Now virtual reality technologies are actively promoted by a variety of companies. And we're not just talking about these accessories for expensive products like the PS4 or top-end Samsung smartphones. In principle, every user can now buy decent virtual reality glasses, because they cost around two to three thousand rubles. The main thing is that the smartphone matches them. Today we’ll talk about how to use VR glasses after purchasing them.
What is needed for VR glasses to work?
Operating system: Android at least KitKat;
The dimensions of the smartphone must correspond to the recess in the glasses;
A set of sensors: accelerometer and gyroscope.
Optionally, you can add a resolution of at least Full HD. In principle, this cannot be called a necessity. But from personal experience I will say that with HD on a five-inch screen, the feeling of the game deteriorates significantly, because the picture is grainy and of poor quality. Accordingly, if this HD is maintained at 5.5 inches, then the pixel density will drop even more, leading to more image distortion.
Otherwise, the process of using virtual reality glasses for a smartphone is extremely simple. First, we stock up on relevant software and media (apps, games, movies, etc.). Then we launch the desired program, insert the smartphone into a special recess inside the glasses, fix it - and that’s it! Now let's go through the software. And we will start, of course, with games.
Games for VR glasses
Very cool content is created by the Fibrum studio. Many toys provide the opportunity to go through a demo level in order to check out the gameplay and answer the question “Do I need to buy the full version?” Among the coolest creations are Space Stalker, Zombie Shooter and Roller Coaster (where would we be without it?!). However, the list of VR games from the Fibrum studio does not end there. The graphics in them can hardly be called realistic, but the gameplay itself is addictive, that’s for sure.
Although “Roller Coaster” can be found in Google Play in huge quantities from many other developers. Another interesting toy is “Survival Horror 3D”. A kind of horror that looks terrifying in virtual reality glasses (even adjusted for the graphic part). But at this point, a very important thing needs to be mentioned: a considerable percentage of similar applications require an additional accessory to control the character. It can be a wired joystick, but it is better to buy a Bluetooth controller. It is more compact and there will be no problems with wires.
Google Play is rich in VR games in more than just shooters and racing games. Here, in addition to Traffic Racer or Mountain Sniper, you can even find a wingsuit jump simulator. Or a fly flight simulator. Or spaceship. Or a combat aircraft. I could list them endlessly, but I think everything is clear. In general, the choice is up to the user. By spending at least an hour or two searching, you can find several good toys for VR glasses, from which we will get no less pleasure than from playing regular games.
Now we will talk about combining software with multimedia, namely watching movies in virtual reality glasses. Actually, after games, this is the second reason that encourages people to buy appropriate accessories. This especially motivates those who like to go to the cinema to watch a screening in 3D format. What could be better than having your own movie theater at your fingertips, and with the ability to pause the movie at any moment? And although there are quite a few similar applications on Google Play, we will consider only one player, because it has everything we need.
VaR’s VR Player is a multimedia player for viewing both 3D videos and VR videos with a laconic, but stylish and intuitive user interface. The application allows you to play files that are already available directly on your smartphone (choice either through the gallery or through the directive browser). In addition, if the video is posted on the site, you can simply enter its URL in the appropriate menu, so as not to download files and waste time on it. If, of course, traffic allows it.
This program for the Android platform is distributed absolutely free of charge and now, after several updates, it appears on Google Play with the postfix “Pro”. The only purchased content costs 259 rubles, and with its help we can disable annoying advertising. By the way, this is the only drawback of the application. At least in my opinion. Although ratings and reviews on Google Play most likely only confirm my point of view. An analogue application can be called the AAA VR Cinema program.
Want a lot of VR videos? It's doable!
There is special software for this. If you purchased Google Cardboard, then I recommend downloading the corresponding application. But if virtual reality glasses are from another manufacturer, then they come to the rescue universal remedies software. Now I will talk about how to use the Fulldive program and what it has to offer, as well as how to watch VR videos directly from Youtube.
As for the Fulldive program... In my opinion, the name “Full Immersion” fully justifies the functionality of the program. In principle, he is not interested in what type of headset the user has. And this makes it stand out against the background of the same Cardboard, designed specifically for owners of VR glasses of the same name.
First of all, the Russified assistant will tell the novice user about the controls in the application, and will also show what is located and where. As for the “arsenal,” the number of videos collected in the general library is simply off the charts. It’s especially cool that they are divided into categories. So, if you are tempted to watch a couple of short horror films at night, you just need to hover the virtual cursor over the appropriate category and wait until filtering occurs.
