Play At Home: The Best Free PSVR Games To Play First

The next wave of Sony’s Play at Home promotion has just launched, meaning five of PSVR’s best games are now free – and you don’t need need Move controllers to play them. See where to start with our best free PSVR games choices.

This is a no strings attached deal; you don’t need to be a PlayStation Plus or Now subscriber, nor enter any extra information beyond what you’ve already provided for your PlayStation account. Head to the PlayStation Store between now and April 23rd and you can download them to keep. Don’t have a PSVR? Grab them anyway and then keep those fingers crossed at the upcoming PS5 VR headset supports backwards compatibility!

So, what should you play? Well they’re all great, but here’s our list in ascending order, starting with the game we feel everyone should try first and then moving down to what to explore afterward. There’s definitely something for everyone here, though.

The Best Free PSVR Games For Play At Home

Astro Bot Rescue Mission – PSVR’s Best Game Is Now Free

ASTRO BOT Screenshot 01

If you’re going to start somewhere, it should probably be with our old pal Astro. Rescue Mission has long claimed the top spot on our regularly updated list of the best PSVR games, and there’s no signs of that changing anytime soon. Sony Japan’s brilliant platformer features smart twists on the genre with fantastic immersion and — we’ll just keep saying it — Mario-tier innovation. If you’ve played Astro’s Playroom on PS5 and want more, trust us, you need to play Rescue Mission.

Get Out There With Paper Beast

Or maybe you’re someone that likes their VR a little more experiential? On PSVR, the dreamy world of Paper Beast is a tough pitch with its lack of challenge and focus on abstract interactions. But, trust me when I say, you have to give a try now that it’s free. This is a game about building a connection with a living, breathing ecosystem and coming to an understanding and appreciation of its sometimes cruel set of rules. It might well not be for you, but give it even 10 minutes and if you haven’t fallen in love with its fascinating array of digital animals then, well, at least you gave it a fair shot.

Moss – A Perfect Companion For Astro

Astro might be the best third-person platformer in VR but Moss is a very close second and it’s got a few tricks of its own to make the PSVR mascot jealous. Polyarc’s VR debut remains an enduring hit, with incredible diorama-sized worlds and a close connection to foster between you and Quill, the adorable protagonist. Again, there’s smart use of motion controls but Moss will also appeal to people looking for a little more combat than Astro’s breezy challenges.

Feel The Challenge With Thumper

thumper-bright-screenshot

Moss and Astro not hard enough for you? Thumper is arguably VR’s most intense and anxiety-inducing game. You have to keep your nerve as you control a shiny space beetle (don’t ask) that speeds down a set track. Remain calm and keep yourself from slamming into the sides of walls and you’ll survive. But, with a soundtrack designed to make you sweat, that’s easier said than done. Also available on a flat screen if you want to test it out quickly!

Revisit A Classic With Rez Infinite

Rez Infinite 2

Another game with optional PSVR support, Rez Infinite has lived long in the hearts of many a fan. Again, this isn’t one that will be for everyone, but with Play At Home you can give it a fair shake at no extra cost. Essentially an on-rails shooter, Rez quickly establishes a hypnotic atmosphere through synthy sounds and visuals that are utterly arresting to take in.


What do you think are the best free PSVR games from Play At Home? Let us know in the comments below!

The VR Game Launch Roundup: Dread-fully Good Deals Next Week

VR Game Roundup

As there isn’t a massive selection of new virtual reality (VR) titles to chose from next week – unless they suddenly drop, for today’s roundup VRFocus has split the selection. There’s a couple of new ones including the next project from the developer behind Dreadhalls, and as PlayStation VR players are getting five free videogames next week they’ve been included as well.

Cosmodread

Cosmodread – White Door Games

The next project from Spanish VR horror specialist White Door Games, Cosmodread tasks you with surviving on board a derelict spaceship. Hunt for resources and craft weapons as you explore, with the eventual goal being to find a way back to Earth.

Unbinary – Ludact

“Unbinary is a VR hand-painted puzzle adventure that will immerse you in an unusual moment in human history. Webby, the super AI that was elected to rule planet Earth, needs to be audited, and it is your role to assure she is ready for her duty.”

