You can watch Netflix in the web browser on Quest headsets "in the coming days".
Previously, the Quest browser showed incompatibility with Netflix when trying to play a movie or TV show from the service. Since 2019, Netflix offered the poorly-reviewed native VR app on the Quest Store instead. The app lacks downloads support and is capped at 480p.
With built-in web browser support, though, Netflix on Quest should be viewable in passthrough and while multitasking alongside other windows on the Quest headset. And if the web browser is included with the upcoming Horizon OS headsets too? Netflix should work there as well.
On Apple Vision Pro, the platforms allow users to watch Netflix in the Safari browser, but quality is limited. There's no direct Netflix app on Apple Vision Pro at present and you can't install the iPad or iPhone versions on the headset, though there is a third-party Netflix app with higher quality called Supercut.
That means there's a lot of opportunity for both companies to surprise with partnerships and new feature updates from major companies like Disney or Netflix.
One of VR's recurring misconceptions is that it's hard to find narrative-driven games that tell compelling stories. If you spend a few minutes searching a platform's catalog, you might find the vast majority of games focus on one novel idea, an interesting twist on a VR-related mechanic, or a simple premise that encourages replayability.
Journey to Foundation introduces itself as an adventure game that emphasizes player choice and interesting twists based on your actions along the way. Based on Isaac Asimov's sci-fi book series, you're thrust into an intergalactic conflict through the eyes of Ward, a character who can make use of mental abilities during both conversations and enemy encounters.
Journey To Foundation - The Facts What is it?: A story-driven adventure game based on Isaac Asimov's book series. Platforms: Quest, PSVR 2, PC VR, Pico (review conducted on PSVR 2) Release Date: Out now on Quest, Pico and PSVR 2, June 7 on PC VR. Developer: Archiact Interactive Price: $39.99
It's an ambitious premise that kept me invested during this seven-hour journey. In practice, however, many of the initially enticing mechanics fall flat, while the presentation isn't what you would expect from a late 2023 game. It doesn't take long to notice that developer Archiact Interactive chose to prioritize the story and the characters that inhabit it. This, for better or worse, is the dominant strength of Journey to Foundation.
Told over the span of six chapters, you navigate linear spaces — from ship interiors to caves and outposts across multiple planets — while talking to characters, solving fairly simple puzzles, and engaging in the occasional gunfight. It's a simple structure that at no point attempts to flaunt something it isn't.
For starters, objectives involve going from point A to B with little variation. Most areas are quite small, which means that if your current task leads you to ask people for information about a character or a keycode, you're almost always presented with a room with one or two NPCs to talk to.
There isn't much exploration to be carried out, either. You can find small devices with text blurbs or voice recordings that often provide context on people or the universe the game takes place in, but for the most part, I only sought them out when I needed some additional info to tackle an objective.
At no point did I feel stuck playing Journey to Foundation, although this seems deliberate. You have a compass on your left wrist that always marks the path forward. Puzzles, for the most part, are quite simplistic. Similarly to the NPCs example, the items you need are usually nearby. You might need to open a locker or listen to a voice recording to get to them, but that's the biggest obstacle present. It's during these moments that the interactivity with your digital hands shines the most, with different variations that aren't exactly novel, but add to the overall immersion. Over time, however, they become formulaic.
Thankfully, the story makes it easy to look past some of these shortcomings. Previous knowledge of Isaac Asimov's books isn't necessary, although the lore exposition can be a bit much during the first hour or two. The focus on characters, as well as your conversations with them, carries Journey to the Foundation forward.
NPCs make for a solid presentation — with an art style akin to The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners games — thanks to excellent voice acting and animations. It also helps that Ward also has a voice, making your back-and-forth chatter more organic. All of these elements are key since conversations are the bread and butter of the story. You always have talking points available, as well as the occasional "questions" option to expand more on a list of topics if you wish. Where Journey of Foundation's conversations get interesting is when your decisions come into play.
Without spoiling any major story beats, Ward is part of an organization that, as you slowly learn during the campaign, isn't as stable as it seems from the outside. A few key characters you come across present an alternative, and your organization tasks you with infiltrating them. From that point on, your actions can progressively favor one or the other, shaping the story and the eventual series of outcomes.
