VR isn't for everyone. Financially, the entry point is relatively high; then there's the potential nausea that comes with it. Plus, all that space required should you have one of those fancier rigs.

The worst part is that if you stop playing for a while, you'll have to re-discover your "VR legs," which means another round of nausea, a problem I complained about with Resident Evil 4 VR mode. For some, the nausea never goes away, keeping them from an otherwise innovative platform.

This is a problem NeuroSync is attempting to overcome with the C-Infinity, which advertises itself as a no-nausea device for VR games. According to NeuroSync co-founder Dr. Slobodan Paessler, "playing action games in VR does not have to cause nausea and that true feeling of locomotion in VR is possible in a safe and practical way."

The project managed to reach its Kickstarter goals in three hours, and while it's not commercially available yet, the site does have a form to let you know when it's ready for pre-order. Skeptical? Well, there's good reason to be. The device has a tall mountain of problems to climb in front of it, and it might need to be a pioneer if it wishes to justify its enormous price tag.

Why the green face?

The problem of VR nausea isn't a simple one, nor does it stem from a single source. One of the biggest issues is motion sickness. VR has your brain telling you that your body is moving, yet your physical body is still. That causes a mismatch of information and the consequence is that queasiness we call motion sickness. You can experience it in a car sometimes.

Naturally, games with a lot of movement will trigger this a lot more. Some titles have tried to minimize how hard the motion sickness hits by "snap rotation," which ensures you aren't moving too fast in the virtual world, or by reducing depth of field.

You should be aware that this is far from an open-and-shut case, with one research paper pointing out that "forty factors shown or believed to influence the occurrence or simulator sickness were identified." This leaves the C-Infinity with a tall task ahead of it that should keep you on your toes as you delve into its marketing.

On a side note, if you're feeling nausea during gameplay, stop immediately. The debilitating after-effects are not worth it. You will feel incredibly sick for hours. There are unproven solutions shared among VR players like eating ginger, but nothing beats rest. Your game will still be there, waiting for you, after you take a break.

C-Infinity and Compatibility

Dr. Paessler explains that "years of research and testing led us to this point, and we are beyond excited to share this VR breakthrough with the current community of gamers and future VR gamers and participants."

Commenting to Destructoid, Scott Robertson explains that the C-Infinity has "been successfully tested with  PC/Android/Standalone/PS4 & PS5.  Plus ALL top PCVR headsets from leading brands like HTC, Meta (including Quest 1, 2, Pro, and 3), PlayStation VR, Pinax, Valve Index, Pimax Crystal, HTC Vive Pro 2, HP Reverb G2, Varjo XR-3, and more!"

It won't work with all devices that have been unofficially modded from flatscreen to VR, as they can be unpredictable. However, Robertson lists several that do work, including "Cyberpunk 2077, FarCry 6, Horizon Zero Dawn, Skyrim VR, Doom VFR, Hogwarts Legacy, Elden Ring, Resident Evil Village, Resident Evil 7, VR Chat, and 11,000+ more."

An experience that costs a pretty penny

Despite the confidence, it is evident that NeuroSync has several hurdles to overcome before it can be trusted to do what it advertises. Hypothetically, if it does, the only question left is whether there are any downsides besides the size.

It's the price tag. At $799, in addition to the price of your headset, it's a device best left for enthusiasts. I've explained the shortcomings of PlayStation's headset and while the Quest 3 leaves me far more satisfied, $799 is still $799.

Will the C-Infinity ever become mainstream? No, not even VR is managing to do that. But it does claim to provide a solution to the puking problem that plagues the platform.

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Ultrawings 2 originally released in October 2022, receiving good reviews. You can grab it on Steam and the Meta Quest, and to the surprise of the developers, on the PS VR2 as well.

Bit Planet Games expressed as much shock as players when the game suddenly appeared on the PS Store. The studio has mostly taken it in stride, describing it as a "shadow drop" despite how the sudden release has robbed the team of prior marketing for the new version. According to the devs, a patch is on the way, though many players on the r/PSVR subreddit claim it runs well despite the lack of a day-one patch.

When asked, the team confirmed that the launch was entirely unforeseen. Fortunately, the team is not stuck with a broken game and those who have jumped in are experiencing minimal issues. Sony hasn't commented on the matter.

It goes without saying that fans on PS5 are delighted, though they do express sympathy for the developers. The team also confirms that a physical edition is probably never coming.

It's described as an island-themed aerial action-adventure game and while I have admittedly never played it, the praise and trailers have piqued my interest.

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The VR gaming realm appears to be struggling to gain its footing as yet another studio experiences problems. This time around it's Archiact which has announced it is going through layoffs.

Archiact describes itself as "one of the largest independent VR studios" and it is behind VR titles like Doom 3: VR Edition, Freedriver: Triton Down, and Marvel Dimension of Heroes. One of the latest titles it has released is Journey to Foundation which is inspired by Isaac Asimov's series.

A reason for the layoffs was not given in the announcement, though it's stated that it wasn't an easy process. Archiact also asks for any fellow studios to reach out if they are hiring in numerous fields, which offers a glimpse at how many departments the layoffs affected, from Art and Animation to Engineering.

Archiact doesn't struggle alone, as First Contact Entertainment has announced its closure. According to the developer, the closure was a product of a lack of "lack of support for VR within the industry." This is a notable event for VR players, as the studio was one of the leaders when it comes to AAA VR experiences, as seen in titles such as Firewall Ultra.

VR continues to be a tricky platform to master, even for companies as massive as Sony. Fortunately, those who enjoy the gaming experience aren't left without any new titles, as games like RE 4 Remake's VR mode and Tiger Blade continue to ensure VR libraries are never entirely empty.

The post Studio behind Doom 3 VR announces layoffs appeared first on Destructoid.

There's barely time to breathe between Steam events and sales lately. However, if you have a virtual reality headset and are hankering for some pre-Christmas gaming, you might want to check out the Steam VR Fest next week.

The latest video on the Steam YouTube channel breaks down what you can expect between December 4 and December 11. There's not a whole lot that needs to be explained, to be honest. It's a Steam event. It caters to VR games. You know the score.

As for what's involved, the teaser shows off clips from games like Among Us VR, Star Trek: Bridge Crew, Elite Dangerous, Golf It!, and Tetris Effect: Connected. How you play a virtual reality version of Tetris, I'm not sure. But these are the times we live in.

Steam work makes the dream work

While these Steam events have been pretty short, lasting about a week or a few days, many of us are still recovering from the last one. The Autumn Sale took place at the end of November, and we still have the big Winter event to come.

Can't complain, of course. I've got a laundry list of games on my wishlist that I wouldn't mind buying at a lower price. If waiting until a Steam sale is the way to do it, then so be it.