FullDive contains information not only about videos, but also about games. It's a pity, of course, that there is no possibility of direct downloading. Instead, the program will generate a link and save it, but the user will have to go to Google Play themselves and download from there. The reason for this phenomenon is most likely that not all VR games are free. However, I already talked about this at the beginning of the article, when we talked about the Fibrum studio and other “creators” of virtual reality games. Now a little about Youtube.
This type of content is suitable for both advanced users and those who are just starting their acquaintance with VR technologies. In such videos, shot using 360-degree technology, the user does not have any freedom in terms of movement. He sees only what the fixed camera around him was able to capture. But who said it shouldn't be cool? I assure you: a parachute jump and a roller coaster look quite impressive, especially on smartphones with good screen resolution.
To watch such videos, you do not need to download special applications. Nowadays, many Android smartphones come with a pre-installed application from Youtube, where you can find such “videos”. If this program is not available, then we simply turn to the browser version of the site. In any case, the request will be the same: 360. After turning on the corresponding video, you will need to click on the VR headset icon in the lower right part of the player.
Play GTA 5 with VR glasses? Easily!
There is one interesting program called Trinus. It allows you to synchronize your PC/laptop with your smartphone via either a wired USB connection or wirelessly (via a shared point Wi-Fi access). The point is that after synchronizing the images from the monitor, they are also displayed on the smartphone screen, and, thanks to the presence of a gyroscope, our head movements will be perceived within the game itself. The effect is especially noticeable in games with the possibility of sniper shooting: Sniper Ghost Warrior or Counter-Strike at worst. But we note that such a connection can be made with all games. And playing solitaire with VR glasses or driving a car in GTA 5 is the user’s choice. But let's take a closer look at how to set up Trinus to work.
You can find software for a personal computer on the developer’s official website, and the mobile version of the application on Google Play. I would like to immediately warn you that the trial version only allows device synchronization for 15 minutes. Then the connection is lost and will have to be established again. In fact, this can be done indefinitely. But the only question is the comfort of such use.
With a wired connection, performance will be better, but mobility is lost due to the wire. I recommend setting the balance between picture quality and speed in the settings of the smartphone version of the program, but on the computer set the resolution in games to 800x600. Moreover, run the game itself in windowed mode. This will help save precious FPS and avoid frame drops as much as possible.
Other useful programs
Several more applications have been developed by Google for curious users. These are Google Street View, Google Arts and Culture and others. We will dwell in detail only on Street View. The rest of the software can be easily found in the wilds of Google Play.
I remember that at one time many were fans of the Google service, which made it possible to navigate the streets of almost any city in 3D mode. Users, in turn, got the opportunity to look at many parts of the globe at all 360 degrees. In fact, travelers were able to “drive” through the chosen city virtually. Nowadays, many users still resort to using the desktop version of the service in order to be partially prepared for a real expedition.
However, owners of VR glasses will be interested in trying to adapt the service to a smartphone application. However, if your headset does not provide external control buttons, you will have to fork out for a Bluetooth controller or its wired equivalent. There is simply no other way to navigate the streets.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is plenty of content for VR glasses on the Internet and, in particular, on Google Play. Games, movies, videos - all this leaves no chance of getting bored. Today I gave examples of the best applications and gave a basis for using virtual reality technologies. And in favor of what to make a further choice, the user will decide for himself. We can only wish for a strong vestibular apparatus, since this is the only thing that will stop us in the process of using VR glasses.
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to experience virtual reality is a high-performance phone paired with inexpensive glasses created like Goggle Cardboard. At the moment, mobile game developers have made a big step forward, allowing the average user to enjoy high-quality graphics, good visual and soundtrack, as well as the most important thing - exciting gameplay.
On the pages of the Google Play store there are a huge number of interesting applications specifically created for VR devices. At the same time, you can find a large number of frankly raw and weak products that will not bring proper pleasure from the game. In this article we have selected best games vr android, which will make you take a fresh look at the industry of mobile gaming projects.
The most popular genres of VR games for Android:
- Virtual attractions.
- Arcade.
- Runners.
- Sports simulators.
- Shooters.
- Horror movies.
However, there are actually VR games for Android to suit every taste!
Cedar Point VR
Our selection opens with the exciting game Cedar Point VR. The project is designed as a virtual rail attraction in which the player can feel like a visitor to an amusement park. Sit back comfortably and don’t forget to fasten your seat belts, because right after the start you will feel a real rush of adrenaline from the dizzying roller coaster.
During the game, the gamer will be able to observe a realistic environment, and the excellent feeling of a sharp increase in speed will not make even the most avid fans of virtual attractions bored.
