Gameplay and Features
In Mythic Realms, players embark on procedurally generated expeditions, gathering resources, fighting enemies, and expanding their kingdom after each run. The game offers:

• Room-Scale Mixed Reality Combat – Enemies can move around furniture and emerge from walls, while boss fights take over the player’s space, including battles against a fire-breathing dragon.
• Kingdom Building – Players return from expeditions with resources to improve their kingdom and develop new gear.
• Multiple Playstyles – Three classes—Knight, Ranger, and Mage—each wield a variety of weapons, including swords, bows, staves, and shuriken.
• Dynamic Expeditions – Players choose how to approach each adventure, whether through combat, exploration, or gathering.

Mythic Realms is available for pre-order now on the Meta Store for $17.99 with a 10% discount.

About the Developer
Petricore, an independent studio founded in 2015, specializes in immersive experiences across VR and AR platforms. The team has worked on projects for Meta, Apple Vision Pro, and Pico, in addition to creating original IPs.

This isn’t just a carbon copy of the 1980s original. Instead, Airspace Defender updates the formula with modern design sensibilities, creating an experience that feels fresh and engaging, even for players unfamiliar with its arcade predecessor. While it doesn’t boast a particularly memorable title, the game’s smart execution makes it stand out.

From Trackballs to Finger Flicks

The core concept of Airspace Defender is deceptively simple yet immensely satisfying: defend a city, divided into eight sectors around a central base, from waves of incoming missiles, helicopters, and other threats. What makes this version unique is how it adapts the hemispherical play area to MR.

In mixed reality, the game feels perfectly at home. The protected hemisphere is visually self-contained, appearing like a giant snow globe resting in your physical space. This design allows the action to feel intimate and immediate, making excellent use of the passthrough technology on Meta Quest headsets. The sense of scale, combined with the tactile controls, immerses you in the task of protecting your city like never before.

Unlike the classic game’s trackball controls, Airspace Defender uses hand tracking with impressive precision. A simple pinch launches countermeasures, while finger clicks handle menu navigation and turret upgrades. The animations and sound effects lend a sense of tactility, making interactions feel satisfying even without physical feedback.

Between rounds, you face strategic choices: invest resources in upgrading your turrets with rockets, lasers, or mini-guns, or rebuild destroyed city sectors. Each decision shapes your strategy for the next wave, adding a layer of depth to the otherwise fast-paced action.

However, while the gameplay core is solid, the title leaves something to be desired. While Missile Command VR might have been a natural fit, copyright restrictions rule it out. A more evocative name, like Sky Shield or Defend the Dome, could better reflect the game’s retro-modern charm.

The Zen of Frenzy

If you’re looking for a game that gets your adrenaline pumping, Airspace Defender delivers. Its pacing is perfectly tuned for short, intense play sessions, with each wave escalating in challenge. By the fourth or fifth round, chaos reigns, and you’ll find yourself frantically pinching at an onslaught of missiles. The steep difficulty curve feels fair, rewarding quick reflexes and sound decision-making without overwhelming the player.

The game offers two modes: a VR-only option and a mixed reality mode. The MR experience is the standout, projecting the game into your living space and adding a unique tactile feel to the action. The VR mode, while functional, suffers from the lack of environmental context. With no skybox or backdrop to frame the action, the black void can feel a bit sterile compared to the immersive MR setup.

Arcade Aesthetics in Living Color

Visually, Airspace Defender sticks to a retro-inspired neon aesthetic that evokes the charm of classic arcade games while embracing the polish of modern visuals. Explosions are vibrant and satisfying, and the minimalist art style keeps the action clean and easy to follow.

The MR mode, in particular, benefits from the interplay of colorful effects against your real-world surroundings, creating a dynamic and engaging battlefield. While the VR mode is serviceable, the absence of backdrops or skyboxes feels like a missed opportunity. A starry night or planetary skydome could have elevated the experience significantly, adding a sense of place to the chaos.

Synthesized Sonic Siege

Audio plays a significant role in Airspace Defender, and the design doesn’t disappoint. Explosions are crisp and impactful, and each turret type has its own distinct sound signature, from the zap of lasers to the whoosh of missiles. These effects not only enhance the gameplay but also provide crucial audio cues during frantic moments.

