Meta Reveals a Lineup of 15+ New Games for Quest Headsets
During the Meta Quest Gaming Showcase, Meta made a significant announcement, introducing more than 15 new titles for Quest VR headsets. The diverse range of games includes highly anticipated releases such as Stranger Things VR, an updated version of NFL Pro Era, Assassin’s Creed: Nexus VR, and Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord.
Meta has partnered with multiple game studios to ensure a diverse and immersive gaming experience on the Quest platform. One of the upcoming releases is a virtual reality adaptation of SEGA’s beloved 1999 arcade game, Samba de Amigo. Another intriguing addition is Vampire: The Masquerade — Justice, allowing players to embody a vampire in the enchanting city of Venice. Additionally, the Stranger Things VR game offers the unique opportunity to play as the notorious Vecna and explore one’s evil side. For those seeking a fusion of sports, Racket Club combines tennis and pickleball to create an innovative racket sport.
These new titles exemplify Meta’s commitment to expanding the gaming landscape on Quest headsets, providing users with exciting and varied experiences.
Presenting the Complete List of Announced Games:
Samba de Amigo
In a surprising turn of events, SEGA is making its way back into the realm of virtual reality. Despite its previous foray into VR with a headset back in the ’90s, the Japanese gaming giant has now announced its first-ever in-house developed VR game: Samba de Amigo.
In December 1999, Samba de Amigo made its debut in Japanese arcades, followed by a release on Dreamcast in 2000. Now, this beloved game is undergoing an exciting transformation with a captivating VR makeover. Prepare to be fully immersed as you find yourself holding the iconic maracas, dancing along to an incredible lineup of 40 chart-topping songs spanning various genres and featuring renowned artists. Get ready to experience the rhythm like never before! Expect to groove to tracks by Lady Gaga, Maroon 5, Miley Cyrus, Pitbull, Ricky Martin, Bon Jovi, Ariana Grande, and many more. SEGA has also promised additional music through post-launch DLC, expanding the game’s soundtrack even further.
Samba de Amigo offers both local single-player gameplay and a multiplayer ‘World Party’ mode, allowing you to compete with friends and showcase your skills on online leaderboards. SEGA has also included character customization options, allowing you to personalize your in-game avatar with unique costumes and accessories.
SEGA’s return to virtual reality with Samba de Amigo demonstrates the company’s commitment to revitalizing cherished classics and bringing them to the immersive world of VR. Get ready to shake those maracas and experience the rhythm like never before.
I Expect You to Die 3
Schell Games, following its initial announcement in February, is set to release the highly-anticipated next episode of its critically-acclaimed Bond-style puzzle-adventure game on Quest 2 and SteamVR headsets later this year. While the studio hasn’t confirmed whether the game will also be available on PSVR 2, it’s worth noting that neither of the previous titles made their way to PlayStation’s latest headset, leaving the possibility open for future updates.
In the I Expect You To Die series, players are immersed in a thrilling world of escape room-style puzzles that test their wits and challenge them to outsmart deadly traps. By solving intricate object-oriented puzzles and navigating treacherous situations, players inch closer to their ultimate goal of thwarting the plans of the nefarious Dr. Zor and his henchmen.
This time around, Dr. Zor has a new diabolical scheme in motion. The studio introduces players to a formidable new villain, Dr. Roxanne Prism, a former agency inventor turned rogue. Dr. Prism’s plan involves creating robot agents to prove their superiority over their human counterparts, setting the stage for an exhilarating battle of wits and skills. Fans of the series can eagerly anticipate another thrilling installment in the I Expect You To Die franchise, as they embark on a mission to overcome challenging puzzles, confront dangerous adversaries, and save the world from impending peril.
Silent Slayer: Vault of the Vampire
Schell Games, the experienced VR developer behind the popular I Expect You To Die VR puzzle game series, has recently unveiled an all-new title during Meta’s Quest Gaming Showcase, aiming to deliver spine-chilling jump scares to players. Titled Silent Slayer: Vault of the Vampire, this upcoming game is set to launch on both Quest 2 and the highly anticipated Quest Pro. While a Quest Store page is expected to arrive soon, the studio has not provided a specific release window at this time.
