Nerdery VR Thread

23,411 Views | 185 Replies | Last: 1 mo ago by Pman17
TheEyeGuy
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Sponsor
AG
Ok, I'm not sure who all has VR, but I have a Vive. I'll be putting comments regarding content here.

First off... Huge huge huge deal to get whether you have a Vive or Oculus... Get Vorpx or something similar. I was able to get it working in both Arma 3 (single player) and Fallout 4. Freaking cool. Wish the resolution was higher, obviously but still very fun to tool around Wasteland Boston in VR. Arma... geez, the depth perception on it was amazing. It felt real. Now, be aware, trying to run Arma on VR has to be pretty taxing. I'm using an 8 core processor and a 980 GTX. Ran fine for me but not sure how well it would on other systems since it's having to keep up with the CPU hog of Arma and head tracking.

As to actual VR titles...


theBlue
First thing I bought was theBlu. It's an underwater simulator and not a game as much as an experience. There are three "experiences"... a Blue Whale encounter, coral reef, and deep sea trench. Absolutely stunning. Got the wife hooked up into it and she was just saying wow over and over again. I can actually just get into that program just to relax, it's very chill. One cool thing with the Vive is that the deep sea trench uses one of your controllers as a flash light so you can look around and see what's there. The limited field of view actually enhances the reality here because it feels like you're looking through a dive mask. Anyone who gets a vive, I HIGHLY recommend this. Blue whale encounter can be downloaded for free but the other two are both 10x better than the whale.

Job Simulator
This is a freebie that comes with the Vive. It is FUN. The basic premise is that it's the future and humans have died but computers are still around. This is a museum about human life and since we spend as much time at work as we do doing anything else, it makes sense that there would be a museum about us working. There are four jobs... checker, auto mechanic, cook, and office worker. Lots of references to different things and it is a fun way to get into VR gaming. JS is very simple and the graphics are pedestrian but it feels like you're in a cartoon. Actually, the way the colors and the animations are, it really feels like you're in a future where the human race died out on the Simpsons. It's funny and a great intro into using VR. I blasted through half of the game in two nights.

Fantastic Contraption
Another freebie and it's cool though didn't hook me as much as JS. Basically, you build machines to move stuff around. Fun to work with but nothing overly exciting for me. I found myself throwing things around in the VR space more than building.

VR Desktop
Not a game but a great app. Turns your desktop into a VR friendly environment. Lots of controls and the ability to play 360 degree videos directly in app. It's $15 but worth it.

Space Pirate Trainer
Insanely fun. It's very simple... Space Invaders in VR. Drone keep coming at you in waves and you have to shoot them down while dodging their shots. You have different styles of guns (single shot with a laser, full auto that you have to lead the target with, a laser shot and a laser beam.) You also can use a shield. I tend to run with a shield in my left hand and a single shot in my right, but will move to full auto at times. So far this is my favorite game and it is acually pretty aerobic. You're shooting, turning, dodging, blocking... I worked up a pretty good sweat every time I've played.
Risky101
How long do you want to ignore this user?
S
Vive owner here as well.

I'll add that The Lab is a great collection of Valve's VR experiments that's free. Longbow is pretty dang fun as a castle defense game. As well as Xortex, sorta a 3D space invaders game.

Brookhaven Experiment demo is decent enough that I preordered the full game, I use it as a stepping stone after TheBlu when introducing people to VR for the first time.

Hover Junkers is a fun multiplayer only FPS game as of right now. A little expensive IMO until the single player update drops, supposed to be an Oregon Trail type of experience for those of us old enough to understand the reference.
wee_ag
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
Pman17
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
Question on VR...

Does anyone have a GTX 780Ti and has tried VR with it? I did a test with the Oculus graphics card test app and I passed. I have the Oculus pre-ordered. I was wondering how well it would actually run.
Azariah
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
I built a high-end PC this weekend, but I am completely frustrated by waiting on the 1080. I'm clearly not buying something to just get me through the next couple of weeks, but running my Vive off of the built-in Intel video is painful.. literally.
Azariah
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
Once I get the 1080 though I'm really interested in Hover Junkers as well as Elite Dangerous.
wee_ag
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
quote:
I built a high-end PC this weekend, but I am completely frustrated by waiting on the 1080. I'm clearly not buying something to just get me through the next couple of weeks, but running my Vive off of the built-in Intel video is painful.. literally.
Wait... it runs on the integrated graphics?!
Azariah
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
quote:
quote:
I built a high-end PC this weekend, but I am completely frustrated by waiting on the 1080. I'm clearly not buying something to just get me through the next couple of weeks, but running my Vive off of the built-in Intel video is painful.. literally.
Wait... it runs on the integrated graphics?!
Really, really, really poorly, but it works.
TheEyeGuy
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Sponsor
AG
Remember, this is more CPU intensive than GPU. Yeah, it's rough on the GPU too but it's mainly the CPU.
Risky101
How long do you want to ignore this user?
S
quote:
Remember, this is more CPU intensive than GPU. Yeah, it's rough on the GPU too but it's mainly the CPU.


