9 Underrated VR Shooters You Need To Play

As a seasoned gamer with over three decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the current lineup of VR action games is nothing short of breathtaking! From the adrenaline-pumping spectacle of Fracked to the Michael Bay-esque chaos of Crossfire: Sierra Squad, there’s something for every action enthusiast.

Virtual Reality (VR) is rapidly expanding, primarily due to the unique gaming experiences it offers, which are unattainable through traditional flatscreens.

One of the biggest genres in VR currently is the shooter and while there are certainly standout games that get all the praise in the world, there are also many games that also deserve some love.

Check out these virtual reality shooter games that, while they may not have won over the critics, certainly warrant a look from you!

9. Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge

The Best Star Wars Shooter Ever

Virtual Reality offers an ideal platform to realize our most geeky daydreams, naturally including Star Wars as a prime choice for virtual reality experiences.

In the reality of virtual reality, Star Wars: Vader Immortal brought our dream to life. Although it was well-structured, it was chiefly an immersive experience as opposed to a comprehensive game.

The identical crew attempted another venture with Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge, and while it didn’t become a massive success, it was an unforgettable journey for any Star Wars enthusiast.

Here, you’re in for an extended journey, visiting numerous iconic Star Wars settings. Throughout this adventure, you’ll find yourself involved in multiple intense firefights using Blasters, Grenade Launchers, assorted laser guns, and an array of diverse grenades and attachments.

This material is incredibly exciting, and its impact mirrors that of its cinematic equivalents. What’s more, you can even wield two items simultaneously, adding a dynamic feel to your actions.

The narrative may not be exceptional, but it provides a steady momentum throughout the gameplay. You‘ll encounter distinct stories that let you step into the role of a Jedi, offering brief opportunities for those craving Lightsaber action. However, these aspects might not be fully developed parts of the game.

8. Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond

A Heroic Effort

The game “Medal of Honor” seemed particularly well-suited for virtual reality, as players anticipated an authentic, immersive portrayal of World War II events, consistent with the series’ usual gritty realism.

Instead, what we received was just a brief glimpse into the challenges of war, offering plenty of action, yet giving off an arcade-like vibe that some found surprising compared to their expectations.

That’s not to say it’s bad. It’s far from bad. It just lacks much of the VR interaction you might expect from a big-budget title, but the shooting here is incredible.

As a devoted enthusiast, I can’t wait to wield an array of accurate-to-the-era firearms at my disposal! Some of the immersive environments I’ll be battling within are truly breathtaking and unforgettable.

In-flight gunfights, exhilarating getaways, and the climactic moment being part of D-Day itself are experiences that will indelibly impact you. It’s challenging to comprehend how one could be disappointed with such a game.

In terms of multiplayer, this VR shooter leans more towards the less impressive side, but if you’re drawn by the narrative, the campaign offers a thrilling ride with moments that can be quite challenging.

In virtual reality, finding games similar to this can be challenging. If you’re a fan of the Medal of Honor series or crave a realistic shooter set in historically accurate environments, don’t hesitate to pick this up. It’s sure to satisfy your gaming needs without disappointment.

7. Tales of Glory 2

Squad Based Mayhem

Release Date December 1st, 2020
Developer Blacktale Games
Platform PCVR

Game Tales of Glory 2 – From Early Access to Near Completion

The idea is straightforward: lead a team on diverse assignments, each with unique goals, while providing you with the right assortment of weapons for the task at hand.

While it may not be entirely unique, let me tell you honestly, there aren’t many virtual reality (VR) games that resemble this one. Certainly, there are multiplayer versions available, but when it comes to single-player military shooters in VR, they are quite rare.

In this game, you have voice commands that allow you to guide your party’s movements, a feature rarely seen in other games. Remarkably, Blacktale Games has managed to implement this smoothly even in their first two titles.

The interactivity is equally noteworthy, allowing you to move wounded comrades clear of combat zones, seize adversaries for captivity, and hurl knives accurately with a pleasing finesse.

Among the standout aspects of this game is the thrilling stealth missions, which give it an immersive, virtual reality feel reminiscent of games like Splinter Cell or Metal Gear Solid. In the realm of virtual reality, such immersion is truly remarkable.

6. Guardians: Frontlines

VR’s Halo

Release Date March 9th 2023
Developer Virtual Age
Platforms PCVR, Meta Quest

In several aspects, Guardians: Frontlines can be seen as a virtual reality equivalent of Halo. It features a rebellious alien faction, protagonists who bear a strong resemblance to Master Chief, and an exciting collection of both human and extraterrestrial weaponry and vehicles that players can interact with during gameplay.

Instead of merely being a gunman, this involves far more complexities. You’ll find real-time strategy (RTS) features integrated, enabling you to generate your own troops and construct bases during the heat of combat.

The campaign isn’t too lengthy, but it creates some incredibly fun moments, and things can get tense when playing on higher difficulties.

Should you still be undecided, this game offers a variety of multiplayer modes for your enjoyment, a user-friendly map editor for sharing with others in the gaming community, and a cooperative mode enabling you to experience the campaign side by side with a companion.

This place has its rough edges, no doubt about it, but there’s definitely some enjoyable moments to be found. With more resources, it could blossom into something truly remarkable.

5. The Light Brigade

VR Rogue-like Bliss

While games such as Half-Life: Alyx may have garnered more attention, The Light Brigade manages to stand out with its distinctive approach and offers an exceptional gaming experience.