The trailer provides a glimpse into the intriguing puzzle mechanics featured in the game, all of which appear to require careful execution akin to performing a delicate operation. Although not explicitly shown in the video, it is quite possible that solving these puzzles hastily or recklessly may result in a terrifying encounter with a vampire, akin to a macabre jack-in-the-box of impending doom.
As for the exact release date, it remains uncertain. Silent Slayer: Vault of the Vampire has the potential to be an ideal candidate for a mixed reality experience, perhaps aligning with the launch of Meta’s promised Quest 3 or potentially being featured on Apple’s rumored mixed reality headset, which might be unveiled during the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 5th. Fans eagerly await further details on this thrilling new addition to Schell Games’ portfolio, as they prepare to embark on a suspenseful and immersive journey into the realm of Silent Slayer: Vault of the Vampire.
Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord
After a period of silence, Sony Pictures VR and nDreams have resurfaced with thrilling news regarding the highly anticipated Ghostbusters VR game. During the Meta Quest Gaming Showcase, fans were treated to an extensive look at Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord, complete with immersive gameplay and an intriguing story. What’s even more exciting is the announcement of a release window. Brace yourselves for an immersive ghost-catching and cooperative experience as Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord arrives on Meta Quest 2, 3, and Pro in the fall of 2023.
The latest trailer for Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord was unveiled by nDreams and Sony Pictures VR during the Meta Quest Gaming Showcase on June 1, 2023. This trailer provided a captivating glimpse into the game’s narrative. A brave individual ventured into the eerie and dilapidated Alcatraz Prison in an attempt to harness the power of some particularly malicious spectral entities. It’s now up to players to equip themselves, confront the supernatural chaos, and prevent a looming catastrophe. The trailer concluded with the exciting revelation of a fall 2023 launch window.
Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord has undergone an extensive development journey under the watchful eye of nDreams. Originally introduced as Ghostbusters VR for Meta Quest 2 in April 2022, the game has since undergone remarkable transformations, featuring a captivating narrative and introducing a unique adversary for players to chase after. The decision to utilize Alcatraz as the backdrop for a ghost-catching adventure adds a unique twist to the gameplay. Furthermore, it appears that Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord will also be compatible with the newly announced Meta Quest 3 upon its release. Fans of the Ghostbusters franchise can anticipate an immersive and action-packed virtual reality experience as they gear up to battle menacing apparitions in Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord. The fall of 2023 promises to be an exciting time for VR enthusiasts and Ghostbusters fans alike.
UNDERDOGS
During Meta’s Quest Gaming Showcase, One Hamsa, the renowned studio behind the VR sports game Racket: NX (2018), unveiled its highly anticipated next title. This time, they delve into the realm of futuristic robot combat with UNDERDOGS, a thrilling single-player roguelike experience.
Prepare to enter the underground world of robot fighting, where you’ll face off against a diverse cast of robotic adversaries. Armed with an arsenal of over 100 items, including powerful tools like chainsaws and wrecking balls, you’ll gear up for intense battles. With its physics-based combat mechanics, UNDERDOGS promises a captivating blend of punches, weapon melee, and strategic maneuvers.
To fully immerse yourself in the action, make sure to clear some space for room-scale slashing and bashing. UNDERDOGS is scheduled to arrive at the Quest Store in early 2024, giving you ample time to prepare for the exhilarating challenges that await. Stay tuned for more updates as One Hamsa continues to shape the future of VR gaming with its exciting and innovative creations.
The Next Evolution of NFL PRO ERA
Last September, NFL Pro Era made history as the first official NFL game in virtual reality. Since then, VR football enthusiasts have enjoyed titles like 2MD: VR Football Unleashed and MVP Football: The Patrick Mahomes Experience. During the Meta Quest Gaming Showcase, we didn’t get a direct glimpse of the 2023 edition, but we were treated to an appearance by Andrew “Hawk” Hawkins, former NFL wide receiver and President of StatusPRO, who provided a tantalizing teaser of what’s to come.
Hawkins assured fans that this year’s NFL Pro Era game will be more than just a mere roster update. With an enhanced multiplayer focus, the upcoming installment aims to provide an even more immersive and engaging experience. While specific details about the multiplayer aspect have yet to be revealed, players can look forward to additional modes and exciting new features in the 2023 edition.
