2023 was one of the biggest years for virtual reality to date. Early in 2023, Sony launched the PlayStation VR2 headset for the PS5, its next-generation VR device that offers significant upgrades over its predecessor on the PS4. Not to be outdone, Meta released the Meta Quest 3 a couple of months back, with it too offering some vast improvements when compared to previous versions of the headset.
VR didn't just make advancements in the hardware space, though. 2023 saw its fair share of high-quality virtual reality releases, which included games built from the ground-up to be played specifically in VR and titles that can be played traditionally, but are enhanced in the virtual reality space. VR games seem to get better each year as developers continue to learn what works and what doesn't in virtual reality, and it will definitely be exciting to see what the future holds for PS VR2 and Meta Quest 3.
PlayStation VR2 Owners May One Day Be Able to Watch Esports Events in Virtual Reality
Sony files an interesting patent that could allow PlayStation VR2 owners to experience esports events in new and exciting ways.
Before virtual reality enthusiasts look to the future, they may want to take a look back at the best VR games that released in 2023.
Arizona Sunshine 2
Read The Best War Games's Arizona Sunshine 2 Review
The original Arizona Sunshine was one of the first zombie shooter games to release for virtual reality headsets, though many found it to be a relatively barebones experience compared to traditional shooter games. Luckily, Arizona Sunshine 2 is a total upgrade over its predecessor in basically every category. It features a meatier campaign complemented by a horde mode, more robust co-op options, and more clever VR interactivity that goes a long way in making players more immersed in the experience. Zombie shooter games are a dime a dozen in VR, but Arizona Sunshine 2 is clearly leading the pack.
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 78 /100 Critics Rec: 80%
- Released
- December 7, 2023
- ESRB
- M Due To Blood and Gore, Crude Humor, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
- Developer(s)
- Vertigo Games
- Publisher(s)
- Vertigo Games
- Engine
- Unity
WHERE TO PLAY
Arizona Sunshine® 2, the next-gen sequel to the fan-favorite VR apocalypse, packs even more gore-geous zombie action!
Welcome back to sun-kissed, zombified Arizona. Narrated by the unmistakable quips of our dark-humored protagonist, Arizona Sunshine 2 sets you on an all-new limb-strewn adventure in search of answers. In a post-apocalyptic world where every bullet counts, experience the thrill of realistic combat as you wield all-new and fan-favorite weapons--from shotguns to machetes and flamethrowers.
And what's better than braving the end of the f*cking world? Surviving it with your new best friend--Buddy. Not only is Buddy your four-legged companion through thick and thin, he’s also the goodest boy and will help take down those pesky Freds for you. And that's not all, because fan-favorite co-op mode makes its return as well.
Asgard's Wrath 2
Read The Best War Games's Asgard's Wrath 2 Review
Sanzaru Games released the original Asgard's Wrath to widespread critical acclaim back in 2019, with many hailing it as one of the absolute best VR games ever made to that point. Unfortunately, the first Asgard's Wrath game has remained trapped on the older Oculus Rift headsets and is to this day a PC-only game, leaving out those that jumped on the VR bandwagon with the wireless Meta Quest headsets. That's where Asgard's Wrath 2 comes into play. Asgard's Wrath 2 was even better-received than its predecessor, with particular praise for its story and engrossing action-RPG gameplay. Arguably the absolute-best game that can be played on Meta Quest 2 and 3 headsets, Asgard's Wrath 2 is a must-play for VR enthusiasts.
Asgard's Wrath 2
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 91 /100 Critics Rec: 93%
- Released
- December 15, 2023
- ESRB
- M // Blood and Gore, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Publisher(s)
- Oculus Studios
Travel across vast realms inhabited by the gods in pursuit of the Trickster God Loki, who threatens to undo the threads of the universe. It’s up to you to battle gods and monsters alike as you take on one of the biggest and most epic scale Action RPGs ever experienced in VR. Alongside legendary Egyptian gods, you’ll fight deadly warriors and awe-inspiring mythical creatures through physics-based, visceral combat with unique weapons and playstyles. Possess unique mortal heroes and convert loyal animals into your own warrior followers as you explore a massive, free-roaming and living world and solve mind-bending god-scale puzzles.
