This year’s virtual reality scene has been a non-stop thrill ride, taking us deeper into the realm of digital immersion that shows no signs of hitting a plateau. Over nearly a decade, VR has showcased its potential in majestic and groundbreaking ways, transforming gaming, creativity, and human connection.
As we journey through 2024, the anticipated breakthroughs of VR have become more than hype—they’re cementing a new era that’s proving fruitful for both developers and gamers. From massive AAA releases to indie gems, the success has transcended the notion of VR being just a niche interest.
This year, the emphasis has shifted towards perfecting the art of VR. Developers are refining what they’ve learned over the past decade to make VR not only more comfortable and immersive but also accessible to a wider audience. The result? Some fantastic advancements in gameplay mechanics, storytelling, and visuals that convincingly transport you into their worlds.
Let’s dive into Road to VR’s 2024 Game of the Year selection.
Skydance’s Behemoth
- Developer: Skydance Games
- Platforms: Quest, PSVR 2, PC VR
- Release Date: December 5th, 2024
PC VR games have carved out their unique space, offering enthusiasts the chance to maximize their hardware capabilities for an unparalleled experience compared to standalone platforms like Quest or optimized ones like PSVR 2. Staying true to this, Skydance’s Behemoth isn’t just about dazzling visuals. It’s about forging realms that players can instinctively navigate, with NPCs that breathe authenticity and soundscapes that wrap around you. Few experiences achieve this balance, yet Behemoth excels, raising the bar for immersive VR experiences.
Thanks to Skydance’s expertise, also shown in The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners, they’ve crafted a game where everything—from the visceral melee combat to the rich world-building—shines. Before facing the behemoths, players are challenged through climbing, grappling hook swings, and precision shooting. You have the freedom to wield three Legendary weapons or tackle foes with their own gear. This combination of creativity and freedom cements Behemoth as a standout game that must be experienced.
Batman: Arkham Shadow
- Developer: Camouflaj
- Publisher: Oculus Studios / Meta
- Platform: Quest 3/S (exclusive)
- Release Date: October 21st, 2024
Bringing Batman back in VR was an ambitious move, especially with such an iconic franchise. Camouflaj took on the daunting task of redefining the Arkham legacy for a new medium, and they succeeded beyond expectations with Batman: Arkham Shadow, our Quest Game of the Year.
Rather than simply adapting existing mechanics, the devs zeroed in on what gives an Arkham game its essence. They reinvented everything from the ground up for VR, particularly the series’ signature combat that sees Batman dynamically dispatching threats across a room. This inventive approach to combat combined motion and locomotion uniquely, allowing players to dive into battles with intuitive, pulse-racing ease.
Metro Awakening
- Developer: Vertigo Games
- Platforms: PSVR 2, Quest, PC VR
- Release Date: November 7th, 2024
The Metro franchise finally embraces VR, creating an immersive post-apocalyptic environment that players have longed to experience. Vertigo Games brilliantly translated the Metro series’ gritty charm into VR, redesigning everything to feel captivating in this new format. The introduction of new weapons like the interactive crossbow and shotgun breathe life into the game, staying true to Metro’s essence while being perfectly suited for VR interaction.
The game’s eerie atmosphere, coupled with its innovative inventory system, deepens the sense of realism, immersing players in a world where every action feels tangible and every threat feels immediate, resulting in an award-winning experience.
Starship Home
- Developer: Creature
- Platform: Quest 3/S (exclusive)
- Release Date: September 26th, 2024
Mixed reality took a bold step with Creature’s Starship Home, utilizing room-sensing capabilities of the Quest to reimagine how we interact with virtual environments. MR adds value to gaming with its intelligent use of physical spaces to create an engaging experience. Starship Home’s clever system allows you to turn your room into part of the game’s narrative, signaling a new era where mixed reality could become a core aspect of gameplay.
UNDERDOGS
- Developer: One Hamsa
- Platforms: Quest, PC VR
- Release Date: January 25th, 2024
One Hamsa’s UNDERDOGS clinched Excellence in both Locomotion and Indie Development. The developers successfully transformed VR movement by letting players control mechs using arm-based locomotion, enhancing the sensation of embodiment. Combining movement with combat mechanics provides a fresh and compelling gameplay dynamic.
Blade & Sorcery
- Developer: Warpfrog
- Platforms: PC VR, Quest
- Release Date: June 17th, 2024
Blade & Sorcery continues to evolve, with Warpfrog delivering its long-awaited 1.0 update, transforming it into a complete and richly detailed world. This expansion added depth to an already extensively moddable game, maintaining its position as a flagship for immersive combat.
Trombone Champ: Unflattened!
- Developer: Flat2VR Studios, Holy Wow Studios
- Publisher: Flat2VR Studios
- Platforms: Quest, PC VR, PSVR 2
- Release Date: November 26th, 2024
Flat2VR Studios has impressively adapted Trombone Champ for VR, bringing its humorous charm into a fully interactive 3D environment. The game challenges players to serenade on their trombonas in front of a virtual audience, capturing the original’s spirit while enhancing the experience with VR’s unique capabilities.
Each year, VR advances further, exploring new territories and redefining how we interact with games. The nominees and winners of this year are a testament to the medium’s momentum and potential. Let’s enjoy the ride as we await what the next year brings.
