VR Skater, the skateboarding sim for PC VR headsets, is hitting the launch ramp for a June 21st landing on PSVR 2.
Update (April 28th, 2023):VR Skater has honed in on a June 21st release date for its launch on PSVR 2. The studio has shared an updated release date trailer, as well as some fresh views of the upcoming ‘Mega Ramp’ which will take players from the streets to the extreme end of the sport.
Image courtesy Deficit Games
The original article, which covers the initial announcement of the game’s PSVR 2 version, continues below.
Original Article (April 7th, 2023): First launched on Steam Early Access in 2021, VR Skater offers up a unique way of sidestepping the fact that most people don’t have tracked feet (or skateboard peripherals) in VR yet.
In it, you move your motion controllers in the same way you might move your feet. It’s a pretty unique locomotion concept that sidesteps the need for some sort of skateboard peripheral, like the old skateboard controller for Tony Hawk: Ride (2009).
Customizing at the shop | Image courtesy Deficit Games, Perp Games
In VR Skater, you push your board forward by moving your hand in a skiing motion, and use precise controller motions to execute a wide variety of flip tricks, grabs, grinds, slides and manuals.
Developer Deficit Games and publisher Perp Games say the urban skating sim offers up seven environments as well as the Mega Ramp, which will test your mettle by launching you across a giant chasm.
In addition to an online leaderboard, it also lets you earn XP, medals, trophies and even a VR Skater shop, where you can exchange XP for grip tape, trucks, wheels and board artwork.
The studios haven’t mentioned a precise launch date beyond “summer 2023,” although in the meanwhile you can wishlist VR Skater on PSVR 2 here.
Of the many virtual reality (VR) videogames VRFocus is still looking forward to playing in 2021, time-travelling puzzle adventure Wanderer is high up on that list. Originally slated for a Q3 launch, developers M-Theory and Oddboy have announced that the release will be delayed slightly, to later in the year. Adding some good news into the bad, the studios have released new character details and confirmed that PlayStation VR owners will be able to get their hands on a physical edition.
“The last year has been a pretty tricky one. Navigating Covid-19 and its effects while maintaining a healthy and productive environment and developing a unique game for VR has meant we’re running a bit behind on our schedule,” said the developers in a joint statement. So there’s no specific window as to when the launch will take place at the moment.
But, for those wanting more info on this interesting VR experience M-Theory and Oddboy have released a video showcasing one of Wanderer’s key characters, Samuel the Watch. A companion of lead character Asher Neumann, Samuel is fundamental in solving Wanderer’s puzzles and time travel mysteries. The video is only the first part, with more details to come in the second instalment.
As for that PlayStation VR retail version, M-Theory and Oddboy have teamed up with publisher Perp Games to bring Wanderer into players’ hands. It’ll feature not only the videogame but also an exclusive digital version of the detailed artbook.
“It’s been awesome to get this partnership with Perp off the ground. It extends our audience and is a great keepsake for fans – perhaps even one of the last first-gen PSVR games available as a physical edition. The team at Perp have been wonderful to work with and we can’t wait to get our hands on the final box!” said Sam Ramlu, Executive Producer at Wanderer.
Wanderer’s time-travelling escapades task you with saving mankind by heading to key points in history. This will see you get involved with the space race, playing music to a crowd of hippies and defending ancient civilisations. Coming to SteamVR headsets and PlayStation VR, when launch info is made available VRFocus will let you know.
PlayStation VR owners who like to own a physical copy for their virtual reality (VR) collections will be able to add another to that list today. Endeavor One has collaborated with Perp Games to create a physical version of its ninja experience Arashi: Castles of Sin, with a couple of special extras thrown in.
In this Special Retail Edition, you’ll not only get the videogame on a nice physical disc but you’ll also get a downloadable digital artbook with loads of awesome images, plus a digital soundtrack so you can get that Arashi: Castles of Sin vibe wherever you are.
