Oculus Rift Games – Page 11 – Augmented & Virtual Reality Confabulation

June 28, 2018

‘Marvel Powers United VR’ to Launch Next Month on Rift, Black Panther Revealed as Newest Hero

Oculus and Sanzaru Games today announced their upcoming co-op VR game for Rift, MARVEL Powers United VR, finally has a release date. The game, which lets you take on the powers of a number of Marvel superheroes, is slated to launch on July 26th. To boot, the studios also announced they’re including Black Panther to the lineup of playable characters.

The co-op VR game, which was first revealed at Disney D23 fan expo in summer of last year, was created by Marvel Games, Sanzaru Games, and Oculus Studios. Featuring co-op missions, you use each superhero’s unique powers in online multiplayer, revisiting some of the familiar Marvel locations made famous in films past.

Pre-orders for Marvel Powers United VR are now open here, with the game priced at $40.

Black Panther is also joining the cast of previously announced characters, making the total revealed lineup Black Panther, Captain Marvel, The Hulk, Rocket Raccoon, Deadpool, Black Bolt, Crystal, and Thor. The game will ship on with 18 playable heroes, eight villains to battle, and ten recognizable locations.

While Black Pather’s specific abilities aren’t specified as such, Oculus says that his Vibranium-powered suit gives users “super-human strength, agility, and endurance.”

Image courtesy Sanzuru Games, Oculus Studios

Oculus says more info is yet to come, and will be sharing more as we near the game’s July 26th launch date.

We went hands-on with Marvel Powers United VR back during an Oculus event that was simultaneously timed with Disney’s D23. Check it out here in the meantime to learn more about the nitty gritty of what makes the game tick.

You can also demo Marvel Powers United VR at select retail locations for yourself, which lets you choose from Black Bolt, Captain Marvel, Crystal, The Hulk, and Thor in a co-op battle mission.

The post ‘Marvel Powers United VR’ to Launch Next Month on Rift, Black Panther Revealed as Newest Hero appeared first on Road to VR.

June 27, 2018

‘Beat Saber’ to Get a Multiplayer Mode, Custom Avatars & Sabers Considered

Beat Saber developer Beat Gamers (formerly Hyperbolic Magnetism), has confirmed work on a competitive multiplayer mode for the popular rhythm game, which may in the future include custom avatars and sabers.

Beat Saber currently offers global, friend, and local leaderboards for users to compare high scores, but developer Beat Games says that a real-time competitive multiplayer mode is now in the works. The company hired a former community member (‘Umbranoxus’), who was already developing an unofficial multiplayer mod for the game, to spearhead the project.

The studio says that the first multiplayer mode will be “very basic”, allowing players to play the same level together and see who comes out with the top score. It’s expected that more varied multiplayer modes will be offered in the future. We expect the PC and PSVR versions of Beat Saber will both get multiplayer, but probably won’t see cross-play between platforms.

The initial version of Beat Saber multiplayer will offer default avatars, but the studio says they plan to add custom avatars to the game in the future. Custom sabers are also under consideration for future updates, Beat Games says.

But what of the highly anticipated custom level editor? While it was initially planned to be released shortly after the game’s launch, the studio wrote recently there were large underlying adjustments that needed to be made to the game to support the custom level editor:

On release day, the game in Early Access was working properly, but we were aware of a few smaller issues in code, which needed to be solved. We decided to release Beat Saber anyway.

And it was huge! The community and the whole VR world was amazed by the game and we knew we have to work hard to make it even better. We decided to get back to those problematic parts of the code and rewrite them. Soon realising it would need a whole refactoring of UI and editor code. To be honest, refactoring took us much longer than we expected and it still requires some more work. But the good thing is that from now on, it will be much easier for us to implement new features or deploy updates and make edits. Now we can focus only on a new content.

The level editor continues to be the studio’s top priority, and they say it will launch before the multiplayer mode.