  • Supported platforms: Oculus Rift
  • Launch date: 26th March
Unbinary

Play at Home 2021 – PlayStation VR

This month saw Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) launch its Play at Home programme and next week is going to provide a bumper crop of VR titles for PlayStation VR owners. They all free to download and keep, available from 25th March 8:00 pm PT / March 26 03:00 GMT to 22nd April 8:00 pm PT / April 23 04:00 BST.

Rez Infinite Creator Working on Next-Gen Followup

Rez Infinite AreaX 02

Known for its ‘synesthesia experiences’ like Child of Eden or Rez Infinite, Japanese developer Enhance Games recently brought the latter to Oculus Quest. Now the studio has confirmed its working on a next-gen project, expanding upon Rez Infinite’s Area X level.

Rez Infinite AreaX 07

Famitsu interviewed Enhance Games’ Tetsuya Mizuguchi – spotted by Video Games Chronicle – with a big focus on the recent launch of Oculus Quest 2. Early on he notes that Tetris Effect has seen monthly active users triple, similar to a lot of other developers recently.

Mizuguchi went onto discuss that work has begun on a new project for next-gen devices like PlayStation 5, looking to explore 3D spatial audio and haptics: “Of course, next-generation consoles were available at the end of last year, so I would like to develop the next game with a new generation, and the project is actually starting to move,” he said.

Interestingly, he notes that the dedicated VR level Area X was designed as a prologue to this upcoming videogame. “We hope to use that concept in the next generation of games. With the concept and XR technology, we’d like to increase the overall resolution and create a more detailed game.”

Rez Infinite - Area X

So while he might be exploring what these new consoles can do it seems Mizuguchi is still firmly focused on where XR is headed and its future potential: “In order to achieve this, the evolution of VR technology is very important, and resolution is also important. In other words, there are various levels of granularity, aren’t there? I’d like to see that improve.”

As the project is in the early stages of development his comments certainly look to support future headsets rather than any currently available. There could be plenty to choose from in the next couple of years, whether that’s unconfirmed devices like PlayStation VR 2 or Apple’s headset, or Facebook’s Oculus Quest 2 followup. Whatever happens, VRFocus will bring you the latest news from Enhance Games.

Rez Infinite, Little Witch Academia & Space Channel 5 VR Launch a day Early

Rez Infinite PS4Pro.Layer3

The biggest virtual reality (VR) hardware launch of 2020 takes place tomorrow with the arrival of Oculus Quest 2. During Facebook Connect last month several videogames were confirmed for launch day with many more coming to the platform before the end of the year. If you own the original headset then head to the store as three titles have dropped early.

Little Witch Academia VR

Launching ahead of schedule are Rez Infinite, Little Witch Academia: VR Broom Racing and Space Channel 5 VR: Kinda Funky News Flash!, as well as a couple of other editions today; Hatsune Miku VR and Homestar VR: Special Edition.

Rez Infinite is the big name out the bunch, a collaborative effort between Monstars Inc. and Resonair, published by Tetris Effects’ Enhance Games. Initially released for PlayStation VR, this psychedelic shooter is a visceral mix of lighting, neon colours, sound and music featuring reworked levels from the Dreamcast original as well as a dedicated VR level called Area X.

Little Witch Academia: VR Broom Racing is one of a cohort of titles created by Japanese developers, this one from UNIVRS, Inc. A racing videogame set around the Luna Nova Witchcraft Academy, you can across more than 10 stages and customise your broom in single-player with an online multiplayer arriving in a post-launch update. The title will also support PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift and SteamVR in early 2021.

Space Channel 5 VR

The last of the early arrivals is Space Channel 5 VR: Kinda Funky News Flash!, another musical title from the Dreamcast era. Set in a 25th century space TV station, aliens known as “Morolians” arrive, forcing people to dance.  So you have to dance and strike poses to catchy tunes in a bid to score points.

