As virtual reality (VR) continues to evolve, developers are creating immersive experiences that redefine entertainment and gaming. Here are five VR titles that are still worth a look, offering unique and captivating experiences.

I Expect You To Die

Virtual reality (VR) has paved the way for innovative gaming experiences, and "I Expect You To Die" by Schell Games is a prime example of what this medium can achieve. This escape-room-style VR puzzler puts you in the shoes of a super-spy tasked with overcoming a series of increasingly challenging scenarios. With its clever puzzles, immersive atmosphere, and humor, "I Expect You To Die" is a must-play for fans of VR and puzzle games.

Gameplay (5/5)

"I Expect You To Die" is all about problem-solving and critical thinking. Each level presents you with a unique scenario, and your objective is to use your wits and the tools at your disposal to escape life-threatening situations. Whether you're defusing a bomb, avoiding deadly lasers, or navigating a perilous aerial chase, the game keeps you engaged with its challenging puzzles and time-sensitive tasks.

One of the game's standout features is the interaction with objects in the virtual world. You'll physically reach for objects, manipulate them, and experiment with various solutions. The VR mechanics are exceptionally well-implemented, making you feel like a true secret agent.

Graphics and Sound (4/5)

While "I Expect You To Die" may not boast the most cutting-edge graphics, it excels in creating immersive environments. The game's graphics are stylized and polished, which suits the spy-themed atmosphere. The real star here is the sound design. The voice acting is top-notch, and the witty, sometimes tongue-in-cheek dialogue adds a layer of charm to the experience. The ambient soundscapes contribute to the overall immersion, making you feel like you're truly inside each scenario.

Story and Atmosphere (4/5)

The game's narrative is minimal, with the primary focus on the puzzles. You're cast as a secret agent tasked with thwarting the plans of the evil Dr. Zor. While the story is straightforward, it serves as a suitable backdrop for the various challenges you face. The real strength of the game lies in its ability to create tension and excitement, immersing you in each life-or-death situation. The sense of accomplishment when you solve a particularly tricky puzzle is incredibly satisfying.

Replayability (4/5)

"I Expect You To Die" offers replay value through its variety of scenarios and multiple solutions to some puzzles. While the main story can be completed in a few hours, the desire to replay levels and achieve better results or uncover hidden secrets adds longevity to the game. Additionally, the developers have released free DLC missions, further extending the gameplay.

In Conclusion

"I Expect You To Die" is a shining example of what VR gaming can achieve. Its clever puzzles, immersive gameplay, and humorous storytelling make it an engaging and entertaining experience. While it may not be the longest game on the VR market, the quality of its content and the sheer fun of being a super-spy on the edge of danger more than make up for it. If you're a fan of puzzle games and own a VR headset, this title should be at the top of your must-play list.

Rec Room

Virtual reality (VR) has evolved into a platform where players can socialize, create, and play together, and "Rec Room" by Against Gravity is a shining example of this. It's not just a game; it's a vibrant online community and playground that offers a wide variety of activities and mini-games.

Gameplay (5/5)

"Rec Room" offers an astounding array of activities, from sports like paintball and laser tag to cooperative quests and escape rooms. The gameplay is incredibly immersive, thanks to the well-implemented VR mechanics. Whether you're swinging a racket, throwing a dodgeball, or solving puzzles, the physicality of VR adds an extra layer of enjoyment to every activity.

What sets "Rec Room" apart is the emphasis on social interaction. You can team up with friends or make new ones from around the world. The sense of camaraderie and shared experiences in a virtual space is something truly special. Plus, the game continuously adds new activities and events, ensuring that there's always something fresh to enjoy.

Graphics and Sound (4/5)

While "Rec Room" doesn't boast photorealistic graphics, its visual style is charming and suits the game's playful atmosphere. Character customization is robust, allowing you to create a unique avatar. The sound design is effective, with voice chat allowing for easy communication with other players. While the audio and visuals may not push the limits of what VR can offer, they work well within the context of the game.

Community and Atmosphere (5/5)

The heart of "Rec Room" lies in its community. The player base is generally friendly and welcoming, which is a refreshing change in online gaming. The game's creators actively monitor and moderate the community, ensuring a positive and inclusive environment. The virtual spaces you visit within "Rec Room" are vibrant and filled with player-created content, from art installations to obstacle courses.