Roller Coaster VR
If you are tired of the amusement park, we recommend going to the Roller Coaster VR project. Like the previous game, this attraction is designed like a rail ride. The player simply finds himself in a trolley, which is heading towards adventure in an amazing and wild world.
Travel to ancient castles, tropical islands and more beautiful places without leaving home. Sharp turns and deep water obstacles add a special effect. It is worth noting that the Roller Coaster VR game does not require an expensive smartphone and the coolest glasses. You can experience a spectacular journey even with the simplest equipment.
The best arcade games forVR
Deep Space Battle VR
Battles in outer space have always captured the spirit of many fans of science fiction films. If you are also interested in space and flying into unknown worlds, the arcade game Deep Space Battle VR is a great choice.
The essence of the project is to explore space on your combat fighter. Distant spaces are fraught with many mysteries and dangers, such as space pirates and hostile aliens. The player will need quick reactions and a good sense of space. Each battle will be a real challenge - because the enemies are equipped with the latest technology. Destroy enemy ships, explore new worlds and unlock improved fighters, earning in-game currency and experience. Deep Space Battle VR is a game definitely worth your attention.
Best VR action
Galaxy VR Virtual Reality Game
Runners for Android have always been very popular among fans of mobile gaming. We recommend trying the exciting Tunnel Twister VR project in which the player must control a small ball rolling through tunnels. At first glance, the game may seem like a classic time killer, but with each passage the levels will become more and more difficult, so interest and hardcore increase right during the gameplay.
Best Virtual Sports Simulator (VR)
Golf VR
The best vr android games are not only arcade adventures or shooters. Many players around the world liked the interesting sports simulator Golf VR. The developers have transferred all the subtleties of classic golf to their project, adding many interesting new products. In addition to the realistic environment and the ability to choose locations, right during the game you can go heavy rain, and powerful gusts of wind will affect the behavior of the ball.
If you have never held a real golf club in your hands, it doesn’t matter, with Golf VR you can quickly fill this gap.
The best VR simulator
Perfect Burger VR
The shooter genre has also found its place in virtual reality. In The Lost Future: VR Shooter, the player will be able to play the role of a survivor who must shoot back from hordes of zombies. In the gamer's arsenal there will be a powerful six-barreled machine gun, as well as several options for traps and mines. Give the living dead a real lesson and save your life.
The game is made in the form of a shooting gallery. The player is gradually attacked by hordes of zombies, which increase their strength with each new wave. To stop evil spirits, you need to accurately shoot at enemies, do not forget to use special means and repair broken barricades.
Best VR RPG
Heroes of the Seven Seas VR
House of Terror V is one of the best VR horror games for Android. This game is interesting because you can move freely around the game map (for this, however, you will need a bluetooth controller). In the game you explore a creepy house and you will have to make a lot of efforts not to fall into the hands of the monsters that live there.
You have to solve puzzles, look for clues and, above all, try to survive.
We have selected the most exciting and interesting VR projects for Android so that visitors to our resource do not waste their time on frankly boring and crude games. By installing any of the games presented, you can be sure of good quality and exciting gameplay that will really drag you on for a long time. Fast dynamics, good graphics and the deep immersion effect will help you escape from boring and gray everyday life and plunge headlong into the exciting world of virtual reality.
We live in a time when the development of games and other projects in virtual reality is in full swing.
The era of virtual reality has finally arrived (of course, VR headsets are not yet available to everyone due to high prices), and just a year after the release of the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift headsets, there are already plenty of great VR games on the market. Here is a selection of our favorite projects, which will be updated as new games are released in 2018.
Superhot VR
Developer: Superhot Team | Compatibility: Oculus Rift
Superhot VR is rich in various tricks. Throwing a brick at the enemy, knocking the gun out of his hands, catching the weapon and finishing off the enemy on the head with the handle, and then shooting three enemies in a helicopter behind you is one of the typical sketches of the game. This can take a few minutes or a couple of seconds - it all depends on how quickly you come up with the most spectacular way to get rid of your opponents. Here you can slow down time, but if in the original Superhot, due to traditional shooter mechanics, the player could avoid shootings, then in VR a slightly different scheme operates.
All enemies run directly towards you, which turns the levels into scenes from The Matrix, where agents, one after another, pursued the main character. And you just have to decide how to deal with them, using all available objects and weapons, while dodging bullets, knives, baseball bats, etc. The narrative here, like the original, often breaks the fourth wall, which only adds to the unique atmosphere of Superhot VR.
Skyrim VR
Developer: Bethesda | Compatibility: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive
Bethesda is investing heavily in VR, developing VR versions of Doom, Fallout 4 and Skyrim. All three of these games are good for VR, but Skyrim is the most enjoyable to play. Even if you have hundreds of hours spent in Skyrim, in VR the game world will again feel new and unknown.
