There are plenty of rhythm-action videogames available for virtual reality (VR) headsets but they do tend to be solitary experiences. The only way they add a social aspect is through an online leaderboard. Kludge Interactive wanted to go a step further than that with its title Sync Riders, releasing a multiplayer component this week.
Available as a free update the multiplayer mode allows up to five players to meet and chat in a lobby, challenging each other to get the best high score on a particular song. The difficulty can be increased be selecting from a range of modifiers such as “Prismatic Notes“ or “Sudden Death”.
“Synth Riders has continued to be developed in active conversation with our community, and we knew early on that we had to give them a way to play together, not only to compete but to have fun with each other. We are excited to be one of the first VR rhythm games with multiplayer support, it is a tribute to our community!,“ said Abraham Aguero Benzecri – Creative Director, in a statement.
In addition to the multiplayer mode Kludge Interactive has also added improvements to the game’s UX and visual style, offering redesigned menus for a smoother more intuitive experience when choosing songs and browsing music packs. As an added bonus the update includes a free song (Nutronic by Code War), brand new custom-designed avatars (PC VR only), sound effects, and visual stage.
Synth Riders arrived last year for multiple headsets on both the Oculus Store and Steam. VRFocus gave the title a four-star review, finding that Synth Riders was an energetic and engaging experience with catchy tracks to get you moving: “What you need to watch out for is a sudden addiction to Synthwave music and the desire to grow a mullet.” Synth Riders also made it onto VRFocus’ “10 Best Fitness Apps For A VR Workout” for those that like to use VR for burning a few calories.
For its next big update, Kluge Interactive will release an “Electro Swing Essentials” DLC including songs from Parov Stelar, Jamie Berry and Electric Swing Circus. Currently on sale with a 35% discount on Steam, VRFocuswill continue its coverage of Synth Riders and all the latest rhythm-action videogames.
So normally VRFocus would publish this kind of article at the start of the year, just as everyone has made their new years resolution to be a bit healthier, eat better and exercise a bit more. Usually, all that has come crashing down by the end of January, it’s still cold and miserable outside and the thought of going for a run or even attempting the gym seems like a herculean task. So why not take a different approach, stay inside, grab the virtual reality (VR) headset and maybe, just maybe, enjoy working up a sweat.
To help in this task without spending too much cash, VRFocus has selected the best VR titles which will move that body of yours. Some are sports videogames – no not leisurely fishing ones – while others involve shooting stuff, dancing and even causing a bit of carnage in a bid to help justify that Friday night pizza.
Pistol Whip
Here’s a videogame that certainly doesn’t fit into the category of fitness but to truly succeed standing on the spot just isn’t an option. Pistol Whipis a rhythm-action experience using guns, where you have to survive levels killing all the opponents on route, all to some thumping tunes.
These enemies shoot back so you’ll need to be light on your feet to dodge bullets as well as return fire. On the harder levels, Pistol Whip is a good full-body cardio workout because if you don’t put the effort in you’ll fail.
Supported platforms: Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index and Windows Mixed Reality
BoxVR
Here’s the first proper training VR app on this list, taking the sport of boxing and combining it with rhythm action gameplay. You can choose from 45 workouts depending on how vigorous a session you want. These vary in length from short three-minute warmups to 60+ minute endurance workouts, there’s enough choice depending on how many calories you want to burn. Great for the upper body, you can even use your own tunes.
Supported platforms: Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality and PlayStation VR
Beat Saber
This title is almost a de facto purchase for anyone new to VR or looking for a fun, energetic experience. There’s no denying the fact that swinging a couple of swords around to music is terribly addictive, easily making time fly for some entertaining exercise. Like a lot of these titles, it’s only on the higher difficulty levels that you’ll really burn some calories. Anything less than Expert just won’t cut it.
Supported platforms: Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality and PlayStation VR
Racket: Nx
A futuristic take on squash Racket: Nxputs you inside a giant dome with hexagonal wall panels which light up according to the mode and difficulty. Some panels score points, some remove health and others replace health, offering a nice gameplay mixture which isn’t solely about smashing a ball. There are single-player and multiplayer modes helping up that competitive edge, just make sure you have plenty of space to play in.
