Category: Gearbox Software

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October Launch Date Appears on Steam for Borderlands 2 VR

While PlayStation VR owners have been enjoying Gearbox Software’s Borderlands 2 VR for almost a year now – and the ‘Bad Ass Mega Fun’ pack for the last couple of weeks – soon it’ll be the turn of Oculus Rift and HTC Vive owners, with the first solid release date now appearing on Steam. 

Borderlands 2 VR

Previously, Gearbox Software had only given a tentative ‘Fall 2019’ release window whilst avoiding naming which headsets would be compatible. As you can now see, the Steam store lists a 22nd October release date and two PC VR headsets – Valve Index and Windows Mixed Reality are notably absent.

PC VR owners may have had to wait a little longer but when Borderlands 2 VR does arrive it’ll feature all the same content as its PlayStation VR cousin, which includes the ‘Bad Ass Mega Fun’ pack featuring DLC campaigns: Captain Scarlet and Her Pirate’s Booty, Mr. Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage, Sir Hammerlock’s Big Game Hunt, and Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep, as well as five Headhunter packs; Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Packs, the Creature Slaughter Dome; the Vault Hunter Heads and Skin packs; plus the Mechromancer and Psycho classes.

All the features which made the original 2012 videogame so great are still there, including the character classes and the massive amount of procedurally-generated guns, each with their own capabilities and modifiers. As for new features, there’s the Slow-Mo ability and Teleport to glide across Pandora.

Borderlands VR - Screenshot

VRFocus gave the PlayStation VR version a maximum five-star rating in our review, saying: “it’s somewhat of a surprise that Borderlands was the first AAA the studio decided to go with. A pleasant surprise, that is, as Borderlands 2 VR is most certainly a highlight of this year’s VR releases and one of the best titles yet to hit PlayStation VR. It’s still Borderlands 2, sure, but you’ve never played Borderlands 2 like this before.”

Borderlands 2 VR doesn’t include any of the originals co-op features. For some local multiplayer madness check out Penn and Teller VR: Frankly Unfair, Unkind, Unnecessary & Underhanded from the same studio. VRFocus will continue its coverage of Borderlands 2 VR, reporting back with any further updates or announcements from Gearbox Software.

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Borderlands 2 VR Confirmed for 2019 PC Release, PlayStation VR Getting new DLC

Having brought Borderlands 2 VR to PlayStation VR for Christmas 2018, Gearbox Software is now planning on releasing the title for PC virtual reality (VR) headsets this Autumn. As for the PlayStation VR version, fans will see a massive update arrive later this week packed full of content.

Borderlands 2 VR

Revealing details as part of PAX West, Gearbox Software will be releasing the ‘Bad Ass Mega Fun’ pack for PlayStation VR this Friday, 6th September 2019. It’ll feature DLC campaigns: Captain Scarlet and Her Pirate’s Booty, Mr. Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage, Sir Hammerlock’s Big Game Hunt, and Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep, as well as five Headhunter packs;  Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Packs, the Creature Slaughter Dome; the Vault Hunter Heads and Skin packs; plus the Mechromancer and Psycho classes, reports Eurogamer.

As for the PC edition, the studio has only given a ‘Fall 2019’ release window. No specific VR headsets have been mentioned just yet, most likely it’ll arrive on Steam to support most devices or there’s always the possibility of Oculus Store or the Epic Store. One thing has been made clear, when Borderlands 2 VR does arrive for PC it’ll include the ‘Bad Ass Mega Fun’ pack so there’s no missing out on content.

Borderlands 2 VR was well-received when it first launched with VRFocus giving it a maximum five-star rating in our review, saying: “it’s somewhat of a surprise that Borderlands was the first AAA the studio decided to go with. A pleasant surprise, that is, as Borderlands 2 VR is most certainly a highlight of this year’s VR releases and one of the best titles yet to hit PlayStation VR. Its still Borderlands 2, sure, but you’ve never played Borderlands 2 like this before.”

Borderlands 2 VR

There’s still no mention of any sort of multiplayer or co-op functionality for Borderlands 2 VR so, for now, it looks like it’s staying single-player.

The original Borderlands 2 launched in 2012 and over the years saw a huge amount of DLC content added. The bonus for VR players is that all this additional DLC will be free. Borderlands 2 VR isn’t the only VR title Gearbox Software has created with Penn and Teller VR: Frankly Unfair, Unkind, Unnecessary & Underhanded released this summer.

