Hands-On with Gamescom 2024's Most Anticipated VR Titles
As a VR gaming lover, attending Gamescom 2024 was an incredibly exciting experience. The event showcased an impressive VR presence, with highlights spread across different areas of the convention. From the focused Home of XR megabooth to surprising finds in public areas, there was plenty for VR fans to explore! In this article we will primarily focus on The Home of XR megabooth and all the games it had to offer.
The Home of XR Experience
The Home of XR megabooth, located in the business area, was the centerpiece of VR gaming at Gamescom 2024. It provided a focused space for VR enthusiasts amidst the general chaos of the public areas. The setup was impressive, featuring 18 playable titles from 13 participating studios, all easily accessible in one area.
What set the Home of XR apart was its sense of community. The small lounge area served as a meeting point for developers, content creators, and media, fostering connections and discussions about the future of VR gaming. For those with trade passes or media access, it truly felt like a "home base" for exploring the latest in VR.
Many developers I spoke with, even those who didn't have anything to show this year, expressed interest in participating in future events. The organizers mentioned plans to hopefully expand the Home of XR for next year's Gamescom, which bodes well for the continued growth of VR presence at the event.
Now, let's dive into the games I had the chance to experience at the Home of XR!
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Action Hero
Action Hero feels like a spiritual successor to Superhot, but with its own cinematic flair. The game features scenes inspired by classic action movies, with a twist. For example, I played through a level reminiscent of Indiana Jones, but with raptors from Jurassic Park as the enemies.
The game is launching with five levels, with plans for more post-release. Each level I tried felt distinct, offering different challenges and set pieces to interact with. The slow-motion mechanics allowed for some truly cinematic moments, making me feel like the star of my own action movie.
While the concept isn't entirely new to VR, Action Hero's execution and movie-inspired levels make it stand out. It'll be interesting to see what other film homages they include in the full release.
Action Hero is set to release in late 2024 for Meta Quest headsets.
All On Board!
All On Board! aims to bring the social experience of board games into VR. While I didn't recognize any familiar IPs during my demo, the developers shared an interesting challenge they've faced: convincing traditional board game companies to embrace VR. Many are still skeptical about the medium's potential for tabletop gaming.
The platform plans to include a mod tool in the future, allowing board game companies to add their games themselves. Each game features custom environments and mechanics, which helps recreate the unique feel of different board games in VR.
One feature I appreciated was the in-game "how to play" videos for each game, which popped up a video tutorial on YouTube. It's a smart way to help players learn new games without breaking the VR experience.
While the lack of recognizable titles might be a hurdle initially, All On Board!'s customizable avatars and focus on social interaction could make it an interesting platform for VR board game enthusiasts.
All On Board! is scheduled for launch in Early 2025 for Meta Quest and SteamVR platforms.
Band Space
Band Space, developed by Fast Travel Games, brings the rock star experience to VR. Set for release in Q4 2024 on Steam and Quest, this online co-op rhythm game lets players jam out on drums, guitar, keyboard, or bass across various virtual stages.
During my demo, I tried all four instruments. The bass and keyboard stood out as my favorites. The guitar proved to be the most challenging to master, while the drums felt familiar if you've played other drum based VR rhythm games.
One of Band Space's strengths is its multiplayer aspect. It's impressive to see your bandmates in the same virtual space, and the cross-platform play between Steam and Quest is a welcome feature. However, I found it difficult to hear my fellow players' contributions clearly, which somewhat diminished the impact of the multiplayer experience.
The game offers five different stage environments, each with lighting that syncs to the beat of the music. With over 30 songs spanning various genres and the ability to import custom tracks, Band Space seems to offer plenty of content for aspiring virtual musicians.
While hitting notes doesn't always feel as satisfying as it could, and the body IK for other players looks a bit off, these are minor quibbles in what otherwise seems to be a unique entry in the VR rhythm game genre. The ability to move around the stage as a guitarist or bassist adds to the rock star feel, even if it's not recommended for optimal play.
Bootstrap Island
Bootstrap Island, already available in Early Access on Steam, stands out with its high-quality graphics. The developers mentioned they didn't have to "dumb down" the visuals for VR, which was evident in the detailed animal animations and lush environments.
The survival mechanics felt familiar to those used to flat survival games. I had to make fire at night to ward off creatures like wolves and komodo dragons. Fishing and crabbing for food (which should be cooked, but technically doesn't need to be) added to the survival experience.
One interesting feature is the evolving base-building system. Currently, you can place blueprint "shadows" for structures like fences and gates, then add the required materials to construct them. The developers are planning to expand this system with more buildable structures.