Supported platforms: Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index and Windows Mixed Reality
Thrill of the Fight
While BoxVR merely used a boxing theme to workout to, Thrill of the Fightputs you slap bang in the middle of the ring. This is one of those titles which doesn’t offer lots of flashy extras, just you and an opponent to punch it out. There are training areas with a speedball, punching bag and more to fine-tune your skills. The fights themselves are some of the best you’ll get in VR, no arms flailing here, you need to be accurate and punch with intention.
Supported platforms: Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index and Windows Mixed Reality
Sprint Vector
Before getting fit in VR was really a thing if you wanted to burn some calories and get your sweat on then Survios’ Sprint Vector was one of the best ways to do it. Designed around the idea of looking for a novel way for people to move in VR without feeling nauseous, Sprint Vectorutilised arm swinging as a means of propulsion alongside gliding and climbing mechanics.
With a game show vibe and a competitive edge, Sprint Vector is ideally suited to those who want more than just a training regime.
Supported platforms: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and PlayStation VR
Gorn
The most brutal title on this list, there’s no music here – unless for some reason blood splatter counts – as Gornis a gladiatorial combat experience. Gameplay is all about survival, using an assortment of melee weapons to decapitate, dismember, smash, stab, rip or slice opponents to bits. As such there’s plenty of effort involved, especially once the arena starts to fill up with opponents. After a few matches, you’ll soon feel the burn.
Supported platforms: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality and PlayStation VR
Synth Riders
Time for another rhythm-action videogame, this time going for a retro 80s vibe. Featuring the most Synth Wave tracks of any VR title – other genres like DubStep are included – Synth Ridersis best described as neon-drenched cheerleader gaming. The standard mode has you matching coloured orbs, while featuring more of a boxing theme, having to punch the orbs as well.
Synth Riders gets you moving to some very catchy beats – 30 to choose from – so you’ll want to rest those arms after a good session.
Supported platforms: Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index and Windows Mixed Reality
Creed: Rise to Glory
Float like and butterfly and sting like a bee in one of the more realistic experiences in this fitness selection. Creed: Rise to Gloryby Survios puts you in the film, able to train with the likes of Rocky Balboa, before heading into the ring to see if you’ve got the skills to last. A high energy videogame which certainly requires effort, here you have both single-player campaign and free play modes plus online PvP matchmaking for plenty of gameplay options.
Supported platforms: Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, PlayStation VR
Dance Central
There’s no denying that you can get your dancing shoes on to any of the rhythm-action titles on this list. But to really strut that funky stuff like you mean it then you’ll want to try Dance Central. Brought back to life just for Oculus’ headsets, a 32 song soundtrack covers the 1970s the way through to today’s chart-toppers. Routines have been choreographed for each song providing a nice full-body aerobic workout.
Oculus Quest has been the standout success of 2019, with consumers eager to buy the headset and developers equally eager to supply the standalone device with content. Not only does the device have its own dedicated store but thanks to Oculus Link all of Oculus Rift’s content is also available. For this roundup of the best Oculus Quest videogames, VRFocus is purely going to concentrate on those made for the headset, allowing you to enjoy untethered VR gaming freedom.
Oculus Quest may have only been available for seven months but it has already made an impact on the VR scene. The store may be highly curated but there are plenty of videogames worth your time across a range of genres and skill levels.
The Best Oculus Quest Games of 2019:
Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series
You could almost say this is three videogames in one, but as each is roughly around 45 minutes long and you need to play all of them to unravel the full story. While Star Wars fans will certainly get the greatest joy out of playing Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Seriesthanks to its story being canon material, even those that aren’t bothered about the franchise should still have fun playing with lightsabers and using the force.
Beat Saber
While the popular rhythm-action title couldn’t be included in VRFocus’ PlayStation VR ‘Best of 2019’ list, Beat Saber can most certainly be included here, as it was a launch title for Oculus Quest. Leading its genre Beat Saber needs little introduction as its simple yet addictive gameplay cutting cubes with a sword has struck a chord with VR gamers across the world.
