Coatsink Suspects You’ll Like Oculus Go Launch Title They Suspect Nothing

Developer Coatsink Software have announced their newest title coming to the upcoming Oculus Go in the form of virtual reality (VR) videogame They Suspect Nothing.

They Suspect Nothing Screenshot01

Already revealed as a launch title for the Oculus Go earlier in the week, the title now has more details that help to give an idea of what sort of gameplay players can expect from this title. The title will put players in the shoes of the last human on earth with the task of infiltrating a robot-only society by completing a series of bizarre human detection tests. Assuage suspicion with machine-like efficiency as you conduct open part surgery, pilot a drone, manage rush hour in an explosives plant and even instigate armageddon in a cataclysm simulator and eight other ridiculous and entertaining experiences.

They Suspect Nothing has twelve humorous mini-games with three difficulty settings to test a players dexterity, perception and logic that you will need to use to ‘prove you’re metal’ and confirm there’s nothing suspicious about you at all. With a customization robot avatar with local profiles and leaderboards players can compete to see who is the best, utilizing a ‘pass and play’ gameplay feature thanks to the Oculus Go. Once more the whole title is voiced with a cast of interesting actors including the award winning actor Jim Broadbent.

They Suspect Nothing Screenshot02

Recently this week VRFocus‘ Senior Writer Peter Graham was able to get hands-on with the Oculus Go at the Game Developer Conference saying: “…for this brief first look Oculus Go certainly offers a compelling VR experience. It may not offer roomscale, inside-out tracking like Vive Focus but for $199 there’s already plenty of tech built in. If standalone devices like Oculus Go become popular the days of plugging a phone into a HMD may be numbered.”

They Suspect Nothing will be able at launch for the Oculus Go and will also be coming to the Samsung Gear VR. Though no set release date has been announced you can expect the title to drop later this year in Spring. A trailer is available to watch below.

VRFocus will be sure to bring you all the latest on They Suspect Nothing and Oculus Go in the future so make sure to stay tuned for more.

December 22, 2017

The Best Gear VR Games of 2017

We’re at the end of the second (calendar) year where virtual reality (VR) head mounted displays (HMDs) have been commercially available. And whilst the majority of talk when discussing both the past, specifically that of 2017 as a whole, and of the future for VR going into 2018 has been about the PC based HMDs like HTC Vive and Oculus Rift and console VR in the form of the PlayStation VR that doesn’t mean smartphone-based HMDs don’t still have a place in the conversation.

Whilst the Samsung Gear VR is the elder stateman of commercial VR, and arguably of this generation as a whole it isn’t done yet. And whilst some would have you believe that it is purely of use for 360 degree video those with a Gear VR controller would likely in turn ask them what on Earth they were talking about.

For this year in review we’re going to be taking a look back at some of the best videogame titles VRFocus has come across during 2017 for Samsung’s headset. Who knows, you may see something that you want to get to experience on your own Gear VR. Please note the below are in no particular order of importance or recommendation, but do feel free to check them out.

Augmented Empire

It would have been quite impossible to do this list and not include the title from Coatsink Software, best known in VR circles for their work on Esper and Esper 2. Featuring a top notch voice acting cast and a tight script, Augmented Empire is a strategy role-playing game (RPG) that takes you, effectively, into a VR diorama from which the story of the
island of New Savannah and the dramas caused by a society split through a rigid class system plays out.

Augmented_Empire_Screenshot_3

SBK VR

If you are a racer at heart then it might not be four wheels you should be considering on the Gear VR but two. The 2016 FIM Superbike World Championship came to VR in the form of SBK VR, complete with official licences for all the bikes riders and circuits. So, if you’re a Kawasaki fan, you’re sorted. Ducati? No problem. Honda? Yamaha? All there. The game comprises three modes: Quick Race and Time Trial, both of which are self-explanatory, with the third being Championship mode. Races here even containing qualifying sessions – although they are skippable. Almost surprisingly good in its immersion this is one racer well worth checking out.

SBK VR header

Spark of Light

Let there be light – Spark of Light, that is. A wave shooter from Dutch developer Pillow’s Willow VR Studio, Spark of Light is also available on a number of other HMDs, and recently featured in the reveal of the Vive Focus. On Gear VR though it remains a gem, with our only real criticism being that we’d have liked a lot more of it. A casual puzzler, in Spark of Light you take on the roles Nerow, a boy who lives with his sister in a magical land. Things are perfectly fine until the sun is stolen by the Moth King. It’s up to Nerow to use light to not only solve puzzles but bring it back to his world as a whole.

