Review: Oculus Rift + Touch Virtual Reality Headset Bundle Review (Updated w\Games Played)
Posted by: Timothy Tibbetts on 01/02/2018 08:15 AM [ Comments ]
The Oculus Rift has been dropping in price, getting closer and closer to virtual reality for all. For us, $349 with touch, and two sensors was the price we felt comfortable at. So, better late than never, here's our review.
At one point, the Oculus headset alone cost $599 and an additional $199 for Touch (controllers). Add in sensors and a gaming rig, and you could have quickly dropped $2,000 to try out the early stages of Virtual Reality. Currently, you can do it for close to $1,000 assuming your PC has an i5 processor and an upgradeable video card. The Oculus Rift + Touch Virtual Reality Headset Bundle reviewed here comes with the headset, sensors, touch, and six video games. Let's take a look.
Setup and installation
Packaging is well done and easy to open. An included card explains what's in the box and directions to the Oculus website to begin setup. An account or Facebook login is required. From here, installation is step by step with the downloaded Oculus app. Expect to spend an hour step by step.
You'll need to plug in your sensors and headset here. We hit an immediate snag because Oculus uses the HDMI slot of your video card. We didn't have a DVI (white) input on our monitor, so we embarrassingly got a lesson on DisplayPort (digital display interface), ran to Best Buy, and plugged our monitor into the DisplayPort. So be sure to check if you're using an HDMI port for your monitor and have a backup plan. All USB connections require USB 3.0.
Next, you set up the controllers whether it's the Touch, Oculus Remote or even Xbox controller. Batteries will be required with instructions and once completed the remote is explained to you. Finding the battery storage, and an explanation was useful. Sensors are tested briefly next to make sure they are correctly placed. You can now draw a boundary with your controllers that determine play area and keeps you from walking into objects. Should you approach an edge, and you will, a blue grid will appear to warn you.
Finally, you can setup the VR headset with explanations on how everything works. Once explained, setup continues inside the headset and gives you your first "Holy Sh!t" moment. At least it did for us. We won't go further into what happens here; we think you should see and experience your first time as a surprise.
At this point, you'll find yourself in the Oculus Store where you can download your six free games and any others you might be interested in. The store has, well, a store, and a library of downloaded and purchased games. And yes, there are plenty of free games you can download. Downloads are done and installed with little user intervention, and at the time of this review, we found it to be a clean, uncluttered interface. A search is available as well as categories including free, spotlight, sale, new, and more. Keep in mind these games can take up a lot of space. To remove a game, look for the ... in the lower right and choose "Uninstall."
Most PC gamers have Steam, so you'll be glad to know that you can play your Steam games with Rift. Just click on the gear in the top right and head to General, Unknown Sources, and check the box that says "Allow apps that have not been reviewed by Oculus to run on Rift" and you should see a VR icon in Steam for SteamVR. To find games for Rift, go to the Store, click on the Games drop-down and click Virtual Reality. We've downloaded and purchased games for this review from both Oculus Store and Steam.
Let's Play!
Note: The games list has been extended since the original review so we could share our experiences with you. We've highlighted the game names so you can skim through the games list.
To play a game, you just start it like any other game you have, slip on the headset and grab your controller(s). It's seamless. Controllers take some getting used to. They don't fit your hand tightly, so a few test games in, and we're getting used to it. We learned to set the controllers down correctly for easy pick up the next time you play.
The volume is tied to your computer volume, and for us too loud by default. At only 50% computer volume we couldn't hear people coming in the room unless they yelled and conversations are impossible. A simple slider on the headset could accomplish this.
When purchasing games, you'll want to look for comfort level. The more intense the comfort level, the more likely you will experience dizziness or some discomfort. Read about No Limits below for example.
We dove right into our six free games starting with Lucky's Tale, a side-scrolling Super Mario Bros. style game with a fox trying to save his little pig buddy. This version of VR was up close and personal, and we weren't a big fan at first, but it did make us almost fall over a few times, bordering on a dizzy feeling. The controllers were simple to figure out, and it was a unique way to play a side-scroller. We ended up liking it enough that we came back for more later.
Next up was Robo Recall. As the name suggests, we've got malfunctioning robots, and you need to recall them. And by a recall, they mean to shoot them. This game has an impressive introduction featuring a news anchor on TV discussing the recall as robots begin to gather an listen. Once they realize you might be recalling them, they turn on you, and the game starts. Very freaky beginning.