There’s a reasonable selection of included songs plus a load of DLC tracks available to expand the selection. Beat Saber is one of those titles which has become a de facto addition to most gamers libraries no matter the platform and the Oculus Quest version is no different.
Pistol Whip
Another rhythm-action videogame, this time from the studio behind The Gallery puzzle series, Cloudhead Games. Only released in November, Pistol Whiphas already garnered quite the reputation as a non-stop action shooter inspired by the likes of John Wick.
You can choose to shoot or melee enemies whilst dodging incoming bullets like a badass, all to a thumping soundtrack and some intense visuals. Modifiers help to change the gameplay, adding dual-wield weapons or removing the aim assist to increase the score multiplier. If Beat Saber isn’t quite your thing then Pistol Whip could well scratch that gaming itch, a first-person shooter (FPS) with flair.
The Curious Tale of the Stolen Pets
A small side project by Apex Construct developer Fast Travel Games, The Curious Tale of the Stolen Pets is a cute puzzler with light challenges designed for all ages.
It may have only got three-stars in VRFocus’review but that does mean to say its not worthy to be on this list. While The Curious Tale of the Stolen Pets is a little short, the design and ideas employed are definitely worth a look, each level a small diorama to be spun around, peered into and investigated. Charming and cute, The Curious Tale of the Stolen Pets will put a smile on your face.
Gadgeteer
Another puzzle-based experience, Gadgeteer is a far more elaborate affair than others on this list. Gameplay mechanics revolve around Rube Goldberg machines, using a series of gadgets to build elaborate contraptions. Offering a single-player campaign to teach you the ropes, the sandbox mode is where most players will spend their time, offering free rein to create whatever machines you so please with the 50+ items available.
VRFocussaid in its review: “Gadgeteer isn’t going to be for everyone, much like being a watchmaker. It’s finicky, time-consuming and puzzling all at the same time. They’re also the reasons why Gadgeteer is a puzzle gem for Oculus Quest.”
Acron: Attack of the Squirrels
So far this list has purely been about single-player VR videogames so let’s change that with Acron: Attack of the Squirrels by Resolution Games. Multiplayer only, Acron: Attack of the Squirrelsis at its best with a few friends and family over, all playing locally.
The Oculus Quest player takes the role of a tree trying to protect several golden acorns while everyone else is a mischevious squirrel trying to steal them. The non-VR players join in via a free mobile app and up to eight can team up at once, offering some highly entertaining gameplay, with everyone laughing and shouting as they succeed and fail.
Shadow Point
More puzzling escapades, this time from Coatsink with Shadow Point. With a story narration by the legendary Sir Patrick Stewart, this British studio has previously released some excellent VR videogames and Shadow Point continues that trend.
Trying to unravel the mystery of a missing schoolgirl you head to Shadow Point observatory before being whisked to the heavens, tasked with solving evermore elaborate puzzles which play with light and shadows.
If you’ve tried The Curious Tale of the Stolen Pets and want greater depth and difficulty then Shadow Point is a good step to take, providing a solid few hours of entertainment (depending on whether you get stuck of course).
Journey of the Gods
If you’re looking for a Legend of Zelda-like VR experience on Oculus Quest then Journey of the Gods is worth a look. With a bold cel-shaded style, there are big monsters to fight, people to save, weapons to upgrade and lands to explore. Everything that you could want or need in a VR adventure.
VRFocus noted in its review of Journey of the Gods: “Showcasing what’s best about VR adventuring, the title is ideal for those who want to make the most of their new headset purchase, with decent gameplay, narrative and fantasy feel.” Not one to be missed this festive season.
Thrill of the Fight
There are quite a few ways to burn calories in VR as this list very well proves and Thrill of the Fightoffers the most intensive workout here. Boxing fans will find a barebones experience with training and career modes available. There are no flashy gimmicks here, you need to block, watch your footwork and time those punches for maximum effect – no waving your arms wildly hoping for success.
