FitXR Review: Two Hooks Forward, One Jab Back For This Decent VR Workout

BoxVR just got updated to FitXR on Oculus Quest. But are all the changes for the better? Find out in our FitXR review!

BoxVR was once the go-to for my VR fitness routine. Truthfully, I’ve rarely found this workout app, which mixes Beat Saber with boxing, to be utterly exhausting but it’s always served as a welcome supplement to more intense exercise sessions, especially with the option to select marathon, 40+ minute playlists. And, like other good VR workout apps, simply playing the game is fun enough that the health benefits are almost incidental.

But the game also had some issues that, in these crucial recent months, pushed me towards more professional alternatives like, say, the subscription-based Supernatural or the more dynamic OhShape. This week, however, BoxVR transforms into FitXR, and brings with it some key changes. Some of those tweaks could put the game back into my schedule, though not everything here is an upgrade.

The core of FitXR remains the same. You’ll still be punching orbs to the same set of tracks as they arrive to the beat, racking up extra points based on the speed at which you throw your arms out. It’s a tried and true mechanic that, while perhaps not as deep or complex as other VR rhythm games, makes VR exercise instantly fun and accessible. Over time, developer FitXR says it will be launching new styles of activities to make the app a more rounded fitness platform. I’m excited to see what those possibilities are, though it’s a bit of a shame none of them are ready at launch to prove intent as, without it, FitXR doesn’t feel as varied a VR workout app as, say, OhShape. Plus, new exercises could have helped distract from some of the things the app loses in the update.

FitXR Review – Comfort

FitXR is a stationary game but, as with any other VR workout app, be mindful that you’ll be getting hot and sweaty with something stuck to your face. You might not feel sick but be sure not to overdo it, especially when playing in a hot room.

But the biggest upgrade here, at least in my mind, is what appears to be a slight tweak to one of the tougher elements of BoxVR. Along with your standard jab and cross hits, you also perform side-jabs and uppercuts. In the previous version of the game, these could be incredibly challenging to pull off accurately and, while mastering them provided some depth, missing these notes when you were sure you were pulling off the correct technique could be hugely demoralizing — not what you need in the middle of a workout. It might be the new visual style or tweaked mechanics, but this seems to be much less of an issue in FitXR. You’ll still need to plan ahead to make sure you’re hitting notes on time, but you shouldn’t be missing stray hooks and uppercuts anymore.

Those changes, combined with clearer indication of when and how to squat, can make FitXR a less-frustrating workout than its predecessor in some respects. That said the new combo system, which only counts towards a streak if you hit a note fast enough, can still detract from your enthusiasm. It’s meant to encourage you to give every punch your absolute all, but you’ll need a moment to reign it back in even in the shorter workouts, and punishing you for that isn’t right. There’s also some new guidance from a voice-over, which does give the app a little more personality if not any specific workout benefits. More helpful is the overhauled UI, which more easily lets you filter through playlists to quickly find sessions of the length and intensity you’re looking for.

FitXR Screenshot 2

Calorie counting, however, seems overly generous to say the least. After one nine-minute playlist, the in-game counter told me I had burned off 350 calories. I would expect to burn off that much in a 5K run across 30 minutes, so I’m pretty sure FitXR is being a bit over-eager here. I appreciate wanting to encourage progress but this counter seems misleading to me and you’d be better off with your own estimations.

The most troubling aspect of this update, though, is what’s been removed in the process. While I personally like the new studio, its dark aesthetic won’t be for everyone, and the original version of the game had three environments to choose from. This has just the one.

Also gone is the option to make custom playlists. BoxVR never had the most compelling tracklist, but the ability to create a workout to match your tempo was one of the game’s most welcome features, and its removal is truly confusing.

Multiplayer might be the worst-hit aspect, though. Technically, it’s not really multiplayer anymore. You can now jump into studios with other player’s ‘ghost data’ to see virtual avatars boxing alongside you. It’s great to have a visual representation of others with you in the room, which the previous multiplayer integration was missing. But there’s no longer any ‘live’ element to the multiplayer in this regard, meaning it’s no longer possible to specifically meet up with friends in-game and launch into workouts together. It’s a big shame I can’t pair up with someone else for a workout anymore; it may have been a rare use case but being able to challenge a friend in the same room as me at the same time — asking what each other’s combos were and trying to top that — provided great motivation.

