As we step further into the immersive world of VR, 2024 stands as a pivotal year, marking undeniable progress in this dynamic medium. Rather than receding, VR has expanded over its nearly decade-long journey, redefining the boundaries of gaming, creativity, and interpersonal connections.
This year, the milestones keep stacking up, showcasing VR’s bright future. We’re seeing not just a surge in AAA titles, but also a host of exciting indie releases that prove VR’s economic potential for both developers and gamers. These offerings reinforce VR as a mainstream phenomenon, not just a niche curiosity.
2024 is about refinement. Developers are taking past lessons to enhance VR’s comfort, accessibility, and immersive qualities. From mechanics and storytelling to visual impact, this year has been rich with innovation and anticipation.
Now, let’s dive into Road to VR’s prestigious 2024 Game of the Year Awards:
Skydance’s Behemoth
- Developer: Skydance Games
- Platforms: Quest, PSVR 2, PC VR
- Release: December 5, 2024
In the realm of PC VR, we encounter a unique proposition. Unlike the standalone Quest or the PS5-optimized PSVR 2, PC VR allows tech enthusiasts to push their hardware limits for maximum visual fidelity.
But immersion transcends visuals. It’s about crafting worlds that instinctively resonate with players, fleshing out authentic NPCs, soundscapes that envelop, and set pieces that make you pause in awe. Few titles achieve this, but Skydance’s Behemoth certainly does.
Skydance Games, recognized for The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners (2020), applies its VR expertise to Behemoth. Before engaging in the title’s epic confrontations, players are drawn into its world through a blend of climbing, grappling, and strategic archery.
Combat offers freedom, epic weaponry, and engagement with imaginative enemies. Behemoth embodies the quintessential VR experience, earning it our top PC VR honor and a spot on the must-play list. Explore our spoiler-free review to learn more.
Batman: Arkham Shadow
- Developer: Camouflaj
- Publisher: Oculus Studios / Meta
- Platform: Quest
- Release: October 21, 2024
Against all odds, Batman: Arkham Shadow revived a dormant franchise, capturing the essence of the Arkham series in VR. Ignoring established developers, Camouflaj embraced the challenge to reinvent its gameplay for virtual reality.
Rethinking the iconic combat for VR was challenging. Yet, Camouflaj developed an innovative combat system that lets players swing fists to navigate intensifying confrontations, truly capturing Batman’s prowess.
The results? A compelling Quest Game of the Year that stands as one of Quest’s finest.
Metro Awakening
- Developer: Vertigo Games
- Platforms: PSVR 2, Quest, PC VR
- Release: November 7, 2024
The Metro series, known for its immersive, gritty atmosphere, fits perfectly into VR. Vertigo Games successfully retains Metro’s essence while reimagining it for VR, delivering inventive weaponry and a thrill of exploration.
Weapons, like the crossbow with its bolt cradle and drum-magazine shotgun, feel tactile and authentic to the franchise’s style. Players are transported through environments filled with a pervasive sense of danger.
Immersion shines through VR-specific design choices, rewarding Metro Awakening with our Excellence in Immersion award.
Starship Home
- Developer: Creature
- Platforms: Quest 3, Quest 3S
- Release: September 26, 2024
Starship Home cleverly utilizes mixed reality, transforming your room into a spaceship cockpit. It elegantly blends casual gameplay with immersive MR, paving the way for MR’s growing relevance, and earns its spotlight in our awards.
UNDERDOGS
- Developer: One Hamsa
- Platforms: Quest, PC VR
- Release: January 25, 2024
UNDERDOGS excels in both innovative locomotion and indie development, crafting a distinct VR experience. With uniquely engaging arm-based movement, players pilot mechs with remarkable agility and strategic depth.
Blade & Sorcery
- Developer: Warpfrog
- Platforms: PCVR, Quest
- Release: June 17, 2024
Blade & Sorcery’s major 1.0 update introduces a compelling story mode, solidifying its place in VR gaming history. Recognized for ongoing development excellence, Warpfrog adds depth to this cherished VR title while hinting at new horizons.
Trombone Champ: Unflattened!
- Developer: Flat2VR Studios, Holy Wow Studios
- Publisher: Flat2VR Studios
- Platforms: Quest, PC VR, PSVR 2
- Release: November 26, 2024
Trombone Champ: Unflattened! brings wacky trombone playing to VR, expertly reengineered by Flat2VR Studios. Its successful adaptation promises exciting future endeavors for the studio, potentially influencing more companies to explore VR landscapes.
In conclusion, 2024 has shown us that VR’s evolution is far from over. As developers continue to innovate, the future holds thrilling possibilities for gamers worldwide. Let’s celebrate these achievements and eagerly anticipate what lies ahead in this ever-expanding virtual realm.