Assassin's Creed Nexus VR
Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise finally made the proper leap to virtual reality in 2023 with Assassin's Creed Nexus VR. A full-fledged Assassin's Creed game, Nexus VR does a fantastic job of translating the core AC experience to the virtual reality space. It doesn't hurt that the game features one of the most popular protagonists in Assassin's Creed history, the unforgettable Ezio Auditore, making it the perfect VR game for franchise fans.
Dungeons of Eternity
Some of the best experiences one can have in VR is playing with friends. Anyone needing a new co-op VR game to play need look no further than Dungeons of Eternity, a co-op hack-and-slash game where up to three players work together to battle enemies in procedurally-generated dungeons. Dungeons of Eternity is enjoying some nice post-launch support as well with the release of the Frostbound update, so it should definitely give VR co-op gamers plenty of bang for their buck.
Gran Turismo 7
Read The Best War Games's Gran Turismo 7 Review
Gran Turismo 7 originally launched in 2022 with no virtual reality features to speak of, which made sense considering the PlayStation VR2 headset wasn't out yet. A year later, Gran Turismo 7 received its long-awaited VR update, and fans have never looked back. Playing Gran Turismo 7 in VR is a revelation, with the game taking great advantage of the PS VR2's upgraded graphics to make players feel like they're genuinely on its many racetracks. Nearly the entire Gran Turismo 7 experience can be enjoyed in VR, and it's arguably the best way to play the critically-acclaimed racing game.
Gran Turismo 7
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 92%
- Released
- March 24, 2022
- ESRB
- E for Everyone: Alcohol Reference, Use of Tobacco
- Developer(s)
- Polyphony Digital
- Publisher(s)
- Sony
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Gran Turismo
WHERE TO PLAY
Gran Turismo 7 brings together the very best features of the Real Driving Simulator. Whether you’re a competitive or casual racer, collector, tuner, livery designer or photographer – find your line with a staggering collection of game modes including fan-favorites like GT Campaign, Arcade and Driving School. With the reintroduction of the legendary GT Simulation Mode, buy, tune and race your way through a rewarding solo campaign as you unlock new cars and challenges. And if you love going head-to-head with others, hone your skills and compete in the GT Sport Mode. With over 420 cars available at Brand Central and the Used Car Dealership from day one, Gran Turismo 7 recreates the look and feel of classic motors and bleeding-edge supercars alike in unparalleled detail. Each car handles differently and feels unique as you navigate over 90 track routes in dynamic weather conditions, including classic courses from GT history.
- Number of Players
- 1-2
- Split Screen Orientation
- Vertical Only
- Genre(s)
- Racing
- Metascore
- 87
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- Number of Tracks
- 108
- Number of Cars
- 484
- Local Co-Op Support
- 1-2 Players
Horizon Call of the Mountain
Whenever new hardware is launched, its paramount that it's supported by high-quality software. Sony made sure this happened with its PlayStation VR2 headset by releasing Horizon Call of the Mountain as a launch title. Horizon Call of the Mountain is a VR spin-off of PlayStation's popular open world Horizon games, with Call of the Mountain giving players the chance to encounter Horizon's massive machines and gorgeous game world in VR. Horizon Call of the Mountain is still one of the best reasons to get a PlayStation VR2, nearly a year later, and is a must-buy for anyone with the headset.
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 80 /100 Critics Rec: 78%
- Released
- February 22, 2023
- ESRB
- Rated T for Teen for Fantasy Violence and Mild Language.
- Developer(s)
- Firesprite, Guerrilla Games
- Publisher(s)
- Sony
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Franchise
- Horizon
WHERE TO PLAY
In Horizon Call of the Mountain, you step into the shoes (and put on the gloves) of Ryas, a former Shadow Carja Warrior searching for redemption. Haunted by a difficult past and scouted for a dangerous task, Ryas has been offered freedom only in exchange for investigating a new threat to the Sundom. A master at climbing and archery, he will need to utilize all of his skills to survive the perilous journey for answers. New and old Horizon characters, including Aloy herself, will cross paths with Ryas to aid him in his quest to uncover the secret threat. Being equipped for any situation is vital to Ryas’ success, and throughout Horizon Call of the Mountain you’ll come across weapons and tools you’ll need to master to survive against the mighty machines you’ll meet along the way.