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June 27, 2018

Oculus Teases New Character for ‘Marvel Powers United VR’, Reveal Coming Tomorrow

Oculus recently teased the next addition to the Marvel Powers United VR lineup, which included the cryptic message “all hail the king,” accompanied by the sound of a large feline growling.

The obvious choice here would be Black Panther, but there is some room for speculation; in the films, T’Challa (Black Panther) eschewed wearing the black and gold suit, instead electing for a muted black and silver color scheme.

pic.twitter.com/KvTc8BF7Vd

— Oculus Rift (@OculusRift) June 25, 2018

If you’re a fan of the film, you’ll remember the main villain Killmonger (played by Michael B. Jordan) took the black and gold Jaguar suit for himself when he ascended the throne of Wakanda. This may be looking too far into it, although the game’s affinity for filling out its cast with less ‘prime time’ characters like Rocket Raccoon, Black Bolt, Crystal, and Captain Marvel decidedly makes a Killmonger reveal a clear possibility.

The game also includes main characters Deadpool, The Hulk, Thor, Loki, and the villain Ronan The Accuser.

Either way, we’ll find out tomorrow, and hopefully have more information on the game’s precise release date. Currently, Marvel Powers United VR is slated to release sometime in 2018, and exclusively on Rift.

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June 27, 2018

Google’s ‘Tilt Brush’ Gets New Beginner Mode to Make VR Art Creation Easier

Google’s Tilt Brush (2016) has shaped up to be a fully-featured VR creation tool since the app’s initial launch in April 2016 on HTC Vive, adding things like support for Oculus Rift, integration with Google’s other 3D VR creation tool Blocks (2017), and the ability to export creations to Sktechfab. Now, Google is making Tilt Brush easier with its new ‘Beginner Mode’ so newcomers aren’t so overwhelmed by the app’s growing tools and features.

Now Tilt Brush is divided into an Advanced Mode, and a Beginner Mode, which is set as the default the first time you launch the app. Once you’re ready for more tools, you simply have to toggle Advanced Mode, and you’ll have access to all additional features outside the core tool set.

The latest update also brought with it a number of new effects, tools, and fixes that should make creating things in Tilt Brush an easier experience all around. Here’s a quick list, taken from the Google blogpost announcing the update:

12 new brushes – let you create different textures and volumes. With these new brushes, you can create a natural landscape or lifelike characters. One of our favorites is the Hull Brush, which allows you to easily paint three dimensional objects by simply moving your controller.
New ambiance – If you listen closely, you’ll notice our updated set of sound effects designed to enhance your creation process.
Sketch organization – We created the Pin Tool so you can quickly lock your objects in place when creating densely populated masterpieces. When you pin objects in place, they are unselectable, making it easier to manipulate the scene around them.
Mirror tool update – If you lose your Mirror in a busy scene or wander away from it in your sketch, you can click the Recall Mirror Tool to move it right next to you.
Better object selection – We added new selection features to save you time when editing sketches. You can now select all items in a sketch as well as invert selections that you have made.
Quicker edits – Iteration has always been an important aspect of the creative process. You can now quickly undo or redo many brush actions by holding the controller button until the scene gets back to the way you want it.

Tilt Brush, once a freebie with purchase of HTC Vive, now sells for $20 on both Steam and the Oculus Store.

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June 26, 2018

‘COMPOUND’ Update Adds New Map, Music – Indie Dev Goes Full Time

COMPOUND, an indie VR shooter that launched in Early Access back in May, has received a new update adding a new map type and new music, with new enemies planned for future updates. The game’s sole developer has announced that he’s quitting his day job to develop Compound full time.

As Compound’s sole developer, Bevan “NotDead” McKechnie has painted the game’s unique retro textures pixel by pixel, not to mention crafted the all the levels, weapons, items, enemies, sounds, and systems. He’s been working on the title in his spare time since 2016, and it seems his persistence and talent is paying off. The Early Access version of Compound, which launched back in May, has garnered an impressive 98% positive review rating from Steam users, putting in up there with some of the platform’s top VR games. Here’s a look at the Early Access launch trailer if you’re unfamiliar with Compound’s unique take on VR FPS.