The game doesn't hold your hand much, which might be challenging for some players but rewarding for those who enjoy figuring things out on their own. The developers also teased a future update that will add a challenging gorilla boss guarding access to deeper parts of the island, which sounds intriguing.
Bootstrap Island is available now on Steam for $19.99.
Ember Souls
Ember Souls brings Prince of Persia-style gameplay into VR, combining parkour elements with combat and puzzle-solving. The parkour mechanics felt smooth and intuitive, reminding me of Assassin's Creed VR, while the combat system shared similarities with Blade and Sorcery.
During my demo, I got to try out various weapons including swords, shields, and throwing daggers. The game also features unlockable powers, such as the ability to freeze water or force push objects and enemies, which added variety to both combat and puzzle-solving.
What caught my attention was the inclusion of two distinct modes: a story-driven campaign and a procedurally generated dungeon crawler. This combination could provide both a structured experience and long-term replayability, which is often a challenge for VR games to achieve.
Ember Souls is scheduled for release in late 2024 for Meta Quest headsets, and PC VR via Steam.
Escaping Wonderland
Escaping Wonderland offers a unique take on the Alice in Wonderland universe. It's designed as a seated VR experience, blending first-person segments for cutscenes and puzzles with third-person exploration.
The developers emphasized that you don't need to have played the previous game, “Down The Rabbit Hole” to enjoy Escaping Wonderland, making it accessible to newcomers. They estimate about 5 hours of gameplay for an average playthrough.
What stood out to me was the high-quality voice acting, which really brought the characters to life. The game also features narrative choices, allowing players to influence the character's emotional responses at key moments. While it's unclear how much these choices will affect the overall story, it adds an interesting layer of engagement.
The root-grabbing mechanic for movement and rotation took some getting used to, but ultimately felt fitting for the whimsical Wonderland setting. For those looking for a more relaxed, story-driven VR experience, Escaping Wonderland seems promising.
Escaping Wonderland releases September 26th, 2024 for Meta Quest headsets and Pico.
Grim
Grim is shaping up to be an ambitious survival crafting game set in space. The developers are aiming to support up to 60 players at launch, with plans to increase that to 100 later on.
During my demo, I got to try out the base building mechanics. An interesting feature is the upgrade hammer, which allows you to improve materials from wood to stone to metal, etc. The game will feature seven different "monuments" or large areas for resource gathering, like biodomes and air strips.
What caught my attention was the need to manage various survival elements like radiation levels, oxygen (when in space), food, water, and health. It adds a layer of complexity to the typical survival game formula.
While it's still in development, Grim shows promise for those who enjoy survival crafting games like Rust and are looking for a new setting to explore.
Grim is set to release in 2024 (Early Access) for Meta Quest headsets and Steam.
Infinite Inside
Infinite Inside presents an interesting blend of VR and mixed reality puzzle-solving. The core gameplay involves finding shape pieces in VR and assembling them to insert into a mixed reality tower.
The constant switching between VR and MR modes created a unique experience, though it took some time to get used to. There's a loose narrative thread following a stone man in this puzzle world, which added some context to the abstract puzzles.
While the concept of the game is simple to grasp, I found some of the puzzles quite challenging. Finding the right pieces or figuring out how to assemble them often required some creative thinking.
Infinite Inside is definitely one of the more experimental titles I tried at Gamescom, and it'll be interesting to see how players respond to its blend of VR and MR elements.
Infinite Inside is out now on Meta Quest and PSVR2 for $12.99.Last Stand
Last Stand, developed by Soul Assembly, puts a new spin on the zombie shooter genre. Set in a post-apocalyptic mall, this 1v1 game uses your actual home environment as the battleground (although it's hard to tell from this screenshot).
The game doesn't support local shared spatial anchors, so players compete from completely different locations (or different rooms in the same house). It's touted as a "Multi-Location Mixed Reality PVP Shooter". It also utilizes Meta's updated inverse kinematics for more accurate hitboxes, which added to the realism of the experience. Virtual walls will line up with your actual physical walls, and any labeled furniture will also have a virtual version of itself in headset that you can use as a barrier against stray bullets and zombies.
During my playthrough, I found myself not only battling my opponent but also fending off AI-controlled zombies. An interesting tactical element is the ability to trigger burglar alarms, sending more zombies to your opponent's location. They then have to input a code to deactivate the alarm, adding a layer of strategy to the chaos.
The mixed reality aspects were impressive, blending virtual elements with my real-world surroundings, it's definitely a game that requires some space to fully appreciate.
Last Stand is coming to Meta Quest in Winter 2024.
