The biggest event in the videogame calendar, The Game Awards, has announced all of its nominees across 30 categories. Of course, the Best VR/AR category returns with entrants from across the year and multiple platforms, the one omission being no augmented reality (AR) content has made the cut.
Each category is made up of five nominees with Sniper Elite VR, Resident Evil 4, Lone Echo II, Hitman 3 and I Expect You to Die 2 all making the cut. It’s great to see I Expect You to Die 2 getting a nomination as it’s the most niche of the lot, a comedic escape room title rather than big AAA adventures like the rest.
The rest aren’t too surprising as they do offer up some of the best VR gaming around. Oculus owners may also notice that the platform dominates with two exclusives, Resident Evil 4 and Lone Echo II. Only Hitman 3 doesn’t support an Oculus headset as its PlayStation VR exclusive.
Resident Evil 4 (Armature Studio/Capcom/Oculus Studios) arrived only a month ago for Oculus Quest 2, while Lone Echo II (Ready at Dawn/Oculus Studios) also dropped in October for Oculus Rift after several delays. Sniper Elite VR (Coatsink/Just Add Water/Rebellion Developments) and I Expect You To Die 2 (Schell Games) were both well-received summer releases, whilst Hitman 3 (IO Interactive) dropped in January.
As for the other categories, no other dedicated VR title has appeared elsewhere, unfortunately. Only Microsoft Flight Simulator with its optional VR support appears in the Best Sim/Strategy segment.
The Game Awards 2021 will be taking place on 9th December 2021 with a live stream usually filled with big announcements of what’s to come in the following year. Free public voting is now open. For continued updates, keep reading VRFocus.
2017’s Lone Echowas a good videogame. Actually, it was an excellent videogame because it came at a time when virtual reality (VR) needed big, impressive experiences that really showcased the potential of this technology. 2021 is a very different era. Titles like Half-Life: Alyx, Song in the Smoke, Stormland, and more provide players with epic adventures with engrossing storylines and inventive gameplay. After several delays to ensure Lone Echo II can be as good as it can, has Ready At Dawn achieved the sequel fans have been hoping for? Let’s just say, it’s nice to be back Jack.
Normally when it comes to a sequel if you’ve not played the previous title in the series then no bother, there’s a handy catch up at the beginning and you’re away. It’s the same here with Lone Echo II’s loading sequence providing snippets of the original to fill in those blanks. However, on this occasion, it’s advisable not to, purely due to the narrative at play here. The story directly continues over and because of the interactions at play between the two main characters and the grandiose setting, it’s worth experiencing the saga in its entirety.
Awakening as Jack, the android assigned to protect Captain Olivia “Liv” Rhodes, you’re once again making sure she survives the perils of deep space and a deadly organism simply known as the “Bio Mass”. The entire adventure takes place (mostly) on a deserted space station made out of various asteroids joined together. This entire installation orbits Saturn which makes for a particularly impressive backdrop once you get outside. Lone Echo was known for its gorgeous visuals with Lone Echo II somehow managing to outdo its sibling. Whether you’re casually floating through the void of space or on a pressing mission, there are visually striking moments everywhere so try not to let all that eye candy distract you too much.
So Lone Echo II still looks pretty but how does it handle? Not much has changed here actually. The entire experience is still in zero-g – no artificial gravity in this sci-fi universe – so getting about is a mixture of grabbing the environment or using little wrist-mounted jets to propel yourself. Whilst there is a larger boost to navigate some of the larger expanses, most of the time you’ll be using a mixture of the first two. In conjunction with the storyline, this tends to make Lone Echo II a slow and methodical type of videogame. Certain sequences do add a sprinkling of action but for the most part, Lone Echo II isn’t about rushing, a general playthrough should last around ten hours without doing all the extra side missions.
With no change in the core movement options, fans will instantly be at home here, flinging themselves from pillar to post in no time. If you are jumping right in it’s worth noting zero gravity can be a bit much for some, even with the accessibility options available. One nice mechanic Lone Echo II does employ is keeping you on the same visual plane, you can’t suddenly spin yourself upside down for example – one of the best ways to induce nausea. The only braking of that rule comes with a little device called the “Extreme Drifter”. Find it and you’ll blast across the space station. A word of warning, you can twist and if you don’t let go, it’s the only way to reorient yourself.
