8 Best VR Games and How to Play Them
Duane Beckett
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Virtual Reality (VR) headsets have been around for some time at this point and this has allowed many developers to release some amazing experiences for these systems. VR allows the players to be more immersed in a video game, heightening the experience within the world. This lends itself particularly well to certain genres of games, such as horror, first-person shooters and arcade experiences.
With the development of these headsets, the games available for them continue to advance in graphical fidelity and control responsiveness. The days of VR are still relatively early, but let’s recap the best VR games so far and break down the platforms they are available on.
1. Tetris Effect: Connected (Quest)
Tetris is one of the most recognizable and best-selling video games of all time. Since its original release back in 1984, there have been many variations of the block stacking classic across many different platforms.
The game has even made its way to the Quest headset in Tetris Effect: Connected. This spin on the Tetris formula adds a multiplayer element to the game, with both co-operative and competitive online or local multiplayer. With staggering music, stunning backgrounds, and great special effects, this is a joy to experience in VR. There are over 30 stages and over 10 modes, meaning that you will get an extraordinary amount of value out of the game.
2. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (PSVR)
Resident Evil is arguably the biggest and most influential horror franchise in video games. Extending out to TV shows, movies, merchandise and more, it has become a household name across the world.
With Resident Evil 7, Capcom reinvented the franchise by switching the camera perspective from third person to first person. This ramped up the scares, creating a more claustrophobic, immersive, and terrifying experience. Fans and critics loved the game and it went on to sell millions of copies across multiple platforms. Since the game is first person, it lends itself incredibly well to a VR experience and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard on PSVR is a blast.
3. Beat Saber (PC VR, PSVR, Quest)
When a lot of people think of VR gaming, one of the first games that comes to mind is Beat Saber. This rhythm game was specifically designed for VR, requiring you to slash at beat blocks as they fly toward you in a futuristic environment reminiscent of Tron. The tracks are all hand crafted to enhance the musical experience.
There are multiplayer modes, a challenging campaign and global leaderboards to compare your high scores. While it is easy to learn, it is quite difficult to master and also gives you some exercise as an added bonus. You can play Beat Saber on PC VR, PSVR, and Quest.
4. Skyrim VR (PC VR, PSVR)
There is no denying that Skyrim is one of the best video games of all time and it has kept loyal fans playing for over a decade. It is available on quite a few platforms, including PC VR and PSVR.
Experiencing the defining, epic fantasy entry into the Elder Scrolls series is a delight in VR, with finely tuned controls and stunning visuals. Not only that, it also comes with all of the game’s add-ons included as standard, allowing you to spend hundreds of hours fully immersed in the world of Skyrim.
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5. No Man’s Sky VR (PC VR, PSVR)
Now for a game that was much more controversial. No Man’s Sky was released in a terrible state and generated a media circus that was highly critical of the game, its developers, and the marketing of the experience.
No Man’s Sky has since been updated to become one of the best VR games out there. So much has been changed that it is barely recognizable from its original release. It now has tons of fantastic features, graphical overhauls, and performance enhancements. The impressive galaxy hopping game has made its way to a few VR headsets like PSVR and it is astonishing to explore the universe in this immersive way.
6. Resident Evil 4 VR (Quest 2)
We have already had one entry from this franchise, but here we have the VR version of Resident Evil 4. This game is arguably the definitive Resident Evil game, which revolutionized the survival horror genre and popularized the over-the-shoulder camera perspective that is so prevalent today. Switching that perspective to first-person in the VR version allows a whole new way to experience this survival horror classic. You can play Resident Evil 4 VR on Quest 2.
7. The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners (PC VR, PSVR, Quest)
Based on the incredibly popular zombie TV show, The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners is easily one of the finest VR games available and its easy to get on either PC VR, PSVR, or Quest. Plunging you into the zombie apocalypse, this game tasks you with surviving the hordes of undead as you fight your way through the flooded ruins of New Orleans. By scavenging weapons and supplies as well as making tough choices for the survivors, this is a definitive adaptation of the show.
8. Half-Life: Alyx (PC VR)
The Half-Life games are some of the most beloved video games of all time and left fans clamoring for a third entry into this classic series. While it is not the sequel that some fans wanted, Half-Life: Alyx is an incredible entry into the franchise and is arguably the best VR game of all time.
Set between the events of the first two games, you play as a character named Alyx who is fighting against the alien race called the Combine. Alongside your father Dr. Eli Vance, you must form a human resistance and steal supplies from the Combine to give you the best chance of survival. With some highly engaging puzzles, thrilling combat and immersive exploration, this game is a celebration and showcase of what’s possible in virtual reality and it’s available on PC VR.
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What If I’m New to VR?
The coolest part about all of these VR games is that we’re all fairly new to them. Like any video game, you have to decide which one is the most interesting concept to you and then practice before it becomes incredibly fun. It also depends on which VR system you have or want to get. We broke down the platforms that each game on our best VR games list is available on, so that can narrow down where to start.
Ultimately, there is a whole new world of interactive games whether you like horror, music, or TV show-inspired video games. VR gives us a new way to play and enjoy.