While it's not as interactive as games made specifically for VR, it's fully playable, and swinging swords and axes, blocking with shields, and firing spells from your hands is a lot of fun. What you've already seen dozens of times - a towering fortress, moons in the night sky and a dragon circling overhead - takes on new meaning because you have to physically crane your neck to see it all. The price is certainly steep: Skyrim VR costs a whopping $60, although it comes bundled with all existing DLC, and with a few minor tweaks it will be able to work with mods.
Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-ality
Developer: Owlchemy Games | Compatibility: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift
It would be nice if you happen to be a fan of this cartoon to have at least some idea of what's going on (and why everyone is yelling at you), but even if you're not familiar with the characters, there are still plenty of fun puzzles here And creative toys. Playing as a clone of young Morty, you complete various tasks: some simple (at first glance), such as cleaning, others you need to move through portals to other planets.
The real fun is experimenting with the fantastic gadgets in Rick's garage, including the shrink ray, a device that allows you to fuse any two objects together, and the Meeseeks Ball, which allows you to summon assistants who mimic your every move. This cartoony game is one of the most compelling things to come to VR today because it's fun and interactive.
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
Developer: Steel Crate Games | Compatibility: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift
Keep Talking can easily be called the most family-friendly bomb disposal simulator. It’s family-friendly because, according to the developers, the role of the sapper is played by one person, while the rest delve into the weighty bomb disposal manual (the electronic version is included in the kit and, in theory, needs to be printed out) and shout out the procedure.
The virtual reality here is not particularly believable, but the fact that you are in a room with a complex explosive mechanism creates the necessary tension. And if you want to look at the manual yourself and leave the bomb unattended, it will explode. You can play not only with a VR headset, but also on a regular monitor. And everything is in the black (except for those that exploded).
Robo Recall
Developer: Epic Games | Compatibility: Oculus Rift
In this VR shooter from Epic Games, you are tasked with tracking down robber robots. Shoot with a shotgun or two pistols, but don't forget that everything you see can be picked up and used as a weapon or shield. You can pull bullets and projectiles out of thin air and deflect them back at your enemies, as well as tear off limbs or heads from robots and use them as weapons as well. As an action game, it's absolutely amazing and provides tons of fun.
Thumper
Developer: Drool | Compatibility: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift
Thumper looked great before, but after being transferred to VR it became truly mesmerizing. The gameplay here is not particularly difficult - the main thing is to get into the rhythm and not crash into corners - but at the same time it keeps you in suspense. As one reviewer put it, "It's a psychedelic race through a complex, geometric world where you'll have to fight your way through obstacles while balancing on slippery and fragile surfaces." In VR it all looks like it comes to life nightmare, not wanting to end.
Obduction
Developer: Cyan Inc. | Compatibility: Oculus Rift
In this game, the Cyan company has created a world that is amazingly rich in detail, which is much more interesting to explore in VR - this way all the smallest nuances are revealed that you might have missed in the regular version. Obduction, as a continuation of the traditions laid down in Myst and Riven, is full of spatial puzzles, and their solutions are often right in front of the player's eyes. In my review, I said that this game "keeps the feel of Myst without feeling dated"; multiply this by two and you will understand what its VR version is. It feels like you're in a classic Myst world, but it's so realistic that you sometimes have to lean over something to get a better look.
Obduction looks so great in VR precisely because the original gameplay from Myst seemed tailor-made for virtual reality. You jump from one point to another, then look around and collect the necessary items. The mechanics and pacing of the game didn't need any changes at all to fit into VR. You can, of course, just run around this world (if your vestibular system allows it), but Cyan has made each jump point so interesting and unusual that you want to act exactly as the developers intended.
Chronos
Developer: Gunfire Games | Compatibility: Oculus Rift
Chronos is an excellent example of how a beloved genre, after being transferred to VR, sparkled with new colors, while increasing the effect of presence. In my review, I wrote the following about the game: “This is a time-tested action-RPG in the spirit of The Legend of Zelda with a combat system and puzzles that will seem familiar to all fans of the genre. But to me, Chronos was able to do something that Zelda couldn't. What any game running on a monitor or TV screen could not achieve. Even if the game completely absorbs me, I can’t say that I feel like I’m on the other side of the monitor. And Chronos in VR evokes exactly that feeling. I was literally in and really didn’t want this adventure to end.”