If you've learned a key piece of information before chatting with someone, that option will become available to influence and steer the conversation in your favor. If anything else fails, you can use your mental powers to detect the current emotion of the NPC you're talking to, which usually leads to another dialogue option. You can also suppress certain moods, like fear, to get the result you need and continue with your objective.
Now, while the decisions do matter in both the short and long run, the mental powers becomes gimmicky fast. The mechanic doesn't have that much depth, and it's mostly a means to an end. If you're stuck, you probably need to scan the order person until you get the desired dialogue option, and then move on to the next task. As I mentioned earlier, these abilities are also used during combat to take down enemies from afar or distract them so you can sneak past an area undetected. In most cases, however, it was easier to just draw my gun and take care of foes upfront — even if gunfights are never that exciting.
At times, my annoyances with Journey to Foundation got in the way of the experience. Environments can be quite dull, and the low-res backgrounds snap you out of any semblance of feeling in outer space in a second. A specific puzzle type, which has you connecting nodes in a cube-shaped floating structure, often got stuck in my hands, forcing me to restart the sequence altogether or stand still until it unstuck itself. It all adds to frustration, especially considering it's a fairly recent VR title.
Comfort
Journey to Foundation is a fairly slow-paced game most of the time, so you should be able to play it for long periods even without extensive VR experience. If you're finding it hard to navigate, there are options to choose your dominant hand, adjust your height and holster position, enable or disable vignette, pick artificial stick-based locomotion (based on either your hand or your head) or teleportation movement, as well as either snap or smooth camera rotations.
Yet, I can't say I wasn't rewarded for sticking along regardless of my complaints. It was surprising to be able to de-escalate a prisoner to the point of offering them a deal, only to find out the deal wasn't exactly signed off, and that I could keep them in the cell if I wanted to. I chose to keep my word, regardless of the character's past crimes, and give them a second chance. Later on, a decision I made on a whim had an immediate negative reaction from one of the factions, creating ripple effects that were exciting to witness unfold.
Journey to Foundation - Final Verdict
Journey to Foundation tells a compelling story with no shortage of ambition in its methods to make you a part of it, ultimately shaping its outcome. This doesn't always come together, and many of your actions in between make the experience feel like a time capsule of a bygone VR era in which studios still experimented with this space. That period might be in the past now, but in a time where many VR games continue to bet on spectacle and feel rather than worlds and characters leaving a mark, I'm glad that Archiact committed to the premise's strengths from the beginning.
UploadVR uses a 5-Star rating system for our game reviews – you can read a breakdown of each star rating in ourreview guidelines.
Riven's upcoming remake brings the Myst sequel to Quest and PC VR in three weeks.
We've known for several months that Cyan Worlds is remaking Riven, the 1997 narrative-driven puzzle game, promising "new puzzles, expanded storylines," and updated visuals in Unreal Engine 5. Following 2020's similar Myst remake, the studio confirmed its launching for Quest, PC VR and flatscreen platforms later this month. Here's the new launch trailer.
Initially announced for PC VR, Cyan Worlds gave us our first look at the Quest version last month. Available on Quest 2 with enhancements for Quest 3 owners, Cyan states the Quest 3 version will benefit from "the headset's increased power and higher resolution" and shared screenshots. Before that, we also learned how Riven's remake reunites the original creative team.
Riven arrives on the Meta Quest platform, SteamVR, and flatscreen platforms on June 25 for $35. Quest offers an 11% pre-order discount, while Windows users will receive a 10% launch discount.
The Meta Quest+ games for June 2024 are now available.
For the unfamiliar, Meta Quest+ is a subscription that lets you redeem two pre-selected VR games per month on Quest 2, Quest Pro and Quest 3. Even if you don't play them immediately, you can redeem games if you continue paying for the subscription. Cancelling your membership means you can't play your redeemed titles, though resubscribing lets you regain access.
Created by Joy Way, Stride is a VR parkour game reminiscent of Mirror's Edge that sees you leaping from building to building across solo gameplay modes and online multiplayer. It recently received a sequel, Stride: Fates, and here's what we thought during our original Stride review back in 2021.
