Kona VR: Mystery-Abenteuer für PSVR und PC-Brillen veröffentlicht

Indie-Entwicklerstudio Parabole veröffentlichte kurzerhand die VR-Version des Mystery-Abenteuers Kona für Oculus Rift und HTC Vive auf Steam sowie für PlayStation VR (PSVR) im PlayStation Store.

Kona VR – Mystery-Abenteuer für PlayStation VR (PSVR) und PC-Brillen veröffentlicht

Kona VR befördert euch in ein ländliches Städtchen rund um den Atâmipêk-See im verschneiten Kanada in den 70er Jahren. Der abgelegene Ort wurde von einer Reihe bizarrer Ereignisse heimgesucht, wodurch sich das verwaiste Dorf in eine Geisterstadt verwandelte. In der Rolle des Detektivs Carl Faubert begebt ihr euch auf die Suche nach den mysteriösen Hintergründen und stellt euch dabei so manchen Gefahren, um an des Rätsels Lösung zu geraten.

Dabei erwartet euch eine spannende Mischung aus Survival-, Exploration- und Mystery-Elementen, die in einem atmosphärischen VR-Thriller vereint werden. Die spannende Geschichte entfaltet sich erst während euerer Untersuchung. Ihr stoßt rasch auf die ersten Leichen, die euch aufzeigen, dass es sich hier um einen ernst zu nehmenden Fall mit jeder Menge Gewalt handelt.

Aufgrund der eisigen Umgebung müsst ihr zudem auf die gefährlichen Schneestürme achten, die euch sonst das Leben kosten. Wer weniger Wert auf Survival-Gameplay legt, kann stattdessen in den Komfort–Modus wechseln. Dadurch kann man die immersive Atmosphäre in aller Ruhe auf sich wirken lassen. Insgesamt fünf Stunden Spielzeit soll euch der VR-Titel laut den Entwickler/innen bringen.

Kona-VR-Oculus-Rift-HTC-Vive-PlayStation-VR-PSVR

Zur Steuerung werden sowohl Gamepad wie auch die jeweiligen Bewegungscontroller der PC-Brillen unterstützt. So ist es auch in der PSVR-Version möglich, entweder mit PlayStation-Move-Controller oder mit DualShock-4-Controller zu spielen. Die Nicht-VR-Version von Kona wurde bereits letztes Jahr veröffentlicht, entsprechend praktisch ist die Cross-Speicher-Funktion, die es ermöglicht die Spielstände in beiden Versionen zu übertragen.

Kona VR ist im VR-Bundle für 19,99 Euro auf Steam für Oculus Rift und HTC Vive sowie für PS4 und PlayStation VR (PSVR) im PlayStation Store erhältlich.

(Quellen: PlayStation Blog | Video: PlayStation Youtube)

Der Beitrag Kona VR: Mystery-Abenteuer für PSVR und PC-Brillen veröffentlicht zuerst gesehen auf VR∙Nerds. VR·Nerds am Werk!

June 18, 2018

Preview: The Last Day Defense VR

Tower defence videogames were born from real-time strategy, offering a quicker route into the action that the slow build-up needed for most RTS titles, which is what The Last Day Defence VR tries to offer Steam VR users.

The Last Day Defence VR sets up a conflict happening in the far future between two huge comic empires who are battling it out to secure the resources each needs to survive.

The Last Day Defense VR

A the player, you are transported into a neon-lit area which contains your options menus, where you can choose your comfort options and other settings, and also contains the tables which hold the miniaturised battles which you will control.

Using the motion controllers, you choose and set certain types of units, including different types of fixed defences and troops, which have to defend your territory against waves of enemy forces. The controls are a little eccentric, and it can take a couple of tries before you can properly select the option you were after.

Graphically, the seemingly Tron-inspired loading area feels very incongruous with the style of the mini table top battlefield where the guns and other military units that you deploy have a realistic style. Information on units is often presented on a red on black background makes it hard to read

You have a range of movement options, which seems a little odd considering you only move about the loading room and navigate slightly around the table, most moving you will be doing is just to crane your head to see the battlefield.

The Last Day Defense VR

For the most part, you set up your defences and start things off, and the game mostly plays itself, requiring only the occasional tweak. This would be fine if the battlefield didn’t very quickly get covered in smoke, making it very difficult to see what’s going on unless you lean in closely, which isn’t comfortable for long periods.

There are several different battlefield styles to choose from, one which is sort of desert canyon, while another is a pine forest. Other than the aesthetics though, there doesn’t seem to be much difference between them.

