Last week’s VR Game Roundup saw Floor Plan receive a sequel, a virtual reality spin on Overcooked, and yet another VR shooter get released. This week sees one major anticipated release and several other interesting titles. Highlighting this week’s new releases is the “Spider-Man, but with guns” shooter called Swarm, a title about directing traffic (which is way more fun than the description makes it seem), and Shinobi Striker arrives on the Oculus Store.
Shinobi Breaker
This week’s VR Game Roundup begins with Shinobi Breaker, which was released a few months ago on Steam but is now available on the Oculus Store. It’s strange that it wasn’t always there as it is exclusive to the Oculus Rift, but it’s better late than never. This unique game has you throwing shurikens at blocks and slashing enemy bullets that come at you with a katana. It plays sort of like the old game Breakout, and it’s a solid arm workout as you use your different weapons to get a high score.
Fitness Potential
Shinobi Breaker is a solid arm workout due to its variety. Weapons range from swords to bows, and you will move your body to get out of the way from enemy projectiles.
Developer/Publisher: Donuts Co. Ltd.
Release Date: April 8, 2021
Compatible With: Oculus Rift
Price: $14.99
Link: Oculus Store
Traffic Jams
This unique virtual reality title has you controlling traffic and can even be played with friends using their phones. Traffic Jams has a career mode that will take you around the globe, and each locale has its own events that will change things up.
Fitness Potential
While not a game that serious fitness enthusiasts will want to pick up, this could be great for keeping kids active. You’ll be using your arms to direct traffic, and it is an active VR experience rather than a passive one.
Developer and Publisher: Little Chicken Game Company and Vertigo Games
Release Date: April 8, 2021
Compatible With: Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality.
Price: $17.99 ($19.99)
Link: Steam, Oculus Rift Store, Oculus Quest Store
Swarm
The biggest release this week is Swarm, which is exclusive to Oculus Quest and Rift. This unique shooter has you armed with a grappling hook mechanic, so you’ll be swinging around environments as if you were a superhero. With quick arcade gameplay and leaderboards, there is plenty of replayability.
Fitness Potential
Early reviews are very positive for Swarm. While it isn’t the most active game, you will be moving your body a bit more than your average shooter to look around the environment as you swing around. While it won’t become a fitness mainstay, it’s still a solid addition to anyone looking for a fun game to check out.
Developer and Publisher: Greensky Games
Release Date: April 8, 2021
Compatible With: Oculus Rift and Oculus Quest.
Price: $24.99
Link: Oculus Quest Store, Oculus Rift Store
Headcount
The final title in our VR Game Roundup this week is Headcount. This is a fast-paced bullet hell shooter that is entering Early Access. Since it isn’t fully out, it should be noted that it currently has three levels and will be completed in four to six months. It’ll add in more abilities and weapons, extra levels, and more.
Fitness Potential
Shooters aren’t typically the most active type of game, and like Swarm this is no exception. However, you can dual wield weapons, which will get both of your arms moving instead of one as you take out enemies and run around maps.
Developer and Publisher: VR Buddy Games
Release Date: March 31, 2021
Compatible With: Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality.
Price: $6.29 ($6.99)
Link: Steam
That does it for this week’s edition of the VR Game Roundup. Are you picking up Swarm or any of the other releases? Let us know in the comments below.