Spark Of Light 05

Skylight

When you’ve got a Gear VR title from the developer of Darknet and Tactera, E McNeill, you have an expectation that it will be something special – and VRFocus was very pleased to find that Skylight (which we gave a full five stars to in our review) lives up to the expectation. A turn-based strategy videogame, in Skylight you’ve got to control an armada of spaceships through a series of increasingly challenging levels. How you lay out your armada is up to you, capital ships, frigates, fighters, each have their own strategic strengths and weaknesses. Can you balance them all and lead your fleet to victory? With thirty missions in the single player mode and multiplayer too you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied.

Skylight - SS6

Term1nal

From one sci-fi title to another now but leaping from the strategy genre to stealth in the form of cybercrime videogame Term1nal. From Force Field VR, the makers of Oculus Rift title Landfall, Term1nal follows the story of Flynn Lightman. A hacker specialising in remotely controlling androids from the safety of his secret hide-out. Hired to infiltrate STRIDE Industries, a data security and advanced robotics company, Lightman takes control of one of STRIDE’s prototype android’s and delves into the depths of the facility alongside an over enthusiastic robot dog. Part third-person stealth title, part puzzle videogame, Term1nal‘s story blurs the line between organic and synthetic.

Term1nal - Screenshot3

November 24, 2017

Coatsink Partners with Fierce Kaiju on Secretive VR Project, Expected 2018 Release

Coatsink Software, creators of the Esper series, Augmented Empire (2017) and A Night Sky (2017), announced they’re collaborating with Viral series creators Fierce Kaiju on a new VR project scheduled for release in 2018.

Information is still thin on the ground about the project, with no real idea of what to expect at this time genre-wise. There’s no official word on what target platform is lined up either, which as far as announcements go is a fairly strange occurrence. With the upcoming $200 Oculus Go headset around the corner, there’s bound to be a few launch titles worth boasting about, although that’s only healthy speculation. Either way, judging by the pedigree of both studios, whatever results is sure to be worthwhile.

“We’re thrilled to be collaborating with such a talented team – and the creators one of our office game night favourites, Viral Quarantine. We can’t wait to show VR fans what we have planned.” said Eddie Beardsmore, COO, Coatsink

“Fierce Kaiju are very pleased to be working with our friends at Coatsink on an all new co-developed VR title. Both Fierce Kaiju and Coatsink have created pioneering VR projects and we have a lot of respect for the Coatsink team and their achievements. We’re building something very special and we can’t wait to reveal more in due course,” Paul Colls, Creative Director and Co-Founder, Fierce Kaiju.

We’ll be following the development of the project, so check back for more soon.

The post Coatsink Partners with Fierce Kaiju on Secretive VR Project, Expected 2018 Release appeared first on Road to VR.

November 23, 2017

Coatsink and Fierce Kaiju Collaborate on Secretive Original VR IP

If you happen to own a Samsung Gear VR – there are a few million out there – then you may have come across the creations of British developers Coatsink Software or Fierce Kaiju, who have created title like Augmented Empire, Esper/Esper 2 or the Viral series respectively. Well today the pair have announced work on a new virtual reality (VR) title, although they’re still keeping quiet on the details.

Currently VRFocus hasn’t been given a name for the project, platform, screenshots, story, or any of the other usual facts that make up a news article, increasing the interest in this highly secretive project.

Coatsink-Logo-Stacked-RGB-Black

In a statement the two studios commented:

“We’re thrilled to be collaborating with such a talented team – and the creators one of our office game night favorites, Viral Quarantine. We can’t wait to show VR fans what we have planned,” said Eddie Beardsmore, COO, Coatsink.

“Fierce Kaiju are very pleased to be working with our friends at Coatsink on an all new co-developed VR title. Both Fierce Kaiju and Coatsink have created pioneering VR projects and we have a lot of respect for the Coatsink team and their achievements. We’re building something very special and we can’t wait to reveal more in due course,” said Paul Colls, Creative Director and Co-Founder, Fierce Kaiju.

Via email VRFocus tried to glean a few more answers with Colls answering some of the questions:

When did the collaboration begin? – We got the ball rolling at the start of October, earlier this year.
Is this a new original IP or an expansion/twist on another? – It’s an entirely new and original IP.
What makes this project different from your other VR titles? – We’re aiming to create an entirely unique experience with a few familiar touches. We’re looking at ways to make the space you inhabit and the content you play come together in ways that haven’t been previously explored. With our friends at Coatsink we’re planning to put down foundations for a new IP with limitless possibilities, encouraging the player to come back again and again to exciting new content.
When are we likely to hear more? – We reckon we’ll be ready to share more early in the new year, and we can’t wait to do so.