Anticipation is building as the next NFL Pro Era game is set to launch this year on the Meta Quest platform. In the meantime, football enthusiasts can enjoy the current release, available now on Quest 2, PSVR, PSVR 2, and PC VR via Steam. Stay tuned for further updates as we eagerly await the immersive football experience that NFL Pro Era will bring to VR gaming.
Racket Club
During Meta’s Quest Gaming Showcase, Resolution Games, the renowned studio behind Blaston (2020) and Demeo (2021), unveiled a sneak peek of their upcoming VR sports game, Racket Club.
Drawing inspiration from the world’s most beloved racket games like Tennis, Padel, Pickleball, and Squash, Racket Club aims to deliver an authentic and immersive VR racket sport experience. The recently released trailer offers a tantalizing glimpse into the gameplay, providing viewers with “the first real look at how Racket Club is played,” as described by Resolution Games.
The game is designed specifically for VR, offering both single-player and online multiplayer modes. Upon its launch, Racket Club will feature singles (1v1) and doubles (2v2) multiplayer options, allowing players to compete against each other in thrilling matches. In addition, the game will include a single-player career mode for those seeking to embark on a solo racket sports journey. Get ready to step into the virtual arena and unleash your racket skills in Racket Club, an upcoming VR game that promises to deliver an exhilarating and immersive racket sport experience like never before.
Vampire: The Masquerade — Justice
Fast Travel Games has revealed an exciting addition to the virtual reality gaming world with their latest creation, Vampire: The Masquerade – Justice, set in the renowned “World of Darkness” universe.
This new VR game is an immersive single-player adventure RPG that places you in the shoes of a vampire, requiring you to tactically strike from the shadows and satiate your thirst by feeding on both mortal and vampire victims. Building upon the success of their previous ‘World of Darkness’ VR game, Wraith: The Oblivion – Afterlife (2021), Fast Travel Games promises an engaging experience with a gritty main storyline, accompanied by various side missions and dialogue choices. All of this unfolds within the atmospheric and enigmatic city of Venice.
Anticipated for a late 2023 release, Vampire: The Masquerade – Justice will be available for purchase at a reasonable price of $30. Interestingly, the game’s trailer specifically mentions its compatibility with Quest 2 and Quest 3, making it one of the first titles to officially acknowledge this. This detail hints at a potential close collaboration between Fast Travel and Meta, the company behind the Quest devices.
Dungeons of Eternity
Former Oculus Studios game designers have come together to establish Othergate, a new studio, and they have recently unveiled their inaugural VR game called Dungeons of Eternity.
Dungeons of Eternity is an immersive cooperative dungeon-crawling RPG designed for 1-3 players. The game stands out with its utilization of physics-based combat and procedurally generated dungeons. Another gate emphasizes the diversity and variety of their dungeons, which consist of “hundreds of different Chambers.” These Chambers will transport players to eerie crypts, dilapidated castles, and deep caverns, offering challenging puzzles to solve and treacherous traps to avoid. The reveal trailer showcases the studio’s dedication to physics-based interactions, featuring exciting melee combat, archery, and magic. To enhance replayability, Dungeons of Eternity incorporates randomly-generated weapon drops and a streamlined progression system, ensuring players will be drawn back for countless adventures.
Formed in 2021, Othergate comprises four experienced founding members: Ryan Rutherford, Andrew Welch, Fabio Brasiliense, and Pärtel Lang, who collectively possess over 30 years of VR game development expertise. Notably, the team has previously contributed to the creation of popular franchises such as Herobound and Dead and Buried. Additionally, they have showcased their skills through projects like the Dead and Buried Arena location-based game demo presented at Oculus Connect 6 and the captivating Tiny Castles hand-tracking demo.
The 7th Guest
Vertigo Games has exciting news for fans of classic gaming with the announcement of The 7th Guest VR. This upcoming virtual reality game is a re-imagination of the renowned interactive movie puzzle adventure game originally released in 1993. The 7th Guest VR is set to launch in 2023 and will be available for PC (Steam), Quest 2, and Quest 3 platforms.