- Platform(s)
- PS5
- Genre(s)
- Action, Virtual Reality
- Metascore
- 79
Humanity
Humanity is a critically-acclaimed puzzle-platformer with an incredibly unique premise. In it, players take on the role of a dog that has to guide humans through dangerous stages. The entire game can be played traditionally on a TV, but it's definitely enhanced when played in VR. Luckily, VR support is available for the game on both PC and PlayStation, giving fans the chance to try it out no matter their platform of choice.
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 86 /100 Critics Rec: 95%
- Released
- May 16, 2023
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- tha ltd., Enhance
- Publisher(s)
- Enhance
- Engine
- Unity
- Cross-Platform Play
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
- PC Release Date
- May 16, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
HUMANITY is a third-person puzzle-action game where you become a dog to command massive, marching crowds of people to jump, turn, push, float, shoot, and climb their way to salvation across 90 story-mode stages.
READY, AND…ACTION!: Devious puzzles and strategic thinking is broken up with more action-focused elements and platformer-like levels, even some epic boss battles!
UGC = USER GENERATED CONTENT, UNLIMITED GRATIFYING CHALLENGES: Browse an ever-growing library of stages created by other players. Play, rate, and discover new types of puzzles in this limitless vault.
CREATE AND SHARE LEVELS: Bring your ideas to life using the intuitive Stage Creator, be it a straightforward puzzle, action stage, or heck, even an artful sculpture!
(OPTIONAL) VR Compatible: Immerse yourself like never before as you tower over the teeming, ant-like people! Mu ha ha ha ha!
Whether on your standard display or in the optional VR Mode, watch as breathtaking swarms of people follow your commands to the exit, all in HUMANITY’s stark iconic style, courtesy of director and celebrated visual designer Yugo Nakamura and famed game creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi (Rez Infinite, Tetris Effect: Connected)
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- Genre(s)
- Puzzle
- How Long To Beat
- 12 Hours
- Metascore
- 86
- Platforms That Support Crossplay
- PC, PS4, & PS5
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
I Expect You to Die 3: Cog in the Machine
The I Expect You to Die games put players in life-threatening situations that challenge them to solve puzzles as fast as possible to escape. Since the original, the I Expect You to Die games have taken great advantage of the unique features and control opportunities offered by virtual reality headsets, and the third game is no exception to the rule. Easily the best entry in the series to date, I Expect You to Die 3: Cog in the Machine features everything fans loved about the previous games, but with better graphics and even better puzzles.
Resident Evil Village
Read The Best War Games's Resident Evil Village Review
Since Resident Evil 7, Capcom has continuously provided some of the most fully-featured and engrossing VR experiences on the market. In 2023, Capcom gave fans two new Resident Evil virtual reality experiences with Resident Evil Village and the Resident Evil 4 remake both getting comprehensive VR modes. But when it comes to the best Resident Evil VR experience of 2023, Resident Evil Village takes home the crown. With Resident Evil Village already built around a first-person perspective, its VR mode feels more natural and is easier to slip into. Exploring Resident Evil Village's haunting game world in VR is an experience one isn't likely to forget anytime soon, and even those that have thoroughly played the base game will want to consider giving it another go in VR.
Resident Evil Village
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 84 /100 Critics Rec: 92%
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience survival horror like never before in the eighth major installment in the storied Resident Evil franchise - Resident Evil Village.
Set a few years after the horrifying events in the critically acclaimed Resident Evil 7 biohazard, the all-new storyline begins with Ethan Winters and his wife Mia living peacefully in a new location, free from their past nightmares. Just as they are building their new life together, tragedy befalls them once again.
First-Person Action – Players will assume the role of Ethan Winters and experience every up-close battle and terrifying pursuit through a first-person perspective.
Familiar Faces and New Foes – Chris Redfield has typically been a hero in the Resident Evil series, but his appearance in Resident Evil Village seemingly shrouds him in sinister motives. A host of new adversaries inhabiting the village will relentlessly hunt Ethan and hinder his every move as he attempts to make sense of the new nightmare he finds himself in.
- Engine
- RE Engine
- Franchise
- Resident Evil
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PlayStation VR2, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS
- How Long To Beat
- 10 Hours
- Metascore
- 84
Synapse
There are so many VR shooter games out there that it's easy for them to get lost in the shuffle, but Synapse is one that has really stood out thanks to its stylish, exhilarating action and roguelite elements. Throw in psychic powers that are incredibly fun to use in VR, and it quickly becomes apparent why Synapse was one of the games nominated in the Best VR/AR category at The Game Awards 2023.