Like all the games, there are a few cool features involved. In Robo Recall, one of my favorites is grabbing shotguns that you're carrying "on your back." Bullets and lasers come at you Matrix style, allowing you to also duck the incoming shots, at least for a bit. Hence why you see me bob and weave slowly while avoiding other bullets. By the way, it's bizarre seeing yourself play and fun to watch others become immersed. Robo Recall is fantastic and one that you want to try early on. We hope to add a brief video of us playing this later today.
Next up we took a run at Dead and Buried, a multiplayer, wild west shooter with co-op and competitive. We don't like people much (except for you), so we decided to try out the practice modes. You can shoot targets in multiple scenes including one with birds that's like a fresh version of Duck hunt (showing our age). There are other objects besides primary targets, including bottles and cans, that you can also shoot. Like the other games so far, it has some neat features. You don't press R to reload; there is no R. Instead you spin the gun in one direction to empty the shells, then back to reload. Pretty cool.
Next, we downloaded Google Earth VR, a free download. The introduction is 1:30 and has you in some exciting places, including standing on the edge of a mountain. Look at your controls to see tips on how to use it. Street view is also available. Anyone who's ever wanted to browse Google Maps differently will love this free app.
We also purchased Carnival Games, which lets you play all the games you'd find at a carnival or fair. We quickly racked up four hours into this game as well with no regrets of paying $4.99.
We grabbed the demo of No Limits, a roller coaster sim and highly recommend it if you think you can handle it. We had to rip off the headset repeatedly due to the realism within the first ten seconds. You get the sensation of moving forward, backward, left, and right. The first time we ripped off the headset we looked at our chair wondering how they made it move. It's that freaky! Three tracks are included with the demo, and you'll be amazed. My wife played it, and she's an avid roller coaster fan, and her experience was the same. Next, a friend of ours played and because he has over 500 skydiving jumps we thought it would be a piece of cake for him. While he kept his eyes open for the whole thing, he was sweating when it was over, and he didn't want to stand for a few minutes. That said, we've discovered that it gets more comfortable after you ride a half a dozen times. We've also written a guide: How to Prevent Virtual Reality Motion Sickness or Nausea.
Thrill of the Fight is an impressive boxing game. Within ten minutes we were out catching our breath. We admit we're not in great shape, but, wow. It's easy to jump right in and swing, bob, weave, block, and counterpunch. It's still under development, so we joined the beta program.
We also purchased Ultrawings, a flight simulation that has you flying ultralight airplanes. You have to complete challenges to upgrade, and overall it's been fun so far. You can feel when you bank or dive too hard but it's comfortable. The graphics are mediocre, but it was cheap, and we have no regrets. It did leave us wanting a more involved sim, and that's probably our next stop. We also purchased Apollo 11, a recreation of the moon landing. It can be interactive, or you can watch it. It was cheap, and like everything else, not perfect, but well worth the price of admission.
Summary
Do we wish we paid $800 back in the day? The younger me wishes we had. It's that much fun. But, waiting has its advantages. Oculus is better and cheaper, and so is the hardware required to run it. The video card needed can now be purchased well under $200, for example. That said, it's still "cutting edge." There are bugs and quirks, and it has a long way to go, but the fun factor is worth it at this price. Almost every game has some problem. Graphics glitches can be a problem, but the most common is controller and interface problems. While occasionally annoying, it's all forgotten once your game starts.
Pain. Expect to be sore. As this was being written, our arms, legs, stomach, and back stand out as particularly painful. We need to take a couple of days off to recuperate.
We think most gamers will find Oculus Rift to be a video game reboot. You start all over with an entirely new gaming experience, unlike anything you've ever played. It's that much fun. Of course, it is sort of like playing games when Windows 95 came out if you remember that?
While some people experience dizziness or motion sickness, remember gameplay can be very immersive. Numerous times we kept trying to put our controllers down on a virtual desk, for example. Roller Coaster simulations, especially the top best rated No Limits, is an excellent example of the motion sickness many experience.
If you're not sure your PC can run Oculus, download the Oculus Rift Compatibility Tool and find out.
New to virtual reality? Be sure to check out How to Prevent Virtual Reality Motion Sickness or Nausea.
Setup and installation
Packaging is well done and easy to open. An included card explains what's in the box and directions to the Oculus website to begin setup. An account or Facebook login is required. From here, installation is step by step with the downloaded Oculus app. Expect to spend an hour step by step.
You'll need to plug in your sensors and headset here. We hit an immediate snag because Oculus uses the HDMI slot of your video card. We didn't have a DVI (white) input on our monitor, so we embarrassingly got a lesson on DisplayPort (digital display interface), ran to Best Buy, and plugged our monitor into the DisplayPort. So be sure to check if you're using an HDMI port for your monitor and have a backup plan. All USB connections require USB 3.0.