As the studio continues to support VR, VRFocus will keep you updated on the latest announcements.

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Borderlands 2 VR PC Finally Confirmed, Free DLC Hits Soon

Gearbox finally confirmed what we pretty much all knew over the weekend; Borderlands 2 VR is coming to PC.

The company announced as much during PAX West in Seattle. The news was confirmed during its showcase at the event. The PC VR version of the loot and shoot hit will arrive sometime before the end of the year. Back in June, we reported on an ESRB listing for the PC version on the game. Borderlands 2 VR first released on PSVR in late 2018. It’s the full version of the original game inside headsets, only it’s missing multiplayer support and all of its DLC. Fortunately, Gearbox is fixing that, too.

Borderlands 2 VR DLC Confirmed

The Bad Ass Mega Fun (or BAMF, for short) pack hits PSVR on September 6th. It includes each of the game’s major expansion packs: Captain Scarlet and Her Pirate’s Booty, Mr. Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage, Sir Hammerlock’s Big Game Hunt, and Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep. There’s also the new character classes added over the course of the DLC, including the Mechromancer and Psycho.

All of this DLC will be included in the PC version of the game. Gearbox hasn’t specified which headsets the game will support natively but other published titles like Trover Saves The Universe have launched on both Steam and Oculus stores, so it’s a good bet this will too. Oh and, that trailer above? At one point you can see a Move controller being used, so don’t take that as PC footage.

We originally had a lot of issues with Borderlands 2 VR, though Gearbox has definitely addressed a lot of those at this point. Still, the lack of co-op play with always sting as that’s what the Borderlands series is kind of all about.

Borderlands 3, meanwhile is releasing shortly after the PSVR DLC on September 13th. It doesn’t look like the game will support VR at launch, but hopefully we’ll get a VR update later down the line.

The post Borderlands 2 VR PC Finally Confirmed, Free DLC Hits Soon appeared first on UploadVR.

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‘Borderlands 2 VR’ Launches on PC VR Headsets Today, Leaving PSVR Exclusivity

Borderlands 2 VR (2018) is finally headed out of PSVR exclusivity today, with the game’s Steam page ready to give PC VR headset users a crack at the VR port of the popular looter shooter.

Update (October 22nd, 2019): The Borderlands 2 VR Steam page is only moments away from letting users with HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, or Valve Index into the game’s massive world.

Update (September 23rd, 2019): Gearbox Software and 2K Games updated Borderlands 2 VR Steam page over the weekend, now showing an October 22nd launch date for the game.

The original article, which discusses the free DLC coming to the game at launch, follows below.

Original Article (August 31st, 2019): At PAX West yesterday, Gearbox Software announced that the free DLC campaigns coming to PSVR in September will feature a bevy of content including: Captain Scarlet and Her Pirate’s Booty, Mr. Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage, Sir Hammerlock’s Big Game Hunt, and Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep, according to Eurogamer.

Additionally, you’ll also be able to play Creature Slaughter Dome, the Mechromancer and Psycho classes, all five Headhunter DLC packs, both Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Packs, and the Vault Hunter Heads and Skin packs.

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'Borderlands 2 VR' Review – An Ok Version of a Good Game

And yes, the so-called Bad Ass Mega Fun pack (BAMF pack) DLC is also headed to Borderlands 2 VR for PC.

Other than that, there’s not much else to go on at this time for the PC version. Neither its publisher 2k Games nor developer Gearbox Software has mentioned which platform it will land on, be it Steam, Epic Games Store, Oculus Store or otherwise. We assume the standard SteamVR-compatible headsets apply, although it hasn’t been specified yet.

It’s also unknown whether it will bring co-op play to the game, as it’s sorely lacking in the PSVR version. We’re hoping for yes, although it’s possible the studios want to maintain basic feature parity with the PSVR version (pre-DLC).

The post ‘Borderlands 2 VR’ Launches on PC VR Headsets Today, Leaving PSVR Exclusivity appeared first on Road to VR.