The difficulty curve feels quite steep, especially considering there are very few instructions. You’ll often have to play a match over and over to win, and at times whether you win or lose seems somewhat arbitrary.

The music soundtrack is brassy and martial-sounding, which fits with the visuals on the mini-battlefield, but fits oddly with the neon loading room. The militaristic sound effects take a realistic approach, though they are somewhat repetitive, at times overlapping over each other to create an almost painful cacophony.

The Last Day Defense VR

Despite the elaborate sci-fi background, there is little in the way of story told during or between battles, which is very disappointing, and considering how much battles seem to run themselves, makes the entire endeavour feel a little pointless.

The Last Day Defense VR would probably work fine as a ‘pick-up-put-down’ mobile title. As a full-on PC virtual reality (VR) title, it feels very overblown for what it offers, and ends up being quite boring, with little to hold your interest after playing a couple of matches.

If The Last Day Defense VR is to make it as a fully-featured VR title, a lot needs to be improved and added before it makes it to its full release.

June 8, 2018

Storytelling And Animation Tool Tvori Is Now Available On The Oculus Store and Viveport

Virtual reality (VR) allows users to witness first hand a limitless number of experiences and stories. With titles such as Tvori, users are invited to create their own stories and animations, in this VR content creation tool set where the only limit is the users own imagination. Following a release into Early Access on Steam back in 2016, the title has now released a new update and has released onto the Oculus Store and Viveport.

Tvori

Users are able to bring their ideas to life within Tvori as they build their own characters and scenes, then bring them to life with animation and sound directly within VR. The title has been designed to be accessible to as many people as possible with prior knowledge of 3D content creation said to not be required. Designed for use in creating everything from storyboards and prototypes, to fully animated stories and movies, Tvori is able to empower users to create whatever they can dream up.

Within Tvori, users will find a large library of simple shapes, props, and effects which can all be sued within their creations in any way the user sees fit. Though who want to import their own objects, images, and sound files can do so and then make use of the animation tools within Tvori to really bring their creative vision to life. This support for external 3D assets means that those with more advance knowledge of 3D content creation can really leverage both Tvori and their skills to create true masterpieces.

Tvori

Having now released onto the Oculus Store and Viveport, Tvori is opening itself up to more users which will be invaluable during the Early Access process. Writing on their Steam page, the team note that the Early Access period is set to last between one to four years with feedback from users helping to shape Tvori to the needs of the creators.

Tvori is available now in Early Access from Steam, the Oculus Store, and Viveport. It is priced at £14.99 (GBP) on Steam and Oculus will the Viveport release costing £15.09. You can see a short video below that showcases Tvori in action and for more on the title in the future, keep reading VRFocus.

June 3, 2018

Something For The Weekend: Neon Lights And Intense Fights

With the first weekend of June here it is time for another entry of Something for the Weekend, where VRFocus brings you a number of deals on virtual reality (AR) titles. This weekend it is time to look at the Steam store and a theme of neon lights and some intense looking fights will await players in these titles. As always, be sure to check back every weekend for even more deals right here on VRFocus.

OVERTURN

“OVERTURN it’s a videogame that’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, just done well, offering players an action filled journey with swords, lasers, grenades and a very silent sidekick. Sure the puzzles aren’t that complex, and you spend a lot of time waving your arms around punching people in the face, sometimes that’s all you need.” – Read VRFoucs’ Senior Staff Writer Peter Graham’s preview of OVERTURN.

OVERTURN is available now for £18.39 (GBP) down from the usual £22.99.

Assetto Corsa

If you are looking to experience the next generation of racing simulator then look no further than Assetto Corsa. Featuring an advanced DirectX 11 graphics engine offering immersive environments, dynamic lighting and realistic materials, players will have a hard time telling the real world and this VR experience apart. With single player and multiplayer modes included along with a long list of licensed cars, this is one that is sure to make car fans smile.

Assetto Corsa is currently avaiable for £13.16 (GBP) down from £15.49.

VROOM Galleon

VROOM: Galleon

Experience life on the open sea aboard your very own pirate ship in this VR title. With an historically accurate 16th-century ship to explore and plenty of fun be found within, including a number of activities and mini-games, players are sure to enjoy life on the ocean waves.

VROOM: Galleon is available now on PlayStation VR for £3.63 (GBP) down from £5.19.