FitXR Review Final Impressions

FitXR brings seemingly more forgiving gameplay and — for some — a nicer visual aesthetic to the BoxVR foundation, but has made some puzzling sacrifices in the transition. Loss of live multiplayer and custom playlists has us scratching our heads, and other players will miss past environments. Still, this boxing game remains a fun, if relatively light, workout experience but the bigger question concerns where FitXR will take the platform in the future. A robust platform with a diverse set of exercises could quickly transform FitXR into the definitive VR workout app. For now, it sits comfortably alongside its contemporaries.

3 STARS

FitXR Reviews Points 2


FitXR launches on Oculus Quest today as a free update for BoxVR owners (or $29.99). PSVR and SteamVR versions are planned for later this year. For more on how we arrived at this score, see our review guidelines. What did you mask of our FitXR review? Let us know in the comments below!

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The VR Job Hub: Draw & Code, Polyarc Games & FitXR

VR Job Hub

Every weekend VRFocus gathers together vacancies from across the virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) industry, in locations around the globe to help make finding that ideal job easier. Below is a selection of roles that are currently accepting applications across a number of disciplines, all within departments and companies that focus on immersive entertainment.

Location Company Role Link
Liverpool, UK Draw & Code Creative Producer Click Here to Apply
Seattle, WA Polyarc Games Principal Level Designer Click Here to Apply
Seattle, WA Polyarc Games Senior Level Designer Click Here to Apply
Seattle, WA Polyarc Games 3D Artist Click Here to Apply
Seattle, WA Polyarc Games Senior Environment Artist Click Here to Apply
Seattle, WA Polyarc Games Principal Audio Designer Click Here to Apply
Seattle, WA Polyarc Games Senior Animator Click Here to Apply
Seattle, WA Polyarc Games Game Server Engineer Click Here to Apply
Seattle, WA Polyarc Games Test Build Engineer Click Here to Apply
Seattle, WA Polyarc Games Social Media Manager Click Here to Apply
London, UK FitXR Engineering Manager Click Here to Apply
London, UK FitXR Head of Finance/Finance Director Click Here to Apply
London, UK FitXR Head of PR Click Here to Apply
London, UK FitXR Lead Engineer (Backend and Online Services) Click Here to Apply
London, UK FitXR Senior (VFX) Click Here to Apply
London, UK FitXR Senior Artist (VR and Gaming) Click Here to Apply
London, UK FitXR Senior Data Scientist Click Here to Apply

Don’t forget, if there wasn’t anything that took your fancy this week there’s always last week’s listings on The VR Job Hub to check as well.

If you are an employer looking for someone to fill an immersive technology related role – regardless of the industry – don’t forget you can send us the lowdown on the position and we’ll be sure to feature it in that following week’s feature. Details should be sent to Peter Graham (pgraham@vrfocus.com).

We’ll see you next week on VRFocus at the usual time of 3PM (UK) for another selection of jobs from around the world.

Review: FitXR

FitXR

When it comes to energetic virtual reality (VR) titles you’ve got a fair amount to choose from, even on Oculus Quest. But if you’re looking for an immersive workout, something tailored towards helping you stay healthy whilst not feeling like a chore that list does rapidly decrease. In this space VR fitness specialist, FitXR’s BoxVR videogame has made a name for itself, officially launching last year across a range of headsets. So why is VRFocus reviewing it now? Well, BoxVR has now been rebranded as the company name, FitXR, adding reworked visuals and new ways to keep you motivated. Plus we didn’t previously review the experience so now seemed like a good time.

FitXR

The core mechanics in FitXR haven’t changed from its former self. At its heart, this is a boxing workout providing a variety of sessions to suit most players, whether you want something long and gruelling or a quick blast to wake you up in the morning. What has changed is the fact that FitXR is more grown up, its developed a maturity over the last year, moving away from a boxing rhythm-action experience and into the realm of a professional virtual workout; sounding and looking the part in the process.

