How do you feel the first half of 2023 has gone VR gaming-wise? It’s not been as strong as in previous years but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been some good titles. Our most anticipated VR games in 2023 are still to come, so let’s look back at what’s already arrived.
Best VR Games of 2023 So Far
Now, for this selection, XR Source is going to stick to one firm rule. The game has to have been released this year. That means no ports from previous years. So for instance, Red Matter 2 is a stunning game that first arrived for Quest 2 in 2022. A PSVR 2 edition arrived a couple of months ago with new enhancements but it is still a 2022 game. This is because we want to highlight all the most recent great games.
So in no particular order, here are the best VR games that have so far arrived in 2023.
Synapse
From the British powerhouse that is nDreams came PSVR 2 exclusive Synapse. Just like the studio’s previous title Fracked, Synapse offers up plenty of fast-paced, gun-toting action. This time around, you’re not just wreaking havoc with an arsenal of weaponry. You’ve also got some expressive telekinetic abilities with which to get the upper hand.
It’s one of those VR games that makes you feel like a badass movie hero, unleashing your telekinetic powers with some well-built VR mechanics. Synapse also has a striking design aesthetic which makes each encounter pop. While there is a story arc, Synapse is really al about the run-and-gun gameplay.
Pixel Ripped 1978
Pixel Ripped 1978 is ARVORE’s third instalment in the franchise, this time teaming up with iconic videogame company Atari. Having been to the ’80s and ’90s, now we head even further back into the videogame industry’s past. Series protagonist Dot returns, joining forces with “Bug”, an early Atari game designer and programmer to save the day.
The entire franchise is about exploring the goodness of each era with a VR twist. We love Pixel Ripped for its gameplay variety, offering a homage to classic Atari games. It might not be to everyone’s liking but it has a lot of love and passion for a bygone era of gaming.
Breachers
If you’ve played VR shooters like Onward, Alvo, Firewall Zero Hour, and Contractors to death and want something new, then Breachers is it. A purely online, 5v5 tactical first-person shooter (FPS), in Breachers you’re either attacking or defending key points.
Wall-to-wall action from the get-go, as an enforcer your job is to eliminate enemies and disarm their bombs with an EMP. Rappel and blow up walls, swing through windows and catch your opponents by surprise with gadgetry like drones, cloaking devices, flashbangs and breaching foam. As a revolter the opposite is true, defending your bomb with doorblockers, tripmines, static field emitters and proximity sensors.
F1 23
Love Formula 1 and want to feel that exhilaration of racing down the home straight at 200mph, then F1 23 is the place to go.
With additional PC VR support, F1 23 features multiple game modes such as Time Trial, Grand Prix, and Multiplayer. Two new circuits have also been added, the Las Vegas Street Circuit in Nevada, USA and the Losail International Circuit in Doha, Qatar. The ‘Breaking Point’ Story mode will also make a return featuring young upstart, Aiden Jackson, and infamous protagonist Devon Butler.
Horizon Call of the Mountain
The definitive launch game for PSVR 2, Horizon Call of the Mountain was a collaborative effort between Firesprite and Guerilla Games. Horizon Call of the Mountain is set in the same universe as Horizon Zero Dawn (2017) and Horizon Forbidden West (2022).
The VR edition features its own unique storyline whilst utilising PSVR 2’s new hardware features to immerse players in this rich experience. Not only does it boast some gorgeous looking graphics, it shows off PSVR 2’s Sense Controllers and headset haptics features. This is one PSVR 2 game all owners should try.
Another Fisherman’s Tale
Another Fisherman’s Tale is InnerspaceVR and Vertigo Games’ sequel to the award-winning VR title A Fisherman’s Tale. You once again inhabit the role of Bob the Fisherman, continuing his story with some mind-bending puzzles. This time around, not only will the experience offer a longer, 5-6 hour adventure, but you’ll also control Nina, Bob’s daughter.
All of Another Fisherman’s Tale‘s puzzle mechanics revolve around Bob being able to detach his limbs. Throwing his hands through gaps to pull a lever. Or launching his head onto a balcony of a better view. It’s an enjoyable puzzle experience, read all about it in our Another Fisherman’s Tale review.
Vertigo 2
A stunning example of what a solo game developer can do, Vertigo 2 is a must play buy all accounts. Dubbed by Road to VR as “One of PC’s Greatest VR Games Since ‘Half-Life: Alyx’”, Vertigo 2 is a single-player story-driven adventure.
Comprising an 18-hour campaign filled with an assortment of weapons, its full of non-stop action and excitement. Currently, PCVR only, Vertigo 2 is coming to PSVR 2 later this year.
How do you feel about our 2023 selection? Any that we missed out on that we should’ve definitely included? Let us know in the comments below.