This
Risky101
How long do you want to ignore this user?
S
I'm neither familiar with nor have ever used the EVGA upgrade program but I keep hearing about it and it may be something you should look in to for stop gap...
Human
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
tamusc
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
The Oculus ready check doesn't run any kind of performance check, it just looks at the device ID of various components and compares them to a list of acceptable ones. If your device is on there, it'll say your good to go. It told me my CPU wasn't up to snuff (i5-3570K) even though I have it overclocked like crazy and it smokes the minimum CPU Oculus has listed (i5-4590) at it's current speed.

The SteamVR Performance Test actually runs performance tests on your system and should give you a better idea of whether or not your system is good to go, regardless of which VR platform you're using.
Kampfers
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
I have a rift, I'll summarize some of the experiences I've had so far. It just arrived last week though so I've barely scratched the surface.

Dreamdeck:

So Oculus starts everyone off with a few basic "experiences", and it's frankly a great intro to VR. The only complaint would be that they don't last long enough. When I was standing on top of that building though, looking down at a massive drop and some cars driving below way beneath me, I instinctively reached out to clutch the railing next to me. That was the moment I knew all those pennies I had spent on VR were worth it.


Eve: Valkyrie:

Great graphics, polished, arcadey space shooter. Gameplay is fun but shallow. I probably wouldn't purchase it for $60 but since it came for free, I'll definitely play it some more. Not much of a campaign, just "recreations" of a few space battles. Focused around the MP which pretty much devolves into trying to out-turn the enemy.

Euro Truck Simulator: 2

Awesome. Simply awesome. I wish the graphics were better because the game itself is a perfect fit for VR. I've only made one small run (Munich -> Salzburg) but it was absolutely fantastic. The biggest problem is having to use the keyboard for various things like selecting a job, starting the engine, changing the radio station, detaching a trailer, etc.


Project Cars & Assetto Corsa

Only writing a combined review here because I have only run small runs on one track for each title so far. I'm really excited about these titles and hope to dig in to them a lot more in the coming days. The biggest problem is that they require a little work to get decent at since they emphasize the simulation side of racing (esp. AC), so don't expect to see videos of me dominating the competition anytime soon.

Lucky's Tale:
VR really adds something to a platformer. It was incredible the perspective you could gain and the shortcuts you could find. However, I experienced some disorientation as the camera would swing around awkwardly at times. I'm not a big fan of platformers, so this game isn't really my cup of tea, but it's well made and seems like a great experience for those who do like said games.


Experiences I plan to report on sometime soon:
Warthunder and DCS - waiting on my CH Pedals to arrive to finish my cockpit setup
Dirt Rally: VR support sometime in July probably (fingers crossed for June though)
Elite Dangerous: Need to figure out why my new SSD didn't setup properly so I can have enough space for this
Apollo 11 Experience - have heard nothing but positives about this. Will probably purchase/try it next weekend



The only real problem I've experienced lies with needing to constantly adjust my centered head location. Even then, I still have problems with it trying to put my head in the wrong position. I've had this issue in PCars, AC, Eve, and ETS2. Nothing more jarring than having your head stick halfway out of the cockpit or being seated in the "backseat" of a 2-seater car with a headless body sitting in front of you driving.
TxAg82
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
quote:
First off... Huge huge huge deal to get whether you have a Vive or Oculus... Get Vorpx or something similar. I was able to get it working in both Arma 3 (single player) and Fallout 4. Freaking cool.

What settings are you using on ARMA 3? I was able to get both Arma and Battlefield 4 working with my Vive but everything was so zoomed in it was impossible to actually play.

I know you are supposed to change the FOV to 120. I did that in both games and it did not seem to change the picture at all.
Risky101
How long do you want to ignore this user?
S
Waltz of the Wizard released today on Steam and it is completely free. Loaded it up after work and fiddled around for a little while. Very interesting use of VR in the same sense as The Lab from Valve. It will now be in my rotation when I introduce people to VR for the first time.
Risky101
How long do you want to ignore this user?
S
The new Hover Junkers update added "Buzzbot Mode" and it's pretty sweet. Similar to Space Pirate Trainer but a little more forgiving and a heck of a lot of fun. AND it can be played co-op! I just killed about 2.5 hours and barely realized it. Hover Junkers is now a hands down must buy IMO.
Pman17
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
Who wants to be my Oculus friend?

GT: DarthPman
Pman17
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
Minecraft Windows 10 Beta is out for Oculus!!!!
easttexasaggie04
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
I plan on getting the Playstation VR in a few months.
wee_ag
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
OK - Need some input on building a VR / Photo / Video editing machine (I'm going to assume anything that can run VR can handle my photo & video editing needs). Last time I build a PC was a while back... I think it may have involved some stone tablets - so input on better parts or other suggestions are welcome.