So you might now be wondering what is exactly new. Well, most of this involves dealing with the Bio Mass threat and its various evolutions like the really annoying, power-hungry ticks that’ll latch onto any sort of power source – not great when you’re an android. Lone Echo II’s puzzles begin by trying to avoid or manoeuvre these creatures, with plenty of physical interaction cutting access panels, pulling power levers, and more, nothing too taxing. As you get deeper you’ll unlock offensive capabilities (not just tools) offering light combat segments.
All of these are located on Jack’s wrist, activated with a blue button. You get five gadgets in total, some that’ll get far more use than others. Unlike actual shooters where weapons or tools are usually quickly accessible, that’s not really the case here. You have to grab a blue orb representing each tool, not the greatest mechanic if you’re being attacked. This again highlights the composed approach you have to take in Lone Echo II, carefully planning how you handle every danger. Death is no worry for an android as you’ll be rebuilt at the nearest Fabricator but that doesn’t mean you should rely on it. Some aren’t always close by.
Lone Echo II’s gameplay might be finely tuned, however, it would be nothing without the relationship it fosters between Jack and Liv. The epic storyline is enthralling – as good as any binged TV show – nonetheless the bond you build with Liv is what gives both Jack and Lone Echo II their humanity. Dialogue options allow you to play a more logical android character or add a little bit of jokey banter into the mix, eliciting different responses from Liv. Without spoiling too much there’s a particular scene where you have to hold her hand, it’s a very touching moment between two friends.
Ready At Dawn may have originally planned to release Lone Echo II in 2020 before having to push it back several times and that’s completely understandable considering the quality of videogame that’s been produced. There’s a lot to love and get engrossed in as it’s so immersive, the real criticism comes from the fact that Lone Echo II plays everything a little too safe. The experience doesn’t break any new ground and it really could’ve done with some greater challenges thrown in. On the other hand, it was engrossing until the very end, easily the standout AAA VR experience of 2021.
After so many delays it might be one of those launch date announcements you take with hesitation but Ready At Dawn has now come back with a date for Lone Echo II. The sci-fi adventure built for Oculus Rift is slated to release in exactly two weeks.
In a statement today, Ready At Dawn said: “Over the last couple months now, our team has been hard at work polishing the game to meet our desired quality level. As always, our goal has been to bring you an entertaining and immersive experience when adventuring with Liv and Jack. Today, we’re excited to announce Lone Echo II will be released on October 12, 2021.”
There’s quite a bit of anticipation for the videogame – well there is at VRFocus anyway – so it’s understandable when the team adds: “We love the Lone Echo universe and felt we needed a little more time to give the game the polish and love it deserved. So, thank you all for your patience and understanding throughout development.”
And it has been a long old road. The original Lone Echoarrived in 2017 with this sequel confirmed during the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2019. Initially expected in 2020, like many studios Ready At Dawn had to readjust to working remotely, impacting development and pushing the release further back. It was back in July when excitement was built with an August launch date followed by a reversal only three weeks later.
Hopefully, that date is now set in stone and fans can see what happens next to Captain Olivia Rhodes and her trusty sidekick Jack. Lone Echo’s story takes place on an advanced mining facility within the rings of Saturn when things begin to go wry due to an anomaly. As Jack, an AI housed within a synthetic body, you have to ensure Rhodes’ survival in this zero-g environment by solving puzzles and both inside and outside the facility. Those weightless mechanics will return in the sequel alongside a new threat.
For continued updates from Ready At Dawn, keep reading VRFocus.
This summer was set to be the season of big virtual reality (VR) blockbusters with the likes of After the Fall and Lone Echo II both landing after several delays. As sure as autumn follows summer more delays have inevitably happened with Ready at Dawn confirming today that Lone Echo II has been pushed back to later this year.
It was only last month that Ready at Dawn announced the 24th August launch date, now changing its mind only three weeks later that the sci-fi adventure for Oculus Rift won’t be ready. It’s understandable considering how well the original did and how highly anticipated the sequel is.
In a blog post, the studio said: “We have been working hard to deliver the very best experience possible and we are eager to have you join Liv and Jack in their adventures once again. However, as we get closer to launch day, it has become clear that we needed a bit more time to polish and reach our desired quality level. As such, Lone Echo II’s launch date will be moved to later this year.”
