There is no better example of the differing strategies of two platforms than the Oculus Rift and Gear VR. In the case of the PC-powered Oculus Rift, they’ve taken a decidedly quality over quantity stance by focusing on fewer releases but making the ones that do come out better. Gear VR on the other hand is taking an approach similar to the HTC Vive in that there is a lot of content all of the time and it’s hard to sift through it all.
If you missed last week, you can see those new releases here. And don’t forget that UploadVR has a Steam community group complete with a curated list of recommendations so that you don’t have to waste any money finding out what’s good in the world of VR.
Plus — check out our list of the best Oculus Rift games and best Gear VR games for more suggestions!
New Rift and Gear VR Releases on Oculus Home
Batman: Arkham VR, from Rocksteady Studios
Price: $19.99 (Rift)
Batman: Arkham VR is a visually impressive look at Gotham City through the eyes of the iconic Batman himself. You’ll start as Bruce Wayne and descend down into the bat cave to switch to his vigilante persona.
Recommendation: This experience is ultimately a brief glimpse for something that could have been greater. Not worth the purchase right now unless you just absolutely crave the fan service.
Fancy Beats, from HashVR
Price: $4.99 (Gear VR)
Fancy Beats a music rhythm game with pretty colors and flashing lights, but the production values are pretty low. Not super polished.
Recommendation: Not very polished, probably pass unless you love anything music-related.
Wilson’s Heart, from Twisted Pixel
Price: $39.99 (Rift)
Wilson’s Heart is an immersive first-person psychological thriller set in a 1940’s hospital that has undergone a haunting transformation. You take control of Robert Wilson as he fights for his own life, as well as his sanity.
Recommendation: Must-play for anyone with an Oculus Rift and Touch. Read our full review.
Puzzle 360, from Won1Games
Price: $1.99
Look around in 360-degrees as you shoot balls to fill in voids in Puzzle 360. It’s a fast-paced puzzle game that basically requires a swivel chair if you don’t want to get dizzy.
Recommendation: Not bad if you dig shooting at stuff with your face.
Reflex Unit, from Robosaru Games
Price: $4.99 (Gear VR)
In Reflex Unit you control a badass little spider tank with a bunch of guns and rockets as it crawls through a futuristic version of Tokyo shooting bad guys. Pretty fun, feels like you’re playing with toys as a kid. Was previously a non-VR mobile game.
Recommendation: Fun distraction if you’re hungry for content, but not great.
Forgesmith VR, from Flarb
Price: $1.99 (Gear VR)
You know the shopkeepers in old 8-bit RPGs that sell you gear? Well, in Forgesmith VR you get to run a blacksmith shop in a world overrun with heroes from those games. It’s a bit of a role reversal.
Recommendation: Plenty of charm, but not quite finished yet. Worth it for the price if you like the wit.
Titans of Space Plus, from DrashVR
Price: $4.99 (Gear VR)
This takes the original Titans of Space, which is still one of the best educational sci-fi VR experiences out there, and adds more content plus more controller options.
Recommendation: Grab it if you haven’t seen this yet and you like space.
Radial-G: Infinity-X, from Tammeka
Price: $1.99 (Gear VR)
The original Radial-G was one of VR’s very first racing games, but it ended up with mixed results. This iteration is more of an endless runner-style game, with sci-fi elements and enough depth to keep you coming back for more unlocks over time.
Recommendation: Awesome sense of speed and solid fun for Gear VR even if it is just adapted from a Cardboard game.
New Oculus Rift Releases on Steam
Glider Island, from Joey Sipos
Price: $7.99
Across 3 vibrant landscapes, Glider Island allows you to fly as you’ve always to. Get the angles right and use your rocket boosters to stay in the sky, avoid danger, and collect all of the hoops around the islands.
Recommendation: Grab this one during a sale maybe. Pass for now.
Deathlike: Awakening, from Cybreath
Price: $9.99
In Deathlike: Awakening you awaken in an abandoned place filled with great evil. Maneuver carefully to survive this horrific experience.
Recommendation: This is a fright fest you can skip.
Gem Hunter, from FoxLeap
Price: $9.99
Gem Hunter is a story-driven action platformer where you pilot your hovercraft to collect the Fox King’s lost diamonds. Mine gems, battle creatures, uncover secrets, defeat the three witches, and more.
Recommendation: Be careful if you’re easily susceptible to VR sickness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHEpWD1VXA8
TITAN SLAYER, from COLOPL, Inc.
Price: $9.9 (Currrently Discounted)
TITAN SLAYER is exactly what the name implies: A brawler that pits you against monstrous giants. With swords, bows, and guns in your arsenal, your goal is not only to take down these beasts but do it with the most amount of style you can muster.
Recommendation: With this, you get exciting combat that isn’t only stylish but requires a degree of strategy. Grab this one for sure.
Holos, from Holos, Inc.
Price: Free
Holos is your private, customizable computing space. Centered around cards, the application provides an experience that is easy to get into but engaging enough for those seeking more advanced interaction.
Recommendation: This is an absolutely gorgeous and functional free virtual space with a lot of options. Get this for sure.
Seeking Evil: The Wendigo, from Copybugpaste
Price: $10.19 (Currrently Discounted)
Within the cursed forests of North America, Seeking Evil puts you on the path of a bloodthirsty predator. Your goal is to burn nine totems quickly before you’re captured and eaten alive.
Recommendation: Clear Slenderman influence. Keep an eye on this one throughout Early Access, it’s a bit bare bones right now.
Don’t Get Hit In The Face, from DracoSoftware, LLC
Price: $3.99
Don’t Get Hit In The Face is a movement-based game where you do whatever movement necessary to avoid getting hit. The game includes 4 game modes with increasing difficulty and a 13 track soundtrack.
Recommendation: The game intends to be added to a collection for VR workouts, but there are certainly more interesting titles with similar ideas. Pass on this.