Plus, with virtual reality still finding its footing in the market, the VR Fest is a great way those who have a headset to test out their hardware. I would get a virtual reality kit myself, but I can't justify the cost. Although, with Taskmaster getting its own VR game, maybe it's time to make the leap.

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Fans of the UK-based comedy panel show Taskmaster will have just finished up watching series 16. The program itself just seems to go from strength to strength, so it's not surprising that it's being turned into an official video game. Specifically, a VR game.

Scallywag Arcade, a new developer based in Liverpool, UK, just debuted its trailer for a virtual reality adaptation of Taskmaster. The teaser shows all the familiar assets from the program, such as the studio, the caravan, as well as some of the tasks players will be challenged with.

The VR comedy will also feature the voices of Taskmaster Greg Davies and his assistant Alex Horne (the actual brains behind the show). There's currently no release date yet, but you can wishlist it on Steam. It also says that it'll be compatible with Steam VR.

Your time starts now

Featuring a plethora of well-known British comedians and TV personalities, Taskmaster has not only won BAFTA awards, but has also been adapted outside the UK. There are versions of it in the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Finland, Norway, and more.

For those who haven't seen it, the show sets five panelists a series of tasks over the course of several months. These are filmed at the Taskmaster house in London. These clips are then shown to the Taskmaster himself in the studio, who then gives out points based on a number of criteria (sometimes arbitrary, typically funny).

Tasks themselves range from the bizarre to puzzling to team-based ones in which contestants must work together. Given the format, it's actually quite surprising that someone hasn't done a VR version of it already. But, here we are now.

The post Hit TV show Taskmaster is getting its own VR game appeared first on Destructoid.

My VR2 sits under my television, almost taunting me whenever I'm on the couch. It's covered in Pokemon stickers, and it hasn't been used for months.

Unfortunately, this is a familiar feeling. My PlayStation Vita watches me from a shelf just above head level whenever I'm at my desk. It hasn't been used in years, and I should probably put it in its pouch to stop it from getting any dustier, but I like looking at it. Hands down, it's one of the most elegant handhelds of all time.

PlayStation has a stellar track record when it comes to home consoles, but its history with peripherals and portables is a little spottier. Part of the problem seems to be that the company is seemingly incapable of learning from its past mistakes, and I'm afraid I'm beginning to see errors made with the Vita being replicated with the PS VR2.

PlayStation Vita hits the ground running

When the PlayStation Portable launched in 2005, it was a media powerhouse capable of playing music and movies via memory cards or UMDs. It didn't slack when it came to its main objective - running games - and ambitious titles like Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories ensured the PSP truly felt like a portable home console.

Sony also supported the PSP with a good selection of first-party games, including Gran Turismo, Patapon, and LocoRoco 2. Though it didn't outsell Nintendo's handheld (not even close), the PSP was a success for Sony, as it managed to sell over 76 million units by 2012.

With the PSP under PlayStation's belt, the hype was high for the handheld's successor. Originally just titled Next Generation Portable, it was announced in 2011. It hit shelves in the West in 2012 and it had a fantastic launch line-up beefed up by Sony's first-party support.

There were impressive games - such as Uncharted: Golden Abyss and the racing game WipeOut 2048 - that emulated the console experience on the go. The handheld received plenty more first-party titles such as Gravity Rush, but these began to dry up as time passed. This was likely due to lower-than-expected sales which forced Sony to cut back its forecasts.

There has been plenty of speculation regarding why the Vita didn't sell as well as its predecessor. Some have pointed to its proprietary memory card which was pricey enough to deter consumers. Others have argued that the Vita was poorly marketed and it was often presented as a PS3 remote play accessory rather than a fully-fledged standalone device.

Vita and 3rd party support

Before long, it felt like Sony had forgotten about the Vita entirely, and it became the company's neglected failure as the company set its sights on the PS4. Though the first-party support lessened, it took a long time for the handheld to finally meet its demise.

For years, the Vita was kept alive by third-party support, mostly from indie creators and smaller Japanese developers. Whether you're searching for morbid titles like Actual Sunlight or an unsettling scare like Neverending Nightmares, you can find it on the Vita. It is also impossible to ignore the explosion of visual novels that appeared on the gadget, and Steins; Gate and Root Letter are just a few of the unmissable titles available.

This third-party support wasn't enough to keep Sony interested in the Vita, and in 2019, it was discontinued. Surprisingly, the handheld's story isn't quite over yet. It's still getting games, and thanks to homebrewing, it is also possible to remote play your PS5 on it.

The Vita's story is a sad one because it had so much potential. It had everything it needed to be a PS3 in your pocket, but it missed the mark badly, and we were left with a gadget that could play Uncharted but was stuck flipping the pages of visual novels. Sony hasn't attempted to penetrate the handheld gaming market since. Surely this means it learned its lesson.

PS VR2 hits the ground running

When the PlayStation VR launched in 2016, it was a media powerhouse capable of playing 3D movies. It didn't slack when it came to its main objective - running games - and ambitious titles like Resident Evil 7 ensured the headset truly felt like a home console gone virtual.

Sony also supported the PS VR with a good selection of first-party games, including Astro Bot Rescue Mission, WipeOut Omega Collection, and Dreams. Though it didn't outsell Meta's Quest headsets (not even close), the PS VR was a success for Sony, as it managed to move over 5 million units.

With the PS VR under PlayStation's belt, the hype was high for the headset's successor. It was announced in 2022 and it hit shelves in Febraury 2023 with a fantastic launch line-up beefed up by Sony's first-party support.

There are impressive games - such as Horizon Call of the Mountain and the racing game Gran Turismo 7 - that emulate the console experience in the virtual realm. Unfortunately, the stream of first-party titles has dried up rather rapidly.

VR2 and 3rd party support

Already, it feels like Sony has forgotten about the PS VR2. It's not a failure, as reports indicate that the headset is outselling its predecessor. However, its future doesn't look bright if it continues its current trajectory.

At present, it feels like the headset is being kept alive by third-party developers, and on this front, there is actually an impressively sized library available. Some must-play titles include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Before Your Eyes - Easily the best narrative game on the headset, and its use of eye-tracking is genius.
• Pavlov VR - A great multiplayer FPS with an active user base.
• Jurassic World Aftermath Collection - Expect plenty of adventure and a few scares too.
• Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge - One of the best-looking titles available on the headset.

You're going to have to wade through quite a bit of jank and failed experiments before you find the gems. A string of bad experiences put me on my current hiatus from the headset. The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR has poor graphics and bugs, No Man's Sky is a blurry mess (though I've read an update has since improved things), and Kayak VR: Mirage is cool but it gets boring very quickly.

The PS VR2 disappoints me because it has so much potential. Its specs make it one of the best headsets on the market currently, but we've hardly received titles that push the headset the way Call of the Mountain has. It can play Resident Evil 8 but we're stuck flipping the pages of Moss.