Unfortunately, the ambiguous statement indicates the team might need a while longer to finesse Lone Echo II’s gameplay considering a new date hasn’t been set. Lone Echo II is now going to be one of the big winter releases by the looks of it, maybe Facebook Connect will unearth new details?
It seems a long time ago now but VRFocus did preview Lone Echo II during Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2019. Saying at the time that it: “still looks as detailed and stunning to look at as the first instalment, having that broody looking horror sci-fi feel as if you’re in a scene from Alien.” Now we’re even more intrigued to see how much has changed.
In Lone Echo II you continue your role as Jack, an android tasked with aiding Captain Olivia Rhodes’ survival in deep space. In complete zero-g environments, you can explore by grabbing hold of objects or using wrist-mount boosters. You also have a range of tools built into your hands to solve various puzzles.
The original Lone Echofrom 2017 is still available at a discounted rate of £7.99 GBP ($9.99 USD) which was supposed to last until the 24th. It’s unclear if this will be extended so if you’ve been thinking about grabbing the title now might be a good time. For continued updates keep reading VRFocus.
The day has finally arrived for eager Oculus owners with the long-awaited confirmation of a launch date for Lone Echo II. Originally unveiled back in 2018, Ready at Dawn teased earlier in the year that Lone Echo II would be arriving this summer as an Oculus Quest exclusive, with an August date putting the launch just over a month away.
Lone Echo II is a direct continuation of the first title where you take the role of Jack, an android tasked with aiding Captain Olivia Rhodes’ survival. One of the first VR videogames really classed as a AAA title, the sequel will continue the epic narrative and zero-g controls whilst expanding upon the gameplay dynamics which made the first such a hit.
As Jack, you’ll be able to explore environments either by launching yourself from a stationary object or using your wrist-mounted thrusters for true weightless freedom. Jack also comes supplied with a range of useful tools to complete puzzles and discover new secrets. This sequel will also develop Rhodes and Jack’s bond as they fight to survive the harsh realities of deep space.
Ready at Dawn may still term Lone Echo II an Oculus Rift exclusive but the headset has now been officially discontinued. Of course, thanks to Oculus Link or Air Link Lone Echo II is fully compatible with Facebook’s Oculus Quest platform as long as you’ve got a VR-capable PC.
Lone Echo II will officially launch on the Oculus Store for Oculus Rift on 24th August 2021 priced at £29.99 GBP/$39.99 USD. If you do buy the videogame then you’ll also receive a free VEGA X-3 chassis for your Echo VR avatar, the same as Jack’s from Lone Echo II. If you’ve not yet played the original Lone Echofrom 2017 then now’s a good a time as any. From today until 24th August Lone Echo is discounted to £7.99 ($9.99).
Reviewing the original all those years ago, VRFocus said of the sci-fi epic: “Lone Echo has been one of those massively talked about titles that you wonder if it could ever live up to the hype. Well in this instance it does. Ready at Dawn has created an experience that every Oculus Touch owner needs in their library.” Hopefully, that trend continues next month.
VRFocus will continue its coverage of Lone Echo II as the launch date nears, reporting back with further updates.
With half the year gone it’s definitely time to look at what virtual reality (VR) videogames VRFocus is most excited to play before the end of 2021. The last six months haven’t disappointed with the likes of Maskmaker, Cosmodread, Demeo, The Climb 2, and Alvo all providing excellent VR experiences. Whilst you might still be busy playing these 2021 still has more to offer.
As there’s no shortage of upcoming VR videogames slated for a Q3/Q4 2021 launch, those about to grace headsets like Sniper Elite VR and Sam & Max: This Time It’s Virtual!have been omitted. Not because VRFocus doesn’t want to play them, they just happen to be arriving this week!
Lone Echo II
Ready at Dawn’s sci-fi sequel Lone Echo II has appeared on multiple ‘Most Anticipated’ rounds ups and hopefully, this should be the last time. Because as part of the Oculus Gaming Showcase, Lone Echo II was confirmed for Summer 2021. Originally revealed as an Oculus Rift exclusive back in 2018, Lone Echo II‘s release date moved from 2019 to 2020 and finally 2021 – in that time seeing the Oculus Rift platform discontinued.