Exclusive to PlayStation VR, Arashi: Castles of Sin drops you in feudal Japan as deadly shinobi assassin Kenshiro the last surviving son of the noble House Arashi. “Vicious bandits known as the Six Oni of Iga have seized control of castles across the country, carving a bloody path of terror in their wake,” the synopsis explains. “With the guidance of your cousin, Ayane, and your faithful wolf companion, Haru, at your side, liberate the land and vanquish the merciless despots staking their claim.”
Armed with an array of feudal-era Japanese weapons, including a bow, katana, blowgun, shuriken, poisoned food and more you have to infiltrate castles and kill these six bandits. Arashi: Castles of Sin provides multiple routes depending on whether you prefer a stealthy rooftop approach to quietly dispatch enemies or a more direct assault. Plus, with Haru by your side, you’ll be able to command the wolf to attack foes or create distractions.
Reviewing Arashi: Castles of Sin for its PlayStation VR launch, VRFocus said: “Arashi: Castles of Sin has some solid ideas and mechanics going for it, from the wealth of tools available to the ability to pick and choose how you attack each castle. Yet the issues do hamstring the experience and stop it from being the great VR ninja game it could have been.”
The Special Retail Edition of Arashi: Castles of Sin is available now in Europe for £29.99 GBP. It’s sold out on Perp Games’ own store but retailers including GAME and Amazon have it in stock. For further updates on the latest PlayStation VR releases, keep reading VRFocus.
Videogame collectors looking for new PlayStation VR titles will have to look for more shelving space this summer as Perp Games readies a selection of new virtual reality (VR) games. First to arrive is InnerspaceVR’s creative puzzler Maskmaker which is set to hit European retail locations this week.
Originally, the physical release was due to take place a couple of weeks ago, before being quietly pushed back until 2nd July. It’ll offer the same content as the digital version which launched back in April for PlayStation VR, HTC Vive, Valve Index, and Oculus Rift.
If you’ve not tried Maskmaker yet it is InnerspaceVR’s biggest production to date, crafting a magical world where you become an apprentice to a local mask maker. You soon discover that mask making isn’t just about carving colourful masks, opening up doorways to new realms which can only be accessed by certain designs. Part adventure part creative sandbox, you have to travel to the various biomes to discover the masks worn by the inhabitants.
It’s only through this process that you can carve the masks before applying them with paints and other adornments found on your travels. Become stuck in one area and it’s worth going to explore another to find the crafting materials required for the next stage in the journey. All the while uncovering more of the mysterious story and the King who rules these strange lands.
Reviewing the PC VR of Maskmaker, VRFocus said: “Maskmaker is very much a slow burner which you need to give time to develop past the first three levels, after which you’ll be rewarded with a rich puzzle experience.”
As mentioned, Maskmaker isn’t the only VR title on Perp Games’ publishing list. Another puzzle videogame Gravitational will be launching in July, Psytec Games’ Windlands 2 arrives later this summer and Arashi: Castles of Sin by Endeavour One is also due this summer.
VRFocus will continue its coverage of the latest PlayStation VR releases, reporting back with further updates.
PlayStation VR is still going strong after all these years, thanks to continual developer support and the fact that its the only virtual reality (VR) headset where collectors can buy a physical copy of the games. It being E3 2021 week, Psytec Games and Perp Games have announced that not only is Windlands 2 coming to PlayStation VR, but you’ll also be able to pick up a boxed copy this summer.
At the time the original Windlands challenged the concept of VR locomotion as swinging around was deemed too intense, hitting most major platforms including PlayStation VR. When Windlands 2 came out in 2018 it further improved that sense of swinging through expansive environments. Ahead of launch PlayStation VR support was mentioned but never materialised, so it has been a few years in the making.
In this sequel, players can explore this verdant land with up to 4 friends, soaring through ruins with grappling hooks and a bow destroying gigantic titans to save the world.