Keep Defending

“Keep Defending is a first-person VR tower defense archery game where you build up your defenses during the enemy onslaught. Target enemies before they reach your gate and earn gold to set up ever more capable defenses including crossbows, fireball-shooting wizards, brave knights, cannons, and more as you try and deal with the approaching hordes in a variety of different environments and scenarios.”

Keep Defending is available now for £1.39 (GBP) on sale from the usual £5.59.

VR RHYTHM ACTION SEIYA

If you are looking for a rhythm title with a difference then this might be the one for you. Here players are tasked with playing the melody of the songs by punching the lyrics and notes that fly towards the player. With the option to punch or slash the notes, this VR music title will keep your on your toes as you stay in time with the beat to score the most points possible.

VR RHYTHM ACTION SEIYA is only £10.14 (GBP) down from £14.49.

Redout image 2

Redout: Enhanced Edition

“Redout is a tribute to the old racing monsters such as F-Zero, WipeOut, Rollcage, and POD.It is designed to be an uncompromising, fast, tough and satisfying driving experience, soaked in that vertigo that stands at the core of the arcade racing genre. The floating system and driving models are based on physics: each turn, slope, hard braking, acceleration, each turn and twist of the track will apply a unique force to the ship. A sharp low-polygon style blends meshes and terrains with the latest state-of-the-art shading and lighting effects provided by the Unreal Engine 4, creating beautiful and instantly recognisable aesthetics. Breezy coastlines, eerie frozen landscapes, vast desert plains: the melancholic, dystopian atmosphere of a semi abandoned Earth is the background for the most high-speed, tense and beautiful futuristic racing clashes.”

Redout: Enhanced Edition is available now for £8.99 (GBP) down from £29.99.

Along Together

“Despite the input system, VRFocus would argue that Along Together is not a point-and-click videogame as Turbo Button suggest. It’s much closer to a platform-puzzle videogame in that the experience is less about objectives and item collection, more concerned with path-finding. This certainly isn’t a negative comment however, as Along Together is a welcome addition to the Google Daydream’s software catalogue regardless of how you choose to define it. With a pleasing, chunky and colourful art style and a fine assortment of puzzles, Along Together is an easy recommendation for Google Daydream owners.” – Read VRFocus’ Editor Kevin Joyce’s review of Along Together.

Along Together is currently £11.62 (GBP) down from £15.49.

Soviet Lunapark VR

Step into the world of facility no.3826 in an alternate history Soviet Russia where the creations of Dr Pavlov have started going wrong and now the player must fight to survive. Team up with up to three friends and complete a number of missions and challenges in this crazy title that is full of creepy thinking machines and disgusting corpses all out to put an end to your life.

Soviet Lunapark VR is currently on sale for £8.69 (GBP) down from £14.49.

Smashing The Battle VR

“In the year 2085, a huge multiplex construction site becomes a victim of a massive scale hacking incident. Due to the hack, the construction robots start to attack the workers on site. What could have possibly happened? Now you can witness it yourself, with two unique heroines to control and two different stories to unfold!”

Smashing The Battle VR is currently available for £6.39 (GBP) down from £7.99.

ADR1FT

“ADR1FT proves that Oculus VR’s comfort ratings are not to be taken lightly. This may be a launch title for the Oculus Rift, but you might consider easing yourself in with some of the ‘Comfortable’ and ‘Moderate’ experiences before jumping into the deep end. That will be an understandably frustrating proposition for many fans, but if there were to be any ‘doctor’s orders’ about getting started with VR, it would be this.” – Read VRFocus’ Staff Writer Jamie Feltham’s preview of ADR1FT.

ADR1FT is available for only £3.74 (GBP) right now on sale from £14.99.

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.

June 1, 2018

Sega Mega Drive & Genesis Classics Updated With Steam VR Support

SEGA recently released a new update to the SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classics which brings a number of exciting new features including, but not limited to support for virtual reality (VR) via Steam VR. Two-player online multiplayer, leaderboards, additional graphics filters and border options are among some of the other features which have been added in the recent update.

SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classics

The new VR support allows players to immersive themselves directly in the collection’s hub area that is designed to resemble a teenager’s bedroom from the 90s,full of nostalgia. This means that players will be able to relive the joy of siting down in from of an old CRT television and playing some 16-bit videogames all while benefiting from the new features that see new ways to play all with superb performance as well.

Two-player online multiplayer support sees previously local-only multiplayer titles, such as Streets of Rage, allow players to team up and play through the classic together. Leaderboards will offer a way for players to compete against each other and see who is the best when it comes to highscore and if that was not enough new challenge modes will put a twist on these classic titles.

SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classics

Another new feature which is sure to get players excited is the additional of ROMs from other regions being included offering new titles and some familiar ones, but with their regional differences still intact. A new option to fast-forward and rewind titles is also now available, along with the option to disable the sprite limit and a mirror mode for the ultimate challenge.

Al of the above new features, including the new VR support, have been released as a free update to current owners of any SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classic title on Steam with the complete collection now having a new low price of $29.99 (USD) / €29.99 (EURO) / £24.99 (GBP). Players who need to pick up a few more individual titles to complete there collection can do so are new reduced price as well for each title. As a final detail to sweeten the deal is that the SEGA Mega Drive and Genesis Classics now feature Mac and Linux support.

For more stories like this in the future, keep reading VRFocus.

May 30, 2018

Rebellion Unveil Abstract VR Adventure Arca’s Path, Due for Release This Year

UK-based indie developer and publisher Rebellion (Battlezone) has announced the first virtual reality (VR) title from fellow British studio Dream Reality Interactive, Arca’s Path, which is due for release later this year.

Arcas Path screenshot1

Dream Reality Interactive has described Arca’s Path as an ‘abstract yet enchanting adventure’, with the experience all about guiding a girl through a labyrinth of dangers in a bid to return home and to reality. The title is set to include an ‘intuitive play style’ that doesn’t require a controller, so by the sounds of it movement will be gaze based.

While Rebellion is well known in the VR industry for its 80’s reboot of tank combat title Battlezone, Dream Reality Interactive has only released one other title since its formation in 2017, an ARKit videogame called Orbu. However, the team is made up of videogame veterans, founded by former Sony London Studio head, Dave Ranyard, they created PlayStation VR Worlds, and the critically acclaimed AR interactive book series Wonderbook. The dev team also includes Albert Bentall (who worked on London Heist) and Anna Hollinrake (BAFTA breakthrough artist 2017).

Arca's Path screenshot2

Arca’s Path will be coming to PlayStation VR, Steam VR, Oculus Rift, Oculus Go and Gear VR later this year, with its first public debut happening at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2018 next month. The studio is staying quiet about further gameplay details for now, although there definitely looks like there’s going to be plenty of running, jumping and platform footwork involved if the first teaser trailer below is anything to go by. The video also helps to showcase some of the sprawling level designs players will have to navigate, all without the aid of a controller.

With such a prestigious team working on this multiplatform titles Arca’s Path is gearing up to be one of the more interesting and unique offerings set to attend E3 2018. Of course, VRFocus will be at the event to bring you all the latest news and hands-on coverage.

April 26, 2018

MLB Home Run Derby VR Out Now

Fans of baseball can rejoice as today sees the launch of MLB Home Run Derby VR on the HTC Vive and PlayStation VR. The title has been developed by the Games and Virtual Reality team at Major League Baseball, so fans can expect and authentic experience.

MLB Home Run Derby VR will feature three All-Star ballparks from 2017-19 and worldwide leaderboards so players can test their batting skills against other players around the world.

MLB HomeRunDerbyVR 02

The title will allow baseball fans to step onto the hallowed ground of famous parks such as Marlins Park in Miami, Nationals Park in Washington DC and Progressive Field in Cleveland. Players will be able to take up a position in the batter’s box and hit home runs to tally up as many points as possible in the timed home run competition.

The three featured ballparks have been carefully recreated in high-fidelity 3D so fans can enjoy playing baseball in some of the most recognisable locations in the sport as the competition comes to life.

Previously only the Enterprise Edition of the title was available at selected global events such as the MLB Battlegrounds in London, the MLB All-Star FanFest in Miami and assorted off-season events. For those who lack a VR rig at home, 12 MLB ballparks will be hosting an in-venue setup of MLB Home Run Derby VR for fans to play when they attend games through 2018. Participating ballparks include: Arizona, Atlanta, Chicago White Sox, Houston, Miami, Minnesota, Oakland, St. Louis, San Diego, San Francisco, Tampa Bay, and Washington. Each location will get a custom version of the respective host ballpark.

The MLB Home Run Derby mobile app has also received a significant update, now including all 30 MLB ballparks and more than 50 hi-resolution renderings of participants from the past eight competitions.

Home Run Derby VR

MLB Home Run Derby VR is out now on the PlayStation Store for PlayStation VR and on Steam for the HTC Vive, priced at $19.99 (USD). For further news on new and upcoming VR titles, keep checking back with VRFocus.