In the latest announcement, McKechnie says he’s quitting his day job to develop Compound full time, indicating that players should expect to see accelerated development as the game continues to evolve:

As many may know, up until now I’ve been working on COMPOUND after work and on weekends. Recently I handed in my resignation at my day job to work on COMPOUND full time!! A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who has purchased the early access version of COMPOUND and allowed me to realize my childhood dream of being a real game developer. Thank you so much! The long delay since the last update was due to the fact I had a lot of extra IRL work preparing things for my replacement. I still have to work for about another month, but once the hand-over is complete COMPOUND development should get a huge boost. Thank you again for believing in me! I promise to make the best game I can, to proper completion.

The announcement comes alongside a new patch, V0.1.5, which adds a new map type, the ‘Chemical Processing’ location, which McKechnie says will be filled with new enemy types in a future update. Planned enemies include the Stalker, a mech-looking enemy, and the Suicide Drone, which we can only imagine will try to rush the player and blow them up. The update also adds a new music track to the game’s ‘Profit Management’ location.

Prior updates following the Early Access launch have added a new weapon (the grenade launcher) and a bevy of tweaks to improve controls, locomotion, enemy AI, and performance.

Per the quote above, McKechnie says he’s still got another month with his current employer before starting full time development of Compound; we’ll be looking forward to an increased pace of updates to this unique VR shooter.

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June 26, 2018

New ‘Pinball FX2 VR’ Tables From ‘Back to the Future’, ‘E.T.’, & ‘Jaws’ Now Available on All Platforms

Pinball FX 2 VR (2016), the VR pinball simulator, is getting a host of new tables in a paid DLC pack, brought over from its flatscreen sequel, Pinball FX 3 (2017). Tables based on E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), Jaws (1975) and Back to the Future (1985) first became available on the Oculus Rift, Oculus Go, and Gear VR back in May, and are now available through the PSVR and SteamVR (Vive) versions of the game.

Update (6/26/18): Pinball FX2 VR owners on any platform can now access the new ‘Universal Classics’ DLC, priced at $20 on tethered headsets, which brings three new tables based on iconic movies from the ’70s and ’80s. The title, and the new DLC, is now available on Oculus Rift, Oculus Go, Gear VR, PSVR, and SteamVR (supporting Vive and Rift). Prior DLC packs for the game offer up an additional six tables, over the base game’s three original tables.

The SteamVR version of the game is currently on sale for $6, a 60% discount over the usual $15 price, and the prior DLC packs are on sale at the same discount.

Original Article (5/15/18): The tables, licensed by Universal, come along with immersive environments including the forest behind Elliot’s house (E.T.), a beach villa looking out to an Amity Island sunset (Jaws), and Hill Valley’s historic town square (Back to the Future).

A few other goodies await too, says developer Zen Studios, including “a curious E.T. peeking at your table to see how you’re doing, a shark fin circling around your Jaws table, and the classic DeLorean flashing across the Back to the Future table.”

“Everyone seemed to really love what we did with the non-VR version of Universal Classics Pinball (we’re especially flattered by the 90 on Metacritic for the Xbox One version). The Pinball FX2 VR version features every bit of film-adapting gameplay that resonated so well with critics and fans alike, from E.T. collecting candy in a cornfield to Marty McFly showcasing his skills at arcade shooting and players braving the open waters in a shark cage for an exciting multi-ball mode.”

~~There’s no word yet when/if either the Steam version, which supports both Rift and Vive, or the PSVR version, will get the update.~~ [See update above]

The post New ‘Pinball FX2 VR’ Tables From ‘Back to the Future’, ‘E.T.’, & ‘Jaws’ Now Available on All Platforms appeared first on Road to VR.

