Fast Travel Games are planning new post-launch content for Ghost Signal: A Stellaris Game, as a new patch adds minor bug fixes today on Quest 2.
Following its launch last week, Fast Travel Games released a minor update for Ghost Signal: A Stellaris Game.Patch 1.0.1 added small fixes like stopping a soft lock bug during the research tutorial, stopping the Chimera boss spawning twice, and an updated credits list. More notably, Fast Travel Games used this release to announce further post-launch patches are coming with “more improvements and new content.” However, the exact nature of the “new content” is still unknown and a release window remains unconfirmed.
Captains of the Aurora: Your journeys through the universe have improved slightly withPatch 1.0.1!
— Ghost Signal: A Stellaris Game (@GhostSignalVR) March 28, 2023
We enjoyed ourselves in our recent Ghost Signal: A Stellaris Game review and consider it “one of the best VR roguelites yet.” Though we criticised its lack of an in-game suspend function, we had high praise for the core gameplay, visuals and replayability.
Rather than attempt the unenviable task of recreating Stellaris for Quest 2, this successful spin-off shines by forging ahead with its own ideas, offering an entertaining premise packed with strong replayability and a refined presentation. Minor issues aside, I immensely enjoyed my time exploring this universe, and Fast Travel Games are onto another winner. I can see myself coming back to Ghost Signal for a long time.
The v51 Quest system software update adds local dimming to Link mode on Quest Pro.
Most LCD panels have at most a few LEDs backlighting the entire display, severely limiting the contrast between dark and bright regions. You’ve probably noticed they show dark grey instead of true black. In VR this notably hampers the visual believability of virtual nighttime and experiences set in space.
The main advantage of OLED (eg. PlayStation VR2 and BigScreen Beyond) over LCD is there are no backlights – each pixel is self-illuminating, enabling effectively unlimited contrast and true blacks.
LCDs with local dimming, such as the Quest Pro panels, offer a middle-ground solution. They have many backlights to control brightness in zones – in Quest Pro’s case over 500 mini LEDs.
However, local dimming on Quest Pro is opt-in per-app. App developers have to enable it. Otherwise all 500+ backlights will act together with the same brightness as if a regular LCD. This includes the Link and Air Link PC VR modes – but that’s changing with system software v51. The Public Test Channel build of v51 has local dimming enabled by default for Link and Air Link.
Quest Pro owner spam panini, enrolled in the Public Test Channel, posted a through-the-lens video to YouTube comparing local dimming enabled and disabled in Link and 3rd party open-source Link alternative AXVR which already supported local dimming. Just keep in mind that through-the-lens camera videos like these aren’t fully representative of what you’d actually see wearing a headset, especially given YouTube’s compression.
There is a noticeable disadvantage to all local dimming displays though: blooming. Since the backlight resolution is so much lower than the color resolution – on Quest Pro just 500 mini LEDs for almost 4 million pixels – dark-colored pixels adjacent to light ones will often also be illuminated. Mini LED is a big step over traditional LCD, but is not a full substitute for OLED.
Meta released a Haptics SDK for Unity, and Haptic Studio for authoring haptics.
These tools appear to be the result of Meta’s acquisition of the German startup Lofelt last year, as we speculated at the time of the acquisition. Lofelt offered a haptics SDK for Unity and its flagship product was a haptics authoring tool called Lofelt Studio.
Haptics Studio
Haptics Studio is a desktop app for Windows and macOS with a VR companion app for Quest headsets.
It lets developers create haptics clips and wirelessly test them on Quest 2 and Quest Pro controllers. Clips can be created from audio files or by editing one of the existing haptic samples.
Meta recommends testing on Quest Pro controllers when developing haptics, because they have a higher fidelity haptic actuator.
Finished haptics clips can be exported as .haptic files which can be used in the Haptics SDK for Unity.
Haptics SDK
The Haptics SDK for Unity allows developers to integrate the .haptic files created in Haptics Studios into their apps.
According to Meta, the actuator in Quest 2 controllers has lower vibration data sample rate than the actuator in the Pro controllers, and runs at a fixed frequency. At runtime, the Haptics SDK detects the haptic capabilities of the controller currently in use and “optimizes the haptic pattern.” Meta says this also ensures support for future Quest controllers.