The single-player sci-fi adventure, Lone Echo II continues the story where you play a robot called Jack who needs to help Captain Olivia Rhodes survive the perils of space. Exclusive to the Oculus Store, it’s worth taking a look at the original even if titles like Half-Life: Alyxhave now surpassed it.
Supported headsets: Oculus Rift (Oculus Quest via PC Link)
Release date: Summer 2021
Song in the Smoke
The first VR title by 17-Bit (Skulls of the Shogun, GALAK-Z), Song in the Smokeis part survival adventure and part mysterious narrative. You’ll be able to hunt with bows and axes, forage for resources to craft new items whilst exploring this beautiful, prehistoric world and uncovering its secrets. Players will find creatures behave just like real wild animals, so they’ll be hungry, afraid and tired, likely to attack or run away depending on the situation.
Revealed during March’s PlayStation Spotlight, Song in the Smoke was certainly one of the more surprising announcements. 17-Bit has been unveiling snippets of the gameplay but not much regarding the story. In any case, the videogame looks fascinating.
Supported headsets: PlayStation VR, Oculus Quest and Rift
Release date: 2021
Low-Fi
An ambitious cyberpunk project by Iris VR Inc., Low-Fi, is coming to most major VR platforms as well as PlayStation 5 which supports non-VR gamers. Low-Fi drops you into a futuristic city as a cop patrolling the dark crime-ridden streets of city-block 303. You’re given free rein to explore this open world, become a good cop to maintain order or exploit your position and earn a few side credits.
Money will mean you can treat yourself to a few toys, purchase some nice new weapon upgrades or make sure your companions are well cared for. While Low-Fi’s official launch is slated for the end of the year on Steam, you can purchase the early access version over on itch.io for $35 USD if you can’t wait.
Supported headsets: PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index & Windows Mixed Reality.
Release date: Q4 2021
Fracked
Another PlayStation Spotlight reveal Fracked comes from nDreams, the team behind Phantom: Covert Ops. A PlayStation VR exclusive, Fracked is an action-adventure where you’re given as much freedom as possible to assault levels and eliminate enemies. Ski, run, climb, base jump and zipline around the environments, using your PlayStation Move controllers to grab whatever’s insight, even items to use as cover.
Set on top of an Alaskan mountain, nDreams has you fighting interdimensional enemies called the ‘Fracked’ using all manner of weaponry. Plus, if you own a PlayStation 5 there are console specific enhancements including uncapped dynamic resolution, improved framerate, resolution and loading times.
Supported headsets: PlayStation VR
Release date: Summer 2021
Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Tempestfall
The only major IP currently expected for VR headsets this year, Carbon Studio and Games Workshop are set to take you into the neverending wartorn universe Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Tempestfall this summer.
In suitable Warhammer style, there’s an epic narrative where you play Lord-Arcanum Castor Stormscryer, leader of a retinue of Stormcast Eternals who’ve been called due to a rise in Nighthaunt forces, triggered by an event called the Necroquake in the Realm of Death. Armed with devastating melee weapons and magical abilities, all you need to do is deliver Stormcast Eternal justice.
Supported headsets: PC VR & Oculus Quest
Release date: Summer 2021
After the Fall
Originally due in 2020 after a 2019 reveal After the Fall is Vertigo Games’ next blockbuster VR experience, promising lots of zombies (sort of) in an alternate future where Los Angeles has frozen over and most of the local residents have transforms into monsters called Snowbreed.
Another title making it over from VRFocus’ previous ‘Most Anticipated’ list, since then Vertigo Games has released plenty of new footage showcasing After the Fall’s gameplay. Built around a co-op experience for up to four players, there will still be a single-layer campaign for when everyone’s busy. These Snowbreed come in all shapes and sizes, from those annoying ones who scuttle across the ceiling to big boss types. It’s going to be quite an action-filled ride.
Supported headsets: PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive & Valve Index
Release date: Summer 2021
Arashi: Castles of Sin
Feel like there aren’t enough badass ninja videogames in VR? Well, look no further than Arashi: Castles of Sin which is going to be a PlayStation VR exclusive. A stealth combat experience set in feudal Japan, Arashi: Castles of Sin puts you in the role of an elite shinobi called Kenshiro who must reclaim House Arashi castles captured by a ruthless group of bandits.