Do a couple of fights back to back and you’ll soon start to notice if you don’t work out much. Thrill of the Fight is very much a videogame which relies on roomscale, as you’ll need a minimum of 2m x 2m to play. More is preferable, otherwise, during the heat of a match, you’re likely to hit a wall.
Originally a PC VR title released in 2016, Thrill of the Fight has translated well for those wishing for an energetic experience.
Synth Riders
Noticing a theme here? Yes, here’s another rhythm-action videogame for those that love to expel some energy. Synth Ridersdifferentiates itself from Beat Saber and Pistol Whip with Synth Wave tunes for that retro 80s feel.
This might be another arm swinger but its still great fun, and there are several modes and modifiers to change the gameplay mechanics. There’s a little more of a cheese factor with Synth Riders which is fine by VRFocusas the tunes just make you want to bop along.
Synth Riders might not be as well known as the other two but that’s no reason to dismiss it, plus its the cheapest of the three.
Announced on Reddit, SideQuest now integrates directly with popular Synth Riders modding site SynthRiderz. If you already know how to use SideQuest to load stuff onto your Quest, all you have to do is update SideQuest, connect your Quest and click on the SynthRiderz button on the top right. You can then install any custom songs offered on the SynthRiderz site. It’s as easy as that! (Side note: If you don’t know how to use SideQuest to install custom content, don’t fear! We’re working on a handy guide to help you out – keep an eye out for that one soon — but it’s pretty simple as well.)
If you want to manage or delete your songs in the future, you can just use SideQuest’s file explorer to locate the Synth Riders folder in your Quest and delete the appropriate files for each song.
It’s important to note that unlike games like Beat Saber, custom songs are actually officially supported by the Synth Riders developers. This means that SideQuest isn’t modifying the Synth Riders application package in any way, unlike all Beat Saber custom songs for Quest, which require a custom apk file. This is why BeatOn, which installed a custom Beat Saber apk, is no longer supported on Quest.
This also means that you don’t technically need SideQuest to install custom Synth Riders songs on your Quest. All SideQuest does is download the song files for you and transfer them in the folder designated by the Synth Rider developers for custom song tracks. So, if you want to download the custom song files yourself and transfer them into the correct folder on your Quest file system without SideQuest, you’re more than welcome to. SideQuest does make things a bit more convenient though.
Update: This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PT tonight, November 7th, so we are reposting and resharing it one last time before the giveaway is over!
In a dancing mood? Want an Oculus Quest VR headset? Then have we got the giveaway for you!
Kluge Interactive’s Synth Riders just arrived on Oculus Quest this week. It’s a hazy, neon-drenched celebration of VR rhythm action. You dance along to tracks, matching your hands to a set of orbs and looking fantastic along the way. It’s a solid addition to the library of any VR fitness fan or those looking for a twist on Beat Saber.
Here’s a trailer for the game.
To celebrate the game’s release, we’ve partnered with Kluge to offer up an Oculus Quest VR headset! That’s right, enter our competition below and you’ll be in with a chance to winning your very own standalone headset to play the game on. Quest is Facebook’s snazzy new headset on the block; it doesn’t need any PCs or wires. Everything the headset needs is included in the kit itself.
The winner will also get a code for Synth Riders. Not only that, but we have ten more codes for the game for runners up. You can enter into that giveaway here:
Again, these’ll be Quest codes. Synth Riders also just came out of Early Access on PC VR headsets, though.
Already own a Quest? Tell your friends about the competition so they can try to beat your score. Soon Synth Riders will receive a multiplayer soon allowing you to compete in real-time
Don’t forget, the more shares and likes the better your chances of winning. Giveaway winners will be announced on November 8.
This competition is available globally. If you already entered over on the VRecap page, this is the same giveaway. Good luck to all who enter! Be sure to let us know what you think of the game.
It’s been a week of trials and tribulations for the VR industry. Pretty much a standard week, then.
David’s back to give you the news this week. Myself and Zeena have lost our passports in France and we can’t get home. I’m being serious. I feel like an idiot. Send help.