Quest Pro controllers also have independent actuators under the index trigger and thumb rest, but the Haptics SDK documentation doesn’t mention anything about this.
The SDK includes 34 premade haptic files any Quest developer can use, including the feeling of water, bushes, rowing, grass, snow, touching virtual UI, punching, opening a box, opening a drawer, flicking switches, using a servo, and hitting or scrapping with a sword.
Eye of the Temple, a room-scale VR platformer, will make a surprise leap onto Quest 2 soon.
Initially released for PC VR, Eye of the Temple comes from solo developer Rune Skovbo Johansen, who is collaborating with Salmi Games for the Quest 2 port. Requiring a minimum play area of 2m x 2m, this Indiana Jones-style adventure sees you exploring ancient temples, dodging traps and solving puzzles. Instead of artificial locomotion or teleporting, movement is entirely physical. You can read the full description below:
Eye of the Temple is a VR adventure that will take you on a daring journey through a treacherous temple. As you attempt to uncover the legend of the Eye, you’ll step between moving blocks (don’t lose your balance!), dodge hazardous traps, and solve environmental puzzles. What mysteries will you uncover with just a torch, a whip, and your wits?
“A lot of the game’s visuals, such as the lighting and water effects, had to be reimplemented from scratch in order to retain the same aesthetic on the lower-powered hardware,” says Johansen in a prepared statement, who continues detailing the technical challenges involved in this Quest 2 port. “We also had to create our own manual occlusion system to supplement the engine’s built-in solution in order to support the game’s expansive world.”
There’s no pricing details or confirmed release date yet for Eye of the Temple, but its “coming soon” to Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro. A PC VR version is available now on Steam, and you can check out our preview impressions from 2020 to learn more.
Looking to find the best PlayStation VR2 games available on Sony’s new headset? Here’s out full list of the top 25 best PSVR 2 games for PS5.
At launch in February 2023, PSVR 2 came running through the door with a fairly hefty library of VR games and exclusive titles. It’s only getting bigger too, with more games launching every week and many more to come. Since launch, we’ve been trying out as many PSVR 2 experiences as possible to put together our list of the best options across the entire library.
Across the list, we’ve tried to represent a wide range of titles from different genres, showcasing the best picks in each and ranking all 25 games in ascending order. There’s some obvious picks and first-party exclusives you might expect to make an appearance, but there’s also a pleasant selection of hidden gems from indie developers as well. Some of the games are also available on other platforms such as Quest 2 or the original PSVR, but offer improved visuals and other upgrades on PSVR 2.
Without further ado, here are our picks for the best PSVR 2 games available right now.
Keep an eye out as we continue to try PSVR 2 releases and update the list with more entries over the next few weeks and months.
25. Rez Infinite
Originally a PSVR launch title, Rez Infinite is back once again . Featuring the original game’s full campaign mode and Area X level, it remains as gorgeous as ever on PSVR 2. That’s boosted further by eye tracking for tracking and aiming at enemies, alongside haptic feedback support from the headset and controllers.
24. Tetris Effect
Tetris Effect: Connected reimagines the classic arcade puzzle game into an immersive sensory experience, featuring a full campaign and several game modes, as well as online multiplayer. On PSVR 2, Tetris Effect features uses headset haptics, eye tracking and Sense controller haptics to increase the immersion and bring you closer to feeling the indescribable Tetris effect.
23. Puzzling Places
One of the best puzzle games in VR is now available on PSVR 2 with 120fps support, eye tracking support, haptic feedback support, and a 1000-piece puzzle. A 3D jigsaw game, Puzzling Places recreates worldwide iconic landmarks like Thailand’s Chiang Rai Blue Temple through realistic miniatures, letting you choose puzzles usually ranging from 25 pieces to 400. Thanks to regular free and premium updates, expect support to continue for a long time.
22. Zenith: The Last City
For MMOs fans, Zenith: The Last City is the clear frontrunner on PSVR 2. The game was a massive success when it launched in early 2022 and since then it’s received a multitude of content updates and overhauls to existing systems, now featuring a new player onboarding experience and brand new areas to explore. On PSVR 2, it features eye tracking mechanics for aiming and locking on during combat, alongside haptic feedback in the Sense controllers and headset.
