Road to VR's Scores

  • Games
For 154 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 40% higher than the average critic
  • 11% same as the average critic
  • 49% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 3.2 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 72
Highest review score: 100 Half-Life: Alyx
Lowest review score: 30 Gnomes & Goblins
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 83 out of 154
  2. Negative: 9 out of 154
159 game reviews
    • 79 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    With strong gunplay, randomized objective locations, and unlocks to chase, Firewall Zero Hour has a distinct allure for those looking for FPS immersion.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Star Wars: Squadrons puts you in the lovingly reimaged cockpits from the storied franchise, making you feel like you've truly stepped into the Star Wars universe. All of the hallmarks of a AAA title are here, and the VR mode doesn't disappoint despite not being a true built-for-VR title. Although we were expecting a bloated tutorial-focused campaign, the story mode turns out to be a true highlight of the game, and introduced. Multiplayer still feels like its evolving, although there's at least the peace of mind that you'll always find a match thanks to cross-platform support across console and PC.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Wilson's Heart is a visually-stunning adventure offering a host of expertly-crafted immersive environments, complete with realistic characters and competent voice acting. A thin sheen of '40s campiness coats what turns out to be a horrifying and surreal nightmare world. While puzzles are interesting and varied, the game disappointingly suffers from inconsistent object interaction and lack-luster monster battles. [Tested with Oculus Touch]
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Transpose is an innovative and fresh take on the VR puzzle genre. Although lacking any real narrative, it more than makes up for this with devilishly complex puzzles and loads of stylish atmosphere. The cooperative 'Echo' mechanic works extremely well, and gets you thinking both spatially and chronologically to best solve the game's ever increasingly difficult brain teasers. Some more graphical polish would be much appreciated, along with some refinements on object interaction.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    The Midnight Walk is visually distinct and creates effective contrast between a Burtonesque 'grotesque' style and small moments of beauty thanks to strong lighting and composition. It's nice that players are given the option to experience the game's unique world up close and personal in VR. But beyond being a very cool immersive tour of someone's artwork, the basic gameplay doesn't feel particularly native to VR and the poetic narrative didn't resonate with me in a meaningful way. This walk might not be for everyone, but inside the headset is the best way to experience it if you love the style.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Horizon Call of the Mountain takes players on a fun adventure throughout a breathtaking world, showcasing some of the best graphics you'll find anywhere in VR. Beyond the epic vistas, the game's smaller details—like rich foliage, an array of climbing gadgets, and interactive props—make Call of the Mountain a very immersive game. It's a joy to see the sci-fi beasts of the Horizon world up close in VR, and their excellent animations and sound effects make them thoroughly believable. While combat could be a bit more fluid and climbing could have more interesting challenges, as a whole the game offers up a satisfying dose of VR native gameplay. Beyond the great environmental art, Call of the Mountain's characters are also impressively rendered, though unfortunately they're not involved or developed enough to make them memorable.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Gallery: Call of the Starseed is a first-person adventure that sets up the series, featuring a slow downturn into the truly extraordinary. Despite a few gripes, the game ultimately shines with gorgeous cinematics, realistic voice acting, and competent set design, making for a fun, albeit brief dip into one of the first VR games to feature motion controls. Teleportation and object interaction show its age—something we hope improves in the upcoming sequel.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Angry Birds VR: The Isle of Pigs proves that Angry Birds just works in VR, replete with it's topsy-turvy structures and little piggy fiends now fully realized in 3D. The game's shooting mechanic is extremely intuitive, and variably difficult levels provide a satisfying 2-3 hours of pig-shooting gameplay. There's clearly room to grow with more enemy types and birdbrained ammo still yet to come, although as it stands now, it totally captures the 'pure' Angry Birds experience.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Fallout 4 VR definitely has it flaws as a VR title, some of which simply couldn't be addressed without completely overhauling the game. The overall effect is clear though: it works, and that might just be enough given the depth of the post-apocalyptic backdrop.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Lone Echo II brings us more about what we loved from the first game, but plays it quite safe and doesn't break much new ground. While it's nice to be introduced to some new and important characters, they don't see much development, which contributes to a plot that doesn't feel very impactful. The game doesn't do much to challenge the player in combat or puzzles, but it excels in immersion. Between its intuitive zero-G locomotion and (at times) open map design, it's just a bit magical to feel like you're really outside of a derelict space station orbiting Saturn. The game could have benefited from better pacing and a bit more threat and tension, but if you liked doing space chores the first time around, you'll enjoy it here too.