Viveport Infinity, HTC’s Netflix-style game membership, used to be pretty groan-worthy, offering up only a few really great titles and filling out the rest with a shovel-full of either mediocre or downright bad games. A lot has changed in the past few years though, and to celebrate Viveport’s 7th anniversary HTC is sweetening the pot with three games that are worth playing (and keeping).
For annual subscribers, the deal includes keepable copies of Primal Hunt, Until You Fall, and Fracked—available to both new members joining Viveport Infinity or existing members looking to extend their subscription.
The three-game giveaway deal is only available for annual subscribers; monthly subscribers re-upping or joining for the first time only get Fracked for free. Both offers are available from today until October 8th.
Here’s a look at all three games:
Until You Fall
Released by Schell Games in 2020, this stylish roguelite features a refreshingly unique approach to VR sword fighting, combining the satisfaction of a hack-and-slash game with the depth of RPG combat, all wrapped up in a VR-native design. We liked it so much, we gave Until You Fall an [8/10] in our review and also honored it with our Design Award for Excellence in User Interface in 2019, back when it was still just in Early Access on Steam.
Fracked
nDreams released Fracked initially as a PSVR exclusive in 2021, but brought the andrenaline-soaked shooter to PC VR headset a year later. The game’s undeniable good looks, unique cover system and satisfyingly tactile combat all are highlights to the underlying adventure that tasks you with blasting your way out of danger, and also a handful of side activities too, such as skiing, climbing, and light puzzling.
Primal Hunt
Hunt the most dangerous creatures ever to walk the earth – DINOSAURS! Created by Phaser Lock Interactive, this Turok-inspired VR Dinosaur Hunting Game lets you face Raptors, Triceratops, and a Tyrannosaurus Rex, all of which get deadlier with cyber enhancements and weapons. Originally released on Quest and Pico earlier this year, the game has since been ported to PC VR headsets. It’s still a bit on the ‘mobile’ side of things, but who can argue with laser-wielding, cybernetic dinosaurs?
During PlayStation’s gaming showcase nDreams announced that Synapse, its upcoming action shooter, is set to launch July 4th on PSVR 2.
Update (May 25th, 2023): nDreams, the studio behind Fracked (2021) and Phantom: Covert Ops (2020), revealed some fresh gameplay of Synapse, showing off more of what feels like an evolved version of Fracked’s run-and-cover gameplay. Yup, it’s using eye-tracking too, which drives the game’s telekinetic powers.
In a PS blogpost, we learned more about Synapse, which is set to launch exclusively on PSVR 2 on July 4th. Synapse is set in the mindscape of a rogue Colonel, who can conjure deadly defenses to keep you from stopping his launch of a biological weapon in the real world.
The original article announcing Synapse follows below:
Original Article (February 28th, 2023): There’s still a lot to learn about Synapse, although nDreams says in its PS blogpost announcement that Fracked made a “perfect foundation to build upon with Synapse,” as the upcoming shooter looks to evolves the former’s core gameplay.
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Image courtesy nDreams
Image courtesy nDreams
Image courtesy nDreams
As a PSVR 2 exclusive, Synapse however is also slated to use Sense controllers in concert with the headset’s eye-tracking capabilities, something the studio head James Shepard says provides “enhanced aiming which equips players with pinpoint precision when targeting their telekinesis and combines with motion controls to make wielding telekinetic powers a full-body experience.”
In the teaser trailer we get a good look at a few mechanics too; you’ll be able to launch, levitate, and smash enemies through destructible environments.
The fast-paced run and gun style gameplay along with telekinetically moveable cover also shows just how related nDream’s upcoming shooter is to Fracked.
There’s no launch date yet (see update), however nDreams says it’s coming exclusively to PSVR 2 later this year. In the meantime, you can wishlist the game here.
Fracked’s new PC VR version releases tomorrow. How does it stack up next to the original? Find out in our Fracked graphics comparison!
When Fracked first released on PSVR in the summer of 2021 it offered a rare tailor-made experience for the platform. Developer nDreams not only designed the shooter around the limitations of the troublesome Move controllers but also employed a gorgeous comic book art style that played to the limited graphical power of the PS4 running in VR.