This is an exciting 15-hour adventure where you will explore an open world with many interconnected (and for the most part beautiful) locations, as well as master the combat system, where it is important to catch the pace in each battle. Compared to RPGs like Dark Souls game noticeably simpler, but with every minute in VR it draws you deeper into its universe. If I were asked to name a single Oculus Rift project that should not be missed, I would undoubtedly think of Chronos.
Elite: Dangerous
Developer: Frontier Developments | Compatibility: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive
Elite: Dangerous is the first commercial game originally developed for VR, and therefore it demonstrates the full capabilities of this technology to the maximum. Intense space battles between lumbering battleships and nimble fighters look great from the cockpit. It's like you're in space battles straight out of Star Wars. The camera allows you to turn your head to watch enemy fighters flying past. If you play with a joystick, you can lower your head and look at the pilot's body and his hands, which exactly follow your movements. And if the cabin is not too narrow, you can even stand up and walk around it.
But the game pleases not only with shootouts in outer space. Elite in VR looks impressive no matter what you do: even docking with ships looks incredible, not to mention the magnificent views of space itself. You'll never forget your first flight through an asteroid ring. Millions of slowly rotating asteroids will appear before your eyes, and before you know it, you will stop for a minute or two to admire the spectacle. The galaxy is beautiful on regular 2D screens, but in VR you really feel its scale. Flights at the speed of light and moments of docking with ships also look incredible - all this due to immersion in the game world. When jumping to others solar systems you will unconsciously squeeze into your chair, watching billions of stars rush by.
By the way, flights in Elite are rich in small details. The ships look massive and realistic, and each model behaves differently. They're all unique, from the Hauler (a clunky cargo ship given out early in the game) to the nimble Eagle and Cobra fighters. Of course, in VR these differences are only more striking. It is highly recommended to play with headphones, because sound effects allow you to immerse yourself deeper into the illusion of space - it especially helps.
Elite: Dangerous can be called a pioneer in the field of creating games with the effect of complete immersion in virtual reality. After its release, many games were released that were developed specifically for VR headsets, but they have not yet been able to surpass it. This is a rare example of a game that is interesting to play in VR, and not just run for an hour and compare the sensations with the regular version. But be careful: there are a lot of sharp turns waiting for you here, and when you return to reality, you may be a little dizzy, especially if you have spent more than one or two hours in the game.
Hover Junkers
Developer: Stress Level Zero | Compatibility: HTC Vive
Among all VR games, Hover Junkers has the most interesting system management. The game looks like a shooter with a cover system - you will have to hide behind the walls of your vehicle, consisting mainly of wooden beam and pieces of metal. With one hand you need to steer a vehicle assembled from all sorts of rubbish, and with the other you need to shoot enemies, while spending most of the time in cover.
Aiming here is quite difficult, but over time you get used to it; It is also worth noting the extremely detailed recharging process, which occurs almost like in real life. For example, when reloading a pistol, pressing the controller's trackpad opens the drum, bullets are inserted into it using circular movements of the trackpad, and a characteristic movement of the wrist closes the drum. This is a simple technique, but when you have almost finished off your opponent or are hanging on the brink of death, it is easy to panic and slam the drum harder than you should.
The main problem with Hover Junkers is that it is a multiplayer game, and the list of players online is either empty or reduced to two or three. This doesn't make the game bad, so let's hope the number of players increases - after all, quite a few people have already purchased a Vive headset this year.
Accounting
Developer: Crows Crows Crows, Squanchtendo | Compatibility: HTC Vive
If you like the long, almost entirely improvised dialogue from the animated series Rick and Morty, then you'll definitely love this new creation from Justin Roiland (the show's creator) and Crows Crows Crows. The game Accounting can be praised for a long time for its original sense of humor, but it made it onto this list thanks to one of its characters - we are talking about a two-headed xylophone skeleton. This beautiful and at the same time frightening creature lingers in the memory for a long time, and it looks as if it came straight from someone's hallucination.
Job Simulator
Developer: Owlchemy Labs | Compatibility
When purchasing an HTC Vive headset, this game comes included and is, as the name suggests, an office walking simulator. Everything is simple here - the player is given the opportunity to wander around the room, wave his arms and interact with the environment. And interactions with objects (there are a lot of them) in the office or kitchen are often accompanied by witty comments.
Yes, the game gets boring quickly, and you’re unlikely to want to play it again, but it can be shown whenever someone asks why everyone loves VR so much. Job Simulator will at least make even the skeptics smile.
The Lab
Developer: Valve | Compatibility: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift (with Touch system)
Valve's free VR app is another great way to get started with VR technology. It's full of different mini-games that unlock some of the potential of VR. There's also an adorable robot dog.
