As the last week of January 2021 draws near – it’s already been an eventful month! – what virtual reality (VR) videogames are there to look forward to? As VRFocus likes to do most Fridays, here are five upcoming titles which caught our eye.
Dino Eruption – MULTIVERSUM
It’s all about survival in this Early Access release from solo developer Multiversum. Dropped into a world full of hungry dinosaurs, Dino Eruption is a single-player adventure where you can run around killing every creature or hide, all the levels are procedurally generated so it’s never the same twice.
Mixing both myth and archaeological history from ancient Greece and Egyptian civilizations, Ryte: The Eye of Atlantis takes players to the fabled city. As an Atlantean you have to save the civilisation from catastrophe, wielding supernatural powers to solve puzzles whilst collaborating with clerics and other characters.
Gladiator combat taken to the extreme, Gorn has hit every other VR headset and soon it’s Oculus Quest’s turn. Step inside a classic arena to vanquish wave after wave of muscle bound fighters. You can utilise weapons, fists or the environment to win, basically anything goes when it comes to success. Brutal with plenty of blood, broken bones and a lot of carnage.
Supported platforms: Oculus Quest
Launch date: 28th January
Yupitergrad – Gamedust
An environmental puzzler set onboard a space station orbiting Jupiter, Yupitergrad is all about using grappling plungers to try and escape. Cue rooms full of spinning wheels of death, hallways which open up to the planet below and plenty of other ways to kill you. The only way to get through is by swinging like a trapeze artist.
Set in China 900 years ago Outlaws of the Marsh VR is an action title where you can engage in hand-to-hand combat or use traditional long sticks, crossbows and more. It’s an Early Access title which doesn’t support English.
In case you had any worries about how Free Live’s frantic gladiator game, Gorn, holds up on standalone, fear not, it’s pretty great. Watch our Gorn Oculus Quest gameplay below and see for yourself.
This gloriously gory and ridiculously slapstick VR game has long been one of our favorite titles on PC VR and PSVR, and it’s finally due for release on Oculus Quest next week on January 28th. But, even though Gorn has already seen a very good PSVR port at the hands of 24 Bit Games, we were concerned the Quest might not be able to handle the game’s demanding physics-driven combat.
Of course, we’ll warn you the below video is very gory. Video was captured on Oculus Quest 2.
Gorn Oculus Quest Gameplay Revealed
Having played the opening level, though, it appears all’s well in the arena. We’ll have a more in-depth graphics comparison between the different versions soon but, for now, enjoy nearly 12 minutes of gameplay that shows what shape the game’s in.
Granted, the game’s cartoonish visuals might not be pushing the boundaries of VR realism, but I was most concerned that Gorn’s mechanics might suffer in the transition to Quest. Much to my delight/horror I could still pluck limbs off of meat-headed opponents and toss them at others as weapons. Sharp blades still slice and dice with precision, resulting in uncomfortably bloody and unreasonably hilarious kills.
Yes the visuals are inevitably simplified, but the art style still holds up well inside Quest. Most importantly, of course, it just feels great to finally be playing Gorn without a wire. As great as the game is on PC and PSVR, its physicality has always been held back by that wire tugging at your head. On Quest, it feels like the game’s finally been unleashed. May god have mercy on your precious ornaments.
What did you make of our Gorn Oculus Quest gameplay? Let us know in the comments below! The game goes live on the Oculus store on January 28th.
GORN (2019), the single-player arcade battle simulator, is finally coming to Oculus Quest today.
Update (January 28th, 2021): GORN is set to launch on Oculus Quest sometime today. There’s still no word on exactly when it will arrive on the Oculus Store—even the developers aren’t sure. As soon as it is, we’ll include the link here.
Original Article (January 20th, 2021): Created by Free Lives, the studio behind Broforce (2015) and Genital Jousting (2018), Gorn is officially headed to the Quest platform on January 28th, 2021.
First launched on Steam Early Access in 2017, Gorn is primal cartoon violence at its best, offering up physics-driven combat against teetering beefcakes who are clad with swords, maces, bows, nunchuks, and everything in between—even Conan-style two-handed broadswords. Check out the PSVR launch trailer below to see more.
Gorn is an awesome excuse to literally tear your frustrations limb from limb, but equally also a great reason to reacquaint yourself with the Guardian feature on your headset, lest you want a broken lamp, TV, controller, or bloodied hands. Don’t say we didn’t warn you, because it’s easy to forget where you are as a mob of gladiators start swinging battle axes your way.
With its launch on Quest, the critically-acclaimed game can finally says its on all major VR headsets. You can also grab Gorn on SteamVR headsets, Oculus Rift, and PSVR.