I really hope things take a turn and Sony continues to support the headset. There are signs that it's still being invested in, as it does have exclusives such as Resident Evil 4 coming up, but one or two of these titles a year isn't going to be enough to ensure the VR2's longevity. As it stands, if you don't have the headset, you aren't missing out on too much.

On an entirely unrelated note, the PlayStation Portal recently launched and it looks interesting. Wireless headsets require PS Link to connect to the remote play device. I'm sure Sony will continue to make such headsets available well into the future regardless of the Portal's sales number. What could go wrong?

The post Is the PS VR2 the next Vita? appeared first on Destructoid.

Amnesia: The Bunker has all but reinvented Frictional Games' horror series, a crucial move at a time when the previous entry didn't quite hit the mark for some. However, the original – The Dark Descent – will always hold a special place in the hearts of horror fans. And if you thought the 2010 game was scary as it is, get ready to play it in VR.

As spotted by PCGamer, a mod over on ModDB has taken the OG Amnesia title and completely remade it. By rebuilding it in the Unity engine (boo hiss, etc.), CreaTeam's Sclerosis has managed to implement VR into the acclaimed horror game.

The above trailer shows off the more immersive aspects of the game. If you didn't know it was a rebuild, you'd swear it was just the original release. The team looks to have done a comprehensive job remaking Dark Descent, right down to the redesigned controls that have been "meticulously adapted to virtual reality controllers."

If you've missed Amnesia, you've missed a treat

I'm a long time fan of the Amnesia series. The first game set quite the tone in the indie horror scene, particularly at a time when the genre was experiencing something of an identity crisis (Resident Evil 5 came out the year before – just saying).

With no ability to defend yourself, being forced to hide from monsters, and the knowledge that staying in the dark too long was just as detrimental, The Dark Descent was a breath of (horrifying) fresh air.

Who knows whether Frictional will be able to reinvent the franchise again with subsequent entries. But judging by the likes of The Bunker, the series still has a lot of life left in it.

The post Amnesia: The Dark Descent gets an (unofficial) VR remake appeared first on Destructoid.

Stellaris is probably my favorite grand strategy game of all time, so when I saw developer Fast Travel Games was creating a standalone VR roguelite set in the Stellaris universe, I immediately became interested. I'll admit, I don't have too much experience with VR. But the idea of a Stellaris story with its many species, systems, and space structures sounded like the perfect fit for VR. Ghost Signal: A Stellaris Game steps away from grand strategy and instead puts players in control of a single ship as they traverse systems dealing with threats, acquiring upgrades, and tracking down the Ghost Signal.

Ghost Signal: A Stellaris Game puts players in the role of the captain of a single ship called the Aurora. At the end of the tutorial the Aurora receives a mystery signal, dubbed the Ghost Signal, that sets in motion the story of the game. Players must track down the source of the signal as they take on various enemy ships, traverse asteroid fields, and even encounter various space creatures.

Honestly, I was expecting the Stellaris universe to do a lot of the heavy lifting here. But in reality, the roguelite gameplay is what shines. The overarching story of the Ghost Signal sort of fell into the background, and I found myself more just worrying about getting ship upgrades and taking on more—and stronger—enemies.

Ghost Signal: A Stellaris Game (PSVR2[reviewed], Meta Quest 2, SteamVR)
Developer: Fast Travel Games
Publisher: Fast Travel Games
Released: October 5, 2023
MSRP: $19.99

VR was made for space

Space really is the perfect environment for VR. In Ghost Signal, you'll progress through different Sectors via a map, similar to the progression in FTL: Faster than Light. Each Sector has a different encounter upon reaching it. These include battles, boss battles, random events, or even shops and rest points. But also, each sector features a beautiful backdrop of space, with differing planets and other celestial bodies in the background. In the foreground, whatever you are encountering takes center stage alongside asteroids, your Aurora ship, and other entities you can interact with.

A robot companion assists you with learning the ropes and exploring the universe in Ghost Signal. As you find new entities in space, the robot will tell you more information about it. It's a nice little added element for fellow Stellaris fans, helping to flesh out the universe. Unfortunately, I do think the overall narrative is a bit lacking. For me, upgrading my Aurora and taking on more challenging encounters is what got me excited. Not so much finding out the source of the Ghost Signal. Of course, as a roguelite, the story is probably intended as added flavor, anyway. But with "A Stellaris Game" in the title, I really hoped for more actual Stellaris.

A hybrid of various genre favorites

The core gameplay of Ghost Signal revolves around swapping between three different weapon types for the Aurora. Autocannons deal hull damage, lasers deal shield damage, and missiles deal damage to both types while sacrificing attack speed for increased range. Meanwhile, you can navigate your ship to create distance from attacking fleets. The goal is to take out enemy ships one by one while taking the least amount of damage you can. Once you've taken out the entire fleet, you obtain a reward that will enhance your ship in some way, and then choose the next sector you want to advance to.

As you progress, you'll find various ways to enhance your Aurora. Alongside upgrades for encounters, you'll also come across shops and other NPCs that are willing to trade upgrades. There's also a mechanic where you can gamble for the opportunity to receive an upgrade while having the chance to instead receive a debuff. It's all the roguelite mechanics you can expect, plopped into the Stellaris universe. It works surprisingly well, as upgrades feel meaningful.

Even if you end up failing a run—as is common with this genre—you'll have the opportunity to carry over some resources and use them to obtain permanent upgrades to the Aurora. These upgrades will persist for all future runs. As such, each successive run should allow you to gradually progress further. It's a fun gameplay loop and definitely where Ghost Signal shines. The rock paper scissors style combat mixed with the ability to focus your build in a specific way keeps the combat fresh with each run.

Yep, that's a Space Dragon

With some slight alterations, I could easily see Ghost Signal: A Stellaris Game working in a non-VR environment. I'd imagine controls could easily be reworked to a mouse and keyboard or even a controller to operate the Aurora. With its replayability value and low price point, it's the perfect play-a-run-here-and-there sort of title. It's a very similar experience to FTL and other similar roguelites. That's not to say it doesn't work as a VR title. It's just one of those games that could work as both.

But as it is, Ghost Signal: A Stellaris Game is an entertaining and worthwhile adventure through the universe of Stellaris. If you want to play captain and commandeer a ship through asteroid belts while you fight entire fleets of enemies and even massive bosses, look no further. The roguelite loop is satisfying and rewarding, and slots well into the VR experience. I don't know what Fast Travel Games plans to do next, but I'd love to see what other genres the studio could pull off in the Stellaris setting.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

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PowerWash Simulator VR will be heading to the Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3 on November 2. The developer FuturLab revealed a new trailer for the virtual reality spray-fest today.