Developed by Pixel Toys, Warhammer 40K: Battle Sister is a VR first-person shooter focused on the 40K universe's titular faction. We believed it offered "mostly clean, mostly forgettable fun" in our 2020 Battle Sister review, though it's since received post-launch updates like a co-op Horde Mode.
As for the Meta Quest+ Games Catalog, which offers a rotating library for subscribers similar to PlayStation Plus Extra and Xbox Game Pass, Green Hell VR is the only new addition this month. No VR games have been removed from May's previous lineup. You can find the full list below:
In this week's episode of the Between Realities VR Podcast, Alex and Skeeva host Composer and Audio Director Jonathan Van Den Wijngaarden.
Jonathan details his work creating the music and sound effects for VR games like After The Fall and Arizona Sunshine 2. Other topics include the cultural relevance of video game music and the ethicality of the use of AI when creating art.
X8, Thirdverse's 5v5 multiplayer VR hero shooter, now has a social hub.
Developed by Thirdverse, X8 is a free-to-play game with cross-platform support that's just received a major update. Titled 'Freeplay Park,' this new area lets you hang out with other players and form custom games. Various activities are available for learning game mechanics, alongside minigames like knife throwing, a shooting range, and time-attack climbing challenges. You can watch the gameplay footage below.
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Elsewhere in this update, X8 now lets you custom stickers across environments called 'Splat Tags,' and a new high-skill semi-automatic weapon called 'Monarch' has been added. 'Threat Levels' is a new pseudo-ranked game mode for Demolition that increases your threat rating after winning games. Weapon recoil and sound have been overhauled. Finally, an enhanced matchmaking system is now live that ensures players are ready before joining a game.
X8 is available now on Quest, SteamVR and Pico, and a PSVR 2 version is also in development.
Quest 3 owners with a copy of the original Tomb Raider can now play the game in mixed reality with BeefRaider XR.
Yes, correct, you read that right.
VR headsets now enable players with an original copy of Tomb Raider 1 from 1996 to revisit the game in mixed reality with the game world as a kind of dollhouse and Lara Croft as a fully controllable 1/24 scale action figure.
The BeefRaider XR mod already embodies players as Lara Croft from the classic 1996 game, which is just $6.99 on Steam as of writing. If you own the recent remaster, that should also include the files you need to play it with BeefRaider.
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With recent advances, Team Beef seems to be exploring how to make classic games more interesting or enjoyable in headset, with Tomb Raider as a testing ground. Dr Beef, aka Simon Brown, told UploadVR now that they have mixed reality support working with Tomb Raider, they might look to see where else the feature might make sense.
Patreon supporters of the Team Beef group usually get early access before updates arrive on SideQuest. Pressing both controller grip buttons accesses the ability "to rotate, move and scale the world," explains modding group Team Beef. There's also a PCVR build without passthrough called "Fixed Camera Mode". "Battery Saver" mode on Quest, meanwhile, will optionally disable the passthrough view for the same effect in a standalone headset.
As Meta is expected to debut Quest 3S with more power at lower prices, getting a headset as a playground for retro gaming is becoming a more interesting idea each passing day.
We've been following Dr Beef's efforts for some time and, along with Flat2VR Studios and advancing open source emulation tools, VR's new golden age of gaming sees many groups intent on bringing artifacts of their childhood into headsets as soon as possible.
Contractors Showdown Permanently Adds Solo Mode To The VR Battle Royale
VR battle royale Contractors Showdown has permanently added Solo Mode into the game, letting players jump into its 45-player matches without needing a team. It's the most significant update so far since April's launch. In the previous Solo Mode tests, Caveman Studio was exploring "optimized circle mechanics," an increased bot presence, and giving players a free self-revive needle.
BOBOVR Reveals New C3 Carrying Case For Quest 3
Continuing its range of Quest 3 products, accessory maker BOBOVR released a new 'C3 Carrying Case.' Available now for $49.99, it's specifically designed for use with the S3 Pro Head Strap and features two travel modes - "on-the-go" and a desktop mode.
Track Craft Will Soon Be Fully Playable In VR
Following last year's early access launch, mixed reality racer Track Craft will soon become fully playable in VR. Brainz Gamify confirmed this future update lets you switch to MR at any time, experience every track from the driver's seat, and you can soon use your hands with the level editor. A new user interface is also promised, alongside multiplayer user rankings and leagues.
