Category: Videos

Posted on

The VR Game Launch Roundup: Sneaky Tanks and Mythical Beasts

VRFocus brings you another list of independent virtual reality (VR) titles to look forward to over the course of the next week. Once again, owners of every major headset can look forward to something new to add to their VR collection. Make sure to check out our accompanying video to get a preview of each videogame.

CovertCovert – White Elk Studios

In this co-operative videogame, you and a friend must work together to carry out a successful heist. Featuring cross-play, the gameplay features one player on a mobile device and one in VR, as either a thief in VR or a hacker on a mobile.

Grave Of The Petrified – Studio Burning Eyes

A single-player VR experience set in an ancient Greek temple, Grave of the Petrified pits you against one of the most famous monsters in Greek mythology, Medusa. This is a spine-tingling escape experience where you have to locate the keys to a door to get out, just don’t gaze at Medusa or you’ll become part of this graveyard.

Grave Of The Petrified

Tanky Tanks – EpiXR Games

Tiny tanks in little battle arenas, what’s not to like? A single-player shooter with various modes to switch up the gameplay such as Bomb Mode, Invisible Mode (all the enemies have disappeared!) and Speed Mode (get there in half the time).

  • Supported platforms: Oculus Rift
  • Launch date: 13th March

Posted on

The VR Game Launch Roundup: Fix Time and Fight off the Mafia

Once again, VRFocus brings you another list of both triple-A and independent virtual reality (VR) titles to look forward to over the course of the next week. Owners of every major headset can look forward to a new videogame to add to their collection. Make sure to check out our accompanying video to get a preview of each title.

Timeless Paradox VRTimeless Paradox VR – John Jiang

This single-player story-based VR action game is set in a “timeless world.” Playing alongside companion Estel and featuring 9 different boss battles and a unique sword attack system, it’s up to you to restore the flow of time by fixing all “time fragments.”

Separation – Recluse Industries

Travel across land and sea, exploring various derelict structures and ruins in search of the elusive Temple Of Sorrow. Hear the echo of your own footsteps as you follow faint sources of light on your lonely quest through mysterious lands solving puzzles. Also featuring an original ambient soundtrack by electronic music artist Vector Lovers.

  • Supported platforms: PlayStation VR
  • Launch date: 3rd March

SeparationSpacewalk Defender – Droidtech

In this sci-fi VR shooter, you must duel wield a host of unique weapons to fend off an endless wave of enemies as they spawn. Featuring enemy waves increasing in difficulty as they spawn, it’s down to you to beat your personal best, or play and compete with players around the world as you climb the leader boards.

Fighting Clans – XOCUS

In this VR street-fighting game, you find yourself in debt to the mafia and must survive by fighting your way out of trouble. You receive a date and place for your fight, along with instructions on how to survive. Coming face-to-face with a host of unsavoury characters, it’s up to you to perfect your fighting abilities in this urban environment.

XSOverlay – Xiexe

VR Desktop overlay application XSOverlay is an application for software development kit OpenVR and it helps users to access and interact their desktop or individual applications using custom controls in VR. Featuring support for left, right, middle-clicking and dragging abilities, and window movement and scaling. Users can control their media with window editing and help to improve their productivity in VR.

Posted on

The VR Game Launch Roundup: Kinda Strange and Kinda Funky

VRFocus presents a list of 5 brand-new virtual reality (VR) titles to look forward to over the course of next week. Featuring both AAA and independent videogames, be sure to check out the accompanying YouTube video for a preview of each title’s gameplay.

Soul AxiomSoul Axiom Rebooted – Wales Interactive

Previously released on all traditional gaming formats in 2016, Wales Interactive has now added VR support to this story-driven adventure puzzle game with vast improvements over the original release. Set in a cyber-world known as Elysia, users can collect and build up their powers and with the game featuring multiple possible endings, it’s up to every user to control their own destiny.