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    From Other Suns might be too brutal for the casual weekender going solo, but its ability to provide online multiplayer significantly changes the amount of fun you'll have. While not as immersive and detailed as we'd hoped, the game presents a fairly solid shooting experience and hectic ship resource management to pump up the adrenaline. However you play, you'll need to be determined to bang your head against the wall until you beat it though, because you can sink hours into it with only a few measly achievements to your name.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Brass Tactics shows its makers' RTS pedigree in this visually stunning and well-balanced table top game, but fails to deliver on the promise of an engaging story mode. Skirmishes, multiplayer, both solo and co-op, help make up for this, but it's still a sore spot that VR players are expecting when looking for immersion over their flatscreen RTS cousins.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    You can't craft your way to godhood in Song in the Smoke like in some survival games, but you can build a hardened resolve to make it through this primeval adventure, which challenges the player to get through each day in the face of hunger, cold, fatigue, and plenty of beasts that lurk in the shadows. Combat isn't super engaging, and visuals feel a little too muddy to be awe-inspiring, but Song in the Smoke can still leave you breathless with its large and complex levels that hide many secrets.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Pixel Ripped 1995 does an awesome job of taking you to the mid-90s with its unique 'game within a game' style, this time however zeroing in on the 16-bit and early 32-bit games, albeit with some cleverly-built knockoff games that ultimately pay homage to the era. Although it's a bit rough around the edges, the interplay between the 'real' world and the game world make for a fun, mind-bending trip that really hits the mark.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A Fisherman's Tale is basically a well realized taster for many concepts we wish could have been fleshed out to greater effect. The game's narrative is banal, but inoffensive, and should appeal to younger gamers more so than adults, and the same can be said about the level of difficulty on the puzzles themselves. In the end, it's a bit like stepping into a storybook, replete with all the requisite charm and pre-chewed concepts that ought to delight at least more than a few kids and kids-at-heart, but not anyone looking for a serious adventure worth more than the one hour of gameplay it provides.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Star Trek: Bridge Crew may offer a steep learning curve to overcome, but if you've got a trusty crew by your side, there's serious fun to be had here for both fans and non-Trekkies alike. Interiors are well-rendered, control panels are easy to use, and action is intense, making it easy to lose yourself in the one of the first truly cooperative space sims in VR that offers a deeply engaging social component, hopefully lasting well into the 23rd century. [Tested with Oculus Touch; HTC Vive]
    • 78 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Much of the thrill lies in the game's realistic (albeit fractured) atmosphere, although a few jump scares await that should get the pulse of even the bravest horror fan thumping. It treads a fine line between adventure game, with its puzzles and found objects that tell a story, and a dark indie film that sweeps you along at a fast clip. While too short for some, in the end the experience reflects concise storytelling that may have ultimately suffered with a longer format.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    On the surface level. Vacation Simulator is a seemingly familiar dive back into the whimsical world of Job Simulator, although this time around the studio has added a fair bit of structure and story to the game that really gives the vacation-focused sequel some much needed legs. Since you're given a wide swath of activities and only a few requirements to complete them, you're basically left to your own devices to have the most fun you want to have. In the end, it wasn't as relaxing as a vacation, but I certainly came out the other end with a smile on my face and enough reason to go back in after finishing the main story line.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In Death is an extremely difficult roguelike bow-shooter that is both extremely well realized and frustratingly hard. If you're into punishment, the seemingly infinite number of Purgatories that await ought to get you at least a little bit excited, because 'In Death' promises a constantly increasing level of difficulty along with cool unlocks as you die time and time again. Expect to put in a lot of time into your permanent sojourn in Purgatory to get the most out of it.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Synapse gives players an incredible feeling of telekinetic power that's undeniably cool and fun, and also adapts some of the best mechanics from nDreams' last game, Fracked. But Synapse follows a now familiar pattern for the developer: unique and well-built VR mechanics that are unfortunately paired with middling game design that lacks enemy, weapon, level, and scenario variety. While the game asks players to beat a 'full run' three times to reveal its full narrative, you'll have seen most of what the game has to offer not long after your first completion. As a roguelite, Synapse is missing that compelling feeling that makes you want to try new strategies as you play over and over.