Replayability (5/5)

The replayability of "Rec Room" is virtually limitless. With so many activities and games to choose from, you can spend hours exploring different experiences. Plus, the addition of new content and seasonal events keeps things fresh. The ability to create your own rooms, games, and activities adds a layer of personalization that enhances replay value significantly.

In Conclusion

"Rec Room" is more than just a game; it's a thriving virtual community and a testament to the potential of VR for social interaction and creativity. Its diverse range of activities, friendly community, and continuous updates make it an excellent choice for both VR veterans and newcomers. Whether you want to engage in thrilling competitions or simply hang out with friends from around the world, "Rec Room" offers a truly immersive and enjoyable experience in the world of virtual reality.

Space Pirate Trainer

"Space Pirate Trainer" is a virtual reality (VR) game that transports players to a futuristic world where they must defend against waves of robotic foes. Developed by I-Illusions, this fast-paced arcade shooter combines immersive VR mechanics with intense gameplay to deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience.

Gameplay (5/5)

The gameplay of "Space Pirate Trainer" is nothing short of exhilarating. Players take on the role of a space pirate armed with a variety of futuristic weapons and gadgets. The objective is simple: survive waves of relentless robotic enemies while strategically using shields and dodging incoming fire. The controls are intuitive and responsive, allowing for seamless movement and precise aiming.

One of the game's strengths lies in its dynamic combat system. Each encounter feels unique, and the increasing difficulty levels keep players constantly engaged. The variety of weapons and upgrades add depth to the gameplay, encouraging experimentation and strategic thinking.

Graphics and Sound (4.5/5)

"Space Pirate Trainer" excels in creating a visually stunning futuristic world. The graphics are sharp, and the sci-fi aesthetic is brought to life with vibrant colors and detailed environments. The game's soundtrack complements the action perfectly, immersing players in an adrenaline-fueled audio experience. The sound effects of lasers firing and enemies exploding contribute to the overall intensity of the gameplay.

Immersion and Presence (4.5/5)

The VR immersion in "Space Pirate Trainer" is top-notch. The 360-degree environment and freedom of movement allow players to physically dodge and weave through the battlefield, adding a level of physicality that enhances the overall experience. The sense of presence, or feeling like you're truly inside the game, is strong, making every encounter feel real and immediate.

Replayability (5/5)

"Space Pirate Trainer" offers significant replay value. The addictive nature of the gameplay, combined with the desire to achieve higher scores and unlock new weapons and upgrades, keeps players coming back for more. Additionally, the game features a global leaderboard, encouraging friendly competition among players worldwide.

In Conclusion

"Space Pirate Trainer" is a tour de force in the world of VR gaming. Its heart-pounding gameplay, immersive mechanics, and visually stunning world make it a must-play title for any VR enthusiast. Whether you're a seasoned space pirate or a newcomer to virtual reality, this game offers an exhilarating experience that showcases the true potential of VR as a gaming platform. Strap on your headset, grab your blasters, and get ready for a thrilling ride through the cosmos in "Space Pirate Trainer."

Virtual Virtual Reality

"Virtual Virtual Reality" (VVR) is a unique and thought-provoking virtual reality (VR) experience developed by Tender Claws. It transcends conventional gaming to deliver a surreal narrative-driven adventure that explores themes of artificial intelligence, virtual worlds, and the nature of reality itself.

Gameplay (4.5/5)

VVR defies traditional gameplay conventions, offering players an interactive narrative experience. You assume the role of an AI assistant, tasked with aiding clients by immersing yourself in various virtual realities. As you navigate these alternate worlds, you'll interact with quirky AI characters, solve puzzles, and engage in activities that challenge your perception of reality.

The game encourages experimentation, as you'll manipulate objects, use different virtual headsets, and uncover hidden layers of storytelling. The intuitive VR controls and physics-based interactions make it easy to lose yourself in the game's immersive environments.

Graphics and Sound (4/5)

"Virtual Virtual Reality" boasts a stylized art design that complements its surreal narrative. While not graphically intensive, the visuals effectively convey the dreamlike quality of the virtual worlds you explore. The game's sound design is equally impressive, with ambient audio and superb voice acting that brings the AI characters to life.