Gameplay is all about jabs, hooks and uppercuts with obstacles to make you squat or lean side to side so there is that element of a full body workout. To ensure these are actual workouts and not some casual videogame warmup where you’re waving your arms trying to burn calories FitXR has actually teamed up with fitness instructors. Not only to maximise the effectiveness of each session but to also pep you up if you’re flagging.

From FitXR’s virtual gym foyer you’re presented with three big screens with various ways of selecting a workout. The left hand screen promotes the ‘Class of the Day’ which tends to be the lighter, shorter workouts at around 10 minutes long. In the middle are the ‘Recommendations’ if you quickly want to dive into one of the classes and then the ‘Class List’ is the full selection, broken down so you can select the instructor, time, genre of music and intensity. The selection is decently varied but you will find certain combinations won’t work, for example a particular instructor might not be available under Electronic music for example.

FitXR

This precise approach means that customisation options are few and far between. There are additional music packs – payable DLC – if you want to expand the roster with more intense or rock tracks. However, there’s no way (that VRFocus could find) of adding your own music if you really prefer a particular style to keep you motived whilst training which seems like a glaring omission when compared to rivals in this field.

So with the selection available – there are over 100 tracks to be fair – what are the actual workouts like? As expected they’re quite the upper body session even on the moderate setting and 10 minutes in the sweat has easily kicked in and the arms are already beginning to tire; there was no chance of completing the really long 30+ minute workouts! What’s great is there’s no barrier to entry, most people know how to throw a punch or duck out the way so you don’t need to really learn anything, just simply keep up.

Like any rhythm-action title FitXR features a scoring and streak system to encourage you to hit the various targets in time and in succession, thus adding a replay factor to go back and improve. Miss or poorly time a punch and the streak will reset, so you have to build it back up. After numerous sessions there definitely seemed to be a discrepancy in the hit window as punches that were in time and correct should’ve landed but didn’t. It doesn’t remove the effectiveness of the training just infuriating when it happens.    

FitXR

There are solo and multiplayer modes, the latter adding in ghost characters to train with. Most noticeable is the instructor. Trying to bring a little of the real world into the training session, they’ll offer words of encouragement which can help if you’re properly flagging although for the most part it came across a little hammy. A digital avatar might improve that factor, pushing you on rather than a voice in your ear.

What does come in handy are the metrics showcasing stats like calories burnt and time played across the day, week and month. Great for those trying to keep track of their fitness and how much their VR regimen is working.

As an addition to your workout routine FitXR has plenty to offer. It’s like a drill instructor where everything is done by the book because the system is tried and tested. While the title doesn’t have the flair of Synth Riders or the sheer insanity that is Beat Saber’s Expert+ it can still hold its own in the VR fitness world, just make sure you have some sort of cover for Oculus Quest’s foam facial interface.  

Open Your Home Virtual Fitness Studio This Week With FitXR on Oculus Quest

FitXR

Fitness focused virtual reality (VR) studio FitXR has brought its energetic app BoxVR to numerous headsets over the last three years, the last being Oculus Quest. Later this week the videogame will see a major update rollout for the standalone headset, adding new features and changing its name to FitXR.

FitXR

The launch of FitXR aims to ‘capture the energy of live fitness classes’ notes the studio, building on its experience with BoxVR by providing over four hours of boxing-inspired workouts. Designed to accommodate beginner, intermediate and advanced users, the workouts have been choreographed by professional fitness instructors so you get a full-body session.

A new feedback system will make it seem like you have your own personal trainer plus the launch will also see three DLC packs made available. Enhanced multiplayer features will allow six people to take part in on-demand classes (either live players or ghost data). Then later this year different workout styles will arrive.

“With the launch of FitXR, we are ready to tackle the fitness industry head-on,” said Sameer Baroova, Co-founder of FitXR in a statement. “Traditional gym offerings can leave people unmotivated and at times intimidated – our new studio offers a virtual fitness solution that is versatile and effective in helping people reach their fitness goals, but still remains fun at its core. Fun workouts are the ones we stick with, and this was the real driving force in creating FitXR.”