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Arizona Sunshine 2 is a decent zombie romp with all the usual elements, plus your dog friend, Buddy. Though sometimes clunkily animated, having an NPC companion that generally feels helpful and interactive adds a new flavor rarely seen in VR. While weapon handling and feel is above average, the clunkiness of the holster and inventory system is unfortunate considering there are many better examples to draw from. The game's pacing is fairly slow but gets more interesting in the last third. With a pleasing number of interactive items and details, Arizona Sunshine 2 gets a big boost to fun thanks to its cross-platform co-op which lets friends enjoy the zombie apocalypse together.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    Space Junkies is a technically proficient arena shooter that hits it out of the park in many aspects, including visuals, gun play, immersive environments, and comfort. There's an elephant in the room though: it's a pretty standard arena shooter experience that relies solely on multiplayer, which is still a very delicate thing in VR. While extremely capable, it remains to be seen whether it has the guts to drive user engagement numbers to keep it a healthy and bustling community based on such a well-trodden formula.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    Skyrim VR challenges the notion that games not made for VR can't be effectively ported. It isn't perfect by any means, but the game brings a level of world depth and vastness of content that's unmatched anywhere else in VR to date, bringing a certain type of immersion that other VR titles lack. Heavy reliance on menus and sub-par visual fidelity hurt immersion and in-the-moment gameplay, but the game is propped up by the shear quantity of details, things to do, places to discover, and ways to play. If you can put up with Skyrim VR's port-y feeling, you've got a huge world to explore and a ton to do. In some ways, Skyrim VR offers strong hope for the future of VR—when a game of this scale is eventually built for the ground up for VR, it's going to knock your socks off.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Into the Radius presents a large world that's about as dangerous as it is fascinating. While paying homage to the Soviet sci-fi classics Roadside Picnic and Stalker, the game easily provides 20+ hours of wasteland stalking and enemy encounters in an engrossing and well fleshed-out world. The game's attention to detail and immersive depth is shallowed somewhat by finicky object interaction and less than polished visuals that really should feel as solid as the game's ethos.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Metro Awakening succeeds in capturing the gritty, post-apocalyptic atmosphere of the Metro series in VR, with a focus on scavenging, sneaking, and shooting. The visual presentation was clearly given equal attention in the standalone and tethered versions of the game, without one feeling like it overtly compromised the other. The weapons stand out for their solid interactions, intriguing designs, and overall gunplay. Metro Exodus creates a strong foundation in its early stages, with compelling combat and scavenging mechanics. Unfortunately it falters in the second half with a lackluster story and a lack of gameplay variety. The atmosphere is tense and immersive, even if we're left wanting a bit ono environmental interactivity.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Skydance's Behemoth combines satisfying physics-based combat, immersive visuals, and dynamic mechanics to deliver a standout VR action-adventure experience, though its predictable story and occasionally artificial-feeling AI detract slightly from its otherwise polished execution. The game's intense Behemoth battles and well-woven locomotion mechanics combine for an impressive showcase of how a deft hand at VR-native design can elevate even mediocre narratives to monstrous heights.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Deadpool VR isn't some cheap knockoff: this is the real deal, thanks to expert voice acting from Neil Patrick Harris and phenomenal script writing to match. While combat can be somewhat repetitive, the level of gameplay variation always keeps you guessing, even if the narrative is on the tropey and mostly dispensable side. Despite it flaws, the merc with a mouth makes any dull spot that much more fun and engaging.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Obduction revives the overall feeling of its predecessors 'Myst' and 'Riven' by recreating the familiar brand of visually stunning environments mixed with cerebral puzzles. [Tested with Oculus Touch, HTC Vive]
    • 76 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    Budget Cuts is one of the smartest VR games to come out in recent memory, using a unique teleportation-portal system to let you stealthily zip around the sprawling, robot-filled office space like a knife-wielding Nightcrawler. There's so much to like about Budget Cuts, from it's humorous take on workplace automation to its adrenaline-filled action. It's safe to say Budget Cuts has lived up to its name in this full-length VR stealth game.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Wraith: The Oblivion - Afterlife serves up a fairly substantial slice of fear and intrigue. Don't be too held back by the pulpy delivery of the game's narrative, or some bits with noticeably lower polish, because in the end this horror-adventure fundamentally delivers on its promise to get your heart racing.

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