June 26, 2018

VR Sci-fi Shooter ‘Seeking Dawn’ to Land on Rift & Vive July 12th

Multiverse Inc., the studio behind VR sci-fi shooter Seeking Dawn, today announced the single/multiplayer game is soon heading out of closed beta and launching on Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Windows “Mixed Reality” VR headsets on July 12th. The studio says support for PSVR is slated to come “later this year.”

Promising a ‘full-length’ VR game, Seeking Dawn is said to offer a 20-hour single-player campaign, co-op gameplay with up to three other players in campaign mode, and multiplayer deathmatches in a “sprawling Survival setting.”

Stepping into the boots of a 23rd century soldier on a hostile planet filled with alien predators and gun-toting enemies, you follow the trail of an allied recon squad to uncover the mystery of why they came (and why they’re gone).

Seeking Dawn is still available for pre-order for $35 on the Multiverse website. Closed beta slots are limited to 500 players. The full release will be available on the Oculus Store (Rift) and Steam (Rift, Vive, Windows VR) for $40.

We haven’t had a chance to step into Seeking Dawn, although gameplay video suggests polished visuals and some fairly Halo-esque gameplay.

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June 25, 2018

Telekinetic Puzzle ‘Esper’ to Launch on PSVR & Oculus Go This Week, HTC Vive in July

Coatsink, the studio behind VR titles A Night Sky (2017) and Augmented Empire (2017), announced they’re bringing their first mobile VR title, Esper (2015), to PlayStation VR, Oculus Go and Xiaomi Mi on June 29th. Esper is also slated to launch on HTC Vive via Steam on July 6th.

As one of the first great titles on Samsung Gear VR, Esper puts you in the shoes of a not-so-ordinary citizen undergoing an aptitude test to determine if you can control your rare and potentially threatening extra-sensory telekinetic abilities—moving things with your mind. Using your gaze to control objects including balls and blocks, you’re urged to solve a number of puzzles, all the while chided by an E.S.P.R. training program instructor.

Esper is already available on Gear VR, Microsoft “Mixed Reality” VR headsets, and as part of Esper The Collection on Oculus Rift, which includes Esper and its sequel Esper 2 (2015).

“Esper is where the VR journey began for Coatsink and it holds a dear place in our hearts. Having Oculus approach us in the early days of modern day VR and trust our then small team to build and create an acclaimed VR game for Gear VR was nothing short of incredible,” said Coatsink CEO Tom Beardsmore.

Esper will launch on Oculus Go, PSVR and HTC Vive for $8.

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June 21, 2018

‘Echo Arena’ Becomes ‘Echo VR’ to Make Way for ‘Echo Combat’, and Maybe More One Day

With the Echo Combat beta opening today, and the full experience launching later this year, Oculus and Ready at Dawn are doing some reorganization to set the stage for the ongoing expansion of the Echo universe. Today, Echo Arena becomes Echo VR, which will encompass both Echo Arena and Echo Combat.

Oculus today announced that Echo Arena is becoming Echo VR, in order to make room for Echo Combat, the FPS take on Echo Arena’s zero-G competitive formula. The game, which we recently went hands-on with in its closed beta, pits teams of three against each other in a large arena, where one team attempts to move an objective from one end of the arena to the other while the opposing team tries to prevent that until the clock runs out. And while the game is in many ways different than Echo Arena’s zero-G frisbee gameplay, the underlying locomotion, controls, and aesthetics are the same; Echo Combat is very directly part of the same universe as Echo Arena.

To that end, Echo Combat will actually launch later this year as a paid DLC add-on to Echo Arena (instead of its own standalone game), and both games will share the same lobby space from which players can socialize and matchmake into either experience.

To make this all a little more cohesive, and to set both Echo Arena and Echo Combat on even footing, Oculus and developer Ready at Dawn are rebranding Echo Arena to Echo VR. Echo VR will include everything that Echo Arena did previously, including the social lobby and the ability to play Echo Arena matches (and it’ll continue to be free).