21. Tentacular
One of the hidden gems on the Quest platform, Tentacular is now available on PSVR 2 and looks better than ever. This wonderful VR kaiju game features interesting physics-based puzzles and a whole lot of heart. Not only does it bring its VR-first design over to PSVR 2, but looks incredibly crisp on the new headset. Plus, the game cleverly uses eye tracking on PSVR 2 to allow quick dialogue navigation and menu selection, which is a nice quality-of-life update.
20. Song in the Smoke: Rekindled
We awarded Song in the Smoke the honor of Best PSVR Game in our Best of 2021 Awards. Now, Song in the Smoke: Rekindled brings one of VR’s best survival games to the next generation on PSVR 2. It features eye-tracked foveated rendering and upgraded visuals, alongside many new features driven by feedback from the original release.
19. No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Sky is notorious for its rocky launch in 2016. Since then, however, the game received VR support and a wealth of updates that have turned it into an expansive survival space simulator. Recent updates also overhauled many of the VR mechanics, adding new interaction methods and immersive menus.
On PSVR 2, No Man’s Sky brings the entire experience across to the next generation. While it does feature some upgraded visuals compared to the original PSVR release, don’t expect a shocking makeover – all things considered, the game still isn’t the most visually impressive, even on PSVR 2. However, if you want to explore an infinite, endless universe in VR, look no further – No Man’s Sky is the perfect fit.
The PSVR 2 version of this movie tie-in game significantly improves on the original Quest and PC VR release, featuring an extra story level, three new remix levels, additional Gun Range challenges, new weapons and more. Plus, the adaptive triggers in the Sense controllers and the headset haptics add a little extra in terms of immersion.
Yes, the basic gameplay is still the same as the Quest and PC VR release, which isn’t particularly ambitious or lengthy. However, the PSVR 2 version features a new cel-shaded art style with new character models and animations, which is a night and day difference to the original. If you’re looking for an enjoyable arcade shooter on PSVR 2, this is a good bet.
Originally available on Quest as a hand tracking-exclusive game, Unplugged on PSVR 2 is a slightly different premise. With no support for hand tracking on Sony’s headset, developers Anotherway offer the controller-only version on Unplugged on PSVR 2. While this isn’t quite as magical as the original concept, it’s nonetheless an engaging rhythm game featuring an absolutely stellar lineup of rock tracks to play along to.
Yes, without hand tracking it’s a little less air guitar and a little more Guitar Hero, but that’s isn’t wholly a bad thing – there’s still a fantastic game here for those looking to rock out on PSVR 2.
The Light Brigade is a VR roguelite that merges fantastic gunplay with an interesting world and beautiful environments. Developers Funktronic Labs launched the game on both PSVR 2 and Quest in late February, so while it’s not a PSVR 2-exclusive, it was one of the few new releases available at the headset’s launch.
While we haven’t got around to a review of The Light Brigade just yet, we’ve played enough to know that it’s deserving of a spot on the list. You’ll journey through a mist-covered world and shoot down enemies with guns that feel meaty and satisfying to use, requiring a level of patience and precision to reach mastery. Runs are split up into smaller areas to clear with a few enemies in each, alongside chest and coins that will grant buffs as you go. Between runs, you can unlock new classes, acquire new weapons or upgrade existing ones, giving you different options depending on your play style.
For fans of roguelikes, The Light Brigade is definitely one to check out on PSVR 2.
15. Star Wars: Tales From The Galaxy’s Edge – Enhanced Edition
Two years after its release on Quest 2, both parts of Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge get combined into this new ‘enhanced’ release on PSVR 2. The resulting package is one that lacks new content but does receive visual upgrades that push it far above its Quest 2 counterpart. It features more detail in character models and environments, with better lighting and a higher level of detail overall. It doesn’t sound like much, but it comes together to create a much more immersive experience that Star Wars fans should enjoy.
