How to Get into VR Gaming?

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  User2049 on 23/09/2019 - 17:56

  look for a WMR on gumtree they go for $200

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  zonra on 23/09/2019 - 17:59

  +1

  I'd go with the PSVR solely for the simplicity of plug-n-playing without having to worry about drivers, compatibility and the such.
  From what I've read there's not a huge difference in performance between the Pro and regular PS4 as far as VR gaming goes, do your own research though as I only have the Pro.

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  scrimshaw on 23/09/2019 - 18:03

  +1

  I have the Lenovo Explorer Windows Mixed reality headset, setup on a Windows PC is incredibly easy as all the drivers are already integrated into Windows.

  Plays fine, Beat Saber, Doom VR and Hot Dogs, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades (Steam) plays perfectly fine even on mid-range hardware. I've only got a Vega 64 GPU which is nowadays outclassed by Radeon 5700.

  Projecting non-vr games also easy using Bigscreen VR.

  I'll eventually upgrade to the Oculus Quest for a completely wire-free experience though as having cables around hampers your freedom of movement a bit.

  • 

    dcep on 24/09/2019 - 12:38

    Are you looking to stream via ALVR for PCVR gaming ?

  • 

    DiscoJango on 24/09/2019 - 18:57

    So how exactly does this oculus quest work, iphone apps? it seems to be a self contained unit.

    • 

      scrimshaw on 24/09/2019 - 20:32

      It runs a Snapdragon 835 (a powerful mobile phone CPU) and most of its games have the graphical fidelity of a modern mobile game title.

      you can wirelessly stream any pc game you want using 3rd party software, albeit with possibly a few more milliseconds of input lag and a small degradation in image quality because you're actually watching an encoded video of the game.

      There's a good YouTube channel called "Ben Plays VR" which you can check out if want to see gameplay videos or short reviews of VR games, both free and paid.

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  p1 ama on 23/09/2019 - 20:20

  +2

  It really depends on why you want to play VR and what sort of games you want to play. Honestly, the entire VR space is still pretty gimmicky, with a lot of games more of a tech demo of how cool the technology is and what it can do as opposed to a real game that's immersive and that you would play again and again.

  I own a PSVR and have thought about getting VR for my PC multiple times. The cool thing about PSVR is that it has a decent selection of those sort of gimmicky titles that are actually a lot of fun to mess around with. If I've got friends over, we always enjoy breaking out the PSVR and watching each other play. The only game I would really play on PSVR by myself is Tetris Effect (I'm a semi-competitive Tetris player), but honestly I'm usually pretty lazy to get it out. PSVR is also pretty cheap, so as long as you play it every now and then, it's actually worth the price. The idea of playing non-VR games on PSVR is okay, but the issue is that it's pretty low resolution, so it actually doesn't look quite as good as on a TV, but it's an interesting experience (sort of like IMAX, but from 15 years ago).

  I wouldn't get VR for the PC, I think the tech is super cool, but the entire space has quite a lot of maturing to do before it's a viable option in terms of something I would actually use on a daily basis. With the cost of something like the HTC Vive, I'd just spend that towards a better gaming monitor. Again, why do you want to go VR - if it's to play with the tech and you think it's cool, then yeah I'd buy, but with the understanding that it's just an expensive toy. Apparently it's decent for getting some exercise and doing some cardio when playing games, but again, I'd just spend the money on a gym membership if I wanted a workout.

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  lint on 24/09/2019 - 11:10

  I have a PSVR. It can be had for insanely cheap now so the barrier for entry is fairly low, however, I wouldn't really recommend it as the display resolution is just too low, and the PS4 itself isn't well specced for VR.

  I often hear people say how great an experience such and such game is on PSVR, the last example being Tetris Effect, but I usually end up somewhat underwhelmed, mainly because it's just a blurrifest and in Tetris' case, there's so many jaggies it's easier to just play the game crisp and sharp on the TV.

  If you want to get into VR now, I'd recommend going with PC headsets since you've aready got a fairly high-end PC, otherwise wait for the prices to come down.

  • 

    DiscoJango on 24/09/2019 - 18:59

    define 'insanely cheap'? $300 second hand to me isnt exactly cheap, especially if i dont know how well they have taken care of the unit.

    do any stores have them plugged into try, like back in the day they used to have ps2/gameboy stands where you could actually play the game.

    • 

      zonra on 24/09/2019 - 19:33

      do any stores have them plugged into try

      I had the same issue when buying into PSVR, couldn't find anywhere to trial the bloody thing (unlike say, the 3DS back then).
      Unless you know someone who owns one, it's really a leap-of-faith purchase.

    • 

      lint on 25/09/2019 - 10:12

      The standard PSVR pack goes for about $220-250 on sale, while the Mega Pack with a bunch of extra VR games packed in has been as low as $260.

      Just look out for deals on Ozbargain and don't be a chump buying at non-sale price.

      • 

        DiscoJango on 25/09/2019 - 16:52

        Have been waiting for a few months now! Apparently the $450 mega pack was $250 on sale or something like that. They’ve just announced a new mega bundle so hopefully this reduces current stock price

        Does ps vr work on pc?

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  Hybroid on 24/09/2019 - 12:41

  I havent tried one yet

  DO NOT BUY ONE YET until you have actually tried it. Go to a local VR cafe and hire out a unit for an hour or two. Not only do you need to confirm you have no issues or headaches using one, but you'll likely realise the novelty wears off very quickly and will end up gathering dust in the cupboard.

  • 

    DiscoJango on 24/09/2019 - 13:06

    This is my main concern. There’s no easy way to try out the ps vr headset other than buying it, which is quite expensive. I notice most of the for sale ads say the same thing: barely used/get a headache after a while etc

    I’ll google vr cafes. I didn’t even know they were a thing!

    Is red dead 2 in first person in vr good? Walking around in a virtual open world sounds cool, but if like ppl mention it’s blurry…then no thanks!

    • 

      Hybroid on 24/09/2019 - 13:17

      There's a fair few VR places in Melbourne so give them a call to find out if any offer PSVR. Although I wouldn't really bother with PSVR if you don't have a PS4 Pro.

      I haven't tried RDR2 on VR so can't comment. Does look gorgeous on a 4K HDR TV though.

      Also RDR2 for PC has just been classified in Australia. No announcement yet but might not be far off. Maybe reconsider PC VR instead.

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        DiscoJango on 25/09/2019 - 09:54

        Red dead 2 looked amazing on my regular xbox one. I can only imagine how it will look on pc!