Story and Atmosphere (5/5)

The narrative and atmosphere are where "Virtual Virtual Reality" truly shines. The game's intricate storyline explores themes of artificial intelligence, autonomy, and the boundaries of reality. It's thought-provoking and often surreal, offering multiple layers of storytelling that keep you engaged and eager to uncover more.

The atmosphere seamlessly shifts from whimsical to unsettling, creating a sense of wonder and intrigue as you journey through different virtual realities. The character interactions are witty and often humorous, adding depth to the narrative.

Immersion and Presence (4/5)

"Virtual Virtual Reality" excels in creating a sense of immersion. The VR environment allows you to physically engage with the virtual worlds, and the presence within these realities is strong. However, some players may find the movement mechanics, which involve teleportation, disorienting at times. Nonetheless, this is a minor drawback in an otherwise captivating experience.

Replayability (3.5/5)

While "Virtual Virtual Reality" offers a captivating narrative and richly detailed worlds, its replayability is somewhat limited. Once you've completed the main story, there's little incentive to revisit the game unless you want to reexperience its surreal storytelling.

In Conclusion

"Virtual Virtual Reality" is a one-of-a-kind VR experience that challenges the boundaries of the medium. Its captivating narrative, surreal atmospheres, and thought-provoking themes make it a must-play for those seeking a deeper and more philosophical VR adventure. While its replayability may be limited, the journey through VVR's mind-bending realities is a journey well worth taking for any VR enthusiast and fans of narrative-driven experiences.

REZ infinite

"REZ Infinite" is a masterpiece of the music-driven shooter genre, originally released for consoles in 2001 and later brought to virtual reality (VR) by Enhance Games. This transformative experience combines rhythmic gameplay with stunning visual and auditory elements to create a truly immersive journey.

Gameplay (4.5/5)

"REZ Infinite" takes players on a mesmerizing journey through cyberspace as they evolve from a simple figure into a powerful entity. The core gameplay revolves around lock-on targeting and shooting enemies in rhythm with the music. This synesthetic approach to gameplay creates a unique and captivating experience.

The VR adaptation enhances the immersion. Players aim by looking at enemies and locking onto them with the headset's gaze, adding a layer of physicality to the experience. The gameplay is intuitive, with smooth controls that are easy to pick up.

Graphics and Sound (5/5)

The visuals in "REZ Infinite" are a dazzling display of light, geometry, and color. The game's wireframe-style graphics have been updated for VR, creating a world that feels both retro and futuristic. The levels evolve and transform dynamically, providing a constantly changing visual spectacle.

However, the true star of "REZ Infinite" is its music. The electronic soundtrack, composed by the legendary techno artist Keiichi Sugiyama, is a perfect match for the gameplay. Every action, from shooting to locking onto targets, contributes to the evolving musical score. This integration of gameplay and music creates a deeply immersive synesthetic experience that is unparalleled in VR gaming.

Story and Atmosphere (4/5)

"REZ Infinite" doesn't focus heavily on narrative but rather on providing players with a sensory journey. The game's abstract storyline unfolds gradually as you progress through levels. It adds a layer of intrigue but remains secondary to the overall experience.

The atmosphere of "REZ Infinite" is dreamlike and immersive. The combination of visuals, music, and gameplay creates an otherworldly ambiance that envelops players in a hypnotic trance.

Immersion and Presence (4/5)

The VR adaptation enhances the immersion in "REZ Infinite." The sense of presence within the abstract and ever-changing environments is strong, making players feel like they are part of the game's audiovisual experience. The VR implementation is smooth and comfortable, with minimal motion sickness issues.

Replayability (4/5)

"REZ Infinite" offers good replay value for players who enjoy the synesthetic experience. The desire to improve your scores, discover new secrets, and unlock additional game modes provides ample reasons to return to the game. The inclusion of the classic "Area X" adds even more content for returning players.

In Conclusion

"REZ Infinite" is a transcendent VR experience that marries music, visuals, and gameplay to create an unforgettable journey through cyberspace. Its synesthetic approach to gameplay, mesmerizing graphics, and electronic soundtrack elevate it to a level of immersion that few VR games can match. If you're a fan of music-driven experiences and want to immerse yourself in a surreal and captivating world, "REZ Infinite" is a must-play in the VR gaming realm.