Sugar Mess - Let's Play Jolly Battle Is Out Now On PSVR 2
Previously available on Quest and Pico, Sugar Mess - Let's Play Jolly Battle is now making its way to PlayStation VR2. An arcade VR FPS, you're tasked with setting off on an adventure across the Sugar Kingdom, taking down bosses as you learn more about the Sugar Prince.
Other Updates
After some more updates? Here's everything else we've seen in VR news this week.
If you've got an update for a VR game we should know about for this article or future updates, you can use our contact page or email tips@uploadvr.com with details.
You won't find as many new VR games this month. Summer months are often quieter, yet there's still a good selection to choose from. Be sure to check out our upcoming VR games list for the full rundown, and keep this page bookmarked. We'll keep updating this as we learn about more release dates or delays, and don't forget the UploadVR Summer Showcase 2024 takes place on June 26.
For now, these are the biggest new VR games reaching Quest, PC VR, PSVR 2 and Apple Vision Pro this June.
Eternal Starlight - June 3 (Apple Vision Pro)
Three years after reaching Steam and Quest, Eternal Starlight is officially making the jump to Apple Vision Pro. Developed by White Noise Games, this space fleet command game gives you real-time command of an Ender's Game-like space fleet, offering tasks reminiscent of FTL: Faster Than Light.
Silent Slayer: Vault of the Vampire - June 6 (Quest)
The first VR horror title from Schell Games, Silent Slayer: Vault of the Vampire is described as a single-player "jumpscare VR horror game." Playing as a vampire hunter guided by a mystical book, you're tasked with slaying these fearsome foes with "distinct peculiarities and inclinations" by quietly disarming traps and navigating puzzles.
Created by Archiact, Journey to Foundation is a narrative-focused VR sci-fi adventure. You play as Agent Ward, who possesses unique Mentalic abilities that lets them sense and manipulate the emotions of others. Every choice "carries a consequence and affects your story." On PC, promised upgrades include updated visuals and spatial audio.
Developed by Mana Brigade, BlackForge VR lets you creative medieval weaponry to support the town's local heroes, fulfilling requests in the campaign. At launch, it features a full campaign and story where your tools become essential for others currently fighting a mysterious evil.
Developed by Tin Man Games, Neon Squad Tactics takes us to a cyberpunk metropolis called UltraCity. Playable solo or in online co-op, this action-adventure strategy games tasks you with carrying out missions for powerful corporations as you navigate this neon-lit underworld.
Taskmaster VR turns you into a contestant on the popular game show. Stepping into the Taskmaster house, this upcoming adaptation puts you up against "a menagerie of weird and wonderful tasks." Multiple solutions are available for completing each challenge and those must be cleared within a time limit to impress the Taskmaster, Greg Davies.
Developed by Commuter Games, Downtown Club differs considerably from other VR racing games. Instead of just placing you inside the driver's seat, Downtown Club features full motion control support that involves directly grabbing the wheel, shifter and handbrake. The early access release features four gameplay modes, three hot hatch cars and customizable vehicles.
Previously launched on Quest, Sky Climb by VRMonkey is a VR platforming game set in a "balloon-themed universe." Promising an adventure that spans 65 levels across seven worlds with various power-ups, this family-friendly experience promises a solo campaign, online multiplayer mode where you can compete against five other players, online leaderboards and a level creator.
A retro-inspired colorful VR game, Masternoid by Pixel Magnet is an arcade brick breaker with a 50-stage campaign and online leaderboards. "Master the art of destruction and explore a universe of 50+ meticulously designed handcrafted levels. Collect all the stars and move through the Masternoid world where a voxel surprise awaits at every corner," states the studio.
Retropolis 2: Never Say Goodbye - June 2024 (PSVR 2)
Released in early access last June, Retropolis 2: Never Say Goodbye is a point-and-click adventure set one year after The Secret of Retropolis. It features robo-detective Philip Log and Jenny Montage as they face a new villain. Following a recent last minute delay, the PSVR 2 version is now scheduled to arrive this June.