Fracked Graphics Comparison
Now that Fracked’s on PC, it doesn’t have to worry about those restraints. But, truth be told, the game was already so polished on PSVR that there isn’t much room to refine the presentation without significantly overhauling the visual style. What we get here, then, is an undeniably sharper version of the game, but often in ways you’d have to really dig in deep to see. Check out the video above for a look at what we mean.
Sure, vistas are blurrier on PSVR and the dark, defined lines of the art style come out better on PC, but when you’re in the heat of battle it’s tough to tell the difference. You will notice longer loading times in the PSVR version for sure, but other than that performance seems to be about the same.
Perhaps if there’s ever a Quest version of the game then we’ll get to see some major differences but, for now, you’ll find a great version of Fracked whether you’re playing on PC or console. Are you going to be picking up the new version of the game this week? Let us know in the comments below!
Fracked (2021), the action adventure game from veteran VR studio nDreams, is set to leave PSVR exclusivity in May, as it’s landing on PC VR headsets via Steam and Viveport.
The run-and-gun VR shooter is slated to release on PC VR headsets (including Quest via Link) on May 5th. It will also be available on the Meta PC Store at a later date, nDreams says.
In Fracked, you step into the ski boots of an action hero stuck deep in a remote mountain facility. It’s you against a legion of interdimensional enemies (aka the ‘Fracked’)—which means plenty of shooting, but also some light puzzling. Although focused mostly on combat, it also has a few memorable immersive interludes too including skiing, climbing, and zip-lining.
We liked Fracked is for its cohesive and polished visual style, unique cover system, and strong fundamentals, although we found it faltered when it came to combat. To learn more about our thoughts on Fracked, check out our full review on PSVR when it launched last August.
Blockbuster shooter and former PSVR exclusive, Fracked, arrives on PC VR next month.
Developer nDreams confirmed the news today. Fracked will launch on Steam as well as Viveport on May 5, with a launch on the Oculus Rift store following soon afterwards. A new trailer for the game was also released, which you can catch below.
Fracked offers a story-driven shooter campaign in which players fight their way through a mysterious mountain facility where the work of one shady corporation appears to be mutating people. It’s a fast-paced game with free locomotion that was originally designed to work well with the PlayStation Move controllers.
We thought the original game was a lot of fun and offered a welcome step up in production compared to a lot of other VR shooters. That said, we took issue with the game’s short length, which ran for just a few hours and didn’t really give a lot of the game’s best ideas room to fully develop.
No word yet on if a native Quest version of the game is also in the works (though, obviously, this version will support Oculus Link), and we of course have to wonder if nDreams is bringing Fracked to PSVR 2 sometime in the future. The studio did recently confirm that it was working on new titles for the upcoming headset. Elsewhere the company is set to publish VR city building simulation, Little Cities, on Quest next week.
Will you be checking out Fracked on PC next month? Let us know in the comments below!
Last summer nDreams launched its most action-packed virtual reality (VR) title to date, the PlayStation VR exclusive Fracked. Well, today the studio has revealed Fracked will soon no longer be exclusive to one platform, with a PC VR launch date now scheduled for next month.
Fracked takes place in a remote mountain facility where you become the unlikely hero who stands between the Earth and an army of gun-wielding, interdimensional enemies. Stealth is not a requirement here, guns, speed and bravado are all you need, progressing from one horde of enemies to the next; causing a few explosions along the way.
With its bold art direction, Fracked’s gameplay is just the same, encouraging you to utilise the environment however you please. Use the grabbable cover system to your advantage and flank enemies, climb towers for a better vantage point or use the numerous zip lines to quickly reposition yourself on the battlefield. And then there are the skiing sections.
Our PlayStation VR review of Frackedgmw3 said: “nDreams is well versed in making highly polished VR titles and Fracked is no different. The art style is gorgeous, adding a comic book blend to the action playing out. And there are some wonderful ideas and mechanics employed.”
“It’s been fantastic to see the love that Fracked has received from players and critics alike since it’s PlayStation VR launch last year,” said David Corless, VP of Publishing at nDreams in a statement. “We’re excited to give new audiences the chance to experience the thrill of Fracked’s high-octane action as they fight to save the world!”