FitXR

“The success of BoxVR has taught us that there is a massive public appetite for a fun and engaging way to work out that can be done from the comfort of your own home,” Baroova continues. “We know that people may not feel comfortable going back to public spaces and FitXR gives users the benefits of a group workout from home. The exciting thing about Virtual Reality fitness is that the possibilities really are endless – that is why VR is the future of fitness. We’re looking forward to the reaction from fans to the launch of FitXR, and can’t wait to add new styles of workout to the studio.”

FitXR will be released for Oculus Quest on 30th July 2020 as a free update for those that own BoxVR. FitXR‘s regular retail price will be $29.99 USD/£22.99 GBP. For further updates, keep reading VRFocus.

BoxVR Getting A Major Oculus Quest Upgrade To FitXR, New Visuals & Fixes

BoxVR is getting a major overhaul on Oculus Quest this week, even branding the title with a new name, FitXR.

Since its release on other headsets a few years back, BoxVR has provided a fun means of working out in VR, getting players to punch notes to the beat. That core gameplay remains in this update, but FitXR (which is the same name as its London-based developer) gives pretty much every other element of the game an overhaul. Check it out below.

For starters, you’ll notice a huge visual update. FitXR now has a futuristic-looking virtual gym, which looks much better than the rather blurry studio that appeared in the older version of the game. This includes an overhauled user-interface, too, which looks cleaner than the original and it’s easier to filter through different playlists.

FitXR also says the app will introduce new multiplayer features for group exercise. Up to seven players can take part in classes.

I’ve already tried a little bit of the experience and one area I want to touch on is the game’s feel. BoxVR always played pretty well, but one common complaint I saw for the game time and again (and experienced myself) was players missing side-jabs and uppercuts. They gave your workouts some variety, but missing these tricky targets was also hugely discouraging.

From what I can tell, it’s now much easier to hit those targets. It might be tweaked mechanics or just the clearer visual style giving better indication, but I’ve managed to pull off those hits far more consistently than I have in the past.

FitXR is launching July 30th on Quest. It’s a free update for existing BoxVR owners and costs $29.99 otherwise. You’ll also be able to carry your existing DLC to the game, too.

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BoxVR Developer FitXR Completes $7.5 Million Series A Round to Create new Fitness Products

BoxVR

Virtual reality (VR) fitness has become an important genre as consumers look for new and innovative ways of staying healthy at home. FitXR’s BoxVR is one of the biggest players in this ecosystem, with the studio announcing today that its has secured new investment to help expand its operations.

BoxVR

The round was led by Hiro Capital, with BoostVC, Maveron and TenOneTen Ventures also continuing support, seeing $6.3m in investment funding secured. A further $1.2m innovation loan was then added by Innovate UK.

The investment will see FitXR expand operations in Europe and North America whilst accelerating development of several new projects and services designed to help players stay active and healthy in VR.

“Over the last year, we have been redefining fitness and challenging people’s perceptions of what a fun and effective workout is, providing an alternative for people who want to keep fit but are unmotivated by the traditional fitness offerings,” said Sam Cole, co-founder of FitXR in a statement. “With BoxVR, we have captured the imaginations of players around the world and introduced them to a new form of exercise which is both immersive and enjoyable. We’re proud to partner with Hiro Capital who are leaders in the digital sports sector, and we look forward to breaking new boundaries with FitXR over the coming year.”

BoxVR

“Sam and his team are VR fitness heroes and impressive entrepreneurs. With the tech acceleration that has been happening in 2020 and the big changes in exercise and sports, FitXR is perfectly positioned to lead fitness in the Metaverse,” Luke Alvarez, Founding Managing Partner, Hiro Capital added. “At Hiro we are both gamers and sports/fitness nerds – as our second investment in digital sports and our third investment in VR/MR, FitXR is a perfect fit for our portfolio.”

BoxVR hit Early Access back in 2017 with an official launch then taking place last year. Supporting a wide range of headsets from Oculus Quest and PlayStation VR to PC VR headsets, the title offers a mixture of boxing-themed workouts to get your heart pumping. As FitXR reveals more details about its current projects, VRFocus will keep you updated.

BoxVR’s First DLC ‘Essentials Pack’ to Add new Songs & Workouts for Oculus Quest

As most people are having to stay indoors at the moment virtual reality (VR) is a great way to pass the time. For those that like to stay active titles like BoxVR are ideal for burning a few calories and Oculus Quest users are in luck, developer FitXR is about to release the first DLC next week, adding more content to help you stay healthy.