The 80s-inspired electronic rock soundtrack ties the experience together, evoking the nostalgic energy of classic arcade titles. While it may not be groundbreaking, it complements the action perfectly and adds to the game’s retro-modern atmosphere.

Small Skies, Big Fun

For all its strengths, Airspace Defender does have its limitations. With only two city maps—one for normal difficulty and one for hard—the game could benefit from more environments to keep things fresh. Leaderboard competition adds some replayability, but the addition of new maps or dynamic challenges would do wonders for its longevity.

Looking to the future, a co-op multiplayer mode could inject new life into the game, offering players the chance to defend their cities together. For now, the game’s short sessions and leaderboard rivalries provide enough motivation to keep coming back.

At $12, the game is reasonably priced, offering excellent value for its polish and engaging mechanics.

The Final Countdown

Airspace Defender is a tightly designed arcade experience that makes excellent use of VR and MR technology. Its intuitive controls, fast-paced gameplay, and vibrant aesthetic make it a worthy addition to any Meta Quest library.

While it could use a few more maps and a skybox for VR mode, the game excels where it counts: delivering accessible, chaotic fun that’s easy to pick up and hard to put down. Whether you’re chasing leaderboard glory or simply enjoying the retro-modern charm, Airspace Defender is a blast from the past worth revisiting.

Arizona Sunshine was originally released in 2016 and quickly became a popular title in the VR gaming community, known for its immersive zombie-slaying action set in a post-apocalyptic version of the southwestern United States. The remake of the game is designed to build on this foundation by offering improved visuals and gameplay experiences for modern VR platforms.

Key features of the remake include a significant upgrade in graphics, described as “GORE-geous,” which aims to enhance the visual experience of battling the undead. The game will also introduce next-gen VR combat and weapons, providing players with a more physically engaging experience. This includes the ability to wield a variety of weapons, from shotguns to machetes, in a more realistic and tactile manner.

The remake will also feature a brand-new mutilation and gore system, allowing players to discover various ways to defeat zombies, referred to in the game as “Fred.” Additionally, the game will include all original downloadable content (DLC) and updates, such as the Dead Man DLC, The Damned DLC, and various location updates like the Old Mine and Trailer Park.

Multiplayer enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Arizona Sunshine® Remake will support co-op gameplay, allowing up to four players to team up in campaign mode or the multiplayer Horde mode. The developers have noted that more players mean more zombies, increasing the challenge and intensity of the game.

For existing fans of the game, Vertigo Games is offering a discounted upgrade path. Players who already own the original Arizona Sunshine® will be able to upgrade to the remake at a reduced price, provided they have the original game installed on their platform.

Originally developed by 3D Realms and powered by the Quake engine, Wrath: Aeon of Ruin is a first-person shooter that draws inspiration from classic titles like Doom and Hexen. The game is set in a dark, decaying world where players must navigate through non-linear levels filled with ancient horrors and deadly traps. The VR adaptation aims to capture the intense atmosphere and brutal combat of the original while leveraging the immersive capabilities of virtual reality.

The transition to VR has been made possible through the collaboration between Team Beef and Flat2VR Studios. The partnership with Flat2VR Studios has allowed Team Beef to go beyond a simple port, incorporating asset alterations and new features that make Wrath: Aeon of Ruin feel like a game designed specifically for VR.

In a show of appreciation, Team Beef has announced that all mid-tier patrons who supported the project from its inception on September 22, 2022, until the announcement on August 15, 2024, will receive a free copy of the VR version upon its launch. This gesture acknowledges the vital role that the community played in bringing the project to fruition.

Further details on how patrons can redeem their copies will be shared closer to the launch date. Additionally, there may be opportunities for beta testing, allowing dedicated fans to contribute further to the development process.

The announcement coincides with the VR Games Showcase, where Flat2VR Studios is highlighting its latest VR adaptations. Team Beef encourages fans to check out the showcase to see the cutting-edge work being done in the VR gaming space.

This release marks a new chapter for Team Beef, and the team is optimistic about the future, with plans to bring more classic games to VR in collaboration with Flat2VR Studios. The VR gaming community can look forward to more exciting announcements in the near future.

Game Overview and Features

TIER ONE: DIRECT ACTION is set in a near-future scenario, where players assume the role of elite operatives from two rival factions: Specter and Buran. The game draws inspiration from well-known titles like ArmA and Rainbow Six Siege, with the developers envisioning it as a spiritual successor to the VR title ONWARD.