Anyway, this time on the VRecap we’re covering the death of Facebook Spaces. The company’s social networking platform has been shut down in order to make room (or Space) for Horizons. But does Horizons really stand to succeed where Spaces failed? We’ll have to wait until next year’s beta to find out.
Elsewhere, Tilt Five is celebrating Kickstarter success. The AR platform just rounded out its crowdfunding campaign and it made a whole heap of cash. Can the CastAR follow-up succeed where its predecessor failed? We’ve got our fingers crossed that that’s the case.
Finally on the news front we have the unexpected announcement of Vader Immortal’s third and final episode. The Star Wars series is concluding much sooner than we’d anticipated. But will the series be able to bow out on a good note following episode II’s stumbles? We’ll find out later this month!
Over in releases we’ve got a few things to list off. Not much love for PSVR players but Quest and PC VR enjoy a strong week. Meanwhile in the comments we’re talking about your favorite VR horror games. Okay, it’s a little late for Halloween now, but these are some winners all the same.
Oh, and you won’t want to miss this week’s giveaway! We’ve teamed up with Synth Riders to offer an Oculus Quest headset! We’re doing two giveaways this week: (10) people will win copies of Synth Riders for Oculus Quest and (1) lucky winner will win a Quest and a copy of the game to go with it!
Head below for a chance to enter and win in both giveaways:
If you’re a fan of energetic virtual reality (VR) titles and want something different to market leader Beat Saber what do you go for? There are a number of options for PC VR users but what about Oculus Quest? Well that’s were Synth Riders comes in, a retro-inspired experience which takes you back to the neon rich 80s, offering synth sounds and some glowing pompoms to boot.
Feeling almost like Dance Central wrapped in spandex, Synth Riders turns your hands into two big balls, one bright blue the other a rather vivid purple. As with any other rhythm action videogame, it’s all about matching said ball with those hurtling towards you in various patterns.
The difficulty for any VR title entering this genre is how to be different and actually stand out. Sure VR is niche so there aren’t hundreds of these videogames but there are enough to warrant healthy competition. Synth Riders manages to just about achieve this in a couple of ways, namely the track selection and the difficulty/intensity options.
First the tunes. These are massively electronic, offering a mixture of Synthwave to Dubstep, fun and bouncy to aggressive and thumping. It’s the former that makes Synth Riders – hence the name – what it is, catchy beats and epic keyboard solos which instantly put you in iconic films like Flashdance, swinging those arms wildly like a dancing maniac. There’s a decent selection all told, with 30+ songs available.
Additionally, Synth Riders also has 7 stages to choose from – a personal favourite is ‘Chasing the Sun’ – so the visuals shouldn’t get too boring. These look they’ve been ripped right out of movies like Tron – which has inspired several other VR videogames – a rich tapestry of bold neon colours that assault the eyes.
And then there’s the gameplay. What’s nice about Synth Riders is the low entry barrier so those new to VR don’t get too overwhelmed. Alongside the standard difficulty levels rising up to Master, Synth Riders has three gameplay modes which help tailor the experience, Normal, Force and Challenge. Normal is casual fun, where all you need to do is match the ball colours. This mode is kind of like VR cheerleading just not quite as athletic. It’s great for those times where you want to dance but not really workout.
Force is where the workout truly comes into play. Same mechanics as before, just this time you need to put some effort in and punch the orbs. A force indicator for your left and right hands show how much effort you actually put in which then effects the final score. Challenge is where you can really mix things up, offering a range of adjustable options like switching obstacles on and off or upping the note speed. These options help to make Synth Riders not only enjoyable but also replayable so that you can have a somewhat different experience every time.
Developer Kluge Interactive isn’t going to break the rhythm action mould with Synth Riders yet that doesn’t mean to say there’s not plenty of entertainment to be found. The Oculus Quest version doesn’t feature the calorie tracker of the PC edition but as long as you’re doing something energetic then who cares. What you need to watch out for is a sudden addiction to Synthwave music and the desire to grow a mullet.