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Penn & Teller VR: F U, U, U & U Will Appear on PlayStation VR Today

Last month Gearbox Software (Borderlands 2 VR) released Penn & Teller VR: Frankly Unfair, Unkind, Unnecessary & Underhanded, a social virtual reality (VR) experience to entertain and prank your friends for PC headsets and Oculus Quest. Now, the studio has announced that it’ll be releasing the title for PlayStation VR owners today.

Penn and Teller VR

There’s no difference between the PC and PlayStation VR version of the videogame, with players having access over 12 tricks (or ‘Bits’ as they’re called). Penn & Teller VR: F U, U, U & U combines the duo’s own personal brand of magic and comedy, featuring some of their most famous tricks including the infamous ‘Bullet Catch’.

The title has both single-player and local multiplayer modes available. The multiplayer is the core of the experience, where the magician is the non-VR player while the willing participant (or unwitting friend) dons the headset to engage in some magical VR fun. For instance, there’s a digital version of ‘Whack ‘a’ Mole’ with players having to slam their hand on a table. If the magician was feeling so inclined they could place an item on the table for some hilarious consequences, a lump of goo for example or an egg.

When there’s no one around the single-player mode enables players to become a ‘willing’ volunteer in one of Penn & Teller’s acts, such as trying to escape a tank filling with water by trying to find the right keys for a series of padlocks. Or in between acts players can always relax in the Monkey Room, the actual room participants of the live shows get to see. Here players can learn more about Penn & Tellers tricks.

Penn and Teller VR

Gearbox Software announced Penn & Teller VR: F U, U, U & U back in April, with the first official debut to press taking place at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2019 last month. VRFocus took a look at that early showcase and spoke with Jacob Lavender, Technical Designer on Penn & Teller VR in this interview. This is the first Penn & Teller videogame from the studio, the first being Desert Bus.

VRFocus will continue its coverage of Penn & Teller VR: F U, U, U & U, reporting back with any further updates to the title.

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Report: ‘Borderlands 2 VR’ Gets ESRB Rating for PC, Suggesting Nearby Launch

Borderlands 2 VR (2018) landed on PSVR late last year, although Gearbox Software made it clear at launch that it was going to be a timed exclusive, with a minimum of five months given to PlayStation. Now, it appears a Windows PC version of the game has just gotten its ESRB rating, putting it one step closer to PC VR headset users.

As first reported by UploadVR, Twitter user ‘Wario64’ broke the news during E3 2019 that Borderlands 2 VR for Windows PC had garnered an ‘M’ rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).

The ESRB website doesn’t show this rating specifically at the time of this writing; it only lists the rating for the previous PlayStation 4 version. Twitter user Wario64 has generally been a reliable source for leaks however, and considering the game’s release on PC VR was all but confirmed by the studio itself even before launch on PSVR, the supposed rating is decidedly credible, if not a complete banality to anyone not following the space.

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Admittedly, we weren’t too impressed with Borderlands 2 VR on PSVR, giving it a tepid [5.9/10] on our linear grading scale. Road to VR’s Ben Lang reviewed the game on PSVR when it launched in December 2018, saying that while it technically works in VR, it still hasn’t managed to escape the feeling of being an outright port. On top of that, there’s no co-op mode, no VR-specific interactions, middling graphics, and a gamepad-first design.

Although it’s since gotten a few quality of life updates, bringing with it support for PS Aim and improved shooting for all controller types, it’ll be interesting to see if Gearbox takes the opportunity to iron out more of the other gripe-worthy issues we saw on PSVR for the PC VR release.

On that note, Gearbox recently announced they plan on bringing “all” of game’s DLC to Borderlands 2 VR in an update this summer, for free. The studio also said they’re working on bringing more community suggestions to the game, including “improvements to the HUD and height offset along with fixes to an unreachable chest, teleport, performance and more.”

Update (10:00 AM ET): Added information on incoming DLC.

The post Report: ‘Borderlands 2 VR’ Gets ESRB Rating for PC, Suggesting Nearby Launch appeared first on Road to VR.

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Borderlands 2 VR For PC Rated By ESRB, Suggesting Release Nears

Borderlands 2 VR For PC Rated By ESRB, Suggesting Release Nears

We’d always pegged Borderlands 2 VR for an eventual release on PC headsets. Gearbox Software made it clear that the game’s exclusivity for PSVR was always timed. After its window is up, the developer is free to bring it to other headsets. It looks like it’s doing just that.