And that’s your lot. If VRFocus had to bet on any details it would be the possibility that the title would support Gear VR due to previous releases. When Coatsink and Fierce Kaiju make another announcement VRFocus will let you know.

November 22, 2017

Coatsink Releases A Night Sky: Night of the Emperors Update

Augmented Empire developer Coatsink Software released its relaxing, star gazing experience A Night Sky back in March, and since then has released five additional content packs for players to purchase. Today, the studio has announced its sixth and final update to the videogame, Night of the Emperors.

Due to the time of year A Night Sky: Night of the Emperors is a holiday themed update where players can chill out with a family of playful penguins, enjoying a new mini-game, new characters, and the Northern Lights.

A night sky Pack 6 Screenshot_2

The new update is available to purchase on its own for £0.79, $0.99 and €0.99 if you’ve already bought the other five packs. Or for a limited time Coatsink will be offering all six updates in one bundle priced at £2.99 GBP, $3.99 USD and €3.99 EUR.

Here’s a quick roundup of the other five updates:

Pack 1 – Night of the Dragon
- Indulge an owl, defy a dragon and conduct a kaleidoscope of butterflies in Night of the Dragon.
Pack 2 – Night of the Golem
- Drawn to the glow of your campfire, a young golem has settled on an outcrop nearby. Night of the Golem introduces new reactions and a lively, inquisitive companion.

Pack 3 – Night of the Kraken
- Confront the scourge of the stormy seas in Night of The Kraken, introducing a gigantic new creature, new animations, and a target range mini-game.
Pack 4 – Night of the Phoenix
- Arise from the cinders to the stratosphere in Night of the Phoenix, introducing a new musical mini-game, unique animations and a fiery new companion.

Pack 5 – Night of the Martians
- Prepare for a close encounter in Night of the Martians, introducing a giant extra-terrestrial ship, new animations and a hide-and-seek mini-game. Relax… They come in peace.

For those that haven’t tried A Night Sky on Samsung Gear VR, Coatsink Animator Emma Hollingsworth explains on the Oculus Blog: With A Night Sky, we wanted to create an accessible and charming introduction to VR that newcomers could pick up and immediately understand and play. This meant intuitive controls with detailed and captivating animations. We also wanted to push the humor in our animations and make sure there’s always a new character or amusing detail to discover around the next corner.”

VRFocus will continue its coverage of Coatsink Software, reporting back with the latest announcements.

November 19, 2017

The VR Job Hub: It’s a UK Focused Selection of Vacancies

It’s Sunday and if you’re perusing VRFocus’ latest selection of jobs in the virtual reality (VR) industry then it’s likely that you’re not looking forward to Monday. Never fret though, if you’ve got the skills, knowhow and tenacity to succeed then you’ll be wanting to send your CV to these companies right away.

View the new listings below for more information:

Location	Company	Role	Link
Sunderland, UK	Coatsink Software	Management Assistant	Click here to apply
Sunderland, UK	Coatsink Software	HR Administrator	Click here to apply
Sunderland, UK	Coatsink Software	VFX Artist	Click here to apply
Sunderland, UK	Coatsink Software	3D Artist	Click here to apply
Sunderland, UK	Coatsink Software	Game Designer	Click here to apply
Sunderland, UK	Coatsink Software	Programmer	Click here to apply
Bristol, UK	Opposable	Bristol VR Lab Assistant	Click here to apply
Bristol, UK	Opposable	3D Modeller & Animator	Click here to apply
Bristol, UK	Opposable	VFX and Game Unity Programmer	Click here to apply
Bristol, UK	Opposable	Multiplayer Networking, VR hardware, API Integration Unity Developer	Click here to apply

As usual, you can check last week’s edition for further job listings. If you are an employer looking for someone to fill a role in a VR, AR or other related areas in the industry and want that position to be featured on next week’s VR Job Hub, please send details to either pgraham@vrfocus.com or keva@vrfocus.com.

Check back with VRFocus next Sunday at 3PM BST and every Sunday for the latest roles in the VR industry.

July 21, 2017

Review: Augmented Empire

With literally millions of users across the world, the Samsung Gear VR is by far the most popular head-mounted display (HMD) out there – not including cheap and cheerful Google Cardboard – and one of the platform’s most ardent supporters has been British indie developer Coatsink Software. You might not have heard of the company but if you own the headset it’s more than likely you’ll have come across one of it’s videogames, Esper, Esper 2 or A Night Sky. Adding to this roster is Augmented Empire, a strategy role-playing game (RPG) that continues Coatsink’s quality record on Gear VR.