“We are pleased to announce that we are working with PSVR specialist Perp Games to bring you the boxed version of Windlands 2,” said Psytec Games in a statement. “We know there is nothing quite like collecting boxed PSVR games, especially with PSVR 2 around the corner, and we can’t wait to get it into your hands.”
“Since developing one of the first truly great PlayStation VR games, the team at Psytec Games have not sat on their laurels but continued to develop the fun and wonder of the Windlands Universe. By adding up to 4 player CO-OP and range weapons, they have created a game in Windlands 2 that will bring countless hours of joy to the VR gaming community,” said Rob Edwards, Managing Director at Perp Games.
The digital and boxed format versions of Windlands 2 will be available on PlayStation VR for late Summer 2021. For further platform updates, keep reading VRFocus.
Solaris released on Quest and PC VR late last year, and the PSVR release was meant to arrive around the same time. However, delays saw it pushed into 2021 and then into May, with a separate physical release planned for June. From today, the game is finally out for PSVR players on PS4 and PS5. The big bonus is that the game will be discounted for the next two weeks for anyone that is subscribed to PlayStation Plus, available at 50% off. No doubt this is a shot and getting lots of players into the game at launch.
Given Solaris is an online-based competitive VR shooter, a PS Plus subscription is pretty much a requirement to play the game. Because of that, most people who are interested probably already have a subscription and will benefit from the discount automatically. That being said, if you’re not a PS Plus member and you’re definitely going to pick up Solaris, subscribing to PS Plus before purchasing the game will probably save you some money.
As you would hope from a shooter on the PSVR platform, Solaris also supports using the Aim controller for those that own it, otherwise the DualShock 4 is also an option.
Last month ILMxLAB and Perp Games announced that the award-winning Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series would be getting a physical disc version for PlayStation VR with a few additional extras for fans. Today, the launch date has been confirmed, seeing the special retail edition arrive next month.
Physical release will include several exclusive goodies for all those Star Wars fans out there:
A digital artbook, with unreleased art and insights into the making of Vader Immortal, written by StarWars.com contributor Kelly Knox.
A new behind-the-scenes video about the making of ZO-E3, your droid companion voiced by Maya Rudolph (Bridesmaids, SNL) with special footage from a voice-over session, concept art, interviews from the creators, and more.
Two collectable physical postcards featuring concept and key art.
Originally released episodically for Oculus Quest in 2019, Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series is regarded as canon with its narrative set between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. You play a smuggler captured by Darth Vader and imprisoned in his base of Mustafar. After it becomes apparent that you have Force powers, Vader decides to train you whilst enlisting your help to find an ancient artefact. A cinematic experience with interactive elements, the three-part campaign is complemented by the Lightsaber Dojo, where you can test your lightsaber skills and Force powers against waves of enemies.
Reviewing the Oculus Quest version of Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series, VRFocus said: “If you’re a Star Wars fan then Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series is a must, for everyone else, there’s still fun to be had.”
You’ll be able to find ILMxLAB’s Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series for PlayStation VR in retail locations from 18th June 2021. For further ILMxLAB VR updates including Star Wars: Tales From the Galaxy’s Edge: Part 2, keep reading VRFocus.
Perp Games, the British publisher behind numerous PlayStation VR titles hitting retail locations has announced the launch date for Gravitational in conjunction with Studica Solution and Electric Monkeys. Already winning several awards, Gravitational is coming to PlayStation VR in July, in both digital and physical editions.
Having picked up The Itamaraty Social Impact Games Award last year and the People’s Choice Award during the Big Festival 2021 this month, Gravitational is a physics-based puzzle videogame set in a future where gravity can be manipulated. You play Sebastian, a scientist at GraviCorp, one of many companies developing gravitational travel and control systems.
An incident occurs where the main reactor core collapses and it’s up to Sebastian to find a way through and stop the catastrophe. Not only will you have to solve the various puzzles on route but locomotion is entirely wheelchair-based, with the option of using motorised or manual control methods. These are then combined with zero-g segments for a fully immersive puzzle experience.