You'll be able to explore the town of Muckingham like never before with a 360-degree view of the washing action. If you pre-order this experience, you'll get the Cat-Proof gloves as an in-game item.

Power washing in VR sounds like a relaxing task

Throughout the town of Muckingham, you'll be able to clean a skate park, play golf with your spray gun, and wash cars in a garage. You can even clean up the mayor's house. How fancy.

The co-op VR experience may be a bit odd, however. The PowerWash Simulator VR release date trailer shows each team member as a floating head with two hands. It might be strange for those who want to see the bodies of each person in your squad.

What makes VR so entertaining, on the other hand, is the physical interactivity behind your movements in-game. I don’t know about you, but that pulls me into a VR game so much. According to the game’s official Meta listing, we’ll “reach up, get down and lean-in to tackle those pesky hard-to-reach spots.”

You can also play this game from your chair if you don't want to bend down.

The Meta Quest 3 arrives just before this

The Meta Quest 3 will be arriving on October 10. It has double the graphical processing power and has a 4K+ Infinite Display. The cheapest model has 128GB and costs $499.99, while the 512GB model is $649.99. Hopefully, PowerWash Simulator VR only sinks a small amount of GB of that storage.

Thankfully, PowerWash Simulator VR will support the Meta Quest 2 as well. It might not look as pretty, however.

The post PowerWash Simulator VR makes a splash this November appeared first on Destructoid.

We'll likely never see a third entry in Valve's puzzle magnum opus. But that's okay, because Portal 2 is a magnificent beast that maybe doesn't need improving on. However, one way it can be improved a little bit is with virtual reality.

As spotted by DSO Gaming, modder Gistix has released an early version of their Portal 2 mod that makes the game compatible with VR headsets. You can download it right now from GitHub, with version 0.1.5 having released just a few hours ago.

It's still a work in progress, but it at least gives you a chance to take on the test chambers of Aperture Science in a more immersive environment.

GLaDOS would approve

If you don't have a VR headset, the embedded video above gives you an idea of what it would be like to play the game using one. Perhaps it's not the same as actually playing it, but it offers a glimpse into Gistix's mod.

It doesn't specify which headset in particular it's compatible with. Presumably it will work with any device you plug into your PC, so long as it meets certain requirements.

The question of whether there'll ever be a Portal 3 has been on people's minds for years now. We know that Valve has a tough time breaking out those third installments, so seeing Portal 2 in VR may be the closest thing we'll find for now.

The post You can now play Portal 2 in VR thanks to a mod appeared first on Destructoid.

There were previous reports that Lenovo may be preparing to release a handheld PC gaming device that will compete with the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally. A recent article from Windows Report goes more in-depth regarding the rumored handheld device, while also revealing that there could be AR goggles to accompany it.

According to Windows Report, the glasses are part of a gaming ecosystem being developed by Lenovo. No release date or price is given for the handheld or the glasses, and Lenovo has yet to confirm or deny the reports.

[caption id="attachment_394545" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Taki Udon.[/caption]

Lenovo’s Legion Go could have accompanying AR glasses

Windows Report had previously revealed a few images of the Legion Go handheld gaming device from Lenovo. It is reported to run Windows 11, and it may be unveiled at this year’s IFA Berlin Trade Fair in September. The Legion Go wouldn’t be Lenovo’s first attempt at a handheld gaming console. The company once had plans to release the Legion Play, and a few prototype units were made available in China. However, the product was never widely released.

No specs are given regarding the AR glasses, though images suggest that it is meant to be used in tandem with the Legion Go. As for the handheld, it appears it will feature a microSD reader, an FPS mode switcher, as well as detachable controllers similar to the Nintendo Switch’s joy-cons. It is also expected to feature an “AMD Ryzen Z1 processor specifically designed for handheld Windows-based devices.”

Using AR glasses, players could potentially blend virtual elements with the real world. A simple example of this can be found in Niantic's mobile game Pokemon Go which allows you to see your favorite critters in your living room. With a much more powerful device, such as a handheld gaming PC, even more opportunities could be opened up.

Though AR glasses are an interesting idea, they won’t be the only ones on the market. Apple has unveiled the upcoming Vision Pro headset that will offer both augmented and virtual reality. Lenovo’s AR glasses could gain a competitive advantage if it manages to undercut the Vision Pro’s hefty $3,499 price tag.

The post Lenovo may have AR gaming goggles in the works appeared first on Destructoid.

The old Quest 2 is also getting a price cut

Meta has announced a new version of its Quest headset series. The Meta Quest 3 is a new virtual reality (and mixed reality) headset arriving this fall.

The new Quest was announced this morning, ahead of the Meta Quest Gaming Showcase that's airing today at 10 a.m. PT. Much like its predecessor, the Meta Quest 3 is a wireless VR headset, with a competitive price tag starting at $499 for the 128 GB version.

For upgrades, the Meta Quest 3 is packing a higher resolution display and "pancake optics," as well as a new Snapdragon chip. The internals should, according to Meta, deliver "more than twice" the graphical performance compared to the Quest 2.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AKl_cEB26c

The headset's mixed reality, through high-fidelity color Passthrough as well as "machine learning", looks to emphasize that virtual-in-real feeling. Like playing a board game at your table, using the headset and its generated images. Quest 3's form factor also looks to be a bit slimmer than the previous Quest.

Another quest awaits

That's not all for Quest news today, though. Alongside the Meta Quest 3 announcement, Meta also announced that the Quest 2 headset is seeing a price drop. On June 4, the 128 GB version will drop to $299.99, while the 256 GB will head to $349.99.

While Meta positions this as making VR more affordable for all, it's worth noting that Meta hiked these Quest 2 prices last year. So the Quest 2 128 GB is really just returning to its original price point. The Quest 2 and Quest Pro are also getting a software update in the future, which will see upgrades to GPU and CPU performance.

With all these headsets, Meta certainly is building up a lineup of VR tools. Some reports indicate Apple is getting ready to announce its own headset as well, so this announcement does feel like a pre-emptive response to that.

Either way, between all this and the PlayStation VR 2 recently hitting shelves, virtual reality really seems set to keep rolling on in 2023.

The post Meta Quest 3 VR headset announced for this fall appeared first on Destructoid.

Condense it back down to your monitors

Half-Life: Alys is, by many accounts, a fantastic experience for virtual reality headset owners. But for those who haven't had the chance yet or don't have the means, there is also a mod that has now made Half-Life: Alyx playable from start to end, without VR.

The GB_2 Development Team has been steadily working on Half-Life: Alyx NoVR, a project with a simple goal: make Alyx playable without virtual reality. No need to install new drivers or anything like that; just drag, drop, and hit Play.

