Virtual reality made its long-awaited debut in 2016. It wasn't perfect, but proved that the technology could hit the consumer market and in a meaningful way.
Although we are big fans of VR here at GameRevolution, we know that it is a tough sell in its current state. Not only are HMDs expensive, but so are their games. It's common to spend more than $1000 to transition into being a VR consumer. This is why knowing what the best games to buy and play are is so important in the case of VR.
Because of this, we've decided to do an end of year list that catalogs the 10 best games available on VR, focusing on the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and PSVR. You can check out our picks in the gallery below.
Top 10 Best VR Games of 2016
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8. Audioshield
Platforms: HTC Vive
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rnThere's something special about rhythm games in VR. In the case of Audioshield, you become absorbed by the music as you're tasked with preventing yourself from taking energy balls to the face. At first it's chaotic, but as you get the hang of it you naturally find yourself dancing to the music. You'll burn away hundreds of calories without even realizing it, and have a good time while you're at it. -
2. Chronos
Platforms: Oculus Rift
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rnEven if this game weren't in VR, it'd be great. Chronos plays a lot like The Legend of Zelda, but with a much darker tone. The VR implementation allows you to absorb the world around you in a much more meaningful way. With over 20 hours of play value, it's perhaps the longest VR exclusive title, and it makes great use of your time thanks to its well-delivered combat and subtle story elements. -
7. Damaged Core
Platforms: Oculus Rift
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rnEquipped with a full 10+ hour campaign, Damaged Core comes close to being a full AAA VR experience. This is a game with a great sense of action that always makes you feel as though you're in the middle of a sci-fi battlefield. It also has a story that is delivered surprisingly well, making for a complete experience that few other VR games can match. -
1. Elite: Dangerous
Platforms: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift
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rnAlthough we were hoping that a VR exclusive would come out on top, Elite: Dangerous has deservingly earned our number one spot. This title represents exactly what most VR consumers want when they purchase a headset: a trip to outer space. Not only do you get to pilot spaceships, but many of its game elements are MMO-esque in nature, meaning potentially hundreds of hours of play value. In terms of VR, throwing on a headset brings its Milky Way world to life, encouraging you to go where no man has gone before. As you gaze into the stars around you, you'll wonder if you'll ever be fortunate enough to go to space in real life. Even if not, this is the second best option. -
10. Job Simulator
Platforms: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, PSVR
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rnAlthough this title was initially included for free with every HTC Vive purchase, it's one of the greatest demonstrations for what VR is capable of. Offering four different environments, you're tasked with completing simple jobs in Job Simulator. You know, like making customers food, or fixing cars. Without VR it would be boring, but there's something strangely satisfying about doing menial tasks in VR. -
6. Rez Infinite
Platforms: PSVR
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rnThis rail-shooter looks dated, but it's far from ordinary. Rez Infinite's mish-mash of rhythm and action is an incredible auditory experience that pulls you in the moment you begin. For gamers who played the original Rez more than 15 years ago, it's a mind-blowing experience. Voted by many as the best PSVR game, it's one of the greatest ways to try out your new headset. -
5. Subnautica
Platforms: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift
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rnLiving underwater is no simple task. In Subnautica you get to see what it's like to have to scavenge for fish, cook them, craft clean water, avoid sharks, and more. Its VR implementation is surprisingly good, making what is already a popular game much more compelling. -
4. Thumper
Platforms: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, PSVR
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rnThumper is successful in a way similar to Audioshield in that it's rhythm oriented, but it feels like a more complete game. In it you are guided down tracks as you experience a world fully influenced by music. The world around you warps with each beat, inspiring a sense of wonder that non-VR games simply can't replicate. -
3. The Gallery: Call of the Starseed
Platforms: HTC Vive rn rnThis commonly overlooked title is one of the greatest demonstrations of VR you can play. Known for having the best graphics of any VR game, the journey through The Gallery: Call of the Starseed is mesmerizing. There are plenty of puzzles to complete and a good gameplay flow that encourages exploration. This is just a taste of what large budget VR games could bring in the future, and we're sold. -
9. The Lab
Platforms: HTC Vive
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rnThis tech demo made by Valve is absolutely brilliant. The Lab includes several bite-sized pieces of software that the company created when developing and testing the HTC Vive. You can jump between enjoying 3D nature photos to engaging in archery before walking around in a virtual solar system. It's the best game for new HTC Vive owners to start off with as it sets a great tone in addition to serving as a fantastic introduction to the world of VR. -
Top 10 Best VR Games of 2016