VRIDER is an officially licenced VR game for the Superbike World Championship that offers a mix of arcade and simulation racing elements. Featuring twelve tracks like Phillip Island, TT Assen, Imola and Magny-Cours, it's currently in early access and June's full release promises five more tracks and online multiplayer. A Steam version is also in development.
If you've got an update for a VR game we should know about for this article or future monthly round-ups, you can use our contact page or email tips@uploadvr.com with details.
Interested to learn about more upcoming VR games? Check out our complete list below, which covers upcoming Quest, PC VR, Pico, Apple Vision Pro and PSVR 2 releases across 2024 and beyond:
BlackForge, a VR weaponsmithing sim, reaches Quest and Steam in two weeks.
Developed by Mana Brigade and published by Fast Travel Games, BlackForge: A Smithing Adventure is described as a "wholesome and deceptively skillful" title that promises realistic interactions. Previously featured in Steam Next Fest, it offers a story-driven campaign that tasks you with creating medieval weaponry to support the town's local heroes as they fend off a mysterious evil. Here's the new trailer.
To create these weapons and new tools, BlackForge: A Smithing Adventure involves sculpting and shaping metal, chopping wood, and welding materials together. You must heat metal in the forge, bash it into shape before it cools, and look after your trusty forge spirit that resides within. New skills gradually unlock after completing various requests, and you can also test these weapons on combat dummies before finishing them.
BlackForge: A Smithing Adventure reaches the Meta Quest platform and PC VR on June 13.
Spacetop G1 replaces the screen of traditional laptops with floating virtual screens via built-in AR glasses.
It's an upgraded version of the Spacetop Early Access which shipped last year to "hundreds" of early adopters. The startup behind the device, Sightful, says it will upgrade all Early Access owners to the consumer G1.
Sightful was founded by ex-Magic Leap executives Tamir Berliner and Tomer Kahan. Berliner also previously founded a 3D sensor company which he sold to Apple.
Spacetop G1
The laptop part of Spacetop G1 features a full-size keyboard and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset with active cooling and 16GB of RAM. That means it has the same GPU and similar CPU as a Meta Quest 3 but with twice the unified memory.
That hardware powers the proprietary Spacetop OS operating system. It lets you spawn large floating web browser windows around you instead of being hunched over a traditional laptop screen switching through tabs. Essentially, Spacetop G1 is like having a Chromebook with infinite massive screens.
However, you won't be able to actually see all those screens at once. The built-in tethered AR glasses are the Xreal Air 2 Ultra with 6DoF tracking, which use transparent birdbath optics. That enables a form factor of a very thick pair of glasses, but has the same problem as all existing transparent optics: a very narrow field of view.
As we noted in our review of Nreal Light, which had a very similar field of view, you'll only see all the floating windows at once if they're placed meters away. At more reasonable viewing distances you'll have to turn your head more often than with physical monitors and remember where content is. This is currently the key tradeoff of transparent AR versus opaque headsets with passthrough cameras.
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Unlike in this concept, the limited field of view means you can't see all the screens at once.
Spacetop G1 supports Wi-Fi 7 for home or office use but also has a 5G modem for phone-free use on the go. You'll need a SIM card with an active plan from a carrier for that though, of course.
Sightful claims Spacetop G1 has up to 8 hours of battery life and charges from 0% to 85% in less than 2 hours via 63W over USB-C.
There are actually two USB-C ports, and as well as charging they can be used to output a 1080p mirror to a physical DisplayPort monitor to show content to others. There's also a 5 megapixel webcam above the keyboard for video calls.
When folded it fits into the same space as a 13-inch laptop, but with a bulge.
Spacetop G1 ships from October for $1900. For the next week you can reserve one for a $100 refundable deposit and get a $200 discount. Sightful claims you can cancel at any time before your Spacetop G1 ships.
We've gone hands-on with Phoenix Royale, the latest iteration of popular VR battle royale game Population: One.
Phoenix Royale brings new features and improvements that aim to elevate the already amazing experience Population: One offers. In this hands-on report, we'll dive into the gameplay, graphics, and sound, and more, while comparing it to the original Population: One and highlighting the differences that make Phoenix Royale stand out.