Audio Trip aims to be the definitive VR dance game, featuring music from your favorite artists: Lady Gaga, Skrillex, Zedd, deadmau5, and more! Catch gems, ride ribbons, dodge barriers, and smash drums on YOUR Audio Trip!
As October draws to a close, VRFocus brings you a roundup of the last videogames of the month, and it should come as no surprise that this week’s roundup plays host to a series of spooky titles. Also make sure to check out our freshly-made accompanying video compilation, and make sure to check out our full coverage of all things VR at the AWE and EGX events over the past week.
Journey For Elysium – Mantis Games
In this story-driven VR adventure, you find yourself in a ghost-like state somewhere between life and death. Embark on a journey to reach the Elysium. Filled with Greek and Roman mythology, use your wisdom to beat any obstacle or elaborate puzzle that blocks your goal of redemption.
Finding yourself trapped in a mysterious alpine cabin by the evil Krampus, you take on the role of a criminal profiler who must survive by exploring every inch of the cabin and solve a series of riddles left by a killer. This escape room thriller is a desperate fight for survival which makes full use of all interactions VR can offer.
Reiko’s Fragments involves both VR and smartphone users, with VR players fighting to escape the horrors of a haunted house, and smartphone users fighting back by playing as the house itself! Coming to Early Access, by involving smartphone users alongside the VR player, this unique horror title could help introduce a whole new generation to the world of VR.
Dance to the beat and burn calories as the 80s cyberpunk-themed Synth Rider makes its way onto multiple headsets. Featuring a host of catchy new exclusive tunes, you find yourself in this unique world where Synthwave music has taken over.
It’s up to you to pour and serve as many customers as you can in this unique arcade-style VR title. Avoiding breaking glasses throughout the 17 featured. With easy ‘pick up and play’ controls, you will find yourself serving root beer to thirsty bar-goers all over the world!
Synth Riders, the VR rhythm game that went into Early Access last summer, is now available on Oculus Quest in addition to being officially out of EA on PC VR.
Update (November 1st, 2019): Synth Riders is now live on the Oculus Store for Quest
In addition to the music packs mentioned below, developers Kluge Interactive say in a Steam news update that the PC VR update features new visuals including:
– New stage called “The Monolith”
– Graphic improvements in all the stages
– Dynamic lights improvements
Original Article (October 11th, 2019): Developers Kluge Interactive say in a Steam news update that Synth Riders will be getting nine new tracks, an exclusive “Into the Void (Synth Riders Edit)” song by Celldweller, redesigned UI and menus, and stability improvements. Multiplayer is also among the updates queued for post-launch.
The new tracks are divided between two packs, the FiXT and Ninety9lives music packs. Check them all out below:
FiXT Music Pack
Exclusive release by FiXT founder and hard rock electronic artist Celldweller combined with his alter ego Scandroid and retro-pop from Prizm.
“L.O.V.E.” by Prizm
“All Night” by Prizm
“Phoenix” by Scandroid
“Into the Void (Synth Riders Edit)” by Celdweller
Ninety9lives Music Pack
Featuring fast-moving EDM tracks.
“Paris Night Walk” by ROY
“Id” by Ben Lepper, Reflekt
“Underdog” by Kastra, Freshcobar
“Outburst” by Never Modern Talk
“Spectrum” by Axtasia
Synth Riders is a rhythm game that tasks you with hitting different colored notes that fly towards you according to the beat. Using the corresponding orb in your hand (and dodging obstacles) you hit a variety of note styles, such as single notes, long lines of notes, notes that need a specific orbs, and others with both orbs simultaneously.
We’re looking forward to reviewing Synth Riders, although if you’re already sold on the game, you can buy the Early Access version on Steam and the Oculus Store for PC VR now. You can also keep an eye on the Quest version here.
Synth Riders supports Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index, and Windows VR headsets.
To help in this task without spending too much cash, 
BoxVR
Beat Saber
Thrill of the Fight
Sprint Vector
Synth Riders
Creed: Rise to Glory
Dance Central
Beat Saber
Pistol Whip
The Curious Tale of the Stolen Pets
Gadgeteer
Acron: Attack of the Squirrels