Each area is a sandbox environment so you can decide how to tackle each fight, up close and personal with a samurai sword, or quietly from the rooftops with a shuriken. All the weapons will be authentic to that era of Japan’s history. You even have a wolf companion to kill enemies, what more could you ask for?
Supported headsets: PlayStation VR
Release date: Summer 2021
I Expect You To Die 2: The Spy and The Liar
After the success of its original, puzzle-solving, spy caper, Schell Games will return this summer with I Expect You To Die 2: The Spy and The Liar, once again trying to foil Zoraxis’ plans for world domination.
Set to feature six globe-trotting missions with even more fiendish puzzles to solve, I Expect You To Die 2: The Spy and The Liar will still retain its non-locomotion gameplay, where everything tends to be within physical grabbing distance, comfortable for all players. This time around it’ll feature some new stars including Wil Wheaton (Big Bang Theory, Star Trek: Next Generation) to voice celebrity John Juniper and singer and songwriter Puddles Pity Party on the theme tune.
Supported headsets: PlayStation VR, Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive & Valve Index
Release date: Summer 2021
Wanderer
A puzzle filled, time-travelling adventure developed by New Zealand-based studios M Theory and Oddboy, Wanderer tasks you with a journey to save mankind by heading to key points in history. Que historic events like the moon landings or helping Nikola Tesla with his latest invention.
Wanderer is another one of those intriguing experiences which could offer plenty of gameplay variety when it launches this year. Plus it doesn’t look half bad either.
Supported headsets: PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive & Valve Index
If there’s one videogame longtime Oculus fans have been eagerly awaiting its probably Lone Echo II by Ready At Dawn. The original Lone Echo in 2017 was a massive Oculus exclusive, showcasing just what the medium could achieve way before Half-Life: Alyx. Today, as part of the Oculus Gaming Showcase, Lone Echo II is confirmed for a Summer 2021 launch.
Not unexpected, as the Oculus Gaming Showcase announcement did mention Lone Echo II, with everyone awaiting news of its arrival. It’s still a shame that it’s just a summer window with no concrete date as to the sci-fi adventure’s exact arrival. When it does land it’ll still be an exclusive for the now discontinued Oculus Rift platform with support for Oculus Quest via Link – you can always utilise Virtual Desktop or Oculus Air Link to keep it wireless.
Lone Echo II continues the exploits of Captain Olivia Rhodes and her trusty android sidekick Jack. Weaving a rich sci-fi narrative, as Jack you’re tasked with aiding Rhodes’ survival in the depths of space, exploring the zero-g environments with a wrist-mounted thruster and solving various challenges along the way.
“Lone Echo ended with an unanswered question; what does the future hold for Liv and Jack now that they’ve arrived in the 26th century? We’re excited to continue their story and reveal how the events of the first game have impacted the future they are about to encounter,” said Ru Weerasuriya, Founder, Head of Studio, Ready At Dawn in a statement. “With Lone Echo, we opened the door to building a true connection with an NPC inside a virtual world. With this sequel, we are diving deeper into the relationship between Jack and Liv, and giving the player the opportunity to explore new bonds with new characters.”
When it comes to big virtual reality (VR) announcements – either on the hardware or software side – Facebook usually gears everything around its Connect event in September. 2021 is going to be a little different as the company will be hosting the very first Oculus Gaming Showcase dedicated to the latest upcoming content next week.
Teasing in a blog post that fans can: “expect new updates to fan-favorite titles, never-before-seen footage from some unreleased games, and a few surprises in store,” several titles were mentioned. Cloudhead Games’ Pistol Whip, Ready At Dawn’s Lone Echo II, and Star Wars: Tales From the Galaxy’s Edge by ILMxLAB . Three big titles which VRFocus has a good idea of what could be mentioned.
In regards to Pistol Whip Cloudhead Games has previously mentioned a new campaign is under development with a hint towards a Wild West theme. Hopefully, the “Concierge” update will also get a release date. As for Lone Echo II well that’s easy, everyone’s awaiting a release date. First shown back in 2018 followed by a playable demo during E3 2019, the last official news on the project came late last year when the studio said: “we are still diligently working to bring you Jack and Liv’s next adventure together.” A Lone Echo II date would be big news for the Oculus community.