One of VR’s earliest titles and a consistent best seller on the original PSVR, Job Simulator is still a shining example of excellent VR-first design. This is an experience for everyone, easily enjoyed by those fresh to VR or those who are seasoned veterans. Featuring sharp writing and wacky satirical gameplay, Job Simulator performances flawlessly and looks visually crisp on PSVR 2. It’s easy to see why it stayed high on the original PSVR charts for so long, and even with many new releases and exclusives since its original debut, this latest PSVR 2 of Job Simulator release remains a solid pick.
13. Cities: VR – Enhanced Edition
While the original Quest release felt like a disappointment, Cities: VR feels like it’s finally living up to its true potential on PSVR 2. Featuring upgraded visuals and an improved UI, this version of the game also features an increased world size, which is nine times larger compared to Quest 2.
If you’re looking for a Left 4 Dead-like co-op experience on PSVR 2, then After the Fall is a great pick. Vertigo Games launched After the Fall in late 2021 and while we enjoyed it, we also wanted to see more content added to the game over time. Since then, there’s been loads of new content added in, including many new maps, weapons and enemies, alongside a horde mode as well.
All of those additions are rolled into the PSVR 2 ‘Complete Edition’ release, which is a fantastic platform to play the game on, thanks to some PSVR 2-specific upgrades. While After the Fall was never an overly stunning game on Quest or the original PSVR, it looks significantly better on PSVR 2 and reaches a pretty impressive level of fidelity. Graphics aside, the Sense controllers are also used to great effect, with great haptics and excellent use of adaptive triggers that makes guns feel fantastic to fire.
For some zombie-shooting co-op fun, After the Fall is a great option on PSVR 2.
11. What the Bat?
What the Bat? was easily one of the best indie VR releases of 2022, so much so that we awarded it the title of our VR Game of the Year. On PSVR 2, the game remains as engaging and hilarious as ever. It’s dipping in charm and creativity, placing you in a bunch of scenarios where you’re given a pair of baseball bat hands and tasked with doing almost anything besides actually playing baseball.
It’s a deceptively complex game that begs to be shown to family and friends who might be interested in VR. With spectator mode on the TV, PSVR 2 is the perfect fit to play What the Bat? with a room for of friends, passing the headset from person-to-person.
So yes, technically these are two separate games. We’re slightly cheating by combining them here, but to be fair, they are two releases that form one larger story and are both fairly similar in terms of gameplay.
The original Moss, now known as Moss: Book I, released on the original PSVR and has since made its way across many VR platforms and headsets. Its sequel, Moss: Book II, released last year, expanding on the platforming concepts of the original in some places and continuing on threads from the first game. Together, they form a wonderful VR platforming experience and feature PSVR 2-specific upgrades, such as subtle uses of eye tracking and improved visuals compared to the original releases. Book I and Book II are both available on PSVR 2, either in a bundle or purchased separately.
Pavlov has long been a favorite among PC VR players, but now it’s also available on PSVR 2.
The game is a VR first-person shooter experience modeled after Counter-Strike. That means that while it does have limited offline single player modes, it’s best experienced online with its variety of team-based FPS game modes. Pavlov is a shooter based around precision, balancing itself between realism and engaging gameplay mechanics. The guns feel fantastic to use and playing online with friends will be your best bet for ongoing entertainment – there’s little in the way of progression, nor is there any kind of true campaign to work through.
Unlike Pavlov Shack on Quest, which brings a ‘lite’ version of the game to standalone hardware, Pavlov brings the full PC VR experience to PSVR 2, with support for cross-play with PC players as well. The only missing part is the mod support available on PC VR, meaning that the current game modes are the extent of what you’ll be playing.
Another PSVR 2 exclusive, this release from Supermassive Games sees you take part in some arcade shooter gameplay while traveling aboard a horror-themed rollercoaster. You’ll play through several scary scenarios, with a plethora of villains and jump scares to keep you on the edge of your seat. It features entertaining, arcade gun mechanics reminiscent of The House of the Dead, alongside some fantastic horror theme park scenarios that feel ripped out of a dark version of Disneyland.
While it’s not the most visually impressive title on the list, nor is it the longest campaign ever, it’s nonetheless an engaging horror shooter with fantastic enemy designs and some brilliant settings. It’s also worth nothing that some users have reported graphical issues and ‘blurriness’ since launch, which Supermassive Games recently acknowledged. The studios is working on the issues, which seemingly only affect some users.