Covert – White Elk Studios

In this co-operative videogame, you and a friend must work together to carry out a successful heist. Featuring cross-play, the gameplay features one player on a mobile device and one in VR, as either a thief in VR or a hacker on a mobile.

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

Take a trip into the 25th century in this easy-to-learn dance VR title suitable for the whole family. You are on a mission to defeat an evil alien race known as the ‘Moralians’ – by outperforming them on this galactic dance floor!

  • Supported platforms: PlayStation VR
  • Launch date: 25th February

Hero Index – Fingertip Games

In this superhero-inspired flying adventure made exclusively for the Valve Index, wearing your H.E.R.O (Humanoid Exo Robotic Outfit), you take off from your battleship and make use of your deadly laser weapons arsenal to destroy all objects in your path.

  • Supported platforms: Valve Index
  • Launch date: 28th February

Space Channel 5 VRDawn Of Art – Atlas V, Novelab

Take a trip back to 35,000 BC to discover the very first pieces of artwork ever created by man. Discover the mysterious paintings on the wall of the cave in this immersive film, featuring interactive exploration elements. Narrated by Star Wars’ Daisy Ridley, users can discover the mysteries surrounding the origin of art itself.

Posted on

CES 2020 Interview: Bringing the Game Show World Into VR

It’s time for VRFocus’ last interview from CES 2020 and it’s not what you might expect. Away from all the high tech gadgetry, glossy stands and hordes of visitors all shoulder to shoulder was a smaller event dedicated to virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) called DreamlandXR. Here VRFocus caught up with Jersey Feimster, VR Producer for iconic game show Let’s Make a Deal, to discuss the recently released tie-in title and what’s coming next.

Lets Make a Deal

Having begun in 1963, Let’s Make a Deal is one of those American game show’s known around the world. Audience members are selected to take part and then trade with the host. Offered an initial item they then have the option to exchange it for a hidden product, which could be either of greater or lesser value. As part of this process, mini-games are introduced which is where the VR experience takes its inspiration.

Lets Make a Deal launched for Oculus Rift in December 2019 as an official affiliation of the show. Using the CarPong mini-game, players first have to answer a multiple-choice question to gain as much time as possible for the main section. Grabbing some virtual ping-pong balls the idea is to score as many points as possible by sinking the balls in the cups. Fairly basic by VR standards but the twist comes with the affiliation.

Not only are you put inside the game show itself with an actual studio audience cheering you on but you can also win real prizes. Whoever has the highest score at the end of the month wins a prize from the show – if you register of course – but do be aware this is only for US players at the moment.

Lets Make a Deal

Talking to Feimster he reveals that while only Oculus Rift is supported at the moment plans are under to bring Lets Make A Deal VR Carpong to Oculus Quest first followed by SteamVR and PlayStation VR. Depending on how popular the format is in the US the hope is to go worldwide eventually as well as adding further shows like The Price is Right.

Check out the interview below for further details or here for the rest of VRFocus’ CES 2020 coverage.

Posted on

CES 2020 Interview: Nolo VR’s 6DoF, 5G Vision

It’s almost the end of VRFocus’ selection of CES 2020 interviews which have been running for the past few weeks. The massive tech event which starts early every January in Las Vegas had quite the selection of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) products available. From new hardware like the Pimax 8K headsets to software solutions such as Spatial’s collaborative tool, there were lots going on. Chinese manufacturer Nolo VR was on hand to showcase its latest products, with Senior Sales Director Xi Chen available to explain more about them.

Nolo VR - Huawei

One of Nolo VR’s major show announcements was its 6-degrees of freedom (6DoF) solution for Huawei VR Glass. Called  Nolo CV1 Air, the kit is comprised of a sensor bar which attaches to the top of Huawei’s glasses, an additional sensor which is placed in front of the user (on a shelf for example) and two wireless controllers.

The whole system is designed to support SteamVR and mobile 6DoF gameplay, with the show demo using BoxVR to demonstrate the tracking. From initial inspection, VRFocus found that it worked fluidly enough, even on faster-paced sections.