We missed this in the hassle of E3 but Borderlands 2 VR has been rated for PC via the ESRB. That’s not official confirmation the game will make its way over, but it’s about as close as it gets without an announcement. Presumably this version of the game will support the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Valve Index headsets at the very least. We wouldn’t be surprised to see Windows VR support too.

Borderlands 2 VR brings the entire original game into headsets, though it doesn’t support cooperative play. Later this summer the PSVR version of the game will be getting all of the original title’s DLC for free. Hopefully the PC VR version of the game will also be getting that content.

We think this is a pretty good port of a fun game, though the lack of multiplayer definitely stings. “The small gameplay tweaks aren’t enough to rewrite a game that was designed around four-player co-op, but the core of the experience is so strong, rewarding, and entertaining that it serves as a feature-rich and exciting VR shooter in its own right despite its flaws,” we said in our review.

As for Borderlands 3? Gearbox says VR has been discussed but nothing’s been announced so far. Today the company also launches a new Penn & Teller VR experience.

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The post Borderlands 2 VR For PC Rated By ESRB, Suggesting Release Nears appeared first on UploadVR.

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E3 2019 Interview: Gearbox Software Talks Penn & Teller VR

While Gearbox Software is better known for its Borderlands franchise, the studio has some quirkier titles under its belt as well, including Desert Bus VR. This was the brainchild of none other than magic duo Penn & Teller during the 90s. This week the pair are back with another virtual reality (VR) videogame (care of Gearbox) that’s a bit closer to home, Penn & Teller VR: Frankly Unfair, Unkind, Unnecessary & Underhanded. Unveiled during the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2019 this month, VRFocus had a chat with the studio to find out more.

Penn & Teller VR: F U, U, U & U was certainly one of the weirder and wonderful VR titles to appear during E3 week, offering their unique brand of comedy and magical entertainment. At its heart, the videogame is a local party experience where players can engage in different tricks (called Bits in the experience) being taught by Penn & Teller. There’s just one catch, the Bits allow the VR player to be pranked if they’re not careful.

Without giving too much away, one of the Bits sees the person in VR playing a form of whack-a-mole. Best played using a table to hit, while the player is happily whacking digital objects someone else (if they’re feeling devious) could put an item in play, say an egg for example, which would lead to messy and humorous results.

VRFocus tried a quick preview of the title during E3 2019, saying: “What’s impressive about Penn & Teller VR: Frankly Unfair, Unkind, Unnecessary & Underhanded is that it really plays to VR’s strengths, offering an experience that’s distinctive and a refreshing change for some of the other releases on the horizon.”

Penn and Teller VR

So what did Gearbox Software have to say about the videogame? Well, VRFocus spoke with Jacob Lavender, Technical Designer on Penn & Teller VR: F U, U, U & U to learn a little more about how the project came to be and some of its features in the video below.

The videogame itself is due out for Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift/Rift S and HTC Vive on 27th June, priced at $19.99 USD, with a PlayStation VR version due to arrive shortly after on 9th July 2019. For further updates on the experience or Gearbox Software’s VR plans, keep reading VRFocus.

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Preview: Penn and Teller VR: Frankly Unfair, Unkind, Unnecessary & Underhanded

Magic has long enthralled mankind for generations, offering a fascinating twist on reality that’s both entertaining and perplexing in equal measure. There have been many a famous magician, from Houdini all the way up to current street magicians like Dynamo. When it comes to stage magic, duo Penn & Teller are up there with the best, mixing magic with comedy and a little danger (as well as debunking). Collaborating with Gearbox Software, the pair have created a rather intriguing virtual reality (VR) experience called Penn and Teller VR: Frankly Unfair, Unkind, Unnecessary & Underhanded which could well be a highlight for any local VR gathering.

Penn and Teller VR

Gearbox Software shared a brief demo of Penn & Teller VR during the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) this month, allowing VRFocus to gain a sneak peek behind the curtain. It’s one of those sort of videogames where discussing it can reveal too much, as once the twist is spoilt there’s no going back. You have been warned.

The title is made up of 14 tricks (or ‘Bits’ as they’re referred to). Each Bit is essentially one magic trick which can either be performed with a friend or solo. For the demo, VRFocus got to see several of these, as well as some other parts of the experience. These were Bits involving the game paper, scissors, stone; a sawing in half trick and a water tank escape.