BoxVR

The new Essentials Pack adds 60 minutes of new music with a selection of genres from happy house to hard rock, which should suit most peoples tastes. FitXR has included a selection of new workouts to keep long term fans entertained.

“BoxVR continues to introduce people to a brand new way to work out which is immersive, accessible and most importantly fun. We’re really excited to bring the Essentials Pack to our dedicated and vast community of players, giving them new ways to enjoy BoxVR,” said Sameer Baroova, Co-founder of FitXR in a statement.

One of the launch day titles for Oculus Quest, BoxVR is a rhythm-action videogame offering energetic workouts based around boxing. Where you can jab. hook and uppercut your way through short intense workouts or longer sessions designed to test your stamina. It featured on VRFocus’ 10 Best Fitness Apps For A VR Workout alongside the likes of Beat Saber, Thrill of the Fight and Synth Riders.

BoxVR

Originally designed around a single-player experience FitXR has included a multiplayer aspect for a more competitive workout. Up to six people are able to tackle the same workout together, competing for the top score. Of course, you’re still able to track your progress across any of the modes, so you can see how many calories you’ve burned over time. You can also create your own workouts to mix things up.

BoxVR is available for multiple headsets, not just Oculus Quest. The “Essentials Pack” will be available for Oculus Quest from 26th March. For further updates on the latest fitness apps keep reading VRFocus.

Best Meta Quest 2 Fitness, Exercise And Workout Games [Updated Spring 2022]

The cord-free, standalone Meta Quest system is one of the best options for VR fitness, exercise and workout routines. Here are our picks the best Quest 2 fitness and exercise apps to get your blood pumping.

[This article was originally published in March 2020. It was edited and updated in March 2021 and again in February 2022.]

The following list is in no particular order, however there are two general categories of apps on the list.

The first category is apps that are specifically designed for working out in VR — usually with specifically designed sessions that you follow for a workout session.

The second is incidental workout apps — apps and experiences that weren’t designed specifically for working out, but can be used in such a way because they get the blood pumping enough when played at a high intensity.

Workout and Exercise Apps — Quest 2

FitXR

FitXR DLC

Originally launched as BoxVR, this Quest fitness app was revamped and relaunched with new features in 2021. Since then, it’s also added a bunch of new programs, formats and coaches, along with some seated workout classes for increased accessibility.

Despite all these new additions, the basic premise has always remained the same — it’s features rhythm-based boxing, dance and HIIT routines that gives you points for speed and accuracy. In July last year, the app also added a bunch of notable artists to its music catalog, including Calvin Harris and Tiesto.

FitXR is free to download on the Quest Store, with a subscription-based service in place for access to workouts. There’s a 7-day free trial for new users.

Read more: FitXR’s Head Of Fitness Talks Designing VR Workouts


Supernatural

supernatural screenshot vr

Let’s not beat around the saber – initially, Supernatural started out as a fitness-focused Beat Saber clone. Notes fly at you in time with music, which you have to hit in-time using bats and occasionally you’ll be forced to squat to avoid obstacles. However, the service has since added new boxing workout as well, expanding its offering of guided coach workouts.

Every 24 hours, there’s a new workout playlist/routine for you to run through. The aim is to get you sweating with big arm swings and quick squats. The better you perform, the harder the routine will get, thanks to Supernatural’s adaptive difficulty.

Supernatural is free to download on Quest, but is only currently available in select regions. Access to workouts uses a subscription pricing model, with a free trial period for new users.

Read more: Interview Q&A With Supernatural’s Head Of Fitness Leanne Pedante

Supernatural Update Makes It Easier To Find The Right Workout


Les Mills Bodycombat

Les Mills Bodycombat Quest

One of the newer entries on the list, Les Mills Bodycombat is an attractive option for those looking to avoid a subscription model.

The app is brought to you by the Les Mills brand, which has gyms globally as well as a substantial online workout offering. The Quest Bodycombat app adapts one of these online workout classes into 30 boxing workouts for VR, available as a one-off purchase.