Fracked is set to arrive for SteamVR and Viveport compatible headsets Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Valve Index (Meta Quest 2 is supported via Cable/Air Link) on 5th May 2022. It’ll also hit the Oculus Rift store not long afterwards. For continued updates on Fracked and nDreams, keep reading gmw3.
British virtual reality (VR) specialist nDreams has been rapidly expanding its business of late, announcing two new studios; nDreams Studio Elevation and Studio Orbital. To continue that pace, today, nDreams has revealed a new $35 million USD investment from the Aonic Group.
nDreams will be using the investment to produce more in-house VR titles, a catalogue that includesthe recent Fracked and 2020’s Phantom: Covert Ops. It’ll also expand those internal studios as well its publishing operation that’ll publish indie team Purple Yonder’s Little Cities this year.
“This investment is a pivotal moment for nDreams, and I’m delighted to have the support of Aonic, who share the same ambitious vision for the company that we do,” says Patrick O’Luanaigh, co-founder and CEO, nDreams in a statement. “As VR continues its trajectory towards becoming a truly mass-market technology, this is the rocket fuel needed to accelerate our rapid growth and take advantage of the many opportunities that continue to come our way.”
“The nDreams team continue to impress with how far they are pushing VR,” says Paul Schempp from Aonic. “Seeing their plans and visions for the future blew us away, and we are excited to join them on their incredible journey.” Aonic Group joins founding investor, Mercia Asset Management, as minority investors in nDreams.
In addition to developing its own VR videogames, the two new internal studios and the publishing arm, nDreams also set up an academy in 2021; designed to provide a talent pipeline for those currently learning about game development who are looking for employment opportunities.
Currently consisting of 130 people with plans to grow to 175 by the end of 2022, nDreams says it has “its strongest line-up of future projects already in development” which includes titles for PlayStation VR2. When details of those arrive gmw3 will let you know.
Over the past year, British virtual reality (VR) specialist nDreams has made significant strides within the industry, from releasing major titles like Fracked for PlayStation VR to Studio Orbital, which is developing live service videogames for VR. Today, a new arm has been added; nDreams Studio Elevation.
Glenn Brace, Head of nDreams Studio Elevation. Image credit nDreams
For the announcement today nDreams says that Studio Elevation: “will focus on creating AAA and Core VR gaming experiences” so gmw3 would assume something along the lines of Phantom: Covert Ops or Fracked. No projects have been revealed at this time, simply that Glenn Brace who came up with the Phantom concept would be leading the studio.
“nDreams’ continued expansion is a combination of competency growth, investment in emerging developers, and the VR ecosystem,” said Glenn Brace, Head of nDreams Studio Elevation in a statement. “Feeding the VR industry with funding, game development knowledge and technology, as well as exploring new and existing genres of player experiences will help our entire industry drive player adoption and platform growth. nDreams Studio Elevation aims to be at the forefront of this new wave of VR innovation by creating deep, immersive and engaging experiences that take VR gaming to the next level.”
Brace’s career has seen him serve as Head of Art at nDreams and prior to that as an Art Director at Climax Studios, where he helped develop titles including the Assassin’s Creed Chronicles Trilogy.
Just like a significant number of videogame studios at the moment Studio Elevation will operate a hybrid working model with plans to open a UK-located HQ eventually. Currently, the studio is recruiting for several key positions.
In addition to Studio Elevation and Studio Orbital, nDreams also has its new publishing arm to aid indie developers when it comes to finishing and marketing their projects. The first title revealed under this new initiative is Little Cities by Purple Yonder which is coming to Meta Quest in spring 2022. For continued updates from nDreams, keep reading gmw3.com.
Fracked and Phantom: Covert Ops developer nDreams has opened a third studio dedicated to making VR content.
The team today announced Elevation, which will be working on high-end VR games for core audiences. It’s headed up by the studio’s Art Director, Glenn Brace, and will operate on both a remote and in-house basis. nDreams plans to open a new UK-based office for the team in the future.
New nDreams Studio Launched
The team isn’t announcing its first project today but, from the sounds of it, you can expect titles of the caliber of Phantom and Fracked, two shooters we really enjoyed, though each of which we felt could have been longer, more fleshed out games. Hopefully this focus — and VR’s rapidly growing install base — will allow the team to make bigger projects than what’s come before.
