quite frankly, it’s too much fun. PlayStation VR owners have been enjoying Battlezone for months, if you own an Oculus Rift or HTC Vive you don’t need to have second thoughts about this, Battlezone is one of the best VR titles out there.” – Read VRFocus’ Senior Staff Writer Peter Graham’s review of Battlezone here.

Battlezone is currently on sale for £9.49 (GBP) down from £34.99.

I Expect You To Die screenshot_04

I Expect You To Die

Have you wanted to know what it would be like to be an elite secret agent? Well in this VR puzzle title you can do just that. You must attempt to survive a number of deadly situations in immersive and dangerous locales all while keeping your cool, as any secret agent should, and coming out on top. Do you have what it takes to complete each task and be the best?

I Expect You To Die is currently more then half price, on sale for for £7.99 (GBP) down from £19.99.

Raw Data

“Neo-Shinjuku – 2271. The massive and seemingly benevolent Eden Corporation owns the world. The elite hacker resistance movement SyndiK8 has unearthed the sinister reality behind Eden Corp’s newest line of robotic products. As one of SyndiK8’s elite operatives, your mission is straightforward: infiltrate Eden Tower, steal as much Raw Data as possible, and get out alive—bringing Eden Corp down in your wake. Built from the ground up for virtual reality, Raw Data’s action combat gameplay, intuitive controls, challenging enemies, and sci-fi atmosphere will completely immerse you within the surreal environments of Eden Corp. Become the adrenaline-charged hero of your own futuristic technothriller as you put your wits and endurance to the test.”

Raw Data is currently £11.99 (GBP) down from £30.99.

Ancient Amuletor Blossom Dance 01

Ancient Amuletor

Ancient Amuletor is a fun way to kill a few hours, with some simple, intuitive combat and enough interesting innovations to keep it fresh. Along with the lovely graphics making it nice to look at. Sadly though, the title lacks depth and longevity with only four levels and no particular incentive to reply. The developers have mentioned that some DLC is in the works, though, which could redeem this title above a simple, casual time-killer.” – Read VRFocus’ Staff Writer Rebecca Hills-Duty review of Ancient Amuletor here.

Ancient Amuletor is currently on sale for £6.49 (GBP) down from £14.99 with a demo available as well.

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Mortal Blitz

Enter the shoes of ‘Yuhei’ ex- F.O.R.C.E. (governmental elite soldiers), and fight in missions to stop the evil plans of the Dominion’s Teratoma Destruction Plan. With arcade gameplay and gun shooting, Mortal Blitz is a fast paced VR action shooter experience that will see you battling against the odds to stop the villain.

Mortal Blitz is now only £7.99 (GBP) which is half price off, down from £15.99.

VR_Karts

VR Karts

Get behind the wheel and feel the speed and thrill of kart racing in VR with this title. Customize your kart however you like and race against other players in this colorful and family-friendly racing title designed specifically for VR. With support for up to six players to compete against each other in heated races, will you be able to take first place and leave the rest in the dust.

VR Karts is available for only £9.49 (GBP) which is a little more then half price down from £19.99.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim screenshot

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR

“The achievement made by The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR is one by way of both hardware and design to capitalise upon this. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR’s level of immersion is simply fantastic, and while Bethesda Softworks could well have gone the route of DOOM VFR and created a shorter spin-off experience, developing a brand new The Elder Scrolls instalment specifically for VR would have taken many years and far too much in the way of resources for what is still a nascent audience. As it stands some may find the price point of the videogame a bitter pill to swallow, but for those who dreamed of a truly immersive role-playing experience, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR is simply the best opportunity available today.” – Read VRFocus’ Editor Kevin Joyce’s review of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR here.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR is £34.39 (GBP) down from the usual price of £49.99.

CastleStorm_1

CastleStorm VR Edition

“Get ready to raze castles and conquer your rivals in CastleStorm VR, an exciting new take on the tower-defense action-RPG phenomenon! Experience CastleStorm, a super genre mashup of 2D physics destruction mashed with a tower defense brawler, in full VR that catapults you onto the battlefield. Throw yourself into the heat of battle as you pit knights, soldiers, archers and even griffins against formidable foes in castle vs. castle combat!”

CastleStorm VR Edition is currently on sale for £4.99 (GBP) down from £11.99.

EndSpace-Oculus-VideoCoverArt-2560x1440

End Space

“Take command of the most advanced starfighter the United Trade Consortium has ever developed in stunning virtual reality as you battle for control of the Tartarus sector. Protect the UTC’s secret jump-drive technology from the Tartarus Liberation Front insurgents as you fight to maintain the corporation’s dominance and earn yourself fame and fortune in the process.”

End Space is currently only £7.39 (GBP) on sale from £15.99.

Eagle Flight

Expereince the joy of flying through the air as Eagle Flight sends you to the skies of Paris to feel the freedom of flying. Set fifty years after humans vanished from the face of the Earth, wildlife and nature have reclaimed the land and now, flying through the skies with complete freedom, is you. Complete with multiplayer that will get the adrenaline rush going, Eagle Flight is an immersive experience unlike any other.

