The rate at which technology has developed has seen some incredible new additions to the scene in recent years. One of the most interesting of these is VR: virtual reality. It can be described as a simulated experience that can be similar or dissimilar to the real world, depending on the goal and audience of the product. Virtual reality saw explosive growth in 2021: in the first quarter of that year, sales of VR headsets soared by more than 50%.
It is perhaps best recognized by the headsets that gamers place on their heads to cover their eyes, such as the Meta Quest or PlayStation VR2. Its popularity can be seen in other industries too. Technology to create immersive experiences offers players a virtual space where they can go to a table or machine of their choosing. It is no surprise that the video game industry has then utilized the technology to great effect. Here are some of the best VR games you can buy.
TL;DR
- Virtual reality is a simulated experience that can be similar to or different from the real world, and it saw explosive growth in 2021, when VR headset sales rose by more than 50% in the first quarter.
- Beat Saber is a fast rhythm game that even complete beginners can pick up: you slash objects with colored sabers to the beat of the music, and it doubles as a workout.
- Microsoft Flight Simulator added VR after its release and lets you fly anywhere in the world, even over your own house, with a wealth of plane controls for advanced players.
- Subnautica also added VR later, and it shines in a headset that works like a diving helmet while you gather resources to survive and find a way to escape.
- As the technology develops, the line between the virtual and real worlds may blur, and VR looks set to keep growing as a mainstay of gaming.
Beat Saber
A fast rhythmic game that is simple in its premise and thoroughly enjoyable to play. It is a game that does not need a tutorial as even the most inexperienced of players will get a feel for it due to its gameplay design. The player is given different colored sabers that they must use to slash objects on the screen. Because the action on-screen happens to the beat of the music, it is very satisfying to play and a good tool to work out too!
Microsoft Flight Simulator
This game needs no introduction and will already be familiar to many gamers as it was released before the VR iteration was added in. The premise of this game is spectacle and freedom: players can fly anywhere in the world and view stunning landmarks and sceneries and can even fly over their house which makes for a very meta moment. For the more advanced players, it gives a wealth of plane controls to give as close to the real-life experience as possible.
Subnautica
Another game that was released before VR was later added. As the setting is underwater, the VR headset is at its best because it acts as a kind of diving helmet. The goal is to collect resources to survive and find a way to escape. During this, there are beautiful, underwater landscapes to explore to the backdrop of an enchanting soundtrack. If you have access to VR, this is truly a must-play game.
As technology develops, the lines between the virtual world and the real world may become blurred. This could lead to some fantastic advances in VR gaming, such as the simulation through the headset becoming indistinguishable from reality. Whatever the future holds, VR will continue to grow in popularity and become a mainstay in gaming.
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FAQ
What are the best VR games to play?
Beat Saber, Microsoft Flight Simulator and Subnautica. Beat Saber is a fast rhythm game where you slash objects to the beat of the music, Microsoft Flight Simulator lets you fly anywhere in the world, and Subnautica turns the headset into a kind of diving helmet for an underwater survival adventure.
What is the best VR game?
Subnautica gets the strongest praise here: if you have access to VR, it is truly a must-play game. You collect resources to survive and look for a way to escape while exploring beautiful underwater landscapes to an enchanting soundtrack, and the headset works like a diving helmet.
Is Beat Saber good for beginners?
Yes. Beat Saber is simple in its premise, and even the most inexperienced players get a feel for it without needing a tutorial. You slash objects with colored sabers to the beat of the music, which makes it very satisfying to play and a good way to work out too.
Can you play Microsoft Flight Simulator in VR?
Yes. The game came out before its VR mode was added. In VR you can fly anywhere in the world, take in stunning landmarks and scenery, and even fly over your own house, while more advanced players get a wealth of plane controls for an experience close to the real thing.