The original 7th Guest game, developed by Trilobyte and Virgin Interactive Entertainment, played a significant role in revolutionizing PC gaming. Its groundbreaking use of CD-ROM technology and captivating features, including pre-rendered 3D graphics and live-action video clips, earned it high praise and a dedicated fan base. Bill Gates himself acknowledged The 7th Guest as “the new standard in interactive entertainment.” Now, Vertigo Games is bringing back the beloved dark mystery in a fully reimagined virtual reality experience, promising to deliver the ultimate way to enjoy The 7th Guest. The game will leverage innovative virtual reality gameplay techniques and incorporate live-action, volumetric storytelling. Players will find themselves immersed in an opulent mansion filled with enigmatic secrets and challenging puzzles as they delve into the mysteries surrounding the sinister owner, the toymaker Henry Stauf.
With this VR adaptation, Vertigo Games aims to capture the essence of the original game while introducing additional enhancements and gameplay elements made possible by virtual reality technology. Fans of the classic title can look forward to an immersive and engaging experience as they explore the haunting world of The 7th Guest once again.
Stranger Things VR
Prepare for some peculiarities later this year, as Meta’s Quest Gaming Showcase revealed an intriguing glimpse of Stranger Things VR, the upcoming psychological horror game for popular VR headsets. Surprisingly, its release date has been moved up from the previously announced Winter 2023 debut.
Tender Claws, the studio known for crafting immersive VR experiences like Virtual Virtual Reality and The Under Presents, is both developing and publishing Stranger Things VR. This Fall, the game is set to arrive on Quest 2 and Quest Pro. Additionally, it will be available on “major VR platforms,” typically encompassing PSVR 2, Pico, and SteamVR headsets.
Originally slated for a Winter 2023 launch, Stranger Things VR seems to be adjusting its release schedule in anticipation of a multitude of other games announced during today’s event, all aiming for a winter release.
Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable
Last year, UNIVRS, a Japan-based studio, announced Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable, promising to deliver the exhilarating airborne action of the anime series in virtual reality for the first time. However, the game’s release has been slightly delayed. Initially expected to arrive on the Quest platform in the Summer of 2023, UNIVRS revealed during the Quest Gaming Showcase that they are now aiming for a Winter 2023 launch.
To compensate for the delay, the studio showcased an impressive trailer featuring captivating pre-rendered animations. However, no actual gameplay footage was shown. Nonetheless, much of the dynamic rope-swinging action depicted in the video, made possible by the iconic omni-directional mobility gear from the franchise, seems feasible from a VR locomotion perspective. Similar movement mechanics have been successfully employed in various VR games such as Windlands, Yupitergrad, and Jet Island, among others. It is conceivable that a significant portion of the action showcased in the trailer could directly translate into gameplay, with the exception of some intricate lighting effects.
UNIVRS states that Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable will offer both single-player and co-op modes, and will be available in both Japanese and English, with options for dubbed and subbed content. The game is confirmed for release on Quest 2 and Quest Pro. However, it remains uncertain whether UNIVRS intends to target other VR headsets, such as PSVR 2 or SteamVR headsets, at this time.
Bulletstorm
In the midst of Meta’s flurry of Quest gaming announcements, the company unveiled that Bulletstorm, the cooperative shooter initially released on traditional screens in 2011, is venturing into the world of virtual reality for the first time.
The development of the VR adaptation is currently underway in collaboration between Incuvo, renowned for their work on Green Hell VR, and the original creators of the game, People Can Fly.
For those unfamiliar with the original or its remastered version, Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition (2017), the game distinguishes itself from other shooters by placing a strong emphasis on skill points, which players earn by dispatching enemies in creative and inventive ways.
The announcement of this cooperative shooter was accompanied by a gameplay trailer that showcased the game’s skill-driven chaos, fast-paced movement, and colossal creatures. Unfortunately, details regarding the release date for Bulletstorm on Quest 2 remain unclear, as well as any potential plans for the game’s availability on other platforms in the future.
Assassin’s Creed: Nexus VR
After years of speculation and rumors since its initial announcement in 2020 alongside the now-canceled Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell VR, Ubisoft has finally unveiled the highly anticipated Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR. The game is set to launch later in 2023 exclusively for Meta Quest devices, and it has garnered significant attention from fans.