Eagle Flight is available for only £14.99 (GBP) right now on sale from £34.99.

That is all for this week but remember that VRFocus collates all the best sales and cheap deals every weekend, so check back next weekend at the same time to discover more.

Something for the Weekend: Steam Spreads Some Luna Love

The weekend is supposed to be a time of rest, you end up doing chores and things yes but ultimately it’s the two days of the week where you are more likely to meet friends or family, sit back, relax, chill and do the things that you want to do. Yes, something usually will get in the way but to heck with that! So something for you this weekend. 

Steam are, naturally enough, all for this espsecially when they’ve got a sale on for the Lunar New Year. You didn’t know it was the Lunar New Year? Well it is. The Year of the Dog incidentally, and Steam are celebrating with a sale. (Naturally.) Today’s selection of virtual reality (VR) titles picked by VRFocus come from it and for the most part the promotional prices end when the sale does after February 19th 2018. So check out the below and maybe save some cash on something good.

Project CARS 2Project CARS 2

Compatibility: HTC Vive and Oculus Rift

Less of a straight racing videogame than a realistic driving simulator, Project Cars 2 lets players experience what driving is like not just on smooth tarmac race tracks, but also on ice, dirt and mud with the addition of other modes such as rallycross and touring races all of which use realistic physics models to make the experience as close to reality as possible.

Project CARS 2 is currently half price, at £22.49 (GBP) rather than the usual £44.99.

Keep Talking and Nobody ExplodesKeep Talking and Nobody Explodes

Compatibility: HTC Vive and Oculus Rift

Woukd you trust your friends with your life? Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes revolves around one player in VR who’s got a bomb to diffuse, there’s just one problem – how to actually do it. Each bomb is made up of several panels, with wires, dials, timers, codes, symbols and more to figure out. To do this players in the real world have a manual explaining how each particular puzzle works, and it’s only through cooperation and teamwork that avoids everything going boom!

The ultimate test of friendship has a whopping 60% off at present and is available on Steam for a mere £4.39 (GBP) rather than £10.99.

Space Pirate TrainerSpace Pirate Trainer

Compatibility: Windows Mixed Reality, HTC Vive and Oculus Rift

“In the case of Space Pirate Trainer the title has built up a pedigree and fan following for one simple reason, playability. Its design and gameplay mechanics aren’t overly difficult or complicated to learn – which is why it’s great as an introductory experience for new VR players – yet for seasoned pros Space Pirate Trainer offers that old school arcade action of ever bigger and more elaborate attacks that try to whittle those lives away as you try to beat your highscore.” – Read VRFocus‘ Senior Writer Peter Graham’s review of Space Pirate Trainer here.

You can purchase the title on Steam at 34% off, for £7.25 (GBP) rather than £10.99.

superhot vr - first screenshots 8SUPERHOT VR

Compatibility: Windows Mixed Reality, HTC Vive and Oculus Rift

SUPER… HOT. SUPER… HOT. SUPER… HOT! Time moves when you move in this popular videogame for VR and non-VR alike. Survive pristine white rooms filled with vivid red enemies as the air becomes thick with bullet tracer.

You’ve until February 19th to get 25% off of SUPERHOT VR, bringing the price down to £14.24 (GBP) from £18.99.

BattlezoneBattlezone

Compatibility: HTC Vive and Oculus Rift

“Straight from the off, Battlezone lets you know what it is and what you’ll be doing – if you’ve managed to avoid coverage like this. There are no fancy intro screens, video’s, or elongated fluff to wade through, as soon as the videogame starts you’re sat in a hulking tank with lights, screens, levers and all sorts dotted around you. Everything feels and looks solid, giving an overwhelming sense of power and control at your finger tips. The tank design is highly stylized, especially the environments, but the inside isn’t too OTT that this couldn’t be some futuristic concept vehicle.” –  Read our Battlezone review here.

Rebellion have slapped a hefty discount of 66% off on Battlezone, so make sure you buy it now at £10.19 (GBP) rather than the usual cost of £29.99.

Unvierse Sandbox 2Universe Sandbox ²

Compatibility: HTC Vive and Oculus Rift

An Early Access title, this sequel to Giant Army’s popular space simulator is bringing VR support this time around.

“Universe Sandbox ² is a physics-based space simulator that allows you to create, destroy, and interact on an unimaginable scale. It merges real-time gravity, climate, collision, and material interactions to reveal the beauty of our universe and the fragility of our planet.”

If you fancy a bit of playing God with the galaxy (or beyond it) you can for £14.24 (GBP) 25% off its usual price of £18.99.

I Expect You To DieI Expect You To Die

Compatibility: HTC Vive and Oculus Rift

The spy’s the limit in this VR title that puts you in the shoes of a sterotypical secret agent dealing with situations straight out of the genre from the fifties and sixties. With surprises around every corner and the odds stacked against you it’s only a matter of time before you perish. Or is it?

I Expect You To Die is on sale through Steam for the slightly odd price of £11.39 rather than £18.99. A 40% discount.