Several months ago Gorn developer Free Lives announced that its comedic brawler would be coming to Oculus Quest, ported over by 24Bit Games – the studio behind the PlayStation VR port. Today, the launch date has been confirmed and there’s not long to wait.
Alongside a new Oculus Quest screenshot the studio announced that Gorn will be available on 28th January, less than two weeks away. Popular with PC VR and PlayStation VR players alike, soon those on Oculus Quest or Quest 2 will find out why this is an indie success story.
Or VRFocus can just tell you, it’s violence, pure over-the-top cartoon chaos like an episode of Happy Tree Friends. Gorn puts you inside a classic gladiatorial arena to vanquish wave after wave of muscle bound fighters. You can utilise weapons, fists or the environment to win, basically anything goes when it comes to success.
Gladiators will come in various guises, from basic lumbering idiots to armour-clad assailants and some unusual bosses. Yet one theme runs throughout its visceral, stupid mayhem. Blood will fly everywhere, limbs and heads can be severed and bones broken, all in the name of combat sport. The daft aspect comes from the ragdoll effects, with opponents easily flung around. Should all the red stuff get too much, switch on the Pinata mode for a friendlier alternative.
In its PC VR review of GornVRFocus said: “It is stupid, and over the top on almost every level yet it’ll still put a smile of most players faces. Additionally, GORN will help you lose two things, time and calories. You’ll find that one fight will turn into ten, and you’ll be a sweaty mess from all that arm swinging. If you want something deep and thought-provoking go read a book, for everyone else there’s GORN.”
With Gorn now scheduled to launch on 28th January 2021, that gives Oculus Quest owners something to look forward to as nothing else is expected to launch in that time. For further updates from Free lives on Gorn, keep reading VRFocus.
The Gorn Oculus Quest release date was just announced, and there’s not long to wait.
Free Lives’ bloody gladiator combat game hits the platform on January 28th. It’s a pretty speedy turnaround for the port, which was first confirmed in September 2020. Gorn’s PSVR version, which released last year, suffered numerous delays before making it out the door and Free Lives and 24 Bit Games (who handled both PSVR and Quest ports) noted they wouldn’t share information on the standalone verison until it was ready.
Gorn’s official Twitter account also shared two screenshots of the new version of the game this week, which you can see below. And, well, it looks like Gorn. You can definitely spot some graphical drawbacks but, without seeing the game in motion, it’s tough to know how it will hold up. It’s worth saying, though, that the PSVR port was very well done.
Since its first launch in Early Access years back, Gorn has proven to be one of our favorite VR games. Its sandbox combat, driven by over-the-top violence and convincing melee combat, is a real joy. We’ve long wanted to try the game’s intense brand of arena showdowns without a wire tugging at the back of our heads, and this will be our first chance to try that out.
Now that you know the Gorn Oculus Quest release date, will you be picking the game up? Let us know in the comments below!
Yes, you read that right — the Gorn developers made an announcement of an announcement, as seen in the tweet below. Sadly the game itself is not coming within the week, only the news of when the release date will be. Nonetheless, it’s nice to have some kind of update on the progress of bringing the slapstick gladiator simulator to Quest.
ALIMTA willing, we should be able to announce the release date of GORN on Quest this coming week! We just want to be 100% sure everything is in order before we announce.
Gorn originally released for PC VR in 2019 and we absolutely loved it. After that, a PSVR port was scheduled to come out that same year, but got delayed several times and was eventually pushed into 2020. After facing some annoyance from the fans with the PSVR delays, the Gorn developers said they didn’t want to give any estimate of release date for the Quest port when they announced it last year, stating they just want it to be “as good as possible.”
Given the initial hesitation to give even a rough estimate for the Quest release, the news of a date announcement within the week hopefully means we can expect that date to be sooner rather than later. The team said would only announce a date when it was confident, so that’s an encouraging sign.
The port isn’t being handled by Gorn developers Free Lives themselves, but by 24 Bit Games, who managed Gorn’s PSVR port from last year. Despite being a technically demanding game, we have high hopes for the Quest version and look forward to trying it out as soon as possible.
After four years the PlayStation VR is still going which is an accomplishment considering the lifespan of most virtual reality (VR) headsets. Even with PlayStation 5 now available, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has ensured continued compatibility whether you’re new to VR or not. For PlayStation VR owners there’s been plenty of content to choose from in 2020, so here’s 10 of the best.
Unlike previous years, PlayStation VR’s dominance has wained and with it, all the exclusives the platform was known for. There are still a couple on the list below, but most of the titles now tend to be multi-platform. That’s no bad thing as there are some great videogames on offer.
