Virtual reality is great fun and can be a great way to keep moving. This is true at any age. However, virtual reality can be a little…intense. Here, we’ll recommend a few games and apps that might be the perfect intro — or longtime favorite — for gamers coming to support a bit later.
We’ll focus on games and apps that move a little slower – after all, “virtual reality sickness” can be a problem for newcomers at any age. Most of these games can also be played seated. We’ll also stay away from social experiments for now, as those can be a little… unpredictable. And, don’t worry, we’re trying to run the gamut with titles available on Quest as well as PS VR and Steam.
First Steps (Quest 2)
everyone should play First steps for quest 2. You may have thought you were too cool for this pre-installed demo on the Quest 2, but you could learn something.
Even if you already know all the commands this little app guides you, the dance game and target practice games are both extremely fun, even for that VR veteran.
PlayStation VR Worlds (PS VR)
It may seem hard to believe for some, but PlayStation VR Worlds came out six years ago. Back then, that was how a lot of people had their first VR experience. And it’s still a very good introduction.
You might want to give adventures a chance yourself. Some of them can be quite hair-raising. But, some of them are quite peaceful. The underwater adventure (the one without the sharks) is still a pretty laid back VR experience.
Alchemy Immersive Educational Content (Quest, Mobile)
From the microscopic world to outer space to the neighbor you never knew, Alchemy Immersive, available through Meta Quest TV, partners with world-renowned presenters and content producers to create XR versions of educational classics.
Some of the experiences are in 360 video, while others are entirely virtual reality. Some are even mobile AR experiences that allow viewers to navigate their own experiences on a floor space table.
See also: VR vs 360 degree video: what’s the difference?
BRINK Traveler (Quest, PCVR, Mobile)
BRINK Traveler virtually takes viewers into volumetric captures of more than a dozen of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural landmarks.
Whether in the mobile AR version or in a VR headset, these volumetric scenes can be navigated in six degrees of freedom. Users can even travel the wonders of the world in joint adventures with other users.
Wander (Quest)
Wander is a VR classic – a port to Quest from the old Oculus Go.
The app uses content from Wikipedia and Google Earth to create interactive and educational self-guided tours of almost anywhere. Virtually visit World Heritage sites or places of personal significance.
Nature Treks VR (Quest, PCVR)
Nature Treks VR is another experience of exploring the world. The beautifully designed virtual environments range from forests to deserts and jungles to under the waves. Players also interact with virtual wildlife, with over 60 different species roaming the various biomes.
Be aware that the selected biome can impact the overall comfort level. For example, a player may not be as comfortable underwater as they are on solid ground.
True VR Fishing (Quest)
Real VR Fishing is indeed real. As well as a dedicated recreation of the act of fishing itself, the game’s various locations are all recreated virtual replicas of real locations around the world.
The base game is currently $20, but additional slots can be purchased as optional downloadable content.
GOLF+ (Quest)
GOLF+ is cut from the same fabric as Real VR Fishing. The game bills itself as “the ultimate VR golf experience” and it’s hard to argue. After all, he has a PGA seal of approval. The experience is built around realistic physics and virtual recreations of real golf courses.
Incidentally, GOLF+ is also a partner of Ready Player Golf, a virtual reality charity event that takes place every year.
Bait! (Quest)
Bait! is another VR fishing game but this one is free. Well, there are optional in-app purchases, including expansion packs. But the core gameplay is free. Upgrades such as new rods, reels, and bait are purchased using an in-game currency that players earn throughout the game.
The plot of the game: you are employed by a museum in pursuit of rare fish and it is up to you to catch them. Graphics and interfaces are more stylized than in other games like Real VR Fishing, but the gameplay is surprisingly complex. Don’t get your reel rhythm just right and your hand slips. Fight the fish too hard and your line breaks.
Walkabout Mini Golf (Quest, PCVR)
Real VR Fishing is of GOLF+ as Bait! is of Ambulatory mini-golf. This game focuses less on realism and more on a fun experience.
The ball physics are precise (as they should be in mini golf) but the game’s courses are often otherworldly. That’s literally true – the game recently released a course based on the fantasy film Labyrinth.
Mysterious Locations (PS VR, Quest)
For another space version of a classic pastime, confusing places is a virtual reality puzzle app with 3D pieces. Each of the more than a dozen puzzles is a digital miniature version of a real world location.
The puzzles come in “packs” so you can buy them by theme to suit your tastes – or buy them all because you need new challenges.
Moss (PS VR, Quest, PCVR)
Quill the mouse is the hero of both parts Mousse series. Quill fights bad guys, solves puzzles and gets into trouble. It can be a bit confusing at times, except for one key feature: you’re not playing as Quill. Instead, you watch Quill go through his adventure as you manipulate the world around him to get him where he needs to go.
As well as being exciting and challenging while still being easy on the stomach, Moss is a beautiful game with no uncomfortable content or imagery.
ASTRO BOT: Rescue Mission (PS VR)
ASTRO BOT: Rescue Mission has a lot of the same gameplay and graphical elements that land Mousse on this list, but it’s more science fiction than fantasy. Cartoon characters and comfortable viewing make this action game more enjoyable despite a faster pace.
Supernatural (Quest)
Supernatural is a fitness app that takes the “live trainer” model that has worked so well in non-VR fitness and makes it more immersive. Some of the exercises like the boxing exercise or the “Flow” rhythm game can be intense at first, but there are also more relaxed meditation and stretching activities. Other elements include fitness tracking, leaderboards, and more.
Supernatural was even touted as a good app to get older users moving during Meta Connect this year. It was also announced that knee strikes would come to the boxing drill.
Virtual reality isn’t just for kids
From documentaries and training apps to simulations and classic sit-down adventure games, VR isn’t just about shooters. However, an ocean of content plagued by high prices and technical issues can make VR access difficult for anyone, not just the elderly. Hope this list helps you explore virtual reality or introduce it to a loved one.
#apps #games #seniors #virtual #reality #Post