The development team comprises over 20 VR industry veterans, including key members who contributed to ONWARD, as well as other notable VR projects such as ZENITH, Marvel’s Iron Man VR, Blacktop Hoops, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. The involvement of military veterans adds to the game’s focus on realism.

Key features of the game include:

• Teamwork-Centric Gameplay: The game rewards players for actions that benefit the team, such as reviving teammates and capturing objectives, rather than focusing on personal scores. Players can strategize in a social hub between matches.
• Diverse Game Modes: The early access version will feature game modes such as Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, and Satcom (Objective Mode). The full release plans to expand this to 10 different modes, including both PvP and PvE experiences.
• Realistic and Immersive Environments: The game features environments and equipment handling that closely mirror their real-life counterparts. Players have access to a customizable arsenal of weapons and attachments, including scopes, silencers, and foregrips, along with specialized tools like grenades and EMPs.
• Character Customization: Players can personalize their characters with a wide range of customization options, including headgear, patches, uniforms, and camouflages.
• Interactive Mechanics: The game includes lifelike gameplay mechanics such as climbing ladders, fast-roping, applying bandages, helicopter extractions, and air support, all designed to enhance immersion.
• Training and Progression: Players can hone their skills in a special forces training hub, featuring a killhouse, shooting range, and parkour course. A detailed progression system allows players to advance their character, unlock new skills, and rank up.

Kickstarter Campaign and Rewards

To bring TIER ONE: DIRECT ACTION to life, Niorun Studios is seeking support through Kickstarter. Backers can choose from a variety of reward tiers, ranging from a €5 discount on the Early Access release to exclusive in-game items and experiences, such as meeting the developers and participating in level design.

The Kickstarter campaign offers tiers including:

• Private (€5): A €5 discount on Early Access and exclusive updates.
• Corporal (€20): Full access to Early Access and the full release, plus exclusive skins and emblems.
• Sergeant (€49): Includes all previous rewards plus a digital artbook and a Kickstarter-exclusive weapon.
• Lieutenant (€99): Meet the developers, receive priority access to the game, and all previous rewards.
• Fire Team (€99): Includes rewards for 5 people, making it ideal for bringing a team into the game.
• Captain (€499): Add an Easter egg to the game and receive all previous rewards.
• Colonel (€999): Join the launch party and receive a goodie box along with all previous rewards.
• General (€5,000): Work with the team to design a character, participate in level design, and playtest unpublished game modes.

Next Steps

Niorun Studios is calling on supporters to back their Kickstarter campaign and help bring TIER ONE: DIRECT ACTION to fruition. Interested players can visit the Kickstarter page for more details and choose a reward tier that suits them.

For more information, follow TIER ONE: DIRECT ACTION on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

The game’s announcement trailer, released alongside this news, gives a glimpse into the dream-like world and the unique bond players will develop with Moti. My Monsters is still in production, with a release anticipated next year, and has already been nominated for the Best XR/VR Game at Gamescom LATAM, where attendees can experience a playable version.

About Laser Dance Laser Dance is a mixed-reality game where players move between two buttons on opposite ends of their living room, navigating a sequence of laser patterns that adapt to the room’s size and layout. The gameplay is easy to learn but hard to master, making it an ideal party game for both newcomers and seasoned VR players.

Key Features:

• Transform your living room into a laser obstacle course.
• Intuitive gameplay perfect for newcomers to VR.
• Levels adapt to your living room’s size and layout.
• Dance, dodge, and crawl your way to victory!

For those with a Quest Pro or Quest 3, playtesting opportunities are available. Sign up here.

About the Developer Thomas Van Bouwel is a former architect turned XR developer, known for his critically acclaimed VR puzzle game Cubism. His new title, Laser Dance, continues his tradition of innovative and accessible game design.

About Creature Creature is a video game studio and label focused on releasing games on new and innovative platforms. The studio supports independent developers by offering business development, production consulting, and release strategy services.

The Early Access version of Expansion VR is now available on the Meta Store and PICO as of March 14, 2024, with the Steam version set to launch on March 22. The game has already seen a free demo version available through Meta Store’s App Lab since April 2023, allowing players to get an early taste of what the full experience will offer.

