The Most Exciting VR Demos From E3 2015

Despite what some skeptics say, many experts within the gaming industry think the virtual reality demonstrations at this year’s E3 conference are the future of gaming. Well-known systems such as the Oculus Rift, Sony’s Project Morpheus, the Microsoft HoloLens, and several other start-ups displayed their VR technology, which caught the attention of many attendees. Professionals and everyday gamers alike are curious to see if virtual reality will truly transform gaming, or if it will be just another fad. Here are five of the most promising VR titles shown at E3 2015.

Narcosis

Developed by Honor Code, Inc., this title brings a new spin on horror to the Oculus Rift. This game doesn’t need zombies, monsters, or anything supernatural to be terrifying. Instead, its first person point of view allows the player to feel the claustrophobia that the main character experiences in the depths of the ocean. What you see is the narrow display of the dark waters in a deep sea miner’s suit that restricts your movement as you try to survive. During the game you’ll encounter various deep sea creatures, including giant squids and creatures that can cause cracks in your suit’s helmet. The game can be overwhelming for some as it utilizes your senses to mimic a state of panic and believe you’re in real danger.

Edge of Nowhere

One of the more thrilling and anticipated games demoed at E3 is Edge of Nowhere, developed by Insomniac Games. Created for the Oculus Rift, the game is set in the Arctic wilderness and follows the main character on a search for a lost expedition team. It features several suspenseful and fast-paced moments filled with dark creatures and flying monsters, which makes it one of the most immersive VR games announced. Although this game is in third person, which seems odd for VR, the easy controls and immersive surroundings gave it a great reputation so far.

Super Hypercube

This game comes from the Montreal developer Kokoromi. This first-person puzzle game was originally in development as a 3D game way back in 2008 for an event called gamma3D. These games used the same technology as 3D movies and came with all the same limitations. With newer developments, such as 3D audio technology that mimics a surround sound stereo system, Kokoromi realized that Super Hypercube is sure to reach its full potential now than if it were released in 2008. Now, players are able to immerse themselves within the puzzle and control their movements with this system. As more of the unique games to launch in 2016, Super Hypercube is rumored to be great even outside of VR systems.

EVE: Valkyrie

What about multiplayer games? Of course, video games are incredibly more fun when you have other people to share the experience with, especially within VR and especially in space. EVE: Valkyrie lets you pilot your own spaceship and join others as you race to protect the Gallente fleet by creating safe passages for them through space. Users will hear the voice of the game’s protagonist Ran Kavik instructing them which, with good headphones, will further enhance the immersive audio. Created by CCP Games, EVE doesn’t use flashy graphics to attract players (and also because it is not very enjoyable in VR), and this approach along with widespread fiber-optic internet speeds that virtually eliminate lag and buffering in a multiplayer environment will make for a smooth VR experience. Simple but necessary aspects for this game that are in development include joystick support to create the feeling of actually piloting the ships.

Rigs

Rigs, developed for Project Morpheus, is projected to change the way first-person shooters are played. The concept of the game combines elements of sport with the traditional mech game. Players square off against each other for points in giant mechanized warriors, and the team with the most points wins. Those who were able to demo the game at E3 have described the feeling as playing a game of laser tag. This is a good sign, as this means users will get the immersive experience VR is going to have to provide in order to become more than the newest fad.

Battlezone

The original Battlezone, created by Atari, was the first 3D game back in 1985. It had an arcade cabinet that featured a 3D periscope, which is how the user saw into the virtual world. This reboot is set to release in 2016 for Project Morpheus. The graphics use cel shading, which gives the world a “virtual” feel as opposed to realistic graphics, putting an interesting spin to this retro video game. Early gameplay was smooth and responded well with the dualshock controller – positive signs that it will be an interesting improvement to the 80’s original.

While there are several other games set to hit the VR systems, the success of these five games will be the litmus test as to whether virtual reality will be gaming’s next big thing. Those hoping that’s the case should be excited by action-packed games like Rigs and Battlezone, as well as the immersive suspense of games like Edge of Nowhere and Narcosis. Regardless if virtual reality takes off or flops, it is an exciting time in the gaming industry.