CES 2020 was filled with 5G talk and the Nolo VR stand was no different. The company also showcased its Nolo N2 VR headset and Nolo CV1 Pro tracking kit. A smartphone VR gaming solution with 6DoF control, it’s designed to provide PC VR quality inside low-cost solution, all thanks to 5G and Cloud VR services. Nolo VR has started cooperation with China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom on these services.

Nolo VR

The Nolo CV1 Pro improves upon the previous Nolo CV1 in a number of ways, providing higher positioning precision, refresh rate, and lower latency for a smoother gameplay experience. In the interview below Chen goes into further detail regarding the new products and what they’re capable of.

For more VRFocus’ CES 2020 coverage why not take a look at the interview with HaptX, our chat with Teslasuit about its new glove, with Spatial regarding its AR collaboration tool, Insta360 and its new ONE R action camera or Pimax with an ever-growing lineup of headsets. For all the latest VR tech news, keep reading VRFocus.

Posted on

STYLY’s NEWVIEW Awards 2019: The Winners

For the past two years, Japanese virtual reality (VR) developer Psychic VR Lab has held its NEWVIEW Awards to showcase the best talent using its free online creation tool STYLY. Accepting submissions from around the world – 2019 received 145 – the event took place in December hosted at Shibuya PARCO in Tokyo. VRFocus was lucky enough to attend and spoke with the winners to learn a little more about their quirky VR experiences. 

Takkun Museum - STYLY
Takkun Museum – NEWVIEW Awards 2019 Gold Prize winner

While there was a theme of ‘Design Your Ultra-Experience’, the main stipulation was that the online creation and publishing platform had to be used. Not only so everyone had access to the same tools but also for distribution; you can view all the artwork online yourself via the award website. Even with the same tools creators came up with some wildly different projects, some used photogrammetry while others simply used STYLY’s editing tools.

In total there were eight awards to allocate, with three artworks awarded a silver prize of $5,000 USD with one awarded the gold prize of $20,000.

The Gold Prize went to Takkun Museum, a piece the artist created to combine both memories and artworks of his son since birth. Viewers are able to look at the pictures the child drew and the toys he played with at different ages. “The sharing of future family photos maybe like this. Not only is it possible to experience the content given to the XR world but also to arrange and create and enjoy it for the individual, leading to the idea of ​​a photo album service that is one step ahead, and the only point that I thought “I want to do it!” to,” said NEWVIEW judge Yumeshin Nemu.

VR Manga World for STYLY
VR Manga World for STYLY, NEWVIEW Awards 2019 Silver Prize winner

The three Silver Prizes went to VR MANGA WORLD for STYLY, Piece of String and ne.mui, each offering an imaginative take on the theme. VR MANGA WORLD for STYLY, for instance, puts you inside a comic, opening each scene as you climb a stairwell. Piece of String, on the other hand, was one of the few pieces to use photogrammetry as creator Wyatt Roy allowed viewers into his home using an idea he dreamed about. “I really liked this work. I myself had scanned myself using similar photogrammetry in a Toronto studio, but it was impressive to see this work in a very unique way,” said filmmaker and judge Nick DenBoer.

Then there were four smaller awards:

  • KMNZ Prize – C’est la vie, SHOGYO-MUJO
  • Hideki Matsutake Prize – Merging Memories
  • Parco Prize – ne.mui
  • Media Ambition Tokyo Prize – Piece of String

To learn a little more about these winners and their ideas and inspirations check out the interview compilation below.

The event wasn’t just a chance for Psychic VR Lab to showcase STYLY’s VR capabilities, augmented reality (AR) was also thrown in the mix as well. Having previously revealed AR integration would be coming to the app in 2020 VRFocus saw that in action on the 5th floor of Shibuya PARCO with a piece called Discont viewed through Lenovo Mirage Solo headsets. For further STYLY updates, keep reading VRFocus.

