09 Apr A Review of an Introvert’s Favorite VR Games Played During Quarantine
During these trying times, while the world is taking safety precautions by staying home, there are numerous ways to pass the time. My Christmas gift to myself was an Oculus Quest and I’m glad to share with you the games I’ve been playing on repeat to temporarily escape reality.
My never-gonna-quit go-to to make sure my heart still beats: Beat Saber and Pistol Whip
Luckily, both Beat Saber and Pistol Whip released new updates leading into Atlanta’s stay-home order at the end of March. On Beat Saber, my gameplay upgraded with custom songs installed, and Master of Bumping Beats (I made that up, I’m sure he doesn’t appreciate that title) himself, Timbaland, released 5 catchy songs and awesome beat maps to beat (You got that?). While not new, the 360 and 90 degree songs adds a new dimension that is much more immersive of VR’s full capabilities. Way to keep players on their slipper-ed toes!
Pistol Whip’s new song, Full Throttle, is other-worldly and danceable, too. You must be ready to pistol whip more often, which gets my heart pumping faster than when you see the last roll of TP or box of pasta on the grocery store shelf. But it is just as thrilling when victory is yours, both in-game and in-store, am I right? Chin up, buttercup and smash the patriarchy! Or just work off the calories from eating ice cream for breakfast. You do you.
To safely play together with friends separately: Acron: Attack of the Squirrels
This is a fun one to play with your family and friends, whether they are in the same room with you or not. So, if you’re tired of all the Zoom calls and you would rather see your friends as cheeky little squirrels or one mad, protective oak tree, then this competitive game is sure to keep the conversations away from “what day of the week is it again?” and “I assembled this same puzzle in half the time as the last.” The person in VR plays a tree who’s just trying to innocently protect their acorns, while a team of at least 2 squirrels, playing on smartphones, also innocently claim fallen acorns to bring back to their hungry family. The squirrels have special skills that you can use to your advantage and so wash your hands, cover your coughs, and don’t get knocked out cold.
When I need 2 cups of peace and calmness, with a dash of excitement: Real VR Fishing
I never thought to like fishing in real life so why would I play this game in VR? Good question. In real life, there’s flying insects, gnarly water and weather conditions, and actual fish. They can be tasty animals, but I’d rather not touch. The thought of unhooking their mouths pains me, too. Voila! VR to the rescue! Fishing really *IS* relaxing! Especially when you’re only 15 feet away from a functioning toilet, am I right, ladies? The new tools of the self-care and meditation movement are a rod, reel, and a shiny lure. Now go on and slay those negative thoughts away, my friends.
When you randomly want to feel like you are on a Japanese game show, but in your PJs: OhShape
If you haven’t seen the Japanese game show segment Brain Wall, you’re in for a hilarious treat. OhShape is modeled after the game where players are forced to contort in funny positions to fit through walls, dodge and smash down other species of walls, and collect coins. All the walls are moving towards you, much like the one you’re hitting right now with boredom, and you’re graded by how many walls you pass accurately and how many coins are collected. Get it going fast enough or pick an upbeat song, and it almost feels like you’re [robot] dancing. Almost. These would make very strange dance moves anywhere outside OhShape. Get up and move your body in the privacy of your home, but once we can attend weddings and clubs again, keep these moves (and the Floss while we’re at it) in your sweatpants pocket.
To test your quarantined relationship with your S.O. even more, just add a ticking time bomb: Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
Oh boy. It sure is a test. Congratulations, you defused the bomb or you blew each other up but remember to stay calm because practice makes perfect. Just like how we’re taking this isolation-nation one day at a time, we will get through this together. This game’s goal is to collaboratively defuse a bomb in VR that only one person can see. There are various, undecipherable puzzles on that bomb and the other person outside the headset has the answers to solving them. Quick, clear communication is key, and so is trust, a lot of apologies, and perhaps a better understanding of how your S.O. deals with stressful, uncertain situations. Take this as an opportunity to be vulnerable. Once we can again, we’re all going to kiss and hug it out even tighter than we ever have before. Stay positive. Stay home. Take care. We’re going to make it out okay — stronger even.
Friend me on Oculus Quest @junglejayne.
