’s Daydream platform was announced at I/O 2016, it promises to level up mobile VR for Android users. New high-end phones from several makers will be Daydream-certified, they’ll work with Daydream headsets motion-sensing, touchpad-toting remotes to let you experience VR that’s well above beyond what Cardboard offers.
Since it’s powered by Android N, we’ll likely see major existing Android games make the leap into virtual reality, while games from Samsung’s Gear VR could also find their way to the ay Store—but probably not high-end games like those on the Oculus Rift HTC Vive. th that in mind, here’s a realistic list of 10 games we’d like to experience in Daydream VR when it releases this fall.
If there’s one Android game that already nails the old-school illusion of virtual reality, it’s Fotonica. The electrifying first-person runner takes place in a glowing, wireframe world, you’ll sprint ahead at incredible speeds as you leap between floating platforms against a stark black backdrop. It’s intense surreal on your hheld phone screen, but it could be even better in VR.
Imagine being able to look freely as you run at that same blistering pace, taking in the dizzying sights for the split-second you have before jumping again. ed, it might be a real stomach-churner in virtual reality—Fotonica might just be too frantic when strapped to your face. But it’s worth a shot, right? And it’s a one-button game, so the Daydream remote is a perfect match.
No, it’s not the clothing company: nd’s End is an original VR game from ustwo, the studio behind the marvelous Monument Valley, it shares some similar DNA. As in that perception-smashing game, you’ll wer through curious, mysterious terrain while solving environmental puzzles. However, it all takes place in first-person view, nd’s End has a really calming nature to it.
nd’s End is currently a Gear VR exclusive, but since Daydream looks to hit a similar level of mobile VR performance, it ought to be a perfect fit for ’s platform. And the game relies entirely on your gaze, so the remote isn’t even required—although perhaps it would be an opportunity to add in extra elements not seen on the Gear VR.
Minecraft has well over 100 million users across its myriad releases, the block-based building game’s next frontier is VR. It’s coming to Oculus Rift even Microsoft’s Holons AR headset, but it’s already available on Gear VR. Minecraft: Gear VR ition is essentially just Minecraft: cket ition with a new perspective, so don’t be surprised if Minecraft is ready for Daydream right around launch.
aying Minecraft in first-person in VR is surprisingly intense; falling off a ledge can quickly make you queasy. ckily, there’s also a breezier screened mode that lets you play on a TV inside a virtual lodge. aying with the streamlined Daydream remote could be a bit clumsy, but what if you could buy an extra use one in each h? That might solve any control conundrums.
Not every VR experience has to focus on first-person gameplay: The ability to view external action from a more personal, subtly-controlled camera angle also adds immersion to games. Square Enix recently brought the sharp Hitman Go to Oculus Rift Gear VR, but we’d love to see them put the same focus on the even-greater ra Croft Go.
st year’s mobile spinoff takes the Tomb Raider heroine tosses her into an array of environmental challenges, the game is as clever smart as it is perfectly suited to smartphones. Still, this dazzling game could be fantastic from a virtual view: imagine the added focus granted by being completely enveloped by each puzzle world.
A VR edition of Need for Speed: No mits is already coming to Daydream, but the brief races events of the mobile version might not provide for much immersion. Instead, another EA racer could be an even better spotlight for a VR driving experience: Real Racing 3.
Even after three years, nothing comes close to Real Racing 3 on Android for simulation-style racing, the game packs in a load of licensed cars real-life tracks, not to mention both single-player online multiplayer content. Better yet, it already has an in-car view available: add free camera movement with the headset it should be amazing. us, the Daydream remote’s motion sensors make it an ideal steering wheel.
It’s true: none of the previous Infinity Blade games have arrived on Android, as it has stayed loyal to iOS over the years, but there’s reason to be optimistic. Epic Games has already shown that its Unreal Engine 4 will run well on Daydream, Infinity Blade is produced by the Epic-owned Chair Entertainment. so, it would be a superb fit for a VR experience.
The head-to-head fantasy brawler is built on swipes taps, but instead of interacting with a screen, what if you could swat the motion controller to attack? There’s more nuance than that to the combat experience, but Infinity Blade seems like it could be smartly adapted to VR, plus it would surely be one of the most dazzling Daydream experiences.
One of the most exciting elements of virtual reality’s rise is the opportunity to use the headset-based approach to develop totally new types of games. An early example is Keep Talking Nobody Explodes, which is a staple of VR headsets with Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Gear VR versions already available.
It’s an asymmetric local multiplayer experience: one person wears the headset stares at a digital bomb, which must be disabled by following instructions read off a computer or paper printouts by nearby friends. The resulting experience is raucous hilarious, making Keep Talking an ideal party experience. And the game is relatively simple in design, so the Daydream headset remote should work perfectly well for it.
On Android, Smash Hit is a seriously fun little game about tossing metal balls at glass panes while zipping through corridors—but did you know it’s also a VR experience? Smash Hit VR for the Gear VR was put together as a quick demo, but it’s one of the most engrossing games on the platform, immersing you in stunning sights as you aim with your eyes.
Given the expected performance similarities between Gear VR Daydream, Smash Hit VR should be a perfect fit on ’s platform, plus there’s a big advantage. Tapping the touchpad on the Gear VR headset to throw balls gets tiring after a few minutes, buying a full Android gamepad can be pricey. But with Daydream, you’ll already have the remote for this superb one-button game.
Over the course of three games, The Room has built up one of the essential Android puzzle experiences, providing ample atmosphere as you explore investigate various eerie environments. Each game is already played from a first-person view, bringing that into virtual reality would surely make all three games all the more enrapturing.
Since most of your time is spent examining things like puzzle boxes, statues, furniture, The Room seems like it would make a smooth transition to VR, the impressive graphics would be all the more effective when you’re given a more natural perspective. Enhance all three games for VR you’ve got a must-have Daydream purchase.
As noted with ra Croft Go, a VR headset can enhance games that you don’t play from the eyes of the character—although Implosion: Never se Hope is definitely an in-your-face experience. This speedy stylish action game is the best mobile take on the Devil May Cry-esque hack–slash/shooter approach, its flashy combat sleek mech fighters would look great in VR.
Imagine being right up close to the action seeing sparks fly as mutants are dismembered explosions trigger, with the ability to move the camera perspective fluidly with a shift of your head. Some clever tweaking would probably be necessary for the Daydream remote, including bringing in motion controls, but the results could be well worth their effort.