Fantastic Contraption
Developer: Northway Games | Compatibility: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift (with Touch system)
The game Fantastic Contraption reveals at first glance simple tasks, like “move this pink bubble into the pink box,” which look much more entertaining in virtual reality than before. Here is a puzzle for building various human-sized mechanisms. Using handles, spinning cylinders, and your own creativity, you'll create designs that will shuffle around the level, and trivial tasks like the one mentioned above become noticeably more difficult over time.
What's impressive about Fantastic Contraption is, first of all, its intuitive controls. Creating structures here is essentially connecting the dots, and modifying objects works exactly as expected. Do you need the part to become longer? Stretch it. Do you want the wheel to spin in the other direction? Just spin it in the opposite direction. Don't need the connector anymore? Throw it behind your back and it will disappear. Even at the most difficult levels, the main challenge lies in creating the right plan, not in executing it.
Developers from Northway Games are also promoting a rather interesting concept - during testing of the game they used cameras and a green screen and recorded video of the actions of players in VR. As a result, everything looked as if the player was really in the game world. This interesting idea on top of an equally interesting game.
Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator
Developer: SCS Software | Compatibility: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive
Virtual reality can take you to amazing fantasy worlds, but this technology also demonstrates its capabilities in a game that invites you to get behind the wheel of a truck and drive along German highways. Euro Truck Simulator 2 is great in its own right, and with the release of new headsets, SCS Software has added Rift and HTC Vive support to the game. Detailed instructions How to configure the game for these devices can be found on the Steam forums.
The gameplay, as the name hints, consists of simulating the profession of a truck driver: while driving a truck, you have to transport various cargoes across European cities, while observing traffic rules. The gameplay is surprisingly addictive, despite its mundane nature, and the game itself is made very well. And the VR mode here is simply wonderful. Detailed cabs that match the cabs of real trucks create a tangible immersive experience. Here you can look around, watching the passing clouds, or lean out the window at moments when you need to drive through a narrow tunnel.
The weather change is also implemented here. Raindrops running down the glass as you pick up speed is one of the many little things that make up local realism. It's like you're actually driving a truck through bad weather. And if you play in VR and at the same time connect a controller in the form of a steering wheel, then the illusion becomes even more convincing - connecting the steering wheel, of course, is not necessary, but it is highly recommended.
Euro Truck Simulator 2 recreates an amazing portion of Europe, including the UK and Scandinavia, along with their countless highways. And those roads that looked great in the regular version look even more natural in VR. The most beautiful of the countries presented can be called Norway with its picturesque valleys, lakes and forests, which you never tire of admiring during every trip. Oddly enough, the fact that the game is based on mundane actions makes it more realistic than, for example, Elite - there is no need to use your imagination. You may not be attracted to the idea of playing a truck driving simulator, much less in VR, but believe me, this game is worth giving a chance.
The Gallery Episode 1: Call of Starseed
Developer: Cloudhead Games | Compatibility: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift
It was clear from the start that a first-person shooter adventure in the vein of Myst would be perfect for VR. And so it happened: two for VR today are Obduction and The Gallery. In the first episode of The Gallery, you will find yourself on a gloomy island at night, trying to understand what is happening on it, while at the same time becoming immersed in the local atmosphere. Walking around the island and exploring every corner of it, as well as studying the objects found... well, it all looks very plausible.
In VR projects like this, the main thing is the ability to create a realistic atmosphere, and thanks to attention to certain details, The Gallery succeeds in this. Such details include lightning strikes, the ability to hold sheets of paper to your face to read text, various nuances in decorations, such as medieval candlesticks with candles that can be removed and extinguished. This is exactly what kept me engaged for the first hour in The Gallery, and by this time an intriguing story in a sci-fi style had already begun to spin. This is the first game I've seen with an episodic system in VR, and I'm more than confident that I'll play through it to the end.
Space Pirate Trainer
Developer: I-Illusions | Compatibility: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift (with Touch)
Space Pirate Trainer is a VR analogue of the famous game Space Invaders. The gameplay here is straightforward and unpretentious - you are given weapons and waves of fast drones are sent down on you. It's one of those VR games that offers a shooting range spectacle (thankfully, the Vive's joysticks provide precision and comfortable shooting), but Space Pirate Trainer feels head and shoulders above its competitors.
Even in Early Access mode, Space Pirate Trainer has no complaints. Each weapon has several shooting modes for different styles combat - there is even a continuous laser beam and cartridges that kill enemies with one hit. Drones make distinctive noises before firing, so you can counterattack or dodge, Matrix style. Time slows down as enemy beams come your way, making it a real pleasure to dodge them while still shooting at the drones. By the way, these rays can also be reflected with a shield, which is obtained by pressing the corresponding button.