In an update published on April 9, the NoVR mod team confirms Half-Life: Alyx is now playable from start to finish, without a headset. Additionally, the Gravity Gloves and Combine fabricators are operational. The team also has an FAQ set up, with any additional info or details you could want.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTLotwKpLgk

Currently 33 of the 42 achievements on Steam are also earnable using NoVR. The other nine can't be earned at the moment due to workarounds and issues with triggers, though the crew is working to get these running in the future.

More updates are on the way, and other Half-Life: Alyx mods are even somewhat compatible with NoVR. It's pretty impressive.

Seeing the world a different way

You might wonder why, with Half-Life: Alyx standing as one of the titans of virtual reality, you'd want to play it without the tech it's emphasizing. Well, as the GB_2 team points out, there's a multitude of reasons. Maybe you have health concerns, like easily getting motion sick. Or maybe it's an accessibiliy issue. Heck, maybe you just don't want to play it in VR, or want to experience it outside of VR after having done so in VR.

It's your choice, and though I think I'll want my own Alyx playthrough to be in VR when it comes up on the backlog docket, I appreciate how much work has been put into this alternative option. You can find the mod and keep up with its updates here.

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The 128 GB stays where it is, though

Meta is dropping the cost of some of its virtual reality headsets, though one is staying right where it's at. The 256 GB Meta Quest 2 and the newer Meta Quest Pro VR headsets are both seeing price cuts.

In a blog, Meta confirms the 256 GB Meta Quest 2 is dropping from $499.99 to $429.99. That price cut won't be spiralling down to the lower-capacity 128 GB Meta Quest 2, which still sits at $399.99.

The Meta Quest Pro sees a deeper cut, dropping from $1,499.99 to $999.99. The changes will take place on March 5 for both US and Canada.

Meta says it's goal "has always been to create hardware that's affordable for as many people as possible to take advantage of all that VR has to offer." Though the 128 GB isn't dropping in price, the company says the lowered prices on both 256 GB and Quest Pro will make them more available.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv4GWoCB4Zo

The price of virtual reality

Meta Quest 2 headsets saw a price hike last year, when the company bumped the price of both the 128 GB and 256 GB models up by $100. When the Quest 2 launched in 2020, its wireless format, internal hardware, and price point all made for a very solid entry point into virtual reality.

That changed with the price shift though, and I don't think the cut back down on the 256 GB model changes that. Especially for PlayStation 5 owners, who now have a shiny new headset option that's in a similar price range.

What's surprising to me here is the price cut on the Meta Quest Pro headset. A $500 price cut on a headset that debuted less than a year ago feels drastic. Granted, reviews of the headset weren't all glowing, and with a big price point like that, there may still be some hesitancy to buy into the newer of Meta's headsets.

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The OG Zelda game like we've never seen it before

Of all the games to be modded into VR, the original Legend of Zelda game was near the bottom of my list in terms of expectations. Usually when a game goes VR, it's already got a 3D art style, but I have to admit adding a whole new dimension to a title, especially such a classic one, is a really intriguing idea. Now we get a chance to see what that experience is like, because Japanese modder and retro gaming enthusiast Sugar Noe posted a video of themselves playing The Legend of Zelda to both Twitter and YouTube, as originally reported by Nintendo Life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vNA8-UE780

In 2021, a user named DeTwelve created a mod called The Legend of Doom, which faithfully recreates The Legend of Zelda in the engine of the original Doom. Then Sugar Noe took that mod and made their own tweaks so that it would be playable on a Quest VR headset. This thing has layers, but the final result has to make for one of the most immersive Zelda experiences ever.

I played through The Legend of Zelda with a friend a few years ago on his SNES Classic, but admittedly I wasn't too intrigued considering how much the game showed its age, if you can pardon my blasphemy. We never finished it, but I will say that the added twist of playing it in VR might just be the push I need to get the very first Zelda game under my belt once and for all.

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Dive into the Upside Down

Netflix Games, in association with developer Tender Claws, has announced that it will be adapting its hugely popular horror series, Stranger Things, for the VR platform. According to the publisher Stranger Things VR will launch in the winter of 2023 for all "major VR platforms".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQnFM5X5XQM

Perhaps surprisingly, players will actually take up the role of Vecna — the antagonist of the show's fourth season — as they attempt to wreak havoc and vengeance on both the town of Hawkins and, in particular, its powerful psychic savior, Eleven. Stranger Things VR will see Vecna, (and by proxy, the player) invade multiple worlds, conjure up terrifying and vivid nightmares, and engage in reality-shattering psychological warfare.

In many ways, Stranger Things is custom designed for virtual reality, given its "no rules" approach to the simple act of physical existence. While VR, for many, remains little more than a somewhat interactable rollercoaster ride/ghost train, it is a medium that perfectly suits franchises that focus on the strange, the bizarre, and the warped. And, as such, fans of The Upside Down and its occupants would likely have a real thrill ride exploring its mind-bending themes and aesthetic in fully immersive 3D action.

Stranger Things VR will launch winter 2023 on all major VR platforms,

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Don't be suspicious, don't be suspicious

A virtual reality version of a very popular impostor game hits headsets soon. Among Us VR arrives on November 10 for Steam and Meta Quest.

This version of Among Us is a collaboration between Schell Games, Innersloth, and Robot Teddy. The new version will run for $9.99, and you can find it on the Steam store here or over at the Quest storefront.

As you can tell from the trailers we've seen thus far, this is essentially first-person VR Among Us. Players take on the role of different crewmates, all trying to complete their tasks on the ship. Meanwhile, one or some of them are impostors, and their goal is take out the crew while not getting caught.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y_QmaFkJ4g

A brand-new perspective

Among Us VR will support four to ten players in a match. VR players can only play with other VR players, though. And it looks like the level included so far is called Skeld II, a 3D made-for-virtual-reality version of the Skeld from classic Among Us.

The old mini-games will return, as will some new ones just for VR. And of course, there's the difference in perspective. While 2D Among Us takes an overhead view, Among Us VR goes fully first-person. Seeing someone vent in VR will probably be terrifying.

Alongside the news of Among Us VR's release date, today's Meta Connect showcase also held a few more big reveals. Meta has picked up several gaming studios, including Iron Man VR developer Camouflaj, Twisted Pixel, and Armature Studio, the team behind Resident Evil 4's Meta Quest adaptation.

Meta also unveiled its new virtual reality headset, the Meta Quest Pro. It's a high-end piece of hardware that comes with a hefty price tag. Among Us VR, meanwhile, can run on the Meta Quest 2 or on other headsets via Steam.

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That's a whole lot of virtual reality

Meta has unveiled the latest in its line of virtual reality Quest headsets today. It arrives with both a lot of tech, and a hefty price tag to match.