The Best PSVR Games of 2020
Marvel’s Iron Man VR
Let’s start with an exclusive though, in fact, PlayStation VR’s biggest exclusive of the year, Marvel’s Iron Man VR. After a series of delays developer Camouflaj released the highly anticipated title during the summer, providing players with the first proper chance to don the famous suit.
With a pair of PlayStation Move controllers you can take to the skies to battle new enemies, learning how to use the Repulsor Jets to dodge enemy attacks as well as shoot them. As the campaign progresses you can customise the suit with various offensive and defensive capabilities to suit the missions. This is the closest to being Iron Man you’ll ever get.
Paper Beast
One of the more unusual VR experience to arrive this year, Pixel Reef’s Paper Beastis a surreal puzzle adventure inside a world created from big data. In this simulated ecosystem, bizarre creatures have come to life, exhibiting similar characteristics to real-world animals.
The main campaign revolves around interacting with the creatures and environment to solve the various challenges, providing some awe-inspiring visuals along the way. In addition to the campaign, there’s a sandbox mode where you can build your own worlds. One of those videogames which showcase how unique VR can be.
Final Assault
Originally released last year for PC VR headsets, after much work Phaser Lock Interactive managed to bring WWII strategy game Final Assault to PlayStation VR.
With a single-player campaign as well as cross-platform multiplayer, Final Assault is fully featured when it comes to content. You command ground and aerial troops like a table-top boardgame, dropping them in to lead an attack or setup defensive positions before pushing forward. The aim being to destroy your opponents base. Lots of fun if you like real-time strategy (RTS) titles.
Pixel Ripped 1995
When it comes to retro nostalgia in VR ARVORE’s Pixel Ripped series has got you covered. The latest is Pixel Ripped 1995, taking you back 25 years to a time where sprites were transitioning into 3D graphics.
Considered a golden era for videogames, Pixel Ripped 1995 features six levels containing nods to titles such as Streets of Rage, Mortal Kombat, Road Rash, Star Fox, Sonic the Hedgehog, Castlevania and many more. You play as Dot who needs to vanquish her arch enemy the evil Cyblin Lord, aided by a 9-year-old videogame fan called David. Gameplay jumps between 2D and 3D, where you have to deal with challenges both onscreen and off. Certain to put a smile on any players face.
Gorn
Not one for younger players unless you go straight into the settings to switch the gore off, Gorn is pure over-the-top violence in a comedic, cartoon style. You’re a gladiator and the aim here is to survive brutal arena fights using whatever weapons come to hand (or just use your hands).
No crimson paint is spared as you break bones and dismember opponents with knives, axes, maces, bows and even environmental obstacles. Everything has a bouncy, ragdoll effect, so enemies can be flung around whilst the weapons wobble around like giant sponges. Addictive in its simplicity, Gorn is also quite the workout due to the physical exertion of beating cartoon gladiators senseless.
Dreams
One for those who love to be creative as well as play videogames, Dreams was a major launch for PlayStation 4 early in the year, with VR support added a few months later.
Developer Media Molecule has created a title where you can play its own single-player experience as well as those from the rest of the Dreams community. If you want to delve deeper then there’s a massive selection of tools to build whatever you want, from a simple art piece to a videogame which can be shared with the world. A videogame with limitless possibilities.
Pistol Whip
Another 2019 title which finally made it to PlayStation VR, Cloudhead Games’ Pistol Whip is a rhythm-action videogame like no other. Evoking films like John Wick you can become an action-movie badass, shooting enemies and dodging to a thumping soundtrack.
With 15 on-rail ‘Scenes’, the gameplay is intense and physical, encouraging you to move out the way of bullets whilst firing off as many of your own. The visuals are just as dramatic, creating an all-encompassing experience which will make you sweat. Plus there are plenty of modifiers to make things harder whilst upping that score for top leaderboard positions. Then early next year PlayStation VR owners will be treated to free DLC Pistol Whip 2089.
It’s all about melee combat, fighting through the procedural world of Rokar where each run-through isn’t quite the same but you can become stronger in the process. Attack, block and parry relentless foes. Should you fail then returning to the hub means you can upgrade weapons or select new ones to change your strategy. Energetic like Gorn, however, Until You Fall requires far more precision.
Star Wars: Squadrons
This videogame needs little introduction as it was the major release in October, strapping pilots into either Rebel or Imperial ships to battle in that far off galaxy. While you don’t necessarily need to be a fan of the franchise, it certainly helps when playing Star Wars Squadrons.