It's extremely difficult to stop playing Space Pirate Trainer. If this was a slot machine that accepted coins, I would definitely lose all my pocket money in a day.
Eve: Valkyrie
Developer: CCP | Compatibility: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, OSVR
In front of you short review Eve: Valkyrie, which touches on the main pros and cons of space battles from CCP. The game is full of spectacular moments - when you aim at an enemy ship and fire missiles, when you evade fighters, and then, after a steep dive, catch them in the crosshairs - the excitement in such moments is indescribable. It is enough to spend only a few minutes in the game to feel it.
But, unfortunately, the emotions from these scenes are quickly interrupted by a leisurely system of gaining experience necessary to unlock new ships and parts for them, a very short passage mode and an inconvenient interface, where everything important information scattered across numerous sections on the menu.
The battles themselves are well executed, but the game lacks the depth and strategic elements of another space simulator, Elite: Dangerous. As one reviewer wrote, if Valkyrie were a slot machine, it “would fit perfectly somewhere between the immortal Time Crisis 2 and Star Wars Battlepod. The action here is done on high level and is able to convince anyone in 20 minutes that VR has a great future. But after the first half hour you will find more than one reason to quit the game. And your stomach won’t appreciate the long somersaults at the helm of a spaceship.”
Alien: Isolation
Developer: The Creative Assembly | Compatibility: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive
If you have ever watched the movie “Alien” and imagined yourself on the ship “Nostromo” in the place of the heroes who are pursued by perhaps the most famous creation of the artist Hans Giger, then you are very lucky. The game does not officially support Oculus Rift, but there is a way out - you just need to know how to activate VR. To do this, go to the game folder, open the ENGINE_SETTINGS.XML file and in the ‘stereo mode’ line change the value from ‘off’ to ‘on’. And to run the game on the Vive headset, you will need VorpX drivers. As you can see, getting started is not at all difficult. It is much more difficult to complete the game itself, since the eerie atmosphere literally chills to the bone. If you thought that she looked scary on the monitor screen, then imagine your feelings in VR, where sometimes just a few centimeters separate you from the deadly xenomorph.
Isolation is a survival horror game based on Ridley Scott's 1979 sci-fi film, and it perfectly recreates the film's atmosphere with palpable tension. You find yourself face to face with that Alien huge ship. He wanders somewhere nearby and is looking for you, and his behavior is impossible to predict.
You need to find keys, open doors, collect information from computers as quietly as possible in order to ultimately leave the ship. And the almost pitch-black darkness on the Sevastopol space station in the Rift VR headset seems even more oppressive than before. The claustrophobia and fear that the Alien will catch you are sometimes so strong that you want to quit the game and take a breath, but after each level passed, relief and pride in yourself comes - after all, in the end, you were able to outwit the Alien.
For fans, this game is also an opportunity to admire familiar locations. One of the missions takes place aboard the ship where the crew of the Nostromo first encountered alien life. Looking at the legendary 'pilot' you can feel as if you are on a film set. Even if you're afraid of being in the same room with an Alien, Isolation is worth trying out in VR, if only for the famous fantasy scenery that looks real in 3D. It's no surprise that the horror genre is so popular among VR game developers. This technology perfectly conveys the feeling of claustrophobia that successful games in this genre are usually built on.
Of course, not every gamer can handle such an experience: even fans of horror games will look at their preferences in a new way by trying out Alien: Isolation on Oculus Rift. Developers at The Creative Assembly hid the VR mode in the game, but they should have tweaked it a little and actively promoted it as an additional feature.
If some time ago the phrase “virtual reality” seemed like something fantastic, now, gradually, it is entering our lives and becoming, if not ordinary, quite accessible. In addition to expensive headsets, there are also completely simple VR glasses, like Google Cardboard, that use your phone as a screen. Therefore, VR games on Android are becoming more and more popular, they are searched for and downloaded, and great experiences are expected from them. Our selection is dedicated to just such projects – the best of those designed for virtual reality headsets.
Zombie Shooter VR
Want to know what the subway would look like after the apocalypse? Believe me, you won’t find anything fun there: in its gloomy, abandoned tunnels live crowds of bloodthirsty zombies who are just waiting for your appearance. Repel their attacks and deal with as many of them as possible - that is your task in this game, spectacular and realistic thanks to the capabilities of VR. A walk through the poorly lit labyrinths of Zombie shooter vr will tickle the nerves of any gamer - the effect of presence is guaranteed.