The Meta Quest Pro VR headset is a new form factor and set of hardware tools from the company formerly known as Facebook. Its got 12 GB of RAM, a Snapdragon XR2+ processor, 256 GB of storage, and 10 advanced VR/MR (virtual reality/mixed reality) sensors. Each controller has three cameras and a Snapdragon 662 processor, with haptic feedback and precision pinch.

Matching the hardware inside the headset and its extras is the price tag. The Quest Pro will go for $1,499 on the Meta site.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv4GWoCB4Zo

The Meta Quest Pro headset also comes with a charging dock, related cables, stylus tips, a cable clip, and more. And much like its predecessor in the Quest line of headsets, this is a wireless VR headset.

The wide world of Meta VR

That price point is certainly something worth noting. In terms of how it feels, The Verge got some hands-on time with it and reports it has shorter battery life, and weighs a little more than the Quest 2, though it's apparently better balanced and comparable to a Quest 2 with the Elite Strap.

What caught my eye was the presentation around it. With expression tracking and an emphasis on mixed reality, it certainly seems like more of a push towards Meta's metaverse.

Today's news also coincided with announcements that apps like Microsoft Teams and Windows 365 are getting Meta integrations for both the Pro and Quest 2. Users will also be able to join Teams meetings from inside a Meta Horizon Workroom, a collaborative VR workspace. Xbox cloud gaming is also coming to the Meta Quest headsets, too.

Speaking to The Verge and other reporters at that hands-on demo, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg describes the Pro as a device "for enthusiasts, the prosumer, the sort of people who are trying to get work done."

Which is good if you're looking to add more VR meetings to the workplace, I guess. But the high price point, alongside the recent price hike of the Quest 2, doesn't have me optimistic about a future for folks who just want to play Resident Evil 4 in VR.

The Meta Quest Pro launches on October 25.

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A hefty hardware haul

Sony's new generation of PlayStation VR is due to roll out in 2023. And from the sounds of a new report, the PS VR2 will be moving quite a few units out.

According to Bloomberg, Sony plans to make 2 million units of the PS VR2 headset by March 2023.

Bloomberg's sources say mass production of the new VR headset began in September, and it hasn't dealt with any supply chain constraints yet. Those figures could be adjusted, the report notes, depending on how the device sells upon its release.

A spokesperson for Sony Interactive Entertainment declined to comment on the report to Bloomberg.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5L9Mvh7tAk

The future of PlayStation VR

Sony's new PlayStation virtual reality headset is currently set for an early 2023 date, with no hard launch locked in just yet. The hardware is set to make use of the PlayStation 5's power, as the PS5's VR headset. It also has new controllers and a new headset design.

PlayStation has some big plans in store for the PS VR2, including a VR version of the Resident Evil 4 remake. It's also making a big generational jump by not supporting PlayStation VR 1 games.

"PSVR games are not compatible with PSVR2 because PSVR2 is designed to deliver a truly next-generation VR experience," said Sony's senior VP of platform experience Hideaki Nishino on the Official PlayStation Podcast. "PSVR2 has much more advanced features like all-new controllers with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, inside-out tracking, eye tracking, 3D audio is coming together, [and] 4K HDR, of course. This means developing games for PSVR2 requires a whole different approach than the original PSVR."

That's a bummer for those looking to play something like Astro Bot Rescue Mission on their new headset. Still, there are a few things left up in the air for PS VR2, including its actual launch date. Either way, this new report makes it look like Sony is putting their arm into the pitch for PS VR2.

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Roberta Williams' reimagining will also head to the Switch

Colossal Cave - Reimagined by Roberta Williams is adding another platform to its lineup. The 3D remake of the adventure classic is now also finding a home on Nintendo Switch.

The remake of the original Colossal Cave Adventure is also aiming to launch on PC and the Meta Quest 2. No launch date has been set yet, though it has a window of Fall 2022.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn38Ailw7cA

We got news of the Colossal Cave reimagining earlier this year, with Sierra On-Line founders Ken and Roberta Williams revisiting the adventure classic.

Colossal Cave Adventure was originally a text-based adventure released in the '70s by Will Crowther and Don Woods. It was the inspiration for many games to follow. Zork, Rogue, and Adventure all owe a fair deal to this original game about searching a cave for treasure. And now the Williams are bringing it to 3D, on modern platforms, and to a new generation.

"Colossal Cave - Reimagined by Roberta Williams will soon be accessible to gamers worldwide on an additional platform," said Ken Williams in a press release. "We hope to bring back the spirit of traditional adventure games for devoted fans who grew up with the original game and the new generation of explorers alike. We believe bringing Colossal Cave Reimagined by Roberta Williams to the Nintendo Switch will help us do that."

Dive further into the cave

The remake will head back into a cave, with players exploring a massive underground labyrinth with their lantern and dwindling oil supply. Many different sights and puzzles await down below, and this version will have several different easter eggs and hidden treasures to discover.

Switch getting a version of this seems fantastic. The portability is one upside, for sure. But having Colossal Cave head to a pretty popular console alongside PC and VR means even more players could play it. It's nice to see a piece of gaming history re-released like this.

Colossal Cave is expected to launch in fall 2022.

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Chunky VR headsets might be a thing of the past thanks to this prototype

For even the most diehard VR fans, the cumbersome nature of chunky VR headsets is something of a barrier to overcome in search of an immersive gaming experience. It's one of the main factors that keeps VR from becoming more widespread than it already is, but experts have figured out how to remove at least this one inconvenience from the VR experience — researchers from Stanford University and Nvidia teamed up on a project to create a VR headset that is the same size as normal glasses. (Thanks, PC Gamer.)

They're called Holographic Glasses, and are "composed of a pupil-replicating waveguide, a spatial light modulator, and a geometric phase lens to create holographic images in a lightweight and thin form factor." They create a full 3D holographic image with optics that are a minuscule 2.5mm thick, also adorably named pancake lenses.

There are other benefits to the pancake lenses as well, like supposedly unlimited resolution, and a wider field of view that can reach up to 200°. As if that's not enough, the Holographic Glasses only weigh 60g, as opposed to the Meta Quest 2 at 503g.

If you want to learn more about exactly how the glasses work, check out the paper that the research team published.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGzj-AgI6RI

There are a few downsides, however. The FOV is much more limited on the Holographic Glasses than on a traditional VR headset, and the current prototype requires precise calibration with the wearer's pupil, which can be hard to achieve effectively in real-world scenarios. Then there's the fact that there are two giant ribbons coming off of the glasses, but those just make you look a little silly more than anything else.

As someone who was very into VR for a period of time, seeing advancements like this really gets me pumped for the future of VR. Aside from maybe issues with motion sickness (which I also have), the heft of usual VR headsets seemed to be the biggest factor that was holding them back.

Playing Beat Saber with lightweight glasses would literally be a game changer, so I'm looking forward to when this technology makes its way into the market.