You’ll be punching and squatting to the beat of the music, with the option to select a playlist between five and 20 minutes. It’s not the most original VR workout option, but it gets the basics right in a polished experience available for a one-time price.

Les Mills Bodycombat is available on Quest for $29.99.

Read more: Les Mills Bodycombat Is An Effective Quest Workout Without The Subscription


Holofit

If you’re looking to pair a physical fitness machine with a virtual workout, then Holofit is one of two apps that lets you do so. The app pairs your headset with compatible bikes, elipticals and rowing machines, allowing you to use your physical machines in a virtual location.

However, even without any machines, the app also has HIIT, fat burn and time-attack programs that see you recreate skiing, running or cycling using movements with the Touch controllers.

Holofit is available on Quest via a yearly or monthly subscription model with a 7-day trial for new users.


VZFit

vzfit oculus quest

Another option for connecting physical machines and fitness trackers, VZFit uses Google Street View to let you virtually exercise anywhere you want. The app has Strava and Fitbit support, alongside connectivity with “most smart bike devices and trainer sensors.”

There’s also full body workouts and support for an optional cadence sensor, which you’ll have to buy separately, that allows you to connect a stationary exercise bike that’s missing smart bike functionality.

VZFit is available for Quest with a 7-day free trial and $9.99 monthly subscription.

Read more: VZfit Fitness Service Comes To Oculus Quest Store With Google Street View


Incidental Workout Apps – Quest 2

Beat Saber

beat saber purple background slash

Beat Saber was definitely never intended to be used as a workout app, but there’s a significant amount of people who use it for just that. A couple of levels on Expert or Expert+ in Beat Saber will get your heart rate pumping like there’s no tomorrow.

Beat Saber is available for Oculus Quest for $29.99.

Read more: Top 10 Best Beat Saber DLC Music Packs


Synth Riders

synth riders quest

Synth Riders is, yes, another VR rhythm game and while it takes some visual notes from Beat Saber and other entries in the genre, the gameplay is quite different. You’ll hit floating spheres to the rhythm of the music, and move your hands in circular or curved motions to follow tails that fly off each sphere. It’s similar in concept to other rhythm games, but with its own spin.

The game has implemented a variety of fitness-focused features, such as a calorie counter and a fitness update that arrived earlier this year and included live VR workout sessions, guided by a trainer.

Synth Riders is available for $24.99 on the Oculus Store for Quest.


OhShape

OhShape Review

Jamie described this game as “Beat Saber for your body” and said it was a “genuinely authentic fitness game.” It’s not a workout in the traditional sense, but it will get your blood flowing as you throw your body around to the music, fitting and moving yourself into all different shapes.

With the intensity ramped up, you might end up burning calories faster than some of the other fitness games on this list.

OhShape is available on the Oculus Store for $19.99.


Pistol Whip

pistol whip combat 3

Pistol Whip might seem like a strange entry for a VR exercise list at first, but play a couple of the levels on harder difficulty and you’ll quickly see how Pistol Whip could qualify as a workout. The ducking and constant quick movements will have your glutes and quads burning after a long session.

There’s also loads of modifiers and new levels added over the last year, allowing you to customise how you play to maximize the impact and frame the experience more towards a workout to your liking.

Pistol Whip is available on the Oculus Quest store for $24.99.

Read more: 5 Best Pistol Whip Styles: Which Modifiers To Use For Workouts Or Extreme Challenges


Until You Fall

While not designed as a fitness app, Until You Fall is a VR roguelike that will have you hacking and slashing in heart-racing melee combat. At its most intense, the game should offer you something comparable to a light upper body workout. That being said, its roguelike mechanics means it’s more game-y than other entries on this list. If you’re looking for something fun to play that also gives you a bit of a workout along the way, Until You Fall might be best.

Until You Fall is available on the Oculus Store for $24.99.


The Thrill of the Fight

thrill of the fight quest screenshot from oculus store

There are a number of boxing games available on the Quest, but The Thrill of the Fight uses mechanics that aims to be more of a true-to-life simulator in a boxing ring, as opposed to a workout-first approach to VR boxing. A few rounds in the ring and you’ll be sweating profusely. We definitely prefer this one over Creed VR on Quest.

The Trill of the Fight is available on the Oculus Store for $9.99.