Vanguard V
Roller Coaster VR
Roller coasters are already a fascinating sight, and even more so with VR glasses. This trip will give you a lot of vivid impressions and thrills: incredible climbs and dizzying descents, enormous speed and picturesque locations - that’s what Roller coaster VR is. A deserted mysterious island overgrown with jungle, dilapidated buildings and an attraction from the height of which you will see all the beauty of these places - it sounds promising, but it looks even better.
Inmind VR
Here you will find a journey into the microworld, inside the human brain, and even if it seems unrealistic, do not rush to conclusions - who knows what exactly the medicine of the future will look like. Your patient is in a state of stress and to help him, you need to put his nervous system in order, and, first of all, calm the excited neurons. This is what fans of the Android platform will have to do in InMind VR from the well-known Nival studio.
Cosmic Roller Coaster
Another roller coaster - this time in space, and again spectacular, and of course, amazing. Virtual reality plays an important role here, providing three-dimensional images, full visibility and the effect of presence. Speed adds to the thrill, and space locations delight with variety and unusual landscapes. Players will have to see planets and satellites, nebulae and constellations, admire their beauty and feel as if they were nearby.
Aquadrome VR
Racing jet boats on water tracks is as if created for VR on Android - only a virtual reality headset can truly convey the sensations from them. You will find both challenging routes with interestingly implemented water physics, as well as beautiful pictures of tropical nature, flooded cities and obstacles that you need to avoid as carefully as possible. Thanks to the high speeds and variety of the gaming world, Aquadrome VR will give gamers a ton of drive and a lot of impressions.
WingSuit VR
Cmoar Roller Coaster
The authors invite you on a dangerous but incredibly exciting journey, during which deserts and rocky canyons will be replaced by abandoned mines and dark dungeons. The dizzying speed is breathtaking, and the effect of presence is such that it is impossible to tear yourself away from the trip - you want to prolong it and continue rushing to the finale, no matter what, looking at everything around, remembering and enjoying the special effects. First of all, this game attracts precisely because of its entertainment value - that’s why it’s interesting.
House of Terror VR Free
The horror genre has a great future in relation to VR, because creating an eerie atmosphere around the player is much easier if he has full review 360 degrees. And House of Terror succeeds in immersing Android gamers in a mystical plot based on being in a mysterious room from which there seems to be no way out. Solve puzzles, look for clues and avoid deadly traps - this will help, sooner or later, get to the saving exit.
Today, the capabilities of modern smartphones allow them to be used for full immersion in virtual reality. To do this, the developers have designed special glasses into which you can insert a smartphone. Now owners of gadgets on the iOS or Android operating system can choose many games for.
But applications are not always worthy - sometimes they can only frustrate the owner of the gadget. To make this happen less often, it is better to familiarize yourself with the most advanced of them before purchasing games for VR BOX. For the IOS and Android operating systems, there are 3 applications each that have already gained popularity among VR lovers.
Games for VR-Box on Android
Deep Space Battle VR
One of the best games on Android is Deep Space Battle VR. In this application, the player will control a small space plane, but, at the same time, quite nimble. He travels through space and fights enemies.
Heroes of the Seven Seas VR
The game Heroes of the Seven Seas VR takes a leading position among all RPG applications. Here the user can try on the role of a pirate and, conquering the oceans, compete with fantastic monsters.
VR Fantasy
VR Fantasy is one of the games that immediately after its release won a huge audience of fans. Main character goes down into the dungeon and fights with various evil spirits. Here he will find a wide variety of opponents and the opportunity to develop magical skills.
VR Box games for iPhone
Before downloading iPhone games for VR BOX, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with best apps for ios. The most popular of them are:
End Space VR
End Space VR is one of the best arcade shooters for iOS. All actions take place in outer space. The player can fully immerse themselves in the world of virtual reality thanks to a 360-degree viewing angle and deep 3D sound.
Final Kick
Football fans really liked Final Kick VR. To complete the game from start to finish, the player must be resourceful to deceive the goalkeeper and the wall. Like all the best games on iOS, the application seems easy to complete only in the first minutes - after reaching the middle, the gamer will plunge into real challenges.
Romans From Mars 360
In the game Romans From Mars 360, the user will defend his castle from the invasion of Martians. This is exactly the kind of application that you can play constantly without feeling that it is completely boring. In addition to standard weapons, the player will be able to use the powers of earth, fire and ice.
Conclusion
In addition to the presented games for Android and IOS, there are many others that are no less exciting and complex, including applications such as House of Terror VR, shooter Hardcode and Galaxy VR Virtual Reality.