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The Meta gets a little more expensive

The price of the Meta Quest 2 is going up next month. Today, the VR company announced the Meta Quest 2 virtual reality headset will get a price bump in August, tacking another $100 onto the price tag.

This will bring the Meta Quest 2 up to $399.99 for the 128 GB version, and the 256 GB version up to $499.99. Refurbished units and Meta Quest 2 accessories will also see a price increase.

Meta, a.k.a. Facebook, bought Oculus in 2014 and shifted the naming convention away from Oculus and under Meta in 2021. In today's statement on the pricing change, the company acknowledges VR's momentum, but also cites the cost of production as a concern.

"At the same time, the costs to make and ship our products have been on the rise. By adjusting the price of Quest 2, we can continue to grow our investment in groundbreaking research and new product development that pushes the VR industry to new heights."

Those who pick up a Meta Quest 2 headset between August 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 will get a freebie. A copy of Beat Saber will be free to download for 14 days, after they've activated the headset.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTIizcuSdHg

The cost of virtual reality

This is surprising on a few levels. First, the Quest 2 has been available since 2020. A price hike without a hardware refresh is strange, to say the least.

But the Oculus Quest 2, or Meta Quest 2, has been the affordable entry point to virtual reality. Its ability to run wireless or hooked up to a computer is a huge boon. And the price point made it a no-brainer for those looking to get into the technology.

It certainly ratchets up the potential appeal of other headsets. For those who already managed to grab a PlayStation 5, the PS VR2 is slowly but surely leading up to its eventual launch.

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See the world of VR Chat brought to (virtual) life

A new trailer dropped today for We Met In Virtual Reality. It's a documentary coming to HBO about virtual reality, and shot entirely in virtual reality.

We Met In Virtual Reality covers the communities in the popular app VR Chat. Filmed and directed by Joe Hunting, it looks into relationships people have formed in this virtual world, especially those affected by the outbreak of COVID-19 and lockdowns.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMBxESl38o0

What's really cool is how it covers these relationships and the way they formed in the virtual world. As the site describes, We Met In Virtual Reality "tenderly documents the stories of people experiencing love, loss and unexpected connection, expressing vulnerability around mental health struggles and questions about identity, offering a hyper real journey into the human experience of an online world that may soon shape the future."

The virtual world

VR has been up and down over the last half-decade or so. Headsets have come and gone, but several companies have weathered the storm and the technology has largely cemented itself. PlayStation is still looking to carry on with PS VR 2, and the Meta Quest VR headset really did a lot for making VR approachable and affordable. And also, seriously, Half-Life: Alyx is wild.

But this angle, looking at the social spaces of places like VR Chat has me intrigued, especially in the context of COVID-19 and lockdowns. I know a ton of my relationships with people had to go online and adapt, as did many others. It's how you end up with things like live concerts in Minecraft, and with people meeting each other and spending time together in places like VR Chat. Handled well, this could be really something.

I'm hopeful that like People Make Games' dive into the world of VR, it won't dwell too much on the risqué novelty, and really dive into the bonds formed like the trailer suggests. We Met In Virtual Reality premieres on HBO Max on July 27.

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A new adventure from some of the community's best modders

Valve's catalog has been modded again and again, and has even given birth to iconic titles like Garry's Mod and The Stanley Parable. Now the modding community is taking on the studio's most recent release, Half-Life: Alyx, to build on the game's world and characters and deliver a whole new narrative adventure. It's called Half-Life Alyx: Leviathan, and we got a full eight-minute gameplay demo during today's PC Gaming Show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WE1qf3Z_-s

We got a look at some close encounters, tense shootouts, and even a brief cameo by the ever-iconic Gordon Freeman. Leviathan looks indistinguishable from the real Half-Life: Alyx experience, and it looks like it's shaping up to be a must-play for anyone with a VR headset.

The project was created by modders FMPONE and Corey Laddo, and is set to release sometime in 2022 on Steam.

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The feature we've all been waiting for

Once we got video games looking realistic in VR, the natural next step was to try and get them to start feeling realistic too. Enter mouth haptics, a project helmed by researchers Vivian Shen, Craig Shultz, and Chris Harrison at the Robotics Institute of Carnegie Mellon University. In short, the team created a mouth haptics prototype that connects directly to a VR headset so that users don't need to wear an extra peripheral.

So how exactly does it work? Well, the team mounted a "thin, compact, beam-forming array of ultrasonic transducers which focuses acoustic energy onto the mouth" on a Quest 2 VR headset. Basically, they're using vibrations through the air to make you feel it on your lips, teeth, and tongue with pulses, swipes, and persistent vibrations.

The study had players go through three different simulated scenarios to test out the new tech. The first was a fantasy scene where players walked through a forest infested with spiders, where they felt both webs and, you guessed it, spiders touching their mouths. If that's not the ultimate gamer fantasy, I don't know what is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3q6dZQfV1x8

The next scenario was a school simulation, where playtesters could engage in more pleasant activities like drinking from a water fountain, having a cup of coffee, or brushing their teeth. The third and final simulation is a motorcycle racing game, because everyone knows the best way to experience the thrill of riding a motorcycle is to... feel the wind on your lips? Okay, I know it's a bit silly, but they're just looking for creative ways to test out the different types of mouth haptics sensations the prototype can provide.

"Why the mouth?" you might ask — I know I certainly did. According to research, the mouth is second only to the fingertips in terms of which body part is sensitive to haptic feedback for VR, so it was the next body part to target for implementing this feature.

The mouth also makes sense as the next area of immersion to target because they can add it right onto the underside of the headset, keeping the scale of the project smaller for now. I can imagine in the future that they'd be able to implement the fundamentals of this smaller project on a larger scale.

Then there's the question on everybody's mind: when can I use this to kiss video game characters? Hubba hubba, I gotta kiss those sweet sweet pixelated hotties. Settle down kids, we're not quite there yet. While none of the demos have to do with kissing, it's only a matter of time before it's used for exactly that purpose. It's gotta be players' number-one request when it comes to mouth haptics for VR, I just know it — mostly because I'm included in that group.

https://www.tiktok.com/@destructoid/video/7098430922361441542?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7052788164067706373

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The virtual reality Sorcerer's Apprentice gets underway this summer

Some games need a little bit of explanation to define, and others, it's easier with just a short clip or GIF. The Last Clockwinder falls somewhere in the latter area.

Developed by Pontoco and published by Cyan Ventures, The Last Clockwinder is a VR automation game. That's automation, like Factorio or Opus Magnum, crossing over with the world of virtual reality. It's coming to Meta Quest 2 and Steam VR, and well, you basically build a factory of yourself.