Augmented Empire’s story revolves around an island called New Savannah, an isolated neo-noir metropolis whose society has been divided into three tiers by the ‘Citizen Grade System’, with citizens deemed of high value to society living an opulent lifestyle at the soaring heights of the city, while those seen as less savoury have to live their lives in the squalid depth’s. For the most part you play a girl called Willa, who had worked her way to these upper echelons of society, only to find it all come crashing down in an instant.

Augmented Empire Screenshot 1 exclusive

Featuring an overhead viewpoint and grid-based movement mechanic, Augmented Empire’s gameplay will feel very familiar to anyone who’s played XCOM or its sequel. The layout Coatsink has gone for is tabletop in design, meant to represent a holographic display. As such, apart from the main hub which is an office – you actually play a non-speaking robot in a detective agency – from where you select which level to play and the various upgrade options, the actual gameplay levels only take up one area in front of you, so there’s no need to look around as the rest of the space is redundant.

This means your always looking down at the same area – a bit of a shame for immersive VR – which can lead to some neck strain after longer play sessions. On the flip side it means you can comfortably play Augmented Empire whilst relaxing on the sofa (which is no bad thing).

And long play sessions you certainly will have, as the title is entirely engrossing. Whether using the touchpad or a Bluetooth controller (recommended), the mechanics of Augmented Empire are really easy and fluid to use. Characters have an allotted amount of action uses – two on average – which you can use to move, shoot or both depending on their particular traits. There’s also a wealth of other options to be unlocked, with grenades, healing, taunting, headshot and more. As you delve deeper into the videogame you’ll unlock a bunch of characters, turning it into a team management experience. So as you upgrade them, choosing the right person for the job becomes an important factor – although certain levels do have fixed selections to compliment the storyline.

Augmented Empire screenshot5

And while Augmented Empire is great fun to play, Coatsink has ensured it’s not a hollow experience, with a rich story and voice acting. In its quintessentially British style, the studio brought in the voice talents of Kate Mulgrew (Orange is the New Black, Star Trek Voyager); Doug Cockle (The Witcher Series); Garrick Hagon (Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, Horizon: Zero Dawn) and Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Paul), helping take the mood from dramatic to quirky humour.

The title takes a different direction to Coatsink’s other projects for Samsung Gear VR and that’s no bad thing. Augmented Empire is a refreshing change from all the first-person shooters (FPS) on Gear VR, offering gunplay, tactics, upgrade options, and a wonderful visual style. In fact it’s a shame the videogame is just for Gear VR, because at points you’ll really want to lean in and explore the world – which you can’t – so here’s hoping for a high-end headset version.

100%

Awesome

Verdict

July 5, 2017

Hands-on: ‘Augmented Empire’ is an Engaging, Story-Driven Tactical RPG for Gear VR

At this year’s E3, we got a chance to go hands-on with Augmented Empire, a narrative-driven tactical RPG coming exclusively to Gear VR on July 13th. Created by Coatsink, the studio known for the Esper series and Gang Beasts (2016), the action plays out on a tiled game board displayed as an augmented reality diorama.

Looking at the little dollhouse-sized diorama set before me on top of a virtual desk in my virtual hideout, it’s amazing just how much detail Coatsink was able to pack into a Gear VR title. While I’m willing to admit that miniature objects always look better in VR because of the perceived bump in detail, I just can’t help but admire the game not only from a technical aspect, but from a level design one too. Telling from the 30-minute demo I had, I can say I’ve certainly seen less-appealing visuals on more graphically-capable headsets like Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.

Simply put, the game doesn’t bite off more than it can chew technically and fills in the gaps with what I’d consider to be an engaging story—something that’s currently pretty rare on mobile VR platforms.

Oozing with a neo-noir atmosphere, you’re tasked with controlling 6 misfits across the world’s three castes, a social system simply called the “Citizen Grade System.” And it’s not an upstairs-downstairs comedy either; high society types live in luxury at the summit in complete ignorance of the world below, and the world’s outliers and criminals live in Detritum, a cockroach-filled ghetto at the island’s depths.

Using gaze-based controls and the Gear VR’s touchpad, I maneuvered a little 3-inch avatar through an interesting story about a mother tracking down her long-abandoned high-caste daughter. Turn-based actions let me sneak past guards, shoot them, and hide from their direct line of sight as they tried to stop me with bullets. Each room was filled with items I needed to go forward, including scrap metal that you can forge into customizable parts for weapons.

At the end of the demo, I was then given my god’s-eye-view control over the daughter, who making her way through the criminal underworld reveals just how depraved society can be. I would put dialogue somewhere between ‘PG-13’ and ‘R’.