Gameplay And Differences
The Phoenix Royale update for Population: One brings several exciting changes compared to the original game. Most notably, the update introduces:
New Phoenix Map
One of the most significant additions to the new Phoenix Royale update is its new Phoenix map. This full-sized battle royale map is meticulously designed to offer a diverse range of environments providing many strategic opportunities that rarely leave players caught in the open. From dense urban areas to open fields and rugged terrain, the Phoenix map provides an environment that keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting until the very end. The map's layout also encourages exploration and aids in tactical decision-making, creating a unique experience with each match.
Phoenix Redeploys
One of the standout new features of the Phoenix Royale update is its redeploy system. In traditional battle royale games, being downed often means a long wait or an early exit from the match. In Phoenix Royale, however, the game introduces a new redeploy system that allows players to get back into the action quickly. Even if you're downed and away from your squad, you can redeploy and rejoin your team, ensuring that the gameplay remains fast-paced and balanced.
Phoenix Supply Crates And Buy Stations
In Phoenix Royale, BigBox is introducing Phoenix Supply Crates and Buy Stations, which add a new layer of strategy to the game. These supply crates are scattered across the map and contain various weapons, health items, and even Phoenix Gem Bars, which are a new in-game currency. Players collect these gem bars to spend them at the Buy Stations where they can purchase items such as health, backpacks, weapon upgrades, and class buffs. This encourages players to explore the map further while making strategic decisions about where and when to spend resources.
Phoenix Loot Vaults
Every time a match starts, loot vaults randomly appear on the map. These vaults are guarded by Towerheads, which players must destroy in order to capture the objective point and access special supply crates that contain various high-level weapons and sometimes even significant amounts of Phoenix Gem Bars. This brings an element of risk and reward, causing players to decide whether or not to engage in these high-stakes encounters all for the chance to obtain some valuable loot.
Moving End-Zone Mechanic
Phoenix Royale also introduces a new moving end-zone mechanic in all of its squad-based modes. In Phoenix Royale, the moving end-zone rotates around the map, keeping the action constantly moving and forcing players to adapt their strategies on the fly. The dynamic end-zone adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability and discourages the dreaded zone camping that seems to occur often in many battle royale-style games.
Sprinting Mechanic
Another notable addition to Phoenix Royale is the new sprinting mechanic. Players can now use a tactical sprint movement option to move quickly. This mechanic is available in all game modes and provides players with more mobility and flexibility. Whether you're trying to escape the closing end-zone or repositioning for a better vantage point, the sprinting mechanic adds a new and much appreciated dimension to Pop One's gameplay.
Graphics and Sound
As it's always been with Population One as well as all of its other updates, Phoenix Royale boasts impressive graphics that look fantastic in the Quest 3 I used for our demo session. While the game still has not been fully updated to take advantage of the new graphics horsepower, the Quest 3 offers the developers mentioned during our press demo that specific enhancements had been made but that they needed to strike a balance between looks and performance, since the nature of the game demands peak performance at all times.
Checking out the lighting and textures on weapons
The new Phoenix map is visually stunning, featuring a detailed environment with good use of textures that bring this world to life. The game's lighting effects also add to the atmosphere, creating both a dynamic and visually appealing experience. The sound design in Phoenix Royale is equally impressive, with realistic audio cues that help players stay aware of their surroundings and aid in making strategic decisions.
Press Demo
We recently participated in a press demo for Phoenix Royale where Ian Hamilton, Henry Stockdale, and Don Hopper from UploadVR - along with other journalists from various publications and members of the BigBox team went head to head while exploring the maps and learning about the new features and mechanics. The redeploy system and moving end-zone mechanic kept us on our toes, and the new Phoenix map definitely provided a fresh and exciting environment to battle each other in. The entire experience was a testament to the game's ability to deliver a fun and engaging experience for players of all skill levels. As someone who hasn't played Pop One in a while but used to play a lot when it first released, it felt like coming home again.
UploadVR Staff Meeting
We had a great time exploring the new features Phoenix Royale brings and even had a bit of good-spirited inter-office rivalry in a few of our matches. In one match, I vividly remember suffering a bitter defeat at Ian's hands in the last minutes of a crucial round, only to respawn shortly afterward dispatching Henry with my new bad-ass energy blade, and it was utterly exhilarating!
