If you're looking to purchase the best virtual reality headset or have already purchased a Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S, you'll want to know how to best use it. I know finding new VR titles can be a challenge, so every month I tell you what I've been playing.
Since we last spoke, three major virtual reality headsets have been released: the Meta Quest 3S, the Pico 4 Ultra, and the HTC Vive Focus Vision. You can read my reviews of the Meta Quest 3S and Pico 4 Ultra Ultra now, and in my next VR roundup, I should have also posted my review of the HTC Vive Focus Vision.
Speaking of next time with so many headsets to try, I've also played a lot of VR games and apps, which means I had to leave several behind this time (otherwise this piece would be a mile long and already pretty). large) – for my thoughts on starship home, Metal: Hellsinger VR, Escape from wonderlandand exploding kittens Be sure to check back in a few weeks.
For now, let's dive into two of my favorite VR games, not just in October but ever.
Batman: Arkham Shadow
Batman: Arkham Shadow | Official Game Trailer – YouTube
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Meta surely chooses fantastic games to pair with its headphones. Last year, it was Wrath of Asgard 2 and now it is the magnificent Batman: Arkham Shadowwhich I still can't believe is being awarded to new Quest 3 and Quest 3S purchases.
The promise that this game would bring the splendor of Arkhamverse games to standalone Quest headsets was bold, but developer Camouflaj knocked it out of the park. The combat-focused gameplay transfers seamlessly to VR, with a dance-like rhythmic flow. You shouldn't just swing your arms as fast as you can, but the game instructs you to mix up your straights, uppercuts, and flurries of punches to disorient enemies before you can take them down; Plus, you can rely on Batman's classic arsenal of gadgets. to help you in a pinch.
There are collectibles to discover behind the puzzles, the story is compelling, and this title has a more narrative approach than arkham has ever done it. Honestly, it is a must-have game. My experience so far shadow of arkham feel like not only a contender for VR game of the year, but also a contender for game of the year, period.
I have a few other games and apps to get through so I'll have to stop praising Batman: Arkham Shadow out of here. However, if you want to read more (spoiler-free) thoughts on the game, you can see why I think it's the Meta Quest 3 game everyone's been waiting for.
vendetta forever
Vendetta Forever – Launch Trailer | PS VR2 Games – YouTube
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Any other month, shadow of arkham It would easily be my pick for number one VR title, but we've released another best-in-class game with vendetta forever. Although still full of action, this shooter, which combines elements of pistol whip with super hot – is more arcadey and less narrative-driven, but it's still one of the most delightful games out there.
If you remember, I tried the demo for vendetta forever in August, and that condensed build was really impressive. The full version is more of the same, but when the demo served up pure excellence, more of the same is exactly what I wanted.
Each mission is pretty simple; Using various weapons, from pencils to katanas, flintlock pistols, submachine guns and much more, you must complete some objective such as eliminating all your enemies, rescuing a hostage or simply reaching the exit. As you progress, you are scored based on how quickly you achieve your objective, how effectively you eliminate enemies, and how many times you are hit. To progress through the level, you must rely on vendetta foreverUnique teleportation style: Take out an enemy and grabbing their dropped weapon will take you to their position.
Despite its simple gameplay elements, each mission feels almost completely different from the last, which is not easy to achieve, considering there are over 60 unique levels. My favorite is the duel, which punishes you for being dishonorable and turning away too soon. Still, even with one enemy, it's a pleasure to replay again and again for a faster time and higher score.
Adding to this fresh feeling is a random element in each level, as enemies will appear with subtly different weapons each time. While you can learn the location of enemies in your quest to complete the mission with fast time and an S rank score, you still have to think on the fly, as that gun you were hoping to pick up suddenly turns into a hatchet. single use war.
This quest for a perfect race has made me play each level over and over again. Another replayability factor is a hidden VHS tape that is lost in each mission; can be very difficult to find, especially with vendetta foreverof the type of locomotion, so locating them really seems like a challenge.
vendetta forever is a virtual reality game that everyone needs to play, right up there with Strollable minigolf, The Wrath of Asgard 2and now too shadow of arkham. Again, as I said above for Ordinance, vendetta forever is competing for the best game of 2024 in or out of VR, and is an absolute must-have for anyone with a VR headset that can run it.
Just Dance VR: Welcome to Dancity
Just Dance VR: Walkthrough Trailer – YouTube
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Just dance virtual reality brings the wonderfully vibrant and energetic dances of the just dance series in virtual reality for the first time. The title launches exclusively on Meta Quest 3, Quest 3S, and Quest 2 (the latter is especially great for next-gen hardware gamers who fear new VR games will leave them behind).
Unlike other virtual reality rhythm games, just dance It's not just about you doing specific poses or breaking blocks at the right time. It cares much more about teaching you a complete choreographed routine, which means that all your movements matter (well, the hand movements that the game actually tracks).
It is true that gameplay is subjective. While I found it too forgiving, dance fans and younger players may prefer this friendlier learning environment. One thing we can all agree on, though, is that the song choice sucks.
Well, there are some decent clues in there, like hello girl, Don't stop me nowand Thanks, next – doesn't include any of today's biggest pop songs. that is despite Just dance 2025 (which launched exactly the same day) is equipped with routines for Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter, Bills by Tate McRae, love me by Jack Harlow and Yes, and? By Ariana Grande (via DLC).
Without modern hits, Just Dance VR immediately seems dated and, as a result, it's difficult to recommend it to anyone, especially since a big advantage of the series is that it teaches you how to dance to some of the best songs of the moment.
There is something to enjoy in Just dance virtual realityespecially in a multiplayer environment, whether with friends online or via Pass-and-Play if you're in the room together, but it's nowhere near the best or best VR game. just dance game that will be released this year.
Manikin
Mannequin | Launch Trailer | Meta Quest Platform – YouTube
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Manikin is an asymmetrical multiplayer virtual reality game inspired by object search in which two agents must find and eliminate three hidden aliens: the mannequins. I tried it out back in May when it was in early access and wanted to highlight that it's now fully released on the Meta Quest Store.
This game is an absolute blast and five players seems like an ideal number for small groups of friends to play together using the Meta Quest headsets.
Instead of repeating all my thoughts here, you can check out my favorite Meta Quest 3 games and apps for the May 2024 roundup for more details, but TL;DR, Mannequin is worth your time and attention.
word
word | New York Times Games – YouTube
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That's how it is. word came to VR, but it's really just a dedicated Quest app that opens Wordle in a flat or curved window depending on your preferences.
Infinity inside
Infinity inside | Mixed Reality Launch Trailer | Meta Quest – YouTube
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Infinity inside offers a unique combination of mixed reality and virtual reality gameplay by allowing you to jump between these perspectives as you progress. It was one of the titles I used to help me test the Pico 4 Ultra, although it can also be played on Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S.
I think it's a lot of fun and a very accessible entry point into VR and MRI gaming, but I'm left wanting more. Infinity inside It's just giving me an idea of what XR games could be instead of a full meal.
Each level begins with you examining a virtual puzzle box of sorts in your real-world environment. You'll find 3D puzzle pieces that connect to form blocks that fit into various holes around the box and an idol that allows you to enter an alternate virtual reality world. Here, you'll be shown details of Infinite Inside's silent story as you collect more puzzle pieces to help you progress back to mixed reality.
It's certainly an interesting approach to XR gaming, and I'm eager to see other experiences find ways to iterate Infinite Inside's combined VR/MRI formula. However, the overall simplicity of Infinite Inside's challenges (most puzzles have only a few pieces) and its relatively short duration (it takes around two or three hours to finish) make it an experience that won't appeal to everyone. .