Disclosure: VRFocus a media partner for the NEWVIEW Awards, with costs covered to attend the 2019 event. 

Posted on

The VR Game Launch Roundup: A Giant Shot Into the Blue

VRFocus brings you another brand-new list of VR titles to look forward to over the course of the next week. Make sure to check out our accompanying YouTube video to get a preview of each title’s gameplay.

Ghost GiantGhost Giant – Zoink!

Previously released as an PSVR exclusive title, developer Zoink are now releasing this VR puzzle adventure on Oculus Quest. In this family-friendly title, you play as the titular friendly ghost known only as Ghost Giant. Viewable only to Louis, a lonely boy, the story involves Ghost Giant bonding and helping Louis to overcome the struggles of everyday life.

  • Supported platforms: Oculus Quest
  • Launch date: 20th February

Scraper: Gauntlet – Labrodex, Inc.

In this new standalone instalment to the Scraper Universe, you are set with the task of infiltrating a secret AI-filled facility to seek a secret weapon blueprint. Filled with weapon customisation, this VR role-playing wave shooter sees you defending the megacities of the world from the threat of Humech Forces.

Scraper: GauntletOhShape – Odders Lab

Inspired by the hit Japanese TV show, Hole in the Wall, this rhythm VR game sees you move your whole body to go through or avoid walls to the beat of the music. Compete with friends or against players from around the world for the best score with the World Leader boards. Studio Odders Lab has worked with professional choreographers to perfect 12 immersive dance levels. Also featuring content provided by users within the community who have shaped custom maps using the level editor.

  • Supported platforms: Oculus Quest
  • Launch date: 20th February

Buggy Bump – MoonShine Games

This fast-paced VR racing game features moment-to-moment racing in a racing event known as the Buggy Bump Festival. Beat your own time in offline single player, battle against AI vehicles in Time Trail Mode or set a new record in an online 4-player game. Featuring 19 tracks, 9 in the day, 9 and night and a bonus surprise track.

OhShapeSea Fishing Simulator – Dangerous Derk Interactive

Set in the North Sea, select your bait and fish from a boat or the shore from at any time of day, and battle challenging weather conditions as you search for over 20 different fish species. This aquatic title is brought to you by UK-based studio Dangerous Derk Interactive, known for their successful previous fishing-themed title, Carp Fishing Simulator in 2015.

Posted on

The VR Game Launch Roundup: A Fantasy-filled February Quinet

VRFocus bring you another list of virtual reality (VR) titles to look forward to over the course of next week. This time around, owners of every major headset can look forward to a new videogame to add to their collection. Make sure to check out our accompanying video to get a preview of each title.

Orion13Parameter – Yabyte

Built from the ground up and featuring simple touchpad movement, this VR puzzle adventure game features a wide range of deadly traps dotted all over the various environments for the user to avoid and overcome throughout 3 different levels.

  • Supported platforms: HTC Vive
  • Launch date: 10th February

Orion13 – Metro VR Studios

In this kinetic VR combat videogame, you play as the title character, Orion13, a newly built robot. You must fight your way through this mysterious robot land to reach your home, making use of various swords and shields to attack any foes you encounter on the way. Featuring a complete story and interactive puzzles, users can also face other players via an online leader board.

  • Supported platforms: Oculus Rift
  • Launch date: 13th February

TheWandererVR – TheGoo

In this VR archery shooting game, users must work to defend themselves against various oncoming enemies, both in plain sight and hidden around you. Also featuring shields and scopes to perfect your attack and defence methods.

Gloomy EyesGloomy Eyes – Jorge Tereso & Fernando Maldonado

This is a 3-part animated VR love story features a romance between a zombie boy, Gloomy, and mortal human girl, Nena. This Tim Burton-style animated film is narrated by Colin Farrell and first premiered at several film festivals including Sundance. This VR animation is now set for a general release to VR users worldwide.

