The Oculus-powered Samsung Gear VR marks the commercial arrival of modern virtual reality. Its excellent (Galaxy Note 4-powered) hardware isn't in question, but what about its software? Join Gizmag, for a quick review of the highlights (and lowlights) of the Gear VR's launch lineup.
- Update: Oculus added several new high-profile apps right before Christmas, and, after checking them twice, we added them to our list.
The Gear VR is very much a ground-level device, aimed squarely at developers and early adopters. From that perspective, its software isn't in bad shape at launch. But since it is also a consumer product, perhaps our quick impressions will help you decide whether to throw down for Samsung's US$200 accessory (for more on that, you can read our full Cear VR review).
Also remember that virtual reality is like no other form of entertainment. On paper, most of these titles sound pretty lame – and if you played them on a 2D screen, most of them would be. But in the immersive world of VR, even the most rudimentary of games and videos can be enthralling. This is your chance to be Scott Bakula, as each game Quantum Leaps you into another world.
All of these titles are available through the Gear VR's Oculus app, the only way to download and play games on the headset. We'll see paid apps eventually, but right now these are all free.
We also denoted the games that require a Bluetooth controller and which are best played in a 360-degree swiveling chair.
HeroBound
This is one of our favorite Gear VR games. Though a first-person perspective makes the most sense with virtual reality, HeroBound lets you look down on (and control) a cute little sword-wielding muskrat (or something like that), as he makes his way through dungeon after dungeon. It's a bit Zelda-like, though simpler and more repetitive.
It's subtitled "First Steps" for a reason (like most Gear VR apps, it's a work in progress), but still feels more like a AAA console title than any of the other launch titles.
Anshar Wars
This arcade-style space shooter is another highlight. Your mission is to protect your mothership from attacking fighters, using head movement to control your own ship, as it veers between asteroids. You're surrounded by space in every direction, and that alone makes for quite the head trip.
Apart from steering with your head, the only other two controls are firing guns and missiles, so this one can be used with either the Gear's touchpad or a Bluetooth gamepad.
Dreadhalls
Not for the faint of heart (or stomach), this ultra-realistic horror game puts you in the halls of a mysterious dungeon, wielding only a lamp, map and some lock-picks. It builds suspense for the first 10 minutes or so, when you won't encounter any enemies. But once you do, prepare to scream (and quickly die).
Dreadhalls shows the mind-bending potential of realistic first-person games in virtual reality. More than any other launch title, it makes you feel like you're really somewhere else. And this "somewhere else" has violent demons that charge at you like a bull.
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