While all the videogames support both Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2, they’ve been tweaked to make use of the latter’s improved hardware specifications. For example in Little Witch Academia: VR Broom Racing there will be more objects and additional visual effects to enjoy.

The new Oculus Quest 2 comes in two storage variations, 64GB for £299 GBP or 256GB for £399, always worth considering as the storage isn’t expandable. As more videogames are released for the Quest platform, VRFocus will keep you updated.

The VR Game Launch Roundup: A Quest to Play the Best

VR Game Roundup Quest Week

Anyone with a slight interest in virtual reality (VR) will know that the launch of Oculus Quest 2 is imminent, due to arrive next Tuesday, 13th October. Previously released titles are going to see enhancements whilst other developers are using the date to launch new content. Here are the videogames confirmed so far with more expected to drop.

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Skydance Interactive

One of the bigger titles set to launch for the standalone headset, Skydance Interactive’s The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners has already been well received on PC VR and PlayStation VR. With an original storyline set in New Orleans, you have to survive walker filled streets looking for resources and crafting new items to help your journey. The Oculus Quest version features the Tourist Edition content, featuring three unique weapon recipes.

  • Supported platforms: Oculus Quest
  • Launch date: 13th October

Little Witch Academia: VR Broom Racing – UNIVRS, Inc.

Based on Studio TRIGGER’s anime, Little Witch Academia: VR Broom Racing will feature a new storyline within the magical universe, you’re a guest student at the famous Luna Nova Witchcraft Academy. Grabbing your flying broom, compete across more than ten tracks whilst unlocking customisation options.

  • Supported platforms: Oculus Quest
  • Launch date: 13th October
Rez Infinite AreaX 02

Rez Infinite – Monstars Inc. and Resonair

A visceral mix of lighting, neon colours, sound and music, Rez Infinite requires you to shoot a myriad of enemies which are synced in time with the music. Featuring the five original areas, this enhanced version also includes the VR specific Area X.

  • Supported platforms: Oculus Quest
  • Launch date: 13th October

Space Channel 5: Kinda Funky News Flash! – Grounding Inc.

Released earlier this year for PlayStation VR, Space Channel 5 VR: Kind Funky News Flash! is a rhythm-action videogame where players have to dance and strike poses to catchy tunes to score as many points as possible.

  • Supported platforms: Oculus Quest
  • Launch date: 13th October
Space Channel 5 VR

Time Hacker – Joy Way

And for PC VR owners there’s Joy Way’s Time Hacker. You play a hero who can temporarily stop time allowing you to diffuse dangerous situations. This gives you time to add some choice uppercuts in, use their guns against them, trigger an explosive device or knock them into traffic.

Humanity Is The New PSVR Game From Tetris Effect, Rez Infinite Dev

Sony’s State of Play Livestream opened with the reveal of a new PSVR game: Humanity. And it looks wonderfully weird.

That’s because Humanity is the latest title from Enhance Games, the studio that brought us Rez Infinite and Tetris Effect. Like those games, this will have optional PSVR support. It definitely has the look and feel of an Enhance title, too. The original idea for the game, though, came from co-developer, tha Limited.

What we don’t really know, though, is what the heck you actually do in it. The first trailer for the game shows hundreds, if not thousands of tiny humans running around on the screen. It looks like it could be some sort of Lemmings-inspired game where you might lead these crowds around levels. Then again, at other points in the trailer, two sets of crowds appear to clash, so we really have no idea what is going on.

Indeed, in a following press release, the developers confirmed that they’re only hinting at gameplay elements for now.

“From the first early demo I saw, I couldn’t get HUMANITY out of my head,” Enhance Founder and CEO Tetsuya Mizuguchi said in a prepared statement. “The whole look and feel of it—manipulating these teeming masses of people—was mesmerizing, especially in VR. I knew right away it could be something special, which is why I couldn’t be more excited to help a visionary like Yugo-san realize its full potential.”

For now, we know the game’s launching in 2020. Other details will have to wait until the new year.

The post Humanity Is The New PSVR Game From Tetris Effect, Rez Infinite Dev appeared first on UploadVR.