Kayak VR is a quiet highlight of the PSVR 2 launch lineup, offering a stunning visual presentation and a relaxing experience across locations four locations: Papagayo, Antartica, Bjørnøya and Australia. There’s a competitive multiplayer mode, but it’s free roam where the game shines, allowing you to sit back, relax and enjoy the view. It may not feature a fully-fledged campaign or an extensive selection of game modes, but Kayak VR is one of the most relaxing VR experiences available on the platform and a joy to look at from every angle.
Pistol Whip is one of VR’s longest-running and well updated games across all platforms. Luckily, it shines on PSVR 2, looking fantastic and taking advantage of PSVR 2’s unique features such as adaptive triggers in the Sense controllers, which gives you a ‘more realistic firing experience.’ Headset haptics on PSVR 2 also add to the immersion, letting you truly feel each time you get shot and giving those moments a much greater sense of impact.
For those who aren’t aware, Pistol Whip is the beautiful intersection between rhythm games, Superhot-like action and Matrix-style cinematic flair. You’ll move along on-rails scenes with enemies popping up to a pumping soundtrack – your task is not just to shoot the enemies as they approach, but do so in time with the beat of the music.
It’s a fantastic concept and developers Cloudhead Games continue to expand the game with numerous free content updates and expansions, making it a great option for PSVR 2 players.
5. Before Your Eyes
Before Your Eyes is a tragic yet beautiful narrative experience, with the VR version available exclusively on PSVR 2. It’s a unique 90-minute story, with an eye tracking mechanic that is unlike any other use of the technology. You’re transported back into the memories of the protagonist Benny, experiencing them from his first-person perspective as they happened. The catch is that every time you blink, the story moves forward. Sometimes it’s just a moment, sometimes it’s a jump forward a few years into the future.
What follows is a unique, compelling and innovative VR experience that demonstrates how the medium can tell stories that movies, games and other media can’t. Plus, it’s a controller-free experience and very little artificial movement, making it an accessible experience to almost anyone.
Demeo, the tabletop dungeon crawler RPG from Resolution Games, remains one of the best social VR games across all platforms, and its PSVR 2 release is up there with the best. Not only does the game support cross-platform play – so you can team up with players on Quest or PC VR – but it also looks better than ever on PSVR 2. There’s no jagged edges to be seen and the game looks better than ever, thanks to the PSVR 2’s OLED display with HDR support, allowing for much deeper blacks than you’ll get on a headset like Quest 2.
With several expansions available since release, Demeo offers players a wealth of content and an engaging social experience among the best that VR has to offer. On PSVR 2, it’s the best non-exclusive release so far. On PS5, you also have the option to play flatscreen as well – the best of both worlds.
3. Gran Turismo 7
Gran Turismo 7 is one of the most potent racing sims to ever grace VR and it’s available exclusively for PSVR 2. While the menus display on a flat screen in-headset, the races and gameplay itself will take place in full, immersive VR – it’s a sight to behold. Not only is the game stunning, but offers fantastic racing simulation with various levels of difficulty and a full campaign and many other mode, all available in VR. For racing fans, this is an absolute must.
Village marks the second mainline Resident Evil game to get VR support, after Biohazard launched with PSVR support in 2017. Much like Biohazard, Village is a phenomenal launch title for PSVR 2 and an amazing horror shooter with a fully-fledged campaign that is captivating from start to finish.
It’s particularly impressive given that the game was designed for flatscreen platforms first, however that also means that it features sequences that might be fairly intense for new VR users. Expect your head and field of view to be quickly repositioned, shoved and moved around without notice. Nonetheless, the well-paced campaign, gorgeous visuals and engaging gunplay make Resident Evil Village easily one of the best experiences on PSVR 2 right now.
It’s a tough call to pick a number one on this list, but Horizon just edges out the other to take the top spot. This PSVR 2-exclusive is one of the most visually stunning and dense VR experiences available, with some stunning environments that feature a level of detail rivaling Half-Life: Alyx.
While the gameplay isn’t necessarily revelatory for VR, it is nonetheless incredibly polished and a stunning experience to behold in-headset. For any PSVR 2 owner, Horizon Call of the Mountain is a must-have.
