Stepping into another year of virtual reality, the technology shows no signs of slowing down. It’s a medium that’s reshaping gaming, creativity, and connectivity as we know it. Now, in 2024, VR is proving more than ever to be a force to be reckoned with, achieving milestones that highlight its immense potential. It’s not just about the big-budget "AAA" games; this year is brimming with both long-awaited blockbusters and ambitious indie endeavors. These ventures are proving VR’s worth to both developers and gamers alike.
What makes this year stand out is the emphasis on refinement. Developers have tapped into over a decade’s worth of insights to elevate VR’s comfort, immersion, and accessibility. New mechanics and compelling narratives are transforming the landscape, and 2024 is already shaping up to be a noteworthy chapter in VR evolution.
Let’s dive into Road to VR’s 2024 Game of the Year Awards:
Skydance’s Behemoth by Skydance Games, available on Quest, PSVR 2, and PC VR, released on December 5th, 2024, snagged PC VR’s top spot this year. Unlike Quest and PSVR 2, which are designed for broader audiences, PC VR caters to power users who love pushing their hardware to the limit. Immersion here transcends visuals; it involves crafting believable worlds, engaging NPCs, and soundscapes that completely absorb the player. Skydance’s Behemoth hits all these marks and stands as a testament to the studio’s growth since The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners. Arming players with incredible melee experiences and immersive world-building. Plus, the Behemoth battles are a masterclass in testing the player’s accumulated skills. Whether you use legendary weapons or try out gear from enemies, Behemoth encapsulates what’s best about VR gaming.
Batman: Arkham Shadow by Camouflaj and published by Oculus Studios/Meta exclusively for Quest 3/S came out on October 21st, 2024. This game audaciously revived a beloved franchise, redefining its mechanics for VR. Arkham’s intense combat, where Batman is a whirlwind of fists and strategy, is translated into VR with innovative approaches to movement and combat that preserve the essence of Arkham. It’s an exhilarating experience proving its worth as Quest Game of the Year.
Metro Awakening from Vertigo Games for PSVR 2, Quest, and PC VR was released on November 7th, 2024. Metro Awakening brings the beloved, gritty post-apocalyptic series to VR flawlessly. Vertigo Games understood the assignment perfectly, updating Metro’s signature essence for VR play. They introduced fresh, immersive weapon mechanics and an interactive inventory system that truly enhances the experience. The atmospheric sound design and consistent tension elevate the game, earning it the Excellence in Immersion award.
Starship Home by Creature, exclusive to Quest 3/S, debuted on September 26th, 2024. It makes significant strides in mixed reality, demonstrating MR’s potential beyond being a mere novelty. By integrating room-sensing features and allowing module placement, it cleverly reimagines your space as a sci-fi playground, setting a benchmark for future MR games.
UNDERDOGS by One Hamsa, available on Quest and PC VR, released on January 25th, 2024. It captured awards for Excellence in Locomotion and Indie Development by implementing innovative, arm-based locomotion that feels tailored to its gameplay. This unique movement experience, coupled with exciting combat mechanics, delivers a VR embodiment that stands out in the indie scene.
Blade & Sorcery by Warpfrog, available on PC VR and Quest, released its 1.0 update on June 17th, 2024. The physics-based combat game expanded over the years, culminating in a substantial update featuring the ‘Crystal Hunt’ story mode, enhancing its already robust mechanics and marking its full-fledged completion.
Trombone Champ: Unflattened! by Flat2VR Studios and Holy Wow Studios, available on Quest, PC VR, and PSVR 2, was released on November 26th, 2024. Originally a fun 2D rhythm game, it received a masterful VR adaptation by Flat2VR, earning high praise and setting the stage for future ports.
In conclusion, the array of 2024’s VR releases has not only pushed the medium forward but also underscored its capacity for groundbreaking experiences. Kudos to all developers who contributed to a remarkable year for virtual reality!