During the Meta Quest Gaming Showcase 2023, Ruth Bram, an Oculus Quest Producer, surprised the audience with an update on Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR. Bram announced that the game will be available on the Meta Quest Store before the end of the year. Additionally, a full reveal of Assassin’s Creed Nexus is scheduled to take place at this year’s Ubisoft Forward event on June 12th. According to previous reports, Ubisoft’s Red Storm Entertainment is responsible for developing Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR. Unfortunately, apart from this information, no further details about the project have been disclosed. Ubisoft did discuss future plans for the Assassin’s Creed franchise during the September 2022 Ubisoft Forward, but no official updates regarding Nexus were provided at that time.
In February 2023, Tom Henderson, through Insider Gaming, published an exclusive report revealing the supposed release date of Assassin’s Creed Nexus and hinting at additional details become available upon the game’s official announcement in June. The confirmation of a full reveal this summer supports the accuracy of Insider Gaming’s report. However, the reliability of the indicated release window mentioned in the report remains uncertain until further official confirmation.
No More Rainbows
Squido Studio has exciting news for VR gaming enthusiasts: their first-person platformer, No More Rainbows, is set to arrive on Quest 2 and PC VR headsets next month, introducing a virtual reality twist to classic platforming action.
No More Rainbows has been available as an open beta on Quest’s App Lab for the past year, but it is now preparing to make its way to the main Quest Store and Steam. Although an exact release date has yet to be confirmed, Squido Studio and its partner, Robot Teddy, assure fans that the game will be available “very soon.”
Upon its full release, No More Rainbows will feature four distinct campaign worlds, immersive environmental storytelling, multiplayer modes, personalized character customization, leaderboards, and exhilarating boss encounters. Squido Studio promises approximately five hours of gameplay in the full version of the game.
Asgard’s Wrath
The eagerly anticipated sequel, Agard’s Wrath 2, is set to make its debut on Quest 2 and Quest Pro during the winter of 2023. Continuing the storyline from its predecessor, the game thrusts players into an intense battle against a creature from an Ancient Egypt-inspired realm. Here, they encounter the enigmatic ‘Weavers of Fate’ who enlist their help to track down and thwart a mischievous trickster god.
Developed by Meta-owned studio Sanzaru Games, the sequel introduces a plethora of new realms to explore. In addition to the Asgardian realms, players will venture through vast desert expanses of ancient Egypt. They will navigate their way through intricate temples, treacherous caves, and daunting dungeons, encountering a diverse array of monsters, and engaging in main quests, side quests, resource crafting, mini-games, and more.
Similar to the first installment, players will have access to a group of loyal warrior-followers who will assist them in solving puzzles and battling enemies. Agard’s Wrath 2 features an updated combat system that departs from its predecessor. Previously, players relied on blocking and parrying attacks, destroying shields and armor before delivering a final blow. However, the sequel allows players to naturally hack away at defenses while also employing timely parries for optimal melee opportunities. The game incorporates elemental types, a wider range of enemies, and physics-based melee combat. Furthermore, both players and companions possess upgradeable abilities and weapons, each with their own unique skill trees. Enemies are designed to scale according to the player’s level and ability, granting them access to better moves and defensive strategies. Alongside the main game, an infinite dungeon crawling mode is also set to be included, offering players an opportunity to refine their tactics.
Agard’s Wrath 2 promises an immersive and action-packed VR experience, expanding upon its predecessor with new realms, improved combat mechanics, and engaging gameplay elements.
Arizona Sunshine
TVertigo Games, the developer behind the popular VR game, is currently working on Arizona Sunshine 2, a highly anticipated sequel that takes players on another thrilling journey through the post-apocalyptic Arizona landscape infested with zombies. This time, players will have a new companion named Buddy, a canine ally who will join them in their fight for survival.
The game focuses on delivering a realistic combat experience and introduces melee weapons, allowing players to engage in up-close and personal encounters with the undead. Arizona Sunshine 2 is now available for wishlisting on the Meta Quest Store, and fans can look forward to its release later this year.