With single-player and multiplayer modes, in the story-driven campaign, you swap between the two opposing faction’s narratives, jumping into a selection of craft like the X-Wing or Tie Fighter. Over in multiplayer you have those same options, teaming up in a crew to take down Capital ships or engage in online dogfights. Great if you’re after a more comfortable, sat down VR experience.
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners
As the chaos of 2020 has managed to avoid a zombie apocalypse why not put yourself into one voluntarily with The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners. A survival game set within a partially flooded New Orleans, make new friends, enemies and take down a few walkers along the way.
As a drifter you encounter warring factions vying for the few resources which remain whilst trying to scavenge your own in the derelict buildings and streets. Craft useful items and new weapons, blades are silent but will tire you out where guns have great stopping power as well as attracting attention. Outside of the main campaign, there’s The Trial horde mode if you just want some arcade action, killing waves of walkers. Plenty to keep you entertained and for practising those survival skills.
A Gorn Oculus Quest port is in development, creator Free Lives has confirmed.
The news broke on Twitter this morning after Free Lives teased an announcement earlier in the month. The port is being handled by 24 Bit Games, the same studio that brought the game to PSVR earlier this year. Free Lives won’t, however, attach a projected release date to this version of the game noting that it wants this version to be “as good as possible.”
Gorn Oculus Quest Port Confirmed
Happy to announce – GORN will be coming to Oculus Quest! The port is being handled by the very capable @24BitGames who did the PSVR port as well. We are not putting an estimate on release date, we want it to be as good as possible! pic.twitter.com/UmyBDkl3Ja
There’s probably good reason for not giving any estimations – Gorn’s PSVR port was originally scheduled to come out in 2019 but several delays pushed it well into 2020, and some fans grew a little impatient.
It’s great to hear that a Gorn Oculus Quest port is in the works, though. The game is a slapstick gladiator simulator with rubbery physics and obscene comic violence. Players work their way up through the ranks using an array of different weaponry to bash and behead their opponents, with bosses capping off every level in the single-player campaign.
We loved the game when it released in full on PC, writing: “Gorn is the product of two years of tireless Early Access development. What started out as a laughable bit of nonsense has gradually evolved into, well, a much more polished and expansive bit of nonsense. It’s a toybox filled with razor-sharp playthings and endless action figures to use them on, upheld by a combat system that bends reality to eschew awkwardness.”
The game is technically demanding, though, with a lot of systems at play at once. But 24 Bit Games did a great job with the PSVR port, so we have high hopes for a Quest version.
Will you be picking up the Gorn Oculus Quest port? Let us know in the comments below!
Free Lives’ Gorn managed to rule the roost in the US, though battled its way to the fifth spot in the EU where, yes, Beat Saber reclaimed its crown. But last month’s big winner, The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners still put in a strong showing, arriving in third in the US and second in the EU. Superhot VR took the second spot in the US and Beat Saber came in fourth. PSVR exclusive, Blood & Truth, scored third in the EU, followed by Superhot. It looks like Saints & Sinners and Gorn may have some real staying power.
The rest of the top 10 is your usual assortment of Batmen, Astro Bots, and Creeds. There weren’t any huge releases for PSVR in June, so we’re not too surprised with this result.
All eyes are on Marvel’s Iron Man VR to see if it can make a dent in the coming July list, though. The PSVR exclusive launched last Friday and managed to claim the second spot on the UK’s physical games sales chart for the week, beating out the likes of Animal Crossing. That bodes well for the next PlayStation Store charts, but keep in mind that these charts only track PlayStation Store sales.
Elsewhere PSVR is also looking forward to the VR update for Dreams on July 22nd, though we wouldn’t expect that to be listed on the PSVR chart as it can be played on a regular screen too. Budget Cuts just suffered another delay too.
Skydance Interactive’s latest VR game, The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners (2020), launched to critical acclaim on PC VR back in January. Subsequently arriving on PSVR in May, the zombie horror-survival game seems to be celebrating notable success as the top PSVR download last month for both the US and Europe.
Although we haven’t touched base with the PSVR version of the game since it arrived in early May, it seems to be faring well on the platform. The game holds a near [5/5] user rating on the PlayStation Store, which is out of 520 users.
As for its PC VR version, we gave The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinnersa [9/10] in our review thanks to its engrossing story, excellent physics-based zombie killing action, and an immersive atmosphere that feels as gritty and deadly serious as The Walking Dead comic books.
Another newcomer for the month of May was the impressively violent physics-based gladiator sim GORN, developed by Broforce studio Free Lives.
GORN managed to take the second-most downloaded game on PSVR in the US, and third spot in Europe, a feat any way you slice it considering the muscle-man-slaughter-machine launched a full two weeks after The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners did on the platform, giving it less time to make up ground.