When it comes to Star Wars: Tales From the Galaxy’s Edge, the Oculus exclusive arrived late in 2020 with mixed reviews, one criticism being the amount of content. Well, that could be fixed this year as ILMxLAB previously stated it was a two-parter, so expect those details to be released during the Oculus Gaming Showcase.
The showcase takes place on 21st April 2021 starting at 3pm PT (11pm GMT) over on Oculus’ Twitch, Facebook, and YouTube channels. Facebook hasn’t said how long the stream will last but it sounds similar to Sony’s State of Play series. As further details are released, VRFocus will let you know.
While 2020 may have been rubbish when it comes to almost everything, virtual reality (VR) developers have provided some awesome content to fill the time. So now it’s time to look ahead and see what the next 12 months will bring.
There’s no shortage of VR titles already slated for 2021, some have moved over from last year whilst others are looking to make their mark. Those such as Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creedand Splinter Cell don’t make the main list as these aren’t expected anytime soon.
Hitman 3
The main videogame a lot of PlayStation VR players are likely to be looking forward to, Hitman 3 arrives in a few weeks, the only title on this list with an actual launch date.
Putting you back into the shoes of the infamous assassin, Hitman 3 is fully VR compatible across its main campaign as well as its four other modes. Developer IO Interactive is making it possible to bring the two previous instalment’s maps – if you own Hitman 1 and 2 – into the third edition so you can play them in VR. Plus, the PlayStation 4 version will freely upgrade to the PlayStation 5 edition, whilst the PS5 version comes with a digital PS4 copy so there’s no need to worry which console you own.
Supported headsets: PlayStation VR
Release date: 20th January 2021
Lone Echo 2
Announced as an Oculus Rift exclusive back in 2018, originally Lone Echo II had been slated for 2019. Over the course of 2020, a couple of updates were released noting that work was still ongoing as the team adjusted to working remotely but it was clear from the last one the videogame wasn’t going to make it this year.
The single-player sci-fi adventure, Lone Echo II continues the story where you play a robot called Jack who needs to help Captain Olivia Rhodes survive the perils of space. Exclusive to the Oculus Store, it’s worth taking a look at the original even if titles like Half-Life: Alyx have now surpassed it.
As there’s no actual release date just yet, Lone Echo II could well arrive after Oculus Rift S is discontinued so there’s little doubt it’ll be Oculus Quest (via Oculus Link) compatible.
A horror title with a twist, Fast Travel Games’ Wraith: The Oblivion – Afterlifelooks to be quite an intriguing experience. Set within the World of Darkness universe, you play as a wraith stuck in the mysterious Barclay mansion with the ability to walk through walls and pick items up remotely.
This being a horror videogame, just because you’re a wraith doesn’t mean to say there aren’t nasty beings lurking in the darkness. In fact, they’re called Spectres and they stalk your every footstep. Suspense is key here, there doesn’t look to be any combat just exploration, puzzle-solving and hiding when appropriate.
Supported headsets: Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index & PlayStation VR.
Release date: Early 2021
Maskmaker
From the team that brought you A Fisherman’s Tale, InnerspaceVR is working on a puzzle adventure called Maskmaker. Set in a realm ruled by the titular character, you’re his apprentice, learning his secret, magical ways of making masks. These are no ordinary masks, allowing you to freely explore 8 levels ‘biomes’ and discover their secrets.
As an apprentice, you’ll have to learn to build various masks from blueprints using materials you find. Eventually, you’ll be given free rein to make your own designs, although the studio hasn’t revealed what will happen when you do. Grander in scope than InnerspaceVR’s previous projects, Maskmaker is expected early next year.
Supported headsets: PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive & Valve Index
Release date: Q1 2021
Low-Fi
Iris VR Inc. – the team behind Technolust – held a successful Kickstarter back in 2019 for its ambitious cyberpunk project Low-Fi, which supports both VR and non-VR gameplay. An epic sci-fi adventure where you play a cop patrolling the dark crime-ridden streets of city-block 303, you’re able to choose between keeping law and order or exploiting its seedy underbelly.
While the Kickstarter offered backers access to the development build depending on which tier they purchased, that early access was then made available to everyone. Low-Fi is available on itch.io for $35 USD, once the videogame is ready to launch you’ll get a Steam key.