In this game reminiscent of roguelike genres, you’ll find yourself immersed in a visually distinctive environment, propelling you through progressively difficult stages. Along the way, you’ll gather a dynamic collection of weapons and engage in some of the finest virtual reality combat experiences available.

As a gamer, I get to infuse my gear with mystical powers all through this game, making the already thrilling battles even more intricate and satisfying!

Intriguingly, the arsenal comprises a blend of weapons reminiscent of World War 1, accompanied by unique additions revealed as you progress. Additionally, there are distinctive special skills at your disposal, and opportunities for continuous upgrades following every unsuccessful attempt.

The ongoing issue that captivates you is what you ought to focus on, and although it’s calm, the intriguing graphics and evolving stages will provide you with a lot of value for the investment you make.

4. Warhammer 40K: Battle Sister

A Focused Thrill Ride

Release Date March 8th, 2022
Developer Soul Assembly Ltd
Platforms PCVR, Meta Quest

Experience the non-stop, pulse-pounding excitement of Warhammer 40k: Battle Sister, a game that keeps the adrenaline flowing without dragging things out unnecessarily. It’s all about grand battles and spectacular scenes designed to keep you captivated throughout.

It’s not the deepest experience, but that doesn’t take away from the oodles of fun on offer.

Experience the thrill of stepping into the role of legendary Battle Sisters, adorning their complete battle gear and engaging with the weapons and fantastical creatures once confined to tabletop games. This transition from imagination to reality will undoubtedly captivate enthusiasts of the franchise.

In this game, the action never slows down, providing me with an array of weapons that pack a real punch. Wielding a sword in one hand and a pistol in the other? That’s pure power fantasy – something not many VR games can deliver.

Additionally, you have the option to experience the game in a cooperative horde mode with a companion, yet the core content lies within the main storyline.

It’s shockingly high-budget looking, with some amazing environments and boss battles, including one against a massive mech that is both intense and visually awesome.

3. Hellsweeper VR

Shooting and Slashing Action

Release Date September 21st, 2023
Developer Mixed Realms Pte Ltd
Platforms PCVR, Meta Quest

Hellsweeper VR, despite high anticipation due to its development by the acclaimed team behind Sairento VR, didn’t quite become the blockbuster hit many expected. While it generated a lot of buzz, the game unfortunately fell short of expectations due to its rather narrow focus in terms of gameplay experience.

It may not be conventional fun, but it certainly resembles the feel and appearance of Devil May Cry in virtual reality.

On your adventure, you’ll be firing weapons, slicing through demonic foes, and casting spells against your adversaries.

The action flows swiftly and gives you a sense of mastery, providing ample flexibility as you strategize for each fight scenario.

Those interactions often occur within large battlefields, which can be somewhat restrictive, yet the freedom to dash, fire, and slice through the atmosphere while playing is undeniably thrilling.

In this game, the movement is just as thrilling as in Sairento, enabling you to leap off walls, perform double jumps, and even somersault mid-air. It gives you a satisfyingly cool sensation, all while managing to avoid making you queasy, which is quite an accomplishment.

2. Crossfire: Sierra Squad

An Arcade Military Romp

Release Date November 1st, 2023
Developer Smilegate Entertainment
Platforms PCVR, PSVR, Meta Quest

In essence, although Sierra Squad appears to be a hardcore, tactical shooter game, it essentially offers an almost predetermined action experience with lots of visual flair and a substantial amount of content throughout its lengthy playtime.

In this genre, the graphics truly pop, but what truly sets this game apart is its exceptional shooting mechanics. The incorporation of scopes, lasers, and other strategic add-ons is second to none, offering a unique level of customization for your weaponry during missions. You’ll have an impressive degree of freedom to tailor your arsenal to your playstyle.

By the way, let me tell you about them, there are more than 60 options available, each one dramatic and exaggerated, reminiscent of a 90s action film in real life. They come with cringe-worthy voice acting and lines, but strangely enough, that seems to add to their appeal.

Although the overall plot may be unremarkable, it doesn’t diminish the exhilarating minute-by-minute gameplay that offers a satisfyingly tough challenge and never fails to entertain, owing to its engaging set pieces.

This virtual reality shooter feels like a blockbuster directed by Michael Bay. While it might not earn any prizes, it promises an incredibly engaging experience.

1. Fracked

Over-the-Top Action

Release Date May 5th, 2022
Developer nDreams
Platforms PCVR, Meta Quest, PSVR

Fracked is all about action and is one of the most insane games in VR.

The film received criticism for its short duration, given it lasts approximately 3 hours, but consider this: within those few hours, you’re in store for an exhilarating amount of action typically found in major motion pictures.

In this game, you take on the role of a worker battling against a menacing interdimensional foe in a one-of-a-kind mountain setting. Although the plot may seem absurd, the experience of fighting these enemies amidst snowy landscapes, with high-speed snowmobile chases and exhilarating action sequences, is incredibly exciting.

In this game, you’ll find the action engaging, the adversaries captivating, and the visuals among the finest in their class; consequently, not only will playing it be enjoyable, but it will also be visually stunning as it unfolds.

This movement offers an amazing experience too, enabling you to glide along zip lines high above the ground and feel the thrill of flying through the air while firing your weapon, not forgetting the pulse-pounding chase scenes it includes.

The action is loud and constant, so you might even work up a sweat while playing it.

Although the experience is brief, it’s certainly worth a try if you’ve got a weekend to waste.

Read More

2024-12-06 18:10