Half-Life 2: Episode Two will soon join its predecessors in PC VR, arriving as a free Steam mod on April 6.
Having previously confirmed plans for an Episode Two VR port, the Source VR Mod Team revealed the release date for this final part (sorry Half-Life 3 hopefuls) of Valve’s iconic FPS last week when Half-Life 2: Episode One VR Mod released. Like the Half-Life 2 VR Mod and Episode One, you must own the base Episode Two game on Steam to access this. Furthermore, the Source VR Mod Team states anyone using someone else’s account via family sharing feature won’t work.
Offering full room-scale VR with motion controls, new weapon interactions, comfort options like motion vignettes and more, that’s compatible with any headset supported by SteamVR. You can check out the mod page for more information. Based on the quality-of-life updates Half-Life 2: VR Mod received post-launch, support for bHaptics TactSuit vests and Steam Workshop also seems likely.
Half-Life 2: Episode Two is available now on Steam for $7.99, and included in the The Orange Box bundle for $19.99 alongside the Half-Life 2 base game and Episode One.
Genotype, an upcoming sci-fi adventure VR game, reached its alpha milestone last week, targeting a late 2023 release on Quest 2.
Created by Danish studio Bolverk Games (Kittypocalypse, Dick Wilde duology), Genotype promises an atmospheric mystery completely different from the developer’s previous games. Described as a chilling “escape-the-dungeon” adventure set in Antarctica, it involves exploring an abandoned scientific facility.
You can print organisms and use their abilities with high-tech gloves, taking down strange creatures while investigating what happened to the former research team. Joined by a lone human survivor, Bolverk claims Genotype presents “a series of moral choices” alongside puzzle solving and various minigames.
“The Alpha release marks the first time the game is playable from end to end. We now have a shared goal for the rest of the development,” says CEO Bo Bennekov in a prepared statement, explaining that key gameplay functionality is complete. Here’s the official gameplay description:
Print living organisms and use them to survive by wielding a pair of high-tech gloves. Hold life in your hands as you journey into the icy depths of an abandoned Antarctic gene research facility overrun by strange creatures. Trapped deep under the ice, you must explore the large facility and solve the mystery of what happened to the people who worked here. The place crawls with hostile and strange creatures. Finally, the only human survivor seems to slowly lose his mind while speaking about a mysterious giant organism deep in the ice.
Genotype arrives in late 2023 on Meta Quest 2. You can sign up for the beta test now through the official website, which begins “hopefully sometime in the spring.”
Tech company Razer breaks into the VR market this week with its adjustable head strap and facial interface accessories for Meta Quest 2. Find out what they’re like in our hands-on Razer Quest 2 accessories review.
Razer is recognized as one of the largest providers of gamer-focused products and services in the world, with an extensive product range spanning from gaming mice and keyboards to high-performance laptops. The company’s plan to launch a product line of VR accessories was announced earlier this year at Razer’s 2023 CES presentation.
Razer designed these accessories in collaboration with medical equipment company ResMed. Made especially for Quest 2, Razer says its head strap and facial interface are made to boost comfort and enable longer play sessions. Here’s how they stack up.
Razer Adjustable Head Strap For Quest 2 Review
My immediate impressions of the head strap were good – the nylon material feels high quality and the stitching looks made to last. I had it fitted to my Quest 2 in next to no time and began testing.
One of my favorite aspects of the head strap was how easy it was to slip on and adjust. It goes over your head in the same way as a baseball cap, with the strap cupping the back of the head first before the headset is lowered over the face. There are three velcro tabs (two at the sides and one at the top) that are used to get the fit just right.
With the strap resting snugly over my crown, the headset felt comfortable and secure – for the most part. There wasn’t too much shifting when moving my head vigorously from side-to-side, but the headset was less stable with up and down motion. It offers good support overall, but rigid plastic head straps, such as those in the official Elite Strap, give better stability.
However, unlike its plastic counterparts, Razer’s adjustable head strap system adds very little bulk to the headset, making it a much lighter and more portable alternative. It is also very comfortable despite the slimline design and apparent lack of thick padding.