In Penn & Teller VR you are the magician which means you tend not to put the headset on as often, controlling the sequence via a monitor. This is because of the videogame’s other fiendish feature pranking. So the Paper, Scissors, Stone game is a prime example. Here both VR player and non-VR player enter into the classic game, trying to beat each other as usual. The twist is that you can then automate the hand movements without the VR player knowing. So while they’re happily trying to win, blissfully unaware they’re no longer playing you that frees you up to prank your mate. In VRFocus’ case, the Gearbox Software team member playing then snuck up and tapped me on the shoulder for a surprise scare.

Penn and Teller VR

Highly amusing, it’s easy to see how with a few friends Penn & Teller VR could be the party title to beat Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes. The water tank escape, on the other hand, called ‘YOU be Houdini’ was a solo experience. Chained into a tank – for added effect both hands were put through the Oculus Touch strap – there were loads of padlocks each with different key shapes (circles, triangles, squares etc.) which needed to be unlocked by random keys being dropped in. The aim is not to drown – probably best not played if you have a fear of water or tight spaces – and needless to say, VRFocus failed but managed to survive thanks to the duo.

They’ve certainly tried to make Penn and Teller VR: Frankly Unfair, Unkind, Unnecessary & Underhanded more than just the Bits by themselves. You can go into the famous ‘Monkey Room’ which guests for Penn & Teller’s live shows in Las Vegas wait in before going on stage, and the pair have recorded videos going into greater details regarding their tricks.

What’s impressive about Penn and Teller VR: Frankly Unfair, Unkind, Unnecessary & Underhanded is that it really plays to VR’s strengths, offering an experience that’s distinctive and a refreshing change for some of the other releases on the horizon. VRFocus does have one quibble at this point, and that’s longevity and repetition. Will 14 Bits be enough? Because once you and your friends are in on the gag it no longer becomes entertaining or funny, killing any pranks in the process. Hence why most magicians keep their tricks a secret.

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Fool and Prank Your Friends With Penn & Teller VR: F U, U, U & U

After an initial tease back in April, Gearbox Software has finally released details regarding its next virtual reality (VR) project, a collaboration with famous magical duo Penn & Teller. Called Penn and Teller VR: Frankly Unfair, Unkind, Unnecessary & Underhanded (or Penn & Teller VR: F U, U, U & U for short), the soon to be released title is all about magic tricks and having some fun pulling pranks on friends along the way.

Penn and Teller VR

Penn & Teller VR is a local party style experience based around 12+ tricks (or ‘Bits’ as they’re called in the videogame). These Bits aren’t simple magic tricks to perform and learn, oh no, they do in fact help you prank your friends if you see fit.

Just like any good magical show, there’s the magician (you) and the audience (your friends), where you’re able to test your telekinetic powers, or even guide your soon-to-be-ex-friends as they perform The Most Dangerous Act in Showbiz. It’s not all about pranking your friends though, as there are single-player elements like being chained inside a tank filling with water, from which you have to escape.

“When a new mind-blowing technology comes out, the first thing Teller and I think is, ‘How can we use this to help people play tricks, cheat, and prank’,” said Penn Jillette, the larger and louder half of Penn & Teller. “Luckily for us, (and maybe less luckily for the world), Randy Pitchford, the big cheese at Gearbox, is our buddy, and worked as a professional magician. We are the same soulless motherhubbards. So, we’ve found a way for people to use VR as a tool to monkey with their so-called ‘friends.’ It’s what we do, and we’ve done it.”

Penn and Teller VR

“In our collaboration, we became animated by advances in the transformative medium of virtual reality and are now excited for fans of magic, pranks, tricks, video games, and VR to be able to experience an entirely new kind of interactive experience,” said Randy Pitchford, President, CEO and Co-founder of Gearbox Software. “With Penn & Teller VR: F U, U, U, & U, you’ll have the tools and technology to feel what it’s like to *be* magicians like Penn & Teller.”

There’s not long to wait for Penn and Teller VR: Frankly Unfair, Unkind, Unnecessary & Underhanded. It’ll be available for Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift/Rift S and HTC Vive on 27th June, priced at $19.99 USD. While a PlayStation VR version will arrive on 9th July 2019. For further updates from Gearbox Software, keep reading VRFocus.