Game Features and Gameplay

Expansion VR immerses players in a vast sci-fi universe where three factions—the Privateers, Miners, and Pigdogs—are engaged in a struggle for control over newly colonized celestial territories. Players take on the role of a space warlord, tasked with assembling and commanding squads, securing vital resources, and outmaneuvering opponents in both single-player and multiplayer modes.

One of the standout features of Expansion VR is its precise strategic control system, tailored specifically for VR. The game utilizes an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that allows players to deploy units and manage their resources in real-time, offering a unique blend of auto battler mechanics and immersive VR gameplay. Each faction in the game brings its own strategic strengths and weaknesses to the battlefield, encouraging players to experiment with different playstyles and tactics to gain the upper hand.

In addition to its single-player campaign, Expansion VR offers a competitive multiplayer mode where players can earn influence points, climb the leaderboards, and unlock new units and technologies. This mode is designed to keep players engaged over the long term, with the ability to continually refine and improve their squads as they progress.

Visual and Performance Enhancements

With the launch of Early Access, Plazma Studio has also rolled out several visual and performance upgrades. These include enhanced graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, and tweaks designed to optimize the game’s performance across different VR platforms. The goal is to provide a seamless and immersive experience, regardless of the device players are using.

The game’s developers have also introduced a brand-new trailer to showcase the tactical gameplay and VR controls that Expansion VR has to offer. This trailer gives potential players a glimpse into the game’s strategic depth and the challenges that await them in the expansive sci-fi universe.

Availability and Future Updates

Expansion VR is now available on the Meta Store and PICO, with the Steam version following on March 22. Plazma Studio has hinted at future updates and content that will continue to expand and refine the game as it progresses through its Early Access phase. Players who join Early Access on Steam will have the opportunity to provide feedback that could shape the game’s development going forward.

Founded in 2018, Plazma Studio started in the gaming industry by developing casual mobile games. Expansion VR represents their first major foray into the VR space, signaling a new direction for the studio. The game’s release is a significant milestone for Plazma Studio, which has grown to become both a developer and publisher of mobile and VR games.

The company operates primarily from Malta, with a key branch located in Kharkiv, Ukraine. As they expand their portfolio with titles like Expansion VR, Plazma Studio continues to establish itself as a prominent player in the gaming industry.

Developed by Singer Studios, this narrative-driven adventure draws from true events and is set on the pivotal night Cheng Shih ascends to power over the Red Flag Fleet. The game, recognized for its atmospheric storytelling and attention to historical detail, allows players to experience Cheng Shih’s cunning and strategic mind as they navigate through challenges and make decisions that will shape their legacy as the Pirate Queen.

The game celebrates Cheng Shih’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of history’s most powerful pirates, all within the context of International Women’s History Month. “The Pirate Queen” emphasizes a story-rich experience over combat, focusing on stealth and exploration to uncover the legend of Cheng Shih amidst historically accurate environments.

Players will row past enemies, scale ships, and solve puzzles to unveil the forgotten tale, guided by the voice of Lucy Liu. Singer Studios’ dedication to cultural sensitivity and historical accuracy offers players not just a game but an educational journey into the heart of 19th-century China.

We invite our readers to share their experiences and thoughts on The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend in the comments below. How did the portrayal of Cheng Shih’s story impact you? Did the game’s focus on narrative over combat enhance your experience?

Contractors Showdown seeks to immerse players in intense combat scenarios, featuring a wide selection of weapons and gadgets for strategic depth. The game encourages players to adapt their tactics on the fly to outlast competitors in a virtual battlefield.

A teaser of the game is available on YouTube, providing a glimpse into the action-packed gameplay. Detailed information about the Open Beta, including participation instructions, can be found in the game’s official press kit.

The anticipation for the Beta Trailer, expected to be released later this week, adds to the excitement surrounding Contractors Showdown. Updates regarding the Beta Trailer and the game’s availability on the Meta Store will be shared through a live press release.

The Open Beta period for Contractors Showdown represents an opportunity for VR gamers to dive into a new battle royale experience and influence the game’s final polish with their feedback.

Readers are encouraged to participate in the Open Beta and share their insights. How does Contractors Showdown stand up against other VR battle royale titles in terms of gameplay and immersion?