April 17, 2018

Sacralith: The Archer’s Tale Is Set Loose On SteamVR

It has been well established by now that using virtual reality (VR) motion controllers for archery works very well, with a fair few titles using these mechanics. Sacralith: The Archer’s Tale uses this as its basic combat in a world of magic, dragons and monsters.

Developers Odd Meter have created a dark medieval fantasy world where the player takes the role of the titular Archer, who is searching for a powerful magic stone that grands the holder to control dragons.

As the title suggests, the main weapon is the bow. As enemies appear to stop your search for the magic stone, the player will be able to choose a firing spot, then select the ideal view and angle of attack before setting loose a storm of arrows to fell the enemy forces.

The developers say that this is not just a simple shooter, and that a story has been crafted to immerse the player fully in the world of Sacralith: The Archer’s Tale that weaves a picture of a world filled with dark magic and a sinister Inquisition.

The developers also say that the graphics and visual effects have been created to produce great detail and fidelity. The movement and animation were created with the help of motion capture, which is designed to provide more realistic expression and articulation.

Much effort has gone towards creating an experience of bow combat that is as accurate as possible. The development team say the only thing they were unable to reproduce is the correct weight of the bow in your head, and somewhat cheekily suggest adding a weight to the controllers to get the correct effect.

Sacralith: The Archer’s Tale was originally scheduled for release at the end of last year, but was pushed back, presumably to allows time for further polishing. The title will be compatible with Oculus Rift and HTC Vive and out now on Steampriced at [insert price here]

For continued coverage on new and upcoming VR releases, keep checking back with VRFocus.

April 3, 2018

HTC Launches $300 SteamVR 1.0 Tracking Bundle for Vive Pro Users

HTC today announced they’re launching a hardware accessory bundle for $300 that will include all necessary bits for new Vive Pro customers starting from scratch (besides the headset, that is).

The tracking bundle includes two SteamVR base stations and two Vive controllers, representing a $220 savings off the current price when purchased individually. This “Vive Pro Starter Kit” will be made available on Vive.com starting April 5th.

In an effort to make Vive Pro more backwards compatible, it works with all 2016-era 1.0 SteamVR base stations and original Vive controllers.

Some of this is no doubt related to the backlash the company received when they first announced Vive Pro’s $800 price tag. Those $800 only fetches you the headset itself, something HTC said was intended for Vive owners looking to upgrade to Vive Pro’s higher resolution, improved ergonomics, and other changes.

We have a hardware review for Vive Pro coming out later today, so make sure to check back for our deep dive into everything that makes the newer, higher resolution headset tick.

The post HTC Launches $300 SteamVR 1.0 Tracking Bundle for Vive Pro Users appeared first on Road to VR.

March 14, 2018

Google Lights the Way with Welcome to Light Fields

One of the more appealing characteristics of virtual reality (VR) is its ability to transport a user to a new environment. As such, there is a demand for technology that can increase this feeling of presence, and Google is experimenting with one of those possibilities – Light Field technology.

Light Fields are, essentially, a set of sophisticated algorithms that can capture, stitch and render 360-degree video or VR animations in a way that creates a sense of realism and ‘presence’ in the VR environment.

This involves creating a virtual world that reacts to the user. In the real world, if you move your head, the light and shadows will change as you move, with light bouncing of surfaces in different ways as the perspective changes. Light Field technology allows this to be replicated in virtual environment, allowing for a richer VR experience.

Google are demonstrating the potential of this technology with the release of a new application on Steam VR called Welcome to Light Fields. This app is available for free on Steam for HTC Vive, Oculus Rift and Windows Mixed Reality headsets. This app will give users a guided tour of the Light Field technology and lets them explore some of the things that might be possible in future VR apps and videogames.

In order to capture the footage needed for Welcome to Light Fields, Google used a modified GoPro Odyssey Jump camera, bending it into a vertical arc of 16 cameras mounted on a rotating platform. This allows the camera to capture all the different rays of light entering the volume of space.

To demonstrate the technology, Google took its specialised camera rig to a range of remarkable places. Among them were the intricate ceramic tile patterns decorating the Mosaic Tile House in Venice, the stained glass windows of St. Stephen’s Church in Granada Hills and even a view of NASA’s retired Space Shuttle Discovery.

The Welcome to Light Fields app can be found on Steam for free, further information can be found on the Google blog and the Steam store page. VRFocus will continue to inform you of new and innovative VR apps and experiences.