“Gravitational has made a huge impact since its announcement and we are incredibly proud to be working with such a talented team as Electric Monkeys,” said Rob Edwards, Managing Director of Perp Games in a statement. “Gravitational is an incredibly fun game, that makes you think about the world around you.”
“We are absolutely thrilled with the award. Creating a game like Gravitational has been a great experience, it opened our eyes to social issues we didn’t even know and showed us a new way of thinking,” Hugo Campos, Co-Founder of Electric Monkeys Game Studio adds. “We are very glad to work with Perp, who believe in Gravitational and work alongside our team to help create the best experience for the game.”
Electric Monkeys and Perp Games will launch Gravitational for PlayStation VR on 13th July 2021 digitally, whilst the physical retail version will arrive a few days later on 16th July. The videogame will also be released for PC VR headsets in 2021 with a demo currently available on Steam for HTC Vive. For further updates on Gravitational, keep reading VRFocus.
If you’re a Star Wars fan with a PlayStation VR then you really should own a copy of Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series. If you’ve been holding out in the hope of a physical retail release then VRFocus has some great news, one is on the way. Today, ILMxLAB and Perp Games have announced a disc version is coming this Spring.
As a special retail edition of Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series the physical release won’t simply feature all three episodes in a nice case, it’ll also come supplied with some extra goodies. These will include physical postcards and never-before-seen video footage.
“Here at ILMxLAB we are excited to team up with Perp Games for the Special Retail Edition of Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series,” said Harvey Whitney, ILMxLAB Producer in a statement.“It’s great to be able to bring our award-winning immersive story about one of the most iconic villains of all time to even more Star Wars fans, with unique and fun extras to enjoy. We are all looking forward to seeing it in stores later this Spring.”
Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series originally released episodically for Oculus Quest across the latter part of 2019. Designed to be more of an interactive experience rather than a fully-fledged videogame, nevertheless, you still get to wield Force powers and a lightsaber through the missions. It takes place entirely on Mustafar, the lava planet home to Darth Vader’s base. With a cannon narrative set between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope its another important piece in the Star Wars universe.
“ILMxLAB has done an incredible job in bringing the Star Wars universe to VR,” said Rob Edwards, Managing Director at Perp Games. “Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series is stunning. It is an honour to publish a very special physical product, and we can’t wait for both VR and Star Wars fans to experience the Physical Edition.”
Perp Games and ILMxLAB haven’t given an exact launch date just yet, only offering a Spring 2021 window. That would indicate a launch isn’t too far off. When those details are made available, VRFocus will let you know.
Originally, Solaris was coming to PSVR late last year around the same time as the Quest and PC VR version of the game but got delayed. Now, it’s slated for release in just a couple of months.
The latest VR shooter from First Contact Entertainment (creators of Firewall Zero Hour) is a sci-fi competitive VR shooter that feels a bit like Quake in VR due to its speed and intense arena levels. It’s a very breezy, fast-paced game that’s accessible and easy to quickly jump in and out of. The closest comparison is probably Hyper Dash.
Soalris is a notable release because other than Firewall Zero Hour, there really haven’t been many options for shooter fans on PSVR. Alvo is coming soon too, but the headset is on its last legs at this point.
The PS Aim Controller continues to be one of the best things about the PSVR platform, so I’m all for seeing more games support it, but it’s a shame games like this didn’t hit PSVR earlier in its life cycle. Hopefully PSVR 2 on PS5 is backwards compatible and it can give late-life cycle games like this one new life when it releases.
Solaris is coming to PSVR very soon with a planned digital release in May and physical release from Perp Games in June. For more on this game make sure and read our Solaris: Offworld Combat review and stay tuned for all the latest in VR.
on Twitter: “We’re not finished just yet. Solaris Offworld Combat is the next game to be getting a physical box release. Coming in June to global markets! Will you be buying it? https://t.co/5sphrqsh10” / Twitter