Memoreum
Memoreum, developed by Patient 8 Games, is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the VR horror-survival genre. What makes this title particularly intriguing is the pedigree of its development team - they're the creators behind the highly acclaimed Return to Rapture mod for Half-Life: Alyx, which gives Memoreum an extra layer of anticipation.
During my demo, I found myself in a creepy space station environment that felt like a spiritual successor to classics like Dead Space and Doom 3. The game features a variety of enemy types, from zombie-like creatures to wall-clinging aliens that spit at you, keeping you on your toes throughout the experience.
What stood out to me was Memoreum's unique toolset. I found myself using a metal cutter, bolt remover, and even a wire finder that could detect connections through walls. These tools added an interesting puzzle-solving element to the exploration, reminiscent of the environmental interaction that made Half-Life: Alyx so engaging.
The combat felt solid, with a range of weapons at my disposal. I particularly enjoyed the energy pistol, which doesn't run out of ammo but needs recharging, adding a strategic element to resource management. The sound designer mentioned they're planning more jump scares for the full release, which should amp up the horror elements.
While the demo left me with questions about the station's backstory, it definitely piqued my interest. If Memoreum can capture the same level of creativity that made the Return to Rapture mod so popular, VR horror fans are in for a treat.
Memoreum is set to launch on the official Meta Quest Store and Steam in 2025, giving the developers ample time to refine and expand on the promising foundation I experienced at Gamescom.
Memoreum seems to be shaping up as a solid addition to the VR horror-survival genre.
Silent North
Silent North aims to be an ambitious multiplayer survival game set in the Swedish Alps. The demo I played was still in early stages, showcasing basic scavenging mechanics and zombie encounters.
The developers shared plans for 30-40 players per server on a massive map, which sounds promising. They're also working on implementing first-party dedicated servers and a day/night cycle.
While there wasn't much to the demo yet beyond some cabins to explore and zombies to avoid, the concept has potential. It'll be interesting to see how Silent North develops as it gets closer to release.
Silent North is set to release in February 2025 (Early Access) for Meta Quest headsets, and Steam.
The New Salsa Academy
The New Salsa Academy brings dance instruction into VR! What impressed me most was the approachable teaching style and the energy of the instructors. At one point, an instructor mislabeled a foot movement but quickly corrected himself, which added a touch of authenticity to the experience.
The progression of lessons felt natural, and I found myself picking up basic steps more quickly than I expected. The mixed reality version (not pictured here) was particularly interesting, allowing me to see my real environment while dancing with a virtual blue partner.
For those looking to learn salsa in a low-pressure environment, The New Salsa Academy seems like it could be a great option.
The New Salsa Academy is out now on Meta Quest for $19.99.
Trombone Champ: Unflattened
Trombone Champ: Unflattened, developed by Flat2VR Studios in partnership with Holy Wow Studios, brings the quirky charm of the original rhythm comedy game into virtual reality. Set for release in fall 2024 on Meta Quest, Steam VR, and PlayStation VR2, this VR adaptation takes the concept to a whole new level.
From the moment I picked up the virtual trombone, it was clear that this wasn't just a simple port. The developers mentioned they had to recreate many assets from scratch to fully realize the game in VR, and it shows. The environments are fully 3D and immersive, a far cry from the original mod by Raicuparta that placed the game in a black void.
Gameplay-wise, Trombone Champ: Unflattened stays true to its roots while adding VR-specific challenges. Notes fly at you from both left and right columns, requiring you to pay attention to your surroundings. It's easy to pick up but difficult to master, striking that perfect balance that makes rhythm games so addictive.
The game boasts an impressive lineup of over 50 songs, ranging from classical pieces to electronica, with a variety of different 3D environments, or stages. There's also a single-player campaign mode that lets you uncover the mysteries of the "Trombiverse," adding a narrative layer to the rhythmic mayhem.
Trombone Champ: Unflattened also supports mixed reality, allowing the game to blend with your real-world surroundings. While I didn't get to try this feature during the demo, the potential for even more ridiculous scenarios is evident.
With 10 trombones available at the start and 40 more to unlock, along with collectible Trombone Cards, there seems to be plenty of content to keep players engaged. If the demo is anything to go by, Trombone Champ: Unflattened could well become one of the most entertaining and accessible VR rhythm games when it launches later this year.
Vendetta Forever
Vendetta Forever offers a fast-paced action experience that blends melee and gun combat with unique movement mechanics. The game's standout feature is its "shoot to kill, kill to move" system. After defeating an enemy, a blue reticle appears on their weapon (for guns) or body (for melee). Grabbing this reticle pulls you forward, equipping you with the enemy's weapon and swapping your position with theirs.
