This week’s top releases for Oculus feature cross-platform compatibility, multi-player fun or both. Grab a friend and explore the underworld, loose some arrows at monsters or sit down for a nice game of chess.
Carly and the Reaperman – Escape from the Underworld
from Odd Raven Studios
Carly and the Reaperman – Escape from the Underworld is a cleverly designed puzzle platformer for two players. One guides a human in standard 2D, while the other players the role of the Reaperman, a friendly skeleton who helps guide the action in VR.
While some players will no doubt be a bit disappointed by the lack of a single-player mode – though that’s apparently coming soon – we’re totally charmed by the approach and the care that went into the puzzle design, which requires both quick thinking and quick reflexes.
We love the graphical approach Odd Raven Studios took with this game, as well. With its neon accent colors and the looming skull of the Reaperman, it’s a bit like vintage cyberpunk with a hint of goth, but more cute and than creepy.
Oculus Rift | 4.3 GB | $24.99 from Oculus or from Steam
QuiVr
from Bluteak
Now out of its lengthy Early Access, one of VR’s more prominent and polished archery games stands out for multiple reasons.
QuiVr offers a drop-in, drop-out multi-player mode and a scaling difficulty system, which makes it a great option for VR newcomers and veteran players.
It also boasts a colorful, neon-tinged graphical approach that makes for a memorable and appealing alternative to the usual dingy earth tones of most fantasy games.
Oculus Rift | 5 GB | $19.99 from Steam
Social Club VR: Casino Nights
from Perilous Orbit
Standing out for its social and multi-player optimization, Social Club VR: Casino Nights is also noteworthy for the sheer number of games on offer.
Recognizing that not everyone loves simulated gambling, developers Perilous Orbit have also included chess, backgammon and even a shooting gallery.
Between that and the fact that they’re working on a cross-platform mode for non-VR users, this could potentially become a big player in the VR social space.
Oculus Rift | 6.3 GB | $19.99 from Oculus or from Steam
Kona VR
from Parabole
A haunting mystery game with survival elements, Kona draws much of its strength from its setting in remote Quebec in the 1970s and its soundtrack by French-Canadian rock act CureLabel.
As players attempt to solve a murder, they’ll contend with bone-chilling temperatures and hints of supernatural horror.
While the game itself was released last year, the new VR implementation integrates both modes, allowing players to continue previous games in VR.
Oculus Rift | 5 GB | $19.99 from Oculus or $20.98 from Steam (VR upgrade $5.99)
Star Drone
from Beatshapers
Originally released for Sony PSVR, Star Drone is an unexpected but addictive blend of space shoot-’em-up action, exploration and pinball.
Its simultaneous release on all Oculus platforms gives both Rift and mobile players alike the chance to experience the technicolor action.
Oculus Rift | 407 MB | $3.99 from Oculus
Oculus Go | 378 MB | $3.99 from Oculus
Gear VR | 378 MB | $3.99 from Oculus