Supported headsets: PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index & Windows Mixed Reality.
Only a few teasing details of the gameplay have been revealed so far such as the image below and that the action will be a mix of melee combat and powerful, motion-based spellcasting. One aspect Carbon Studio has been detailing is the storyline through a selection of dev blog’s over on Steam. If the team’s recent The Wizards – Dark Times game is anything to go by Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Tempestfall is in good hands.
Supported headsets: PC VR & Oculus Quest
Release date: 2021
After the Fall
Another videogame falling foul of remote working in 2020, Vertigo Games’ After the Fall is its next big blockbuster shooter. Originally unveiled during the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2019, the studio has released few updates over the past year, the main one being the delay.
A promising action-packed FPS from what’s been shown so far, the studio behind Arizona Sunshine is heading for chillier climes for this adventure. Not to some northern outpost, rather Los Angeles set in a desolate future consumed by climate change and where most of the population have turned into monsters because of a designer drug. Survival will require scavenging for parts to build deadly weapons and other tools.
Supported headsets: PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive & Valve Index
Release date: Early 2021
The Climb 2
Revealed during Facebook Connect in September, Crytek’s free-climbing sequel was slated for an Oculus Quest launch by the end of 2020. Nothing has been heard of The Climb 2 since then including a reason for the delay.
Just like before you’ll need a head for heights, assailing cliff faces whilst looking for the best route up. This time around, however, it won’t just be scenic views of the ocean and countryside you’ll be able to enjoy, it’ll take you into cities to scale massive skyscrapers like you’re Tom Cruise in a Mission Impossible movie. Hopefully, more news will come available in early 2021.
Supported headsets: Oculus Quest
Release date: ‘Coming Soon’
Sniper Elite VR
Bringing its popular sniping franchise into VR, Rebellion has teamed up with Coatsink and Just Add Water on the production of Sniper Elite VR. A single-player, story-driven campaign takes you to Italy during World War 2, helping the Italian resistance to rid Sicily of the Nazi’s.
You’ll be exploring scenic locations, finding the best spots to snipe enemies or when necessary employing sub-machine guns, pistols and other weapons at close range. And let’s not forget about the infamous X-ray kill camera to really make those long-range shots standout. While no official release date has been mentioned, having demoed Sniper Elite VR in 2019 VRFocus has its fingers crossed this might appear in 2021.
Supported headsets: PlayStation VR, Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive & Valve Index
Release date: ‘Coming Soon’
Unplugged
Rhythm-action videogames can be awesome fun and Unplugged from Anotherway and Vertigo Games looks like it could be a blast. It’s also the only title here which uses Oculus Quest’s hand tracking feature for some air guitar rock and roll.
So far a couple of teasing videos featuring Searching for the Truth by The Electric Alley and Roadie by Tenacious D have showcased the gameplay no guitar controllers needed. You’ll score points and build combos when playing well or booed and beer hurled at you when you mess up.
Most of the videogames VRFocuswas looking forward to playing in 2020 have arrived and mostly met expectations. There are a couple which haven’t, Low-Fi which is now expected Q1 2021 and Oculus exclusive Lone Echo II. Today Ready at Dawn issued an update for the sci-fi adventure which doesn’t bode well for a 2020 launch.
In a brief post the studio was straight to the point saying: “While we have no new information regarding a release date for Lone Echo II to announce right now, we wanted to take a moment to assure you we are still diligently working to bring you Jack and Liv’s next adventure together as soon as we are able.”
The original 2017 title was a bit hit with VR fans, a rich sci-fi narrative when you played a robot called Jack, there to aid Captain Olivia Rhodes’ survival in the depths of space. So the followup has been highly anticipated, especially when it was announced in 2018 for release last year. Videogame development is quite often hit with delays for one reason or another and Lone Echo II was pushed into this year.
Obviously, when the pandemic struck and a lot of businesses had to shift to remote work that also affected development. “We’ve discovered new ways to create, communicate and collaborate and we like how the game is looking. Working remote is not without its challenges, however, and we’ve needed to stretch development beyond our desired timeframe,” the blog post continues.
So for the time being the launch date seems to be a state of hiatus, with no clear indication whether it’ll be 2020 or most likely moved into 2021; just remember, good things come to those who wait.