  • Supported platforms: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Oculus Quest
  • Launch date: 14th February

Warden Of The Isles – Beardlings LLC

You must use your powerful throwing arm to command troops to fight all surrounding enemies in this medieval single-player adventure. Assign tasks and lead your army to victory in this original story featuring over 15 hours of unique gameplay.

  • Supported platforms: HTC Vive
  • Launch date: 14th February

Posted on

CES 2020 Interview: VRgineers has an 8K Vision

Unless you’re a big global company with plenty of money to burn standing out at the world’s largest technology event, CES can be a little difficult. Even so, that didn’t stop Prague-based VRgineers, the virtual reality (VR) headset manufacturer behind XTAL from trying to make an impression. The company attended the event to showcase its new 8K resolution headset and did so in style, bringing a massive flight-sim rig for guests to test the improved resolution. This also proved to be an opportune moment to chat with CEO and co-founder Marek Polcak about the 8K XTAL.

VRgineers XTAL

From the outside the new XTAL 8K looks no different from its 5K sibling, offering that striking crystal design, the wide 180-degree (FoV) as well as the built-in hand-tracking from Ultraleap. It’s only when you put on the headset that the difference becomes clear.

First and foremost VRgineers has designed the XTAL to be an industrial headset, suited to companies and organisations which require high-resolutions and wide FoVs for an unincumbered VR experience. This has led XTAL down the simulator route, flight-sims in particular. Because of this specialism, VRgineers has been working with the likes of the US Airforce and US NAVY to aid in their training programs. During CES 2020 it was announced that Vance Airforce Base in Oklahoma will be the first to receive the 8K version, helping upgrade its training centre.

Hence why VRgineers chose to bring a massive pneumatic rig to the expo, where guests had to climb up and in via a ladder to have a go. The setup featured full flight controls and for that added feel of realism, the XTAL was attached to a flight helmet. It’s the fine detail which sets the 8K headset apart from other VR devices. The landscape outside the cockpit looked nice enough but it was the clarity of all the dials and switches which truly impressed – understandable why the US Airforce was using it.

VRgineers XTAL

After a nice flight around Dubai airspace, it was time to talk with Polcak about the XTAL 8K and the work that went into upgrading the headset. Check out the interview below to see what he said and to see the rig in action. The new XTAL is expected to be commercially available in the second half of Q1 2020. For further updates, keep reading VRFocus.

Posted on

The VR Game Launch Roundup: Master Throwing and Metal Forming in VR

Another Friday means another roundup of new and exciting virtual reality (VR) titles being released on each major headset over the first week of February 2020. Make sure to check out the accompanying YouTube video to get a full preview of each videogame.

Throw Anything – Visual Light

Fight this onslaught of brain-hungry, wall-climbing zombies by throwing any object around you at them – including humans! A mysterious individual known only as “Scientist X” has taken over the world, wreaking havoc on mankind by releasing a deadly zombie virus. It’s up to you to stop this endless cycle of pain in this 6-stage challenge which takes place across various destructible environments. Also featuring rewards for users in the form of powerful weapons.

  • Supported platforms: PlayStation VR
  • Launch date: 6th February

Master Bladesmith – Elixir Games

This unique RPG features a combination of both first- and third-person gameplay in VR. Mine for materials and from raw ore materials, shape your own powerful custom swords and protective armour. Featuring full freedom of movement, VR users can put the swords and armour through their paces with a special chamber while building up a personal stash of money and precious artefacts along your journey.

Abelana's Atom MakerStraylight – Dr Bloc

In a mechanic built exclusively for VR, experience deadly new worlds in this new VR platforming experience, Straylight. Users must make a deadly journey, avoiding deadly obstacles as you fly, swing and soar through increasingly difficult cosmic worlds, with the simple sole aim of reaching the very end of this universe.

Abelana’s Atom Maker – Abelana VR

Users can perfect their understanding of atom composition in this educational VR experience by visualising and putting them together step-by-step in this immersive 3D environment. Learn about the ordering, configuration and grouping of elements within the Periodic Table, along with the history of each element.