Elevation is the latest in a series of expansions for nDreams. Last year the company also launched another studio, Orbital, which is a fully remote team dedicated to live service VR gaming. Plus the company announced a return to VR games publishing, which includes the upcoming VR city building simulation, Little Cities, from the Purple Yonder team.
What are you hoping to see nDreams work on next? Let us know in the comments below!
Summer 2021 was looking really good for big virtual reality (VR) titles until a couple of projects had to be delayed by their developers. Thankfully, nDreams’ PlayStation VR exclusive Fracked has suffered no such problems, ready to offer players the kind of wall to wall action that Hollywood loves to throw out during its seasonal blockbuster fest. The problem with blockbuster titles is that quite often they’re style over substance, so is Fracked the same or does it have brains as well as brawn?
Just like a Bond movie Fracked wastes no time in dropping you into the action, almost immediately skiing down a mountainside being chased by an avalanche caused by fracking. Steering is all head-based, carving through the snow and in between trees as you look for safety. It’s a fantastic intro albeit an intense one, making a quick trip to the comfort options essential for anyone who’s not got their VR legs.
These skiing sections crop up a number of times in Fracked, with the latter sequences throwing in enemies on snowmobiles and guard towers to blow up with your handy SMG. They’re immensely entertaining as your try to avoid splatting against a rock whilst shooting bad guys – you can’t get much more action hero than that!
Essentially Fracked continues that no-holds-barred gameplay throughout, but with the added bonus that the majority of the levels offer plenty of choice and verticality when it comes to the epic shootouts. Most of the areas tend to be a sequence of arenas interlinked with climbing and other traversable terrains, providing that all-important feeling of interaction with the environment. This physical element is seen all over Fracked, most importantly in the shootouts.
These set pieces see Fracked continually provide plenty of cover, explosive barrels and the most ziplines a VR videogame has ever had. Cover has always been crucial in any FPS, where you generally duck behind it by either pressing a button or (in VR’s case) kneeling down. Fracked offers a different option, grabbing the cover so you can quickly hide behind it and then peer over or around it to locate the next enemy. It’s another great example from nDreams of marrying VR gameplay with intuitive mechanics. Being able to do that became so natural that you’ll wonder why it’s not seen more often.
Yet Fracked doesn’t want you to stay in one place, movement is key and the levels do encourage this factor, perfect for a nice flanking manoeuvre. PlayStation Move isn’t exactly the best controller when it comes to running around a battlefield but Fracked provides a decent system which can be found in other PlayStation VR titles like Arashi: Castle of Sin. The same goes for its reloading, providing a basic manual reloading mechanic where glowing cartridge appears, you push it in and cock gun. Quick and effective without being overly tedious.
However, it’s the range of weaponry that starts to let Fracked down. You’re given all this space and choice when attacking the enemy yet your only two guns are a pistol and SMG. That’s literally all you carry, nothing else. Not even any ammo, which is picked up by walking over green boxes, harking back to very traditional videogame tropes. Other guns do appear including a revolver, grenade launcher and very short-range shotgun but these are “special” weapons that are single use only. Once their ammo is depleted they fade away. Really annoying if you’re in the middle of a firefight and your gun starts to dissolve leaving you a sitting duck.
The enemies do take advantage of this as they’re not the usual run and gun AI opponents. They do seek cover and will reposition to gain an advantage, which makes for some great shootouts. As mentioned, you have to use the space as there are explosive grunts who’ll charge and detonate, whilst the big tank that lays mines can only be killed by destroying the pack on their back.
So you’re continually having to blast your way through and rework strategies on the fly. On the one hand that’s what you want in an action-oriented videogame yet the gameplay does get a little shallow. There are no real puzzles to speak of, you’re continually pointed towards the next checkpoint when having to complete a task and because of this continual speed, Fracked is over before it has really begun, clocking in at around 3 hours. There are coins hidden throughout which seem like an afterthought, simply serving as a Trophy award.
nDreams is well versed in making highly polished VR titles and Fracked is no different. The art style is gorgeous, adding a comic book blend to the action playing out. And there are some wonderful ideas and mechanics employed. Unfortunately, they’re not given the time and breadth to be expanded upon, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to the narrative. Fracked is exuberant and exciting to play, it just burns too bright and fast.
