Looking at the week ahead there’s a varied selection of indie virtual reality (VR) titles on their way, from monstrous shooters to tactical, asymmetrical co-op adventures. While more may appear out the blue, here are five videogames who’ve confirmed their release dates.
VAR: Exterminate – VAR LIVE International
A frantic zombie wave shooter coming to Steam Early Access, VAR: Exterminate will initially offer 12 levels to try and survive, with 3 weapons, 2 drones, and 50 ability cards. You can pick one of 3 abilities at the start of each wave tailoring each run-through. These range from steady hands and medkits to extended mags and improved critical hits. VAR LIVE International will further expand the experience with more weapons, cards, and maps.
- Supported platforms: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Windows Mixed Reality
- Launch date: 16th May
Sheriff Exam – ITCStudio
A Wild West-themed shooting simulator, Sheriff Exam has a single-player campaign mode and six mini-games for you to test those skills in: Bottle Range, Flying Cans; Rolling Ducks, Shootball; Darts, and Whack ‘em Moles. As you progress you’ll be able to unlock new items such as revolvers, shotguns, custom gloves, bombs, and whiskey at the shop. There’s also a global leaderboard for everyone to compete on.
- Supported platforms: Oculus Rift and HTC Vive
- Launch date: 17th May
Operation Armstrong – Fullbeans Studio
Developed by Australian indie team Fullbeans Studio, Operation Armstrong sees the VR player take on the role of a field operative, having to carefully sneak around a robot base. To aid in this endeavour, up to 12 other players can join for some cross-platform local co-op by logging in through a web browser on their smartphones. The team can then assist by clearing obstacles and disrupting the enemy.
- Supported platforms: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index, and Windows Mixed Reality
- Launch date: 18th May
Puzzle Bobble VR: Vacation Odyssey – Survios
The one non-indie VR title on this list, coming from the studio behind The Walking Dead Onslaught and Creed: Rise to Glory, Survios has teamed up with Taito for Puzzle Bobble VR: Vacation Odyssey. Offering a single-player mode with 100 levels of bubble popping madness, an Infinite Mode for endless fun and an Online Duel Mode where players can go 1v1, Puzzle Bobble VR: Vacation Odyssey brings this classic puzzle gameplay into VR.
- Supported platforms: Oculus Quest
- Launch date: 20th May
Crystal Raiders VR – Nieko
A Steam Early Access release from AR studio Nieko and VRKiwi, Crystal Raiders VR is an action-adventure where you can explore medieval castles either on your own or in co-op with three other players. Like any dungeon crawler you’ll have to fight monsters, customise your loadouts, avoid traps, and solve puzzles to survive until the end.
- Supported platforms: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Valve Index
- Launch date: 21st May
via Mint VR