Players can do motions and then lock them in, making them loop in the form of an automaton. It starts with simple motions, like picking an object and tossing it to another person. And then it keeps growing. Here, just watch the trailer and see:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Sq8Yl3DGIs

An army of one

There's just something really mesmerizing about this concept. Seeing all the motions start to flow together into a longer chain, then adapting to new steps in it. I think of all the times I had to pull up the roots of a system and re-do them in Satisfactory. Well, what if all those systems are little automated me's? Plus, look at the band playing. That looks like a hoot.

Pontoco is getting some publishing help from Cyan Ventures, the publishing arm of Myst studio Cyan Worlds, as well as additional support from Robot Teddy. The idea is to team up with yourself and gradually restore the clocktower, creating massive assemblies using magical gloves that can automate your motions. It seems cozy, chill, and puzzling.

Basically, it seems like something fresh and unique in the world of virtual reality, and that's worth keeping an eye on. Look out for The Last Clockwinder's arrival on the Meta Quest 2 and Steam VR sometime this coming summer.

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Expect new announcements and gameplay

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, Inc., is hosting a Quest Gaming Showcase. The company will debut some news about its Quest virtual reality headset, and it'll do so on April 20.

The Meta Quest Gaming Showcase, formerly the Oculus Gaming Showcase, will air on many different streaming platforms. Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and Oculus TV will all carry the showcase at 10 a.m. PT on April 20.

So yes, get your 4/20 jokes out of the way now. The overlap is very fun. That being said, we could be in store for some interesting reveals. The announcement says viewers can expect new game announcements, first looks at gameplay, and updates on games coming in the next year.

For context, last Oculus Gaming Showcase was when Capcom showed more of Resident Evil 4 VR, following a reveal earlier that month. The company also showcased more about rhythm-shooter Pistol Whip, Warhammer 40,000: Battle Sister, Lone Echo 2, and Star Wars: Tales From the Galaxy's Edge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu7vJYpakPU

If you're a Meta Quest 2 owner, it's probably worth tuning in to see what's coming to the headset.

Virtual reality competition is looking to heat up too, as Sony has been slowly rolling out info about its upcoming headset. It showed off the headset and controller design, ditching the Move controllers for some rounded new controllers and a vented headset.

There are some big games coming to virtual reality, as well. Skydance confirmed a a follow-up to popular VR game The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners is on the way, dubbed Chapter 2: Retribution. The new 3D remake of the classic Colossal Cave Adventure, made by Sierra On-Line founders Ken and Roberta Williams, is also headed to VR.

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Embark on more mini-adventures at the end of March

Moss made a mark on PlayStation VR with its clever set-up and adorable mouse protagonist. The intrepid mouse pal Quill is back with Moss: Book II, and it's out very soon, arriving for PSVR on March 31.

Players once again take an overhead view, directing Quill through the action. There are more interactions, new characters, and more to explore in Quill's world this time around. As the reader that can actually interact with the world and help Quill, there are some cool ways to reach in and actually help out the mousey friend.

PlayStation posted a lengthy let's play with Polyarc, showing off Moss: Book II today alongside the release date news. The footage shows some of the new interactions at play:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10XaqyYxRSM

Moss made a pretty big impact in 2018, as one of the standout games for PlayStation VR. This one's also on the PlayStation tech, so you'll need Sony's headset to embark on the adventure. The original Moss did eventually make its way to PC-based virtual reality headsets, but there's been no word of that yet. For now, looks like you'll need the PlayStation VR for Moss: Book II.

Sony, meanwhile, has been slowly teasing out its plans for the next generation of PlayStation VR. The PSVR 2 has been shown off a bit, both with its new controllers and rounded, vented headset design.

It's been quite a time for virtual reality experiences lately, with Oculus/Meta picking up big games like Resident Evil 4 on VR. Quill makes for a pretty compelling exclusive right now for Sony, though, even as it ramps up towards a new headset. The hero-mouse sets off on PSVR on March 31, 2022.

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Ponder the orb

Sony has revealed a first look at the design of its PlayStation VR2 headset. It's sleek, and also quite orb-like. That's on purpose.

In a PlayStation Blog post, Sony's senior VP of Platform Experience Hideaki Nishino says the PS VR2 headset is designed to have a similar shape to its controllers. The PS VR2 Sense controller has an orb-like shape, and the rounded edges are similar to what Sony's done with the DualSense and Pulse headset.

It's not just aesthetic, though. Nishino writes that Sony considered feedback on the ergonomics of the headset, working to balance the weight. There will also be a lens adjustment dial, adjustable scope, and an overall slimmer design.

Strangely enough, alongside the motors and adjustments, the PS VR2 headset also has a vent. Sony senior art director Yujin Morisawa writes that he wanted to create a vent in the headset, between the top and front surface of the scope, similar to the vent in the PlayStation 5. The idea is to allow air to vent out and prevent lenses from fogging up during play. Nice, especially for those who play more intense work-out games like Beat Saber or Pistol Whip.

The pre-order site for the PS VR2 went live not long after some details went live at Sony's 2022 CES presentation. With a full headset design to show off now, pre-orders seem a little bit more solid.

As someone who already owns one headset (an Oculus / Meta Quest 2), I dig the design of the PS VR2. It seems a little bit more balanced, and the straps look pretty comfy. Even the idea of using those special Sense controllers, rather than the PlayStation Move controllers, seems interesting.

No date's been set yet for the launch of Sony's second VR headset.

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A new standalone continuation of the VR zombie experience is on the way

Skydance Interactive is headed back to the realm of The Walking Dead. The team announced today that a follow-up to The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, called Chapter 2: Retribution, is in development.

The original Saints & Sinners is a VR game for PC, PlayStation, and Quest VR. It combined the zombie apocalypse with survival elements and VR action, and seemed to come together pretty well. The numbers speak for themselves, too. Skydance and Skybound Entertainment confirmed today that Saints & Sinners has surpassed $60 million in revenue since its launch in January 2020.

Today's confirmation is fairly straightforward. A new chapter, dubbed Chapter 2: Retribution, is on the way. It will be a continuation of the original game's storyline, with players becoming the Tourist and fighting through what remains of New Orleans. New characters and threats both await, as do tough choices.

Chapter 2: Retribution will also be a standalone game, so those who want to jump right in won't necessarily need to pick up the first chapter of The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners. No release window or further details just yet. Skydance says more info is on the way later this year.

https://twitter.com/WalkingDeadVR/status/1485658775973412879

"The past two years have been absolutely incredible for The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, and we're grateful for the continued support from the player community who have helped make the game the success it is today," said acting head of Skydance Chris Busse. "We're excited to announce Chapter 2, and we can't wait to let players explore the new adventures that await them in the French Quarter and beyond."

It might be a bit of a mouthful, but The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners Chapter 2: Retribution seems like one for VR fans to keep an eye on. We'll learn more about what's waiting for us in the realm of the virtual undead later this year.

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