Oculus Move

Oculus Move isn’t a VR workout app, but rather a feature that will let you track your progress, workouts and calories burned while in VR. It was announced in 2020 at Facebook Connect and should work Quest-wide on all of your apps. It’s a good option to natively track your fitness and workout sessions in VR across all activity on Quest.

Oculus Move can be enabled in the Quest system settings.


What are you favorite Quest exercise apps that keep you active in a VR workout session? Let us know in the comments.

BoxVR’s Hooks Into North American Retail Stores Next Month for PlayStation VR

FitXR released its fitness-focused virtual reality (VR) title BoxVR back in May, offering energetic workout routines via, you guessed it, boxing. During the summer the studio revealed a partnership with Perp Games to create a physical retail version for PlayStation VR which took place this month for European gamers. Now the pair have confirmed a date for the North American edition.

BoxVR

Originally an HTC Vive title which arrived in 2017BoxVR has grown to offer a variety of workouts and routines based on boxing. Players can choose from 45 workouts depending on how vigorous a session they want. Varying in length from short three-minute warmups to 60+ minute endurance workouts, there’s enough choice depending on how many calories you want to burn.

Or you can break away from the set routines and create a custom workout. In the My Workouts mode, you can create as many custom routines as you want, adjusting the length of each workout by building playlists from the 110 included music tracks, and adjusting the intensity of each routine. The music tracks span various genres including pop, rock, electronic dance music, drum and bass and hip hop.

As each workout is recorded you can track your progress allowing you to set goals. Or for those times when motivation is a little lacking then there’s always multiplayer. Up to six people are able to tackle the same workout together, competing for the top score.

BoxVR

BoxVR is already available to pre-order for $29.99 USD through AmazonGameStop and Target, and is coming soon to retailers including Best Buy. The physical edition will then arrive on 19th November 2019. Or you can always find BoxVR digitally on the PlayStation Store.

This isn’t the only title Perp Games has in store for PlayStation VR owners this Christmas. For those that want to get creative CoolPaintrVR: Deluxe Edition will be available this week in stores. Next month will be a biggie, with Perp partnering with Highwire Games on the long-awaited release of Golema PlayStation VR exclusive. VRFocus will continue its coverage of the latest VR retail launches, reporting back as soon as new information is available.

Fitness App BoxVR to get a Physical box Edition for PlayStation VR

While not every PlayStation VR videogame gets a boxed version for gamers to collect, there are still plenty that do, with the likes of Sairento VR, The Wizards – Enhanced Edition, Squishies, Smash Hit Plunder and many more available. The company behind most of these launches is Perp Games, today announcing that fitness title BoxVR will be arriving on retail shelves in October.

BoxVR

Developed by FitXR, BoxVR launched digitally for PlayStation VR in April, leaving Early Access on PC the following month. As the name suggests, the title focuses on high-energy boxing gameplay, with players able to choose a selection of workouts depending on ability and how many calories they want to burn.

Alongside the 45 choreographed routines of varying lengths and intensities, BoxVR also features the My Workouts mode. This allows players to customise their experience, varying the duration and intensity of the routine whilst a custom playlist can be finetuned from the 110 included music tracks covering Rock to Pop, Dance and Hip Hop.

“We’re excited to partner with Perp Games to bring BoxVR to a wider audience and, hopefully, turn many of them into fitness enthusiasts,” said Sam Cole, co-founder of FitXR in a statement. “Given how many gamers and VR fans have migrated to our platform to not only get workouts inconsistently but have fun doing it, it’s a natural fit.”

BoxVR

BoxVR isn’t purely single-player either supporting multiplayer. You can compete with five other people in real-time to tackle the same workout together.

Rob Edwards, Managing Director of Perp Games added: “VR has limitless potential in helping people get fit and stay healthy. We can think of no better partner than FitXR to release our first fitness game and are delighted to bring one of the very best workout experiences out there to global retail.”

The physical launch will take place at some point during October, with the European version arriving first and the North American version shortly after. Or if you happen to live in the EU and don’t mind a digital version, BoxVR is currently 36 percent off on PlayStation Store, retailing for £15.99 GBP instead of £24.99. For further updates including specific release dates, keep reading VRFocus.