Rez Infinite, Eagle Flight Highlight Latest US PSVR Sale

Rez Infinite, Eagle Flight Highlight Latest US PSVR Sale

In search of something new to play on PSVR? Sony’s latest PlayStation Store sale doesn’t have many of the headset’s biggest hits, but it’s a good way to catch up on some obscure gems.

If you didn’t buy a headset in 2016 or 2017, for example, you might have missed the sublime Rez Infinite. It takes the original on-rails music shooter and immerses you in its hypnotic world. You can pick that up for 50% off at $14.99 right now. Ubisoft’s Eagle Flight also falls into the same category, offering uplifting VR flight across a gorgeous virtual take on Paris. It’s available for a fraction of its original price at $5.99 right now. Quirky puzzler Statik is also a must-buy at $5.99.

If you’re wanting to try your luck with some other shooters, there’s plenty of choice here. Blasters of the Universe is the best of the lost and costs $5.99. But there’s also the likes of Mortal Blitz, Unearthing Mars and The Walker to try out. None of these are especially good but, hey, they kill a weekend pretty easily.

Oh and, while we’re at it, best to mention No Man’s Sky is currently $24.99. The game hasn’t got VR support yet but a free update will add it later this summer.

The full list of deals is below.

Deals:

18 Floors is $10.49 ($14.99)
Apocalypse Rider $1.99 ($4.99)
Blasters of the Universe $5.99 ($14.99)
Code51: Mecha Arena $7.99 ($19.99)
Drone Striker $7.99 ($9.99)
Eagle Flight & Werewolves Within bundle $11.99 ($39.99)
Eagle Flight $5.99 ($19.99)
Korix $1.99 ($19.99)
Loading Human: Chapter 1 $7.99 ($39.99)
Mortal Blitz $7.99 ($19.99)
Moto Racer 4 $7.99 ($39.99)
No Mans Sky $24.99 ($49.99)
One Piece Grand Cruise $4.99 ($9.99)
Paper Dolls $13.59 ($16.99)
Prison Boss $7.99 ($19.99)
Rez Infinite $14.99 ($29.99)
Smashbox Arena $4.99 ($9.99)
Statik $5.99 ($19.99)
The Rabbit Hole $1.99 ($4.99)
The Walker $6.99 ($9.99)
Thesus $4.99 ($9.99)
Unearthing Mars $8.99 ($14.99)
Unearthing Mars 2: The Ancient War $13.99 ($19.99)
Viking Days $1.99 ($4.99)
Werewolves Within $5.99 ($19.99)

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Here Are Some Of The VR Games Attending EGX 2018

Later this month videogame developers, publishers and players will get meeting in Birmingham for EGX 2018. Being one of the biggest gaming events to take place throughout the year in the UK, it is a fantastic chance for people to get hands-on with countless number of videogames. Among the large list of AAA releases sit a number of virtual reality (VR) titles that are inviting players to immerse themselves in a range of different experiences, which are definitely worth checking out.

Astro Bot Rescue Mission - Screenshot (E3 2018)

Starting things off with a bang, PlayStation are bringing a number of different PlayStation VR titles to the show including the upcoming Astro Bot Rescue Mission, Blood & Truth and the ever popular Wipeout Omega Collection with it’s VR mode. These titles all offer a different and unique experience and showcase just what the PlayStation VR headset is capable of doing. Other PlayStation VR titles on display at the show are the much anticipated Tetris Effect from legendary videogame developer behind REZ Infinite, Tetsuya Mizuguchi.

The list doesn’t end there. Maybe you want to experience some fast paced action at the show. If that is the case then Skyfront VR will be for you. Offering intense multiplayer first-person shooter (FPS) fun, players will be flying through zero-gravity battle arenas as they fight for the best score. Speaking of zero-gravity, the roguelike space shooter Everspace with it’s VR support will also be attending the show. Likewise Sublevel Zero Redux and its six-degrees-of-freedom will also be in attendance.

