It’s never been easier to log in and lose yourself in virtual reality (VR) than right now. With hardware like the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Playstation VR readily and affordably available to gamers everywhere, VR has finally hit the mainstream in a big way. And adopters of this fully immersive and thoroughly fun tech have lots of VR games from which to choose, as well, thanks to developers jumping on the VR bandwagon early. Here’s my must-have list of the five top-selling VR games for PC. (Playstation VR fans might want to jump to this page to see the growing list of VR titles for that platform!).
Now, this wasn’t an easy list to compile, as some titles out there are Oculus or Vive-only games, and others (despite being super fun) are not really games, but rather “VR experiences,” or short simulator-type titles that show off VR’s capabilities, rather than being what I would consider a true game you can play for a few hours. The Batman Arkham VR experience is one of those titles for me. I mean, it’s a VR experience (and a must-have for all fans) that lets you take on the role of the dark knight, play around in the bat cave and go on a sort-of mission in Gotham City, however it is only 20 minutes long, or so. My “top five” list below features titles that are more developed and involving, full-fledged VR games you can immerse yourself into for hours. These PC VR games are all available to download easily through Steam, so don’t forget to pick up a Steam Gift Card at Best Buy for your purchase.
Fallout 4 VR
One of the most anticipated VR titles, Fallout 4 VR takes you to the ruins of Boston in a post-nuclear world for superb story-telling and survival in the wastes. The open-world game was a non-VR top seller (every Fallout game has been, in fact) and fans were eager to see the game’s post-apocalyptic setting and gameplay in VR mode. There is lots of problem-solving, exploring, shooting and story to take up your time, and a fair amount of gore, so be warned. But, it is probably one of the best examples of where this tech is headed in terms of full games.
Available for: PSVR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive.
Star Trek Bridge Crew
There still needs to be some content updates, however Star Trek Bridge Crew is a total must-have for VR gamers. It’s a four-person online game, matching you with three other people, with each taking on one of the roles on a Federation starship: Captain, engineering, tactical or helm. Sitting at your stations on the bridge of either a modern ship or the original Enterprise, your crew goes on missions to battle Klingons, explore space, and rescue stranded ships, among other things. You do seriously feel like you are on the bridge, in your own Star Trek episode. But aside from the geek factor of firing photon torpedoes at warbirds, it is the unscripted interaction with other players that is most fun. Seriously, I’ve laughed so hard some evenings I’ve had to take my headset off to wipe tears from my eyes. Buy this game. It’s also cross-platform, and has just been released in a non-VR version, so the community is growing again.
Available for: PSVR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive.
Job Simulator
It may sound totally boring, but Job Simulator is probably one of the better ways to get introduced to the magic of VR. This fun title has you living in a world where robots do everything, so you are in a job simulator to experience what it was like in the good old days. Play as a chef, office worker, convenience store worker and more. You can manipulate tons of objects in the game world, as you learn how to do these jobs. Think theme park meets weird and not-so-accurate museum on working. It’s pretty funny, and a laugh riot to play. Alternately, the same company makes a similar puzzle-solving game with the characters from the Adult Swim cartoon Rick and Morty, called Rick and Morty Simulator: Virtual Rick-ality. Fans of the show’s sharp wit, and weirdness will totally love it. It’s good to note that the PSVR version is only available for download from the PSN store, so grab a Playstation Gift Card at Best Buy for that purchase.
Available for: PSVR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive.
Elite: Dangerous
The 30-year-old gaming franchise is still kicking it, allowing players to trade, explore and engage in combat within a massive, procedurally generated universe. Massively multiplayer, this space game is a sci-fi sim that is big, huge even. Make a living in the vastness of space, as captain of your own ship. Play the way you want, as a smuggler, trader, or bounty hunter. You can truly get lost in this game, learning how to pilot and dock your ship, how to scan, ship loadouts, and how the galaxy map works. There’s complexity here, and a chance to really feel like you’re living the hard life of a space pirate. The space combat is, well, out of this world, as well. Trust me. This is another must-have.
Available for: PSVR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive.
Superhot VR
It may not look so pretty, but Superhot VR is an absolute hoot to play. The best way to describe this original shooter-type game, is to reference the Matrix movies. You remember the “bullet time” Neo experiences when people shoot at him? Things get all slow-mo and he is able to dodge out of the way? Superhot VR is like that. Sorta. The game puts you in different scenarios, surrounded by AI opponents, with time only moving forward when you move. I guess it is kind of like being The Flash, or something, moving or being able to react at super speed. Wave after wave of red guys come at you, and you need to figure out how to disarm, and turn the tables on your attackers. The sheer style and fluidity of gamely is so worth picking up for VR gamers. It’s frantic, frenetic and utterly fantastic to play.
Available for: PSVR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive.
What do you think about my top picks for PC VR games? Did your favourite not get included? Let me know why you think it should have been on there instead. And, don’t forget to check out all the VR titles and hardware available at Best Buy.
