This week I had the chance to join a team VR game session at Core VR in Derby. A group of 8 of us enjoyed some gaming time together. It was my first proper immersive and roaming VR experience, and while I wasn’t the best at it, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
As I had such a great time, I wanted to share my overall experience and thoughts on VR gaming. Perhaps in the future, if I return, I’ll write a more detailed review of pros, cons and thoughts.
Initially, I was a bit sceptical for several reasons as to whether I would enjoy the experience. I’d tried a meta headset at home a few years back but the limited space meant I mostly used it sitting down, missing out on the full roaming experience. Years ago, I also tried a more basic VR setup where I sat in a pod and shot targets at Resorts World in Birmingham. I no longer own a headset because I got vertigo a few years back. However, I don’t seem to suffer from it anymore (or currently) and I was comfortable playing as I do enjoy computer games.
This experience used standard meta headsets, a body jacket and handheld controllers. Four gamers were then placed in a small free-roaming play area to enjoy the game. We chose a zombie-shootout style game called Corpus Animatum and each team competed for about 45 minutes. We had many options for the choice of game to play, and received advice/recommendation’s from the session hosts. We could have played longer if we’d wanted as part of the price but we had limited time.
Once connected up and the game is running, it’s incredibly immersive. While it’s not photorealistic, it’s convincing and draws you into a computer game world that is believable. Pure escapism.
Prior to playing we were briefed on the rules and what to expect, how to play and what behaviours will get you strikes.
While you’re free to move, you’re confined to a playing area and can see your team with avatars. Move too far and you will see the boundary appear that you must not cross. The game seems to follow you and we encountered various scenarios including dark moody settings like villages overrun by zombies wielding pickaxes. The graphics included cars rushing towards us and massive boss-like creatures.
While I wasn’t the best player, I’m confident I could improve with practice after getting to know the mechanics. It takes some getting used to it but I felt right at home. Reloading the guns should be straight forward but I ran into occasional difficulties but got better as time progressed. Likely attempting too fast and learnt I needed to slow a little.
The ability to roam a bit during the game probably helped me not feel sick, as the system really tricks the brain into believing the visuals are your reality. Instantly I felt part of the world and I highly recommend it to anyone with a decent VR entertainment centre nearby or perhaps at home. A lot of fun and we understand some of the games at this venue may be exclusive and written in house.
Maybe I can encourage my family to go? Probably not but I would be up for a follow up visit!
As a team, we were all impressed and our only thoughts were that more competition managed by the hosts and prize-giving events would enhance the enjoyment. There instructions were clear and they provided guidance on staying within the boundary wall and handling situations like when you “die” and what to do. Breaking rules results in strikes but being sensible should keep you safe.
To learn more, visit:
https://corevr.co.uk/corpusanimatum
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