Beat Saber Arcade Machine - Screenshot

Other experiences that players will be able to immerse themselves in at the show include They Suspect Nothing. In which players need to blend in as a robot and complete a series of mini-games. Arca’s Path VR will be there as well with it’s charming visual design and captivating gameplay from developers Dream Reality Interactive and Rebellion. There is even a chance to check out Titanic VR in which players will explore the famous ship and learn more about the events that unfolded. Finally, the ever popular Beat Saber will also be at EGX 2018 giving those at the show a chance to let lose and enjoy some rhythm gameplay.

EGX 2018 will be taking place at The NEC in Birmingham from 20th to 23rd September, 2018. Tickets are still available for those who need one and can be purchased from the event website and you can see the full list of games playable here. VRFocus will be sure to bring you all the latest on the VR happenings of the event so stay tuned for more.

Tetris Effect: How a 34 Year-Old Game Won E3 2018

The announcement that the developers behind the awesome mind-bending title Rez Infinite were working on a virtual reality (VR) iteration of classic puzzle title Tetris was met with much excitement for the videogame and VR communities. Some of the VRFocus team were lucky enough to try out Tetris Effect, and report their findings.

Tetris was originally released in commercial form on the Nintendo Game Boy in 1989, becoming an instant hit thanks to its simple, intuitive controls and addictive gameplay. There have been a whole host of sequels, adaptations, ports and spin-offs, but this will mark the first time that Tetris had made it into VR.

Tetris Effect

Tetris Effect marks the 34th anniversary of the Tetris brand, counting from the time Russian game developer Alexey Pajitnov first released the title. Its being developed by the team who previously produced Rez Infinite, a surreal space shooter (sort of) which was itself an adaptation of Rez, first released on the SEGA Dreamcast.

For those who managed to try out the playable demo of Tetris Effect at E3, it was widely praised, with the familiar neon and lighting effects that became part of the Rez Infinite experience being successfully transferred to Tetris Effect.

Motion, music and light is all said to be an important part of the experience in Tetris Effect, as much as it was in Rez Infinite, transforming a static puzzle title into a far more dynamic experience that is much more suited to VR.

Tetris Effect is a seated experience, which will no doubt offer a higher degree of comfort for the long play sessions that Tetris in almost all its iterations is famous for. It is controlled using the standard DualShock 4 controllers.

Tetris Effect

By playing Tetris Effect, the player participates in creating the soundtrack, as the sound made by the blocks as the fall into place mixes in with the existing soundtrack, and there are other elements that are designed to draw the player in to the world of Tetris Effect.

The full video is available to view below. For further coverage of Tetris Effect and other upcoming VR titles, keep checking back with VRFocus.

Something For The Weekend: Feel The Rush Of Oculus

Another week, another weekend and another chance to pick up a great deal on a number of titles. To help you out VRFocus has put together some of the best virtual reality (VR) deals from the Oculus Store for both Oculus Rift and Samsung Gear VR owners, to help you find your next favourite. As always be sure to check back every weekend for even more deals right here on VRFocus.

Sprint Vector coverart

Sprint Vector

“There’s very little to dislike in Sprint Vector. Sure there will be times when that competitive edge over takes you, getting annoyed when you fudge a jump but that’s to be expected. The single-player has enough to get you started with a few hours of gameplay, yet it’s the multiplayer that’ll have you coming back for more. Here’s hoping that Sprint Vector draws in enough of a crowd to sustain it, rather than becoming another multiplayer focused experience that gets forgotten about. Which would be a shame, because from where VRFocus is standing Sprint Vector is another hit for the studio.” – Read VRFocus’ Senior Staff Writer Peter Graham’s review of Sprint Vector here.

Sprint Vector is currently on sale for £18.39 (GBP) down from £22.99 and in fact is having a free weekend until 8am BST on 9th April should you want to try the title out before purchasing to celebrate the newly released update.

Ground Runner: Trials

Step into the driving seat in this fast paced sci-fi Hoverbike shooter in which players must go up against the odds sing speed, grace and combat. By using the motion controls to track your hand motions on the bikes controls and the weapons you have to use, Ground Runner: Trials will give you an adrenaline rush unlike no other as you become the most skilled hoverbike pilot there is.

Ground Runner: Trials is currently on sale for for £7.99 (GBP) down from £14.99.