Here's the list from Partpicker:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Freezer 7 Pro Rev.2 45.0 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler ($18.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 5 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($159.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 950 PRO 256GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($186.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1070 8GB Video Card ($419.95 @ B&H)
Case: Deepcool TESSERACT SW ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS30 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($49.88 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($88.88 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1339.53
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-24 22:38 EDT-0400

I know the CPU is an important foundation for VR and just want to make sure the i5 is going to be fine and I won't benefit from more cores on an AMD chip (or an i7). I also like to tinker, so I would like the option to overclock.

Are sound cards not needed anymore?

hph6203
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
Personally, I tried VR and while it was somewhat impressive, it didn't blow me away. I only really got to do a couple of experiences and played a bit of the climb and it was ok. Not worth the price of the computer required to run it (I would have to upgrade my CPU and GPU to get my PC VR ready, at least a $400 cost on top of the headset).


If the PlayStation VR isn't substantially worse than the Oculus I may just opt for it instead of a Vive/Oculus headset.



As for the build above, you could save money by taking advantage of the Microcenter CPU/MB combos and cutting out the m.2 drive for a standard SATA 3 drive. I would guess that increased storage would be more beneficial than the additional speed of the M.2 drive.
aezmvp
How long do you want to ignore this user?
For that price point I might just get one of the VR capable laptops that are coming out about that range. Its a i7 and a 1060 vs the i5 and the 1070 but personal preference.
Kampfers
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
I might go ahead and splurge for the i7 if you're going to be doing serious video editing.

I have pretty solid i5 and it works very well for VR though.
Furlock Bones
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
i had the exact opposite experience. i tried out the Vive at the Microsoft store and was absolutely blown away with how amazing it is.
hph6203
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
My issues with it are the lack of overall content, the experiences don't do anything for me, and the screen resolution needs to be higher. The screen door dissolves after a little while, but was extremely noticeable at the start.

I also played with the Oculus instead of the Vive and they didn't have the touch controllers, so maybe the full room experience makes it that much better. I currently don't have the space for full room VR so that distinguishing characteristics doesn't matter to me, because I can't utilize it.

What games are there now that partially justify the price?
aezmvp
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Yeah I'm getting the Gear 360 this week to start producing some content. I have some proof of concept editing to do so that i7 is really attractive.

I agree that the screen door stuff can be annoying but that will improve. This is early adoption stuff but it's going to be great.
Risky101
How long do you want to ignore this user?
S
In my opinion, roomscale is an important part of the experience, it just feels kind of blah sitting there with a traditional gamepad. With the corresponding controller setups racing/flight sims are very engaging.
Pman17
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
I hear you need i7 for video editing. I haven't tried editing on my i5 rig. I run an i5, 8GB Ram, and GTX 780Ti with my Oculus. Lots of cool stuff coming ahead. VR content slow right now. I'm hoping GoPro will release a consumer 360 cam in October. I really want to publish my own 360 video and photo content and view them on my Oculus.
aezmvp
How long do you want to ignore this user?
quote:
I hear you need i7 for video editing. I haven't tried editing on my i5 rig. I run an i5, 8GB Ram, and GTX 780Ti with my Oculus. Lots of cool stuff coming ahead. VR content slow right now. I'm hoping GoPro will release a consumer 360 cam in October. I really want to publish my own 360 video and photo content and view them on my Oculus.
I'm really a fan of the Samsung one. Right now in the enthusiast sphere it's near the top. The pro rigs that are stereoscopic (3D) are really, really expensive. If you have a late model Samsung phone it makes a ton of sense. Once I start stitching together the stuff I'm taking over the weekend I'll post it on this thread.
tamusc
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
My Oculus Touch controllers arrive tomorrow!


http://www.theverge.com/2016/12/5/13811232/oculus-touch-rift-vr-motion-controller-review
Pman17
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
Cool, I'm gonna wait. I barely use my Oculus.
CrottyKid
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
My neighbor got a Samsung Gear VR. I was riding a rollercoaster on it when he says, "I mostly just watch 3D, 180 degree porn on it." I threw that sucker off so fast. The thought of that vr gear on my face makes me sick now. I hope he washed his hands before he took the gear off, but how could he? Ugh.
Pman17
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
Check out the Landfall Beta for Oculus. Having a blast!
Max Power
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
Not to be a wet blanket, but this question is because I'm really interested in others' thoughts. Is anyone worried about how improved VR technology could affect the public?

I ask because I have a friend of mine in the industry and based on some of their studies people can completely lose track of time while immersed in VR. I don't mean like they didn't realize they played for an hour, like losing track of hours of time while in the rabbit hole and have no idea how long they were actually playing.

I haven't been able to play any of the new VR systems so I don't have any first hand knowledge, but I could see that happening. I've watched several of the games available on the Oculus on YouTube, and the technology certainly looks good enough to make people feel like they're in the games rather than a spectator.

But my concern isn't gaming affecting people or other experiences that are short term, but the ability to perhaps use VR to truly escape your reality. Why leave the house to deal with an existence that you feel is lacking when you can plug in and experience whatever world you choose to? I think it's both exciting and kind of frightening at the same time.

Anyway, like I said, just curious.
 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.