Razer Facial Interface For Quest 2 Review
Razer’s facial interface is made with thin, textured and contoured membranes, designed to deliver comfort while reducing facial pressure. I found the silicone materials to be incredibly soft and the interface molded nicely to the contours of my face. Much like the head strap, there’s a lack of thick foam padding, yet it still manages to feel comfortable – a testament to the engineering behind the design.
The lack of dense padding also allowed my eyes to get noticeably closer to the lenses compared to the stock Quest 2 interface, which seemed to give a small boost to my field of view. The interface is also made with medical-grade hypoallergenic materials to reduce skin irritation. While that’s never been an issue for me, it will be a positive for some, especially the small percentage of users who might suffer from irritation with the stock Quest 2 interface.
Much like other silicone interfaces, Razer’s interface does get tacky during hot and sweaty play sessions, which can cause it to stick to the skin. Dust and fibers also get stuck fairly easily but fortunately, its smooth and crevice-free surface is easy to clean and maintain.
There are vents positioned around the interface to increase airflow, reduce lens fogging, and prevent sweating. A nose piece is also included to block out external light. The beneficial effects of the ventilation were hard to judge and I can’t say I noticed much of a difference. However, the interface did do an excellent job of blocking out external light – one of the best I’ve tried, in that regard.
The only exception was when trying to fit the interface to the glasses spacer that comes with the Quest 2. I don’t wear glasses, but the Razer facial interface didn’t fit perfectly when I attempted to use it with the stock Quest 2 spacer and it left gaps for light to peek in.
Razer’s adjustable head strap system and facial interface are now on sale, currently only available in the US for $69.99 each. Razer says there are plans to sell these accessories in other select regions, with future announcements set to provide more details.
Virtuix revealed the final version of its Omni One VR treadmill, which is now shipping to early investors.
Following a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2020, the consumer-focused Omni One has been a long time coming. Originally targeting the second half of 2021, Jan Goetgeluk, Virtuix CEO and founder, claims they faced a “challenging development process,” citing issues relating to COVID-19 and supply chain shortages.
Virtuix claims high interest in the Omni One, with a “waitlist” of more than 35,000 expressing interest ahead of a wider consumer launch later this year. 900 of Virtuix’s crowdfunding investors have applied for an Omni One beta unit, with the wider release to follow once the beta program ends in late 2023, claims Virtuix. You can view the finalised design below:
Taking inspiration from Virtuix’s commercial Omni Pro VR treadmill, the Omni One is designed as a more compact option designed to fit inside your living room, where it functions as a complete entertainment unit. Previously shown with a Pico Neo 2, Virtuix is pairing the final version with a Pico Neo 3 Pro standalone headset, which includes a unique operating system, social features and “a proprietary game store targeting 30 titles at launch.”
Virtuix claims Omni One will receive a wider consumer launch later this year, releasing at an introductory cost of $2,595 plus shipping (which includes the Pico Neo 3 Pro). Virtuix claims unit quantities will “start small and gradually increase as the program proceeds.”
Into The Darkness, an upcoming physics-based VR action-adventure game, dropped a new teaser trailer for PC VR.
Developed by Vietnam-based Cosmos Games, Into The Darkness was first revealed two years ago with similar gameplay to Boneworks. Initially targeting a late 2021 release, its faced significant delays ever since, and now, publisher Gameboom VR offers a refreshed look at gameplay. The new teaser showcases combat, traversal, object interaction and underwater swimming, which you can watch in full below:
A dystopian sci-fi adventure set in the near future, Into The Darkness puts you in the shoes of Frank, an agent investigating a research facility that’s gone radio silent. Here’s the full gameplay description:
Humanity is trying to achieve immortality by transferring consciousness to machines. Transhumanism, however, is a dangerous path, and a poorly conducted experiment can end in a tragedy. As agent Frank, you are sent to one of the research facilities with which contact has been interrupted, and the previous agents never returned. Navigate through environments, solve the puzzle, engage the enemy… to find out the dark secret behind the experiments.
Into The Darkness VR arrives in late 2023 on PC VR via Steam. In the meantime, you can check out our Into The Darkness preview from 2021.
Patch 1.0.1!