Conclusion
Overall, Phoenix Royale offers major new reasons to install, or re-install, Population: One to give this new update a try. It offers a host of new features and improvements that enhance the original game’s experience. The update brings with it the new Phoenix map, redeploy system, supply crates, buy stations, loot vaults, moving end-zone mechanic, and sprinting mechanic which all contribute to a more dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.
The game's impressive graphics and sound design, combined with all of these new improvements make it another standout update to one of the most amazing games in the VR battle royale genre. So, whether you're a veteran player or new to the series, Population: One - Phoenix Royale is a must-play game mode.
Les Mills XR Bodycombat receives its first paid DLC with new workouts and over twenty songs on Quest.
Available today, the Les Mills XR Bodycombat - Power Strike DLC introduces eight new workouts with 22 new songs, additional cosmetics and a new 'Arena of the Brave' environment. This update also introduces two new gameplay moves - 'Power Strike' lets you "unleash your strongest punches" to earn bonus points, while 'Final Targets' end each workout with a "powerful punch."
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"With the introduction of premium DLC packs, we aim to innovate gameplay further, introduce new moves, and elevate the game to provide the ultimate XR fitness experience," says Odders Lab in a prepared statement. In a press release, the studio states it remains committed to regular free updates despite today's introduction for paid DLC.
Elsewhere, Odders Lab also announced that a new 'Meta Quest x Les Mills XR Bodycombat Fitness Bundle' is now available in the US market. Available for both Quest 2 and Quest 3, this headset bundle includes the 'Active Straps' accessories and game. That's available on Meta's official store for $230 with a Quest 2 or $540 with a Quest 3 until June 30, 2024.
Les Mills Bodycombat - Power Strike is out now on the Meta Quest platform for $8.
PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers will receive multiple PSVR 2 games next week, while the headset gets a $100 discount.
Kicking off Days of Play 2024, Sony announced that it's introducing an additional set of "bonus" PSVR 2 titles into its rotating 'Games Catalogue' on June 6. As a three tier subscription service, the catalogue is normally only accessible to anyone subscribed to PlayStation Plus' Extra and Premium tiers. However, Sony states these bonus games can only be accessed by Premium subscribers.
Here's the full list:
Before Your Eyes
Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord
Synth Riders
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners + Chapter 2: Retribution
Walkabout Mini Golf
It's a big boost for PSVR 2 owners who subscribe to PlayStation Plus Premium. Currently, Sony's Games Catalogue only includes Humanity, Rez Infinite and Tetris Effect: Connected, while PSVR owners can access Werewolves Within. Free trials for 11 PSVR 2 games like Demeo, Ghost Signal and Moss are also available for Premium subscribers. As a reminder, Plus is mandatory for PS5's online multiplayer.
Elsewhere, Sony also confirmed that it's discounting $100 off the PSVR 2 headset and the PSVR 2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle, beginning on May 29 until June 12 across select regions. An exclusive deal is promised for PlayStation Plus members buying the headset through PlayStation Direct, offering 12 months of Netflix Premium to existing and new Netflix subscribers.
Episode 2 of Adventure is out now on Apple Vision Pro.
Adventure is an Apple Immersive Video series that lets the viewer "join pioneering athletes as they take on awe-inspiring challenges in some of the world's most spectacular locations".
What Is Apple Immersive Video?
The Apple Immersive Video format is 180-degree video with 8K resolution, stereoscopic 3D, and spatial audio. It's served from the Apple TV+ subscription service with much higher bitrate than many other immersive video platforms.
Wehighly praised Apple Immersive Videoin our Vision Pro review. It's not possible to cast or record Apple Immersive Video though, so you'll have to take our word for it unless you have access to a Vision Pro.
Episode 1 of Adventure has been available since Apple Vision Pro launched. It's called Highlining, lasts 13 minutes, and lets you watch highliner Faith Dickey take on "her biggest challenge yet" - crossing Norwegian fjords at 3000 feet in the air.
Episode 2, out now, is called Parkour and lasts 12 minutes. It follows "the world's leading Parkour athletes" as they traverse the rooftops and streets of Paris.
Adventure episode 1, Highlining.
Adventure is exclusively available from the Apple TV+ service in the Apple TV app on Apple Vision Pro.