Sports Bar VR - checkersSports Bar VR

Compatibility: HTC Vive and Oculus Rift

Casual pub game simulator Sports Bar VR was a PlayStation VR launch title that received a fair amount of acclaim upon release and has since been ported to Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. It has enjoyed regular updates since launch, with new mini-games and features being added, such as the addition of a jukebox, updates to multiplayer game-finding features and video streaming capability.

Another specifically for the Lunar New Year sale, which gives 50% off the regular £14.99 (GBP) price to give you a sale value of £7.49.

Raw Data

Compatibility: HTC Vive and Oculus Rift

Raw Data puts the player in the role of part of the Resistance, who are seeking to bring down the corrupt Eden Corporation, who in the future of 2271, control much of the world. The player can choose from several types of heroes, including Saija the Cyber-Ninja, Bishop the Gun Cleric, or Boss the Street Merc.

Raw Data is on sale now for 30% off its usual price of £29.99 (GBP).

The Solus Project

Compatibility: HTC Vive and Oculus Rift

“Many virtual reality (VR) users are waiting for in-depth experiences which have expansive worlds and tell rich, absorbing, immersive stories. VR is perfectly place to get players involved in an entirely new world, and that’s what The Solus Project aims to do… The first thing that becomes apparent is the atmosphere. Bleak, eerie and uninviting is the surface of the unknown alien planet upon which you find yourself marooned.” Read

The title is available on Steam at present for £7.49 as opposed to £14.99.

Something for the New Year

Christmas is past, and many people no doubt peeked under the Christmas tree to find a shiny new PlayStation VR waiting for them, some of which may well have been obtained during Black Friday, judging by the listed sales figures.

For those looking to spend their gift money on some titles for their new PlayStation VR, or veteran owners looking for a good deal, all could do worse than to cast an eye over these end-of-year deals on the PlayStation Store.

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

A riotous VR party game. One person is ensconced in VR, looking at a bomb about to go off. Another person, out of VR, has the instructions. Players have to learn to quickly and effectively communicate, or… well… kaboom.

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is available for £5.79, a 51% discount.

Tethered

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Players of Tethered are placed in the role of a spirit guardian who is trying to release other guadians who have been trapped by evil energy. To do this, players must solve puzzles and gather resources from across the beautiful hand-painted islands with the help of loyal servants, the ‘peeps’ who can be sent to do certain tasks to help you in your goal.

Tethered is available for £7.39, a 61% discount.

Thumper

Fast-paced rhythm game Thumper was a launch title for the PlayStation VR. Gameplay involves steering a small ship through a course filled with psychedelic colour, moving always with the beat of the music, which gradually becomes increasingly complex.

Thumper is available for £6.49, a 59% discount.

RIGS: Mechanised Combat League

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One of the PlayStation VR’s earliest contenders for an eSports title, RIGS: Mechanised Combat League is a first-person arena shooter where players take control of powerful robotic battlers to take part in a futuristic sport that mixes elements of combat, motorsport, basketball and football.

RIGS: Mechanised Combat League is available for £11.99, a 52% discount.

Windlands

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This puzzle-platform title from Psytec Games is expecting a sequel at some point in 2018, so now is a good chance to experience the original. Players need to plot a route through a stylised, hard-angled landscape by running, jumping or swinging using a grappling hook. The result is a system that is easy to learn, but tricky to master.

Windlands is available for £7.39, a 61% discount.

Battlezone

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Scarcely needing an introduction is Rebellion’s VR remake of the classic 1980s Atari title where you take control of a Tron-inspired tank and go around shooting other tanks and enemy towers to bits. The developers regularly introduce updates, so there’s often a new challenge to take on.

Battlezone is available for £9.99, a 71% discount.

Weeping Doll

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Dark winter nights are perfect for some horror in VR. Weeping Doll is a dark, story-based experience that challenges players to explore various creepy environments and solve tricky puzzles as a sinister doll, fueled by all the negative thoughts of an abused child seeks to take revenge on the parents responsible.

Weeping Doll is available for £3.29, a 58% discount.

Headmaster

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Want to improve your football skills? (Or soccer skills, for our American readers), then Headmaster is here to help. With a framing device of an unexpectedly prison-like ‘Football Improvement Centre’, the player is subjected to several lessons aimed at improving various football skills, including an option to engage in 6-player local multiplayer in a ‘pass-and-play’ high score challenge.

Headmaster is available for £7.39, a 53% discount.

The Assembly

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British development studio nDreams had its first big-budget VR title with the release of puzzle-based adventure The Assembly, which combines a relatively simple gameplay with a series of moral dilemmas as players explore a mysterious underground bunker.

The Assembly is available for £9.79, a 51% discount.

PlayStation VR Worlds

For those who have purchased, or been given, a new PlayStation VR and are unsure what genre of type of videogame to try first, there is the option of getting a compilation title such as PlayStation VR Worlds, which offers a variety of VR experiences to try, including the highly praised ‘The London Heist‘.

PlayStation VR Worlds is available for £11.99, a 52% discount.