The gameplay is intense and requires quick reflexes. During my demo, I found myself so caught up in the action that I accidentally hit a wall – a testament to how engaging the experience can be. The mechanics reminded me of a mix between Superhot and Pistol Whip, but with its own unique twist.
The developers mentioned they're planning an impressive number of levels for the launch. If they can maintain the energy and creativity I experienced in the demo throughout the game, Vendetta Forever could be a standout title for action VR enthusiasts.
Vendetta Forever releases in October 2024 for Meta Quest headsets and PSVR2.
Wall Town Wonders
Wall Town Wonders, developed by Cyborn, offers a unique twist on the town-building genre by bringing it into mixed reality. Set for release in Q4 2024 on the Meta Quest Store, this game transforms your living room walls into the foundation for a vibrant, miniature town.
The core gameplay revolves around helping tiny residents rebuild their town, which spans across your entire living space. As you complete quests for the townsfolk, you unlock new buildings and characters. The game features over 40 different characters to meet and nearly 100 buildings to unlock, ensuring that no two towns will look the same.
What sets Wall Town Wonders apart is its use of hand-tracking technology. During my demo, I found myself picking up characters and placing them on my hand, even controlling elements like biplanes. This direct interaction with the miniature world was absolutely delightful.
The game strikes a balance between town management and resource gathering. I had to place structures like mines to gather resources for other buildings. The developers mentioned that seasonal updates are planned, which will bring new events, decorations, and customization options to keep the town feeling fresh and dynamic.
While the concept of Wall Town Wonders is simple to grasp, I found that finding the right pieces or figuring out how to piece together certain elements often required some creative thinking. It's a gentle, relaxing experience that allows players to nurture their town at their own pace.
As someone who's seen many town-building games, Wall Town Wonders caught me off guard with its innovative use of mixed reality. It's a charming, creative approach to the genre that has me looking at my living room walls in a whole new light.
Arizona Sunshine Remake and Metro: Awakening
Due to NDA restrictions, I can't share specifics about my experiences with the Arizona Sunshine Remake and Metro: Awakening quite yet. However, I can confirm that both titles were being demoed at Gamescom, and there was significant buzz surrounding them among attendees.
VR Experiences Beyond the Home of XR
While the Home of XR was a hub for VR gaming, it wasn't the only place to find exciting VR experiences at Gamescom. Venturing into the public areas, I discovered some surprising and impressive VR demos.
World of Warcraft: Escape from Dalaran
At the Xbox booth in the entertainment area, Blizzard Entertainment brought a slice of Azeroth to Gamescom with their "World of Warcraft: Escape from Dalaran" VR experience. As someone not deeply familiar with WoW lore, I was surprised by how engaging this 5-7 minute ride turned out to be.
The setup is impressive: you're seated on a motorcycle-like contraption that moves in sync with the VR visuals, wearing a Meta Quest 3 headset. What sets this apart from standard VR experiences are the physical elements - fans and air cannons that create wind effects at key moments, really selling the sensation of flying through a city under attack.
In the experience, you're riding a mount (or as I learned later, a mythical mount called Invincible) through Dalaran as it's being destroyed by a Nerubian invasion. The combination of the visual spectacle in VR, the physical movement of the rig, and the well-timed wind effects created a truly immersive experience.
While this was created specifically for Gamescom to promote WoW's upcoming "The War Within" expansion, it showcases the potential for more theme park-style VR experiences. Even as someone not invested in the WoW universe, I found myself wishing for more experiences like this, where VR is enhanced by physical sensations.
It's a shame that this isn't planned for release outside of the event, as it really does offer a unique way to experience a game world. Hopefully, the positive reception at Gamescom might encourage Blizzard or other companies to create more of these 4D VR experiences in the future.
---Gamescom 2024 showcased a diverse range of upcoming VR and mixed reality titles, demonstrating the continued growth and innovation in the VR gaming space. From intense action games to cozy adventures and creative mixed reality experiences, there seems to be something in development for every type of VR enthusiast.
The Home of XR megabooth, in particular, proved to be a game-changer, offering a dedicated space for VR enthusiasts and professionals to connect and experience the future of gaming. As these games continue to evolve and approach their release dates, it's clear that the VR gaming industry is pushing boundaries and creating increasingly diverse experiences.
While some titles still have development hurdles to overcome, the overall impression is one of excitement and potential. The future of VR gaming looks bright, and I'm eager to see how these promising titles develop and what new innovations next year's Gamescom will bring.