I was told by CEO Tom Beardsmore that each ‘episode’ would last around 20-30 minutes, and the entire multi-episode game would be comprised by hundreds of hours of voice overs from established actors such as Kate Mulgrew (Orange is the New Black, Star Trek Voyager), Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz), Doug Cockle (The Witcher Series), and Garrick Hagon (Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, Horizon: Zero Dawn).

In fact, there is so much dialogue, users will have to download the game in discrete batches, otherwise risk taking up too much space on their smartphones.

“With a strong focus on story and deep but accessible gameplay, we wanted to give Gear VR gamers an extraordinary experience. We’re thrilled with the calibre of talent involved in Augmented Empire” said Beardsmore.

After a hectic day at E3 of walking, writing and interviewing, sitting down with Augmented Empire was an exceedingly relaxing experience as I dialed into the drama and action before me, albeit pint-sized. I was promised that my decisions, chosen via the game’s dialogue tree system, would allow for multiple endings and hours of gameplay. I’ll be looking forward to checking out Augmented Empire in my review when it launches next week, and hope the tactical ‘cover-and-shoot’ system can hold my attention even if Kathryn Janeway from Star Trek: Voyager (1995) and Ed from Shaun of the Dead (2004) are personally charming additions.

The post Hands-on: ‘Augmented Empire’ is an Engaging, Story-Driven Tactical RPG for Gear VR appeared first on Road to VR.

June 30, 2017

Augmented Empire Coming to Samsung Gear VR Next Month

A few days ago Coatsink Software revealed new details about its upcoming virtual reality (VR) role-playing game (RPG) Augmented Empire, detailing the stellar voice cast as well as a couple of new screenshots. Well the indie studio has more news to share today, announcing that the VR title will launch next month, exclusive to Samsung Gear VR.

Augmented Empire takes place on an island called New Savannah, set in an isolated neo-noir metropolis whose society has been divided into three tiers by the ‘Citizen Grade System’, with citizens deemed of high value to society living an opulent lifestyle at the soaring heights of the city, while those seen as less savoury have to live their lives in the squalid depth’s.

Augmented Empire VO Final Characters 02

The videogame mixes up RPG elements with turn-based action. It’ll feature 26 missions across 60 environments which the studio says should provide around 10 plus hours of gameplay. There will be six characters to control, each of which will be upgradable.

As previously reported voicing some of the characters are: Kate Mulgrew (Orange is the New Black, Star Trek Voyager); Doug Cockle (The Witcher Series); Garrick Hagon (Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, Horizon: Zero Dawn) and Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Paul).

Augmented Empire will be available to purchase for Samsung Gear VR on 13th July 2017 for $9.99 USD, £7.99 GBP and €9.99 EUR.

Checkout the new launch trailer below. For the latest updates from Coatsink Software keep reading VRFocus.

June 26, 2017

Coatsink Unveil Premium Voice Cast for Augmented Empire on Gear VR

Fans of British indie studio Coatsink Software and its mobile titles such as Esper/Esper 2 and A Night Sky will likely be looking forward to the developer’s next project for Samsung Gear VR, Augmented Empire. Today Coatsink has announced the voice talent roster for the upcoming cyberpunk virtual reality (VR) role-playing game (RPG), building a tradition of quality participants in its projects.

Four actors have been revealed: Kate Mulgrew (Orange is the New Black, Star Trek Voyager); Doug Cockle (The Witcher Series); Garrick Hagon (Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, Horizon: Zero Dawn) and making his return having been in Esper 2 is Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Paul).

Augmented Empire Screenshot 2 exclusive

Featuring a simple look-and-click control scheme, whereby players control characters though top-down worlds, putting them in cover, moving them to flanking positions, and shooting enemies, Augmented Empire takes players to an isolated neo-noir city, set on an island called New Savannah. This futuristic metropolis has a society divided into three tiers by the ‘Citizen Grade System’, with citizens deemed of high value to society living an opulent lifestyle at the soaring heights of the city, while those seen as less savoury have to live their lives in the squalid depth’s.

VRFocus got to preview the videogame during the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2017, saying: “Even from this short demo the whole feel of Augmented Empire felt taught and engaging. Nothing glitched or suddenly didn’t function, and the mix between action and strategy was spot on.”

Augmented Empire will launch exclusively on Samsung Gear VR this summer along with Gear VR controller support. Checkout the two exclusive screenshots (above/below) and for any further updates from Coatsink Software, keep reading VRFocus.

Augmented Empire Screenshot 1 exclusive