Gamescom 2019 is underway, and we've seen a load of new game announcements, including some for PCVR systems as well as release dates for games we've been eagerly anticipating. We rounded them up right here so you know what to save up for.
Great price, great VR experience
The Oculus Rift S has been refined to deliver built-in room-scale tracking, new Touch controllers, and internal spatial audio.
Westworld Awakening
From developer Survios — creators of other VR games like Raw Data, Creed: Rise to Glory, and the upcoming Battlewake — Westworld Awakening is set in the fictional Westworld universe we've had the pleasure of visiting for two seasons on HBO.
The game is set during the proceedings of the second season, and you play as protagonist Kate as she navigates the terrifying underground Delos laboratory. It's up to you to solve puzzles and ultimately escape your pursuer, who in this case is a serial killer host named Hank. If you love horror games and you love Westworld, this one should be a no-brainer. Grab it now for Vive and Rift, and check out our review for much more information.
You're going to get murdered
Take a trip through Westworld as a host, and journey through the darker parts of this HBO series. Attempt to solve your own series of puzzles from within the larger maze we all know and wish we understood.
Down the Rabbit Hole: VR
Currently in development for HTC Vive, Down the Rabbit Hole: VR looks to be a take on Lewis Carroll's famous novel like we've never seen. It's sort of a mashup of puzzle game and storybook, with the player controlling actions of the two protagonists as they navigate the magical world.
Being able to swap between first- and third-person perspective is something we don't often see in VR, and there looks to be a ton of potential here when it comes to environment and animation. If you're a fan of solving puzzles in VR, this should be a hit.
Groundhog Day: Like Father Like Son
Although it wasn't announced at Gamescom, Groundhog Day: Like Father Like Son now has an expected release date: September 17, 2019. This game, created for Rift and Vive, is a spinoff of the 1993 Bill Murray movie where you play as Phil's son. You're stuck in good ol' Punxsutawney, living the day before Groundhog Day over and over and over.
It's up to you to solve puzzles, make meaningful connections with family and townies, and ultimately attempt to get out of the neverending loop. Check it out at Steam, though there's not yet a price or preorder option.
Battlewake
Like the Groundhog Day VR sequel, Gamescom wasn't the first time we saw Battlewake, another VR title from developer Survios. However, we now have an expected release date: September 10, 2019, for Vive and Rift.
Just like the name implies, Battlewake sets you on the creaking planks of a pirate ship where you ultimately kick serious naval ass as one of four Pirate Lords, each with their own abilities. This is classed as a "vehicular combat" game, so you can only imagine where your ship will take you. Alongside cannons and galleons, you'll be able to wield magic from the tips of your fingers, and you can be sure there will be a Kraken or two making an appearance. Check out Battlewake at Steam (Vive and Rift support are listed), though there's not yet a set price or preorder option.
What games are you most excited for?
There were plenty more games announced at Gamescom 2019, though they'll be played on a standard 2D monitor. What were your favorites? Have you had a chance to try out any of the VR games above? Let us know in the comments.