The move simplifies things, but also appears to set up the Echo universe for even longer term growth beyond Echo Combat. Much like Rec Room offers up many different experiences within the confines of a single game, Echo VR will become the singular hub for both Echo Arena and Echo Combat, and could well be the focal point of more experiences in the future. Ready at Dawn CEO, Ru Weerasuriya, teased as much in an interview with Road to VR at E3 2018 last week:

VR opened a new door to the way you perceive a player inside the world that you inhabit and the game that you’re gonna play. The lobby for us was kind of an eye-opener because at the very beginning it was more of a staging area, then it went from a staging area to being kind of a focal point for people to come in and play […] so for us, expanding the ‘Echo’ universe doesn’t mean adding a game. It means expanding an experience for a person who enters, as you said, the lobby. Enter ‘Echo VR’ and decide: do you want to hang around and just play with some friends in there (there’s a few things to do already there). Do you want to go outside and play a game? Do you want to choose to do a sports game or a combat game—and who knows in the future? But our goal is definitely to kind of view this more as a single world that is going to keep on giving back to the players as the years go on.

Weerasuriya also spoke about the studio’s commitment to the future of VR, check out the full interview here.

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In the near term, the Echo Combat beta launches today and will run through the weekend – details here. You can also learn more about how Echo Combat plays by checking out a video of a full match here.

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June 20, 2018August 16, 2018

‘Echo Combat’ Open Beta 3 Starts Today, Brings New Combat Tools & Tweaks

If you didn’t get a chance to jump into last month’s Echo Combat open beta weekend, the upcoming online shooter expansion to Echo Arena, then you’ll have another chance soon, as the studio is opening up their pod bay doors to all Rift users starting today, August 16th.

Update (August 16th, 2018): Echo Combat Open Beta 3 kicks off today at 10:30 AM PT (your timezone here) and ends Sunday August 19th at 10:00 AM PT. Developer Ready at Dawn has confirmed that the so-called ‘Gear Patch’ brings three new features: Arc Mine, Stun Field, and Energy Barrier. The patch also includes a range of gameplay and balance changes, as well as bug fixes. You can find the full patch notes here.

Update (August 7th, 2018): A third Echo Combat open beta is set for the weekend of August 16th, the folks at VRespawn reported. As with the prior open beta, we expect it will open sometime around 10:30AM PT (your timezone here).

According to a video on the official Echo Games YouTube channel, the August 16th open beta weekend will also usher in the ‘Gear Patch’, which we expect will focus on tweaks to equipment like grenades and abilities, possibly even introducing some new elements.

Update (July 19th, 2018): Celebrating the one-year anniversary of Lone Echo (2017) and Echo Arena’s release, the upcoming team shooter Echo Combat is getting its second open beta period this weekend, starting July 20th at 10:30 AM PT (local time here) and going through July 22nd at 10:00 AM PT (local time here). The latest open beta is said to deliver “a more stable gaming experience,” and the ability to use your weapon in your left hand.

According to a Ready at Dawn blog post, this weekend’s open beta “is the first of many scheduled throughout the rest of the year and leading up to Echo Combat’s official release. Alongside more opportunities to play Echo Combat until release, players can also look forward to new content monthly.”

Original Article, Updated (June 20th, 2018): Echo Combat throws you into a beefier combat-ready avatar with a few guns and abilities at your disposal. Offering a payload-based objective, much like the gametype in Team Fortress 2 (2007) or Overwatch (2016), you push the cart on a track through the winding maze as an attacker, or defend the advances of the cart by pushing it backwards and running down the three-minute game clock. Check out our full hands-on from the closed beta for a better idea of what to expect.

Ready at Dawn says that players can expect continued open beta periods leading up to the game’s launch later this year. The full release is slated to cost $10, so now is a great time to find out if the zero-G shooter is right for you.

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