The Climb screenshot

The Climb

From hoverbikes to scaling heights, The Climb will give you the exhilaration of extreme solo climbing as you climb higher then you ever have before. Take your time and enjoy the view or complete to have the faster time on the leaderboard with both touch and gamepay controls. Powered by the CryEngine, The Climb is a realistic climbing experience without having to leave your own house.

The Climb is currently the low price of £18.99 (GBP) down from £29.99.

Arizona Sunshine screenshot

Arizona Sunshine

“Arizona Sunshine is by no means a masterpiece, however it is a significant step closer to the VR experiences that early adopters know the technology is capable of. Hesitating to innovate too much, Arizona Sunshine cleverly picks-and-chooses from the key mechanics that have proven to work in four years of PC VR development and brings them to PlayStation 4 feeling almost new. Vertigo Games has created a hugely enjoyable FPS videogame for the early days of VR, but one which will undoubtedly look dated in just a few months.” – Read VRFocus’ Editor Kevin Joyce’s review of Arizona Sunshine on PlayStation VR here.

Arizona Sunshine is currently on sale for £18.39 (GBP) down from £29.99.

I Expect You To Die screenshot_04

I Expect You To Die

Live out the life of an elite secret agent in this puzzle title that will test all your skills as you attempt to survive deadly situations in immersive and dangerous locations. Can you complete each of the operations using problem-solving skills and your wits along with the power of telekinesis that you also have? No matter what the situation, keep your cool and try to get out alive by using ever resource you have. Can you be an elite secret agent?

I Expect You To Die is now only £10.99 (GBP) down from £18.99.

Rez Infinite AreaX 02

Rez Infinite

Winner of Best VR Game at The Game Awards 2016 and the return of a legendary title, Rez Infinite invites players to once again return to the full 360-degrees of mind-blowing synesthesia. Blast your way through waves of enemies and giant transforming bosses full of colours and sounds that sync and bled to the techno soundtrack that fills this title. Rez Infinite offers a fully immersive experience unlike anything else and is sure to give players a wild ride.

Rez Infinite is available for only £10.99 (GBP) which is down from £18.99.

galaxy golf vr screenshot

Galaxy Golf

If you are looking for a new way to play crazy golf then why not take a trip to the outer reaches of our Galaxy in Galaxy Golf. Defy gravity as you work your way through tricky terrain and mini-planets in as few shots as possible. Play it safe and go for par or will you launch your ball into an orbit hoping for a hole-in-one? With simple one-touch controls and the freedom of VR to move, aim and view, Galaxy Golf will keep you entertained for some time as you take a golfing trip around the galaxy.

Galaxy Golf is currently over half price on sale for £0.79 (GBP) down from £3.99.

Wheel Rush Screenshot 01

Wheel Rush

Get into the driving seat once again as you burn rubber on a space speedway with no speed limit. Featuring an endless track with obstacles to avoid and plenty of ways to earn points, Wheel Rush is a title that will give you the thrill of riding fast with no limits in your way. Just try not to cash as you race to become the faster rider in the galaxy.

Wheel Rush is currently on sale for the super low price of £0.08 (GBP) down from £0.79.

RUSH

“Take a dive into the adrenaline-pumping world of wingsuit flying with Rush. The intense VR action will have you on the edge of your seat as you soar down mountainsides at breakneck speeds. Weave through canyons, dodge outcrops, and plummeting down sheer drops as you race towards the finish line.”

RUSH is currently only £2.99 (GBP) on sale from £5.99.

Paint VR Screenshot 01

Paint VR

Lastly today is something a little bit different as Paint VR is on sale. Have you ever wanted to bring your artist skills to life in VR? Well, with Paint VR you can do just that as your imagination is the only limit here. With a range of different brushes and tools to aid you in creating your next masterpiece, Paint VR is an immersive way to escape the real world and paint.

Paint VR is available for only £1.99 (GBP) right now on sale from £3.99.

That is all for this week but remember that VRFocus gathers all the best sales and deals every week, so check back next weekend at the same time to discover more.