Next, you set up the controllers whether it's the Touch, Oculus Remote or even Xbox controller. Batteries will be required with instructions and once completed the remote is explained to you. Finding the battery storage, and an explanation was useful. Sensors are tested briefly next to make sure they are correctly placed. You can now draw a boundary with your controllers that determine play area and keeps you from walking into objects. Should you approach an edge, and you will, a blue grid will appear to warn you.
Finally, you can setup the VR headset with explanations on how everything works. Once explained, setup continues inside the headset and gives you your first "Holy Sh!t" moment. At least it did for us. We won't go further into what happens here; we think you should see and experience your first time as a surprise.
At this point, you'll find yourself in the Oculus Store where you can download your six free games and any others you might be interested in. The store has, well, a store, and a library of downloaded and purchased games. And yes, there are plenty of free games you can download. Downloads are done and installed with little user intervention, and at the time of this review, we found it to be a clean, uncluttered interface. A search is available as well as categories including free, spotlight, sale, new, and more. Keep in mind these games can take up a lot of space. To remove a game, look for the ... in the lower right and choose "Uninstall."
Most PC gamers have Steam, so you'll be glad to know that you can play your Steam games with Rift. Just click on the gear in the top right and head to General, Unknown Sources, and check the box that says "Allow apps that have not been reviewed by Oculus to run on Rift" and you should see a VR icon in Steam for SteamVR. To find games for Rift, go to the Store, click on the Games drop-down and click Virtual Reality. We've downloaded and purchased games for this review from both Oculus Store and Steam.
Let's Play!
Note: The games list has been extended since the original review so we could share our experiences with you. We've highlighted the game names so you can skim through the games list.
To play a game, you just start it like any other game you have, slip on the headset and grab your controller(s). It's seamless. Controllers take some getting used to. They don't fit your hand tightly, so a few test games in, and we're getting used to it. We learned to set the controllers down correctly for easy pick up the next time you play.
The volume is tied to your computer volume, and for us too loud by default. At only 50% computer volume we couldn't hear people coming in the room unless they yelled and conversations are impossible. A simple slider on the headset could accomplish this.
When purchasing games, you'll want to look for comfort level. The more intense the comfort level, the more likely you will experience dizziness or some discomfort. Read about No Limits below for example.
We dove right into our six free games starting with Lucky's Tale, a side-scrolling Super Mario Bros. style game with a fox trying to save his little pig buddy. This version of VR was up close and personal, and we weren't a big fan at first, but it did make us almost fall over a few times, bordering on a dizzy feeling. The controllers were simple to figure out, and it was a unique way to play a side-scroller. We ended up liking it enough that we came back for more later.
Next up was Robo Recall. As the name suggests, we've got malfunctioning robots, and you need to recall them. And by a recall, they mean to shoot them. This game has an impressive introduction featuring a news anchor on TV discussing the recall as robots begin to gather an listen. Once they realize you might be recalling them, they turn on you, and the game starts. Very freaky beginning.
Like all the games, there are a few cool features involved. In Robo Recall, one of my favorites is grabbing shotguns that you're carrying "on your back." Bullets and lasers come at you Matrix style, allowing you to also duck the incoming shots, at least for a bit. Hence why you see me bob and weave slowly while avoiding other bullets. By the way, it's bizarre seeing yourself play and fun to watch others become immersed. Robo Recall is fantastic and one that you want to try early on. We hope to add a brief video of us playing this later today.
Next up we took a run at Dead and Buried, a multiplayer, wild west shooter with co-op and competitive. We don't like people much (except for you), so we decided to try out the practice modes. You can shoot targets in multiple scenes including one with birds that's like a fresh version of Duck hunt (showing our age). There are other objects besides primary targets, including bottles and cans, that you can also shoot. Like the other games so far, it has some neat features. You don't press R to reload; there is no R. Instead you spin the gun in one direction to empty the shells, then back to reload. Pretty cool.
Next, we downloaded Google Earth VR, a free download. The introduction is 1:30 and has you in some exciting places, including standing on the edge of a mountain. Look at your controls to see tips on how to use it. Street view is also available. Anyone who's ever wanted to browse Google Maps differently will love this free app.
We also purchased Carnival Games, which lets you play all the games you'd find at a carnival or fair. We quickly racked up four hours into this game as well with no regrets of paying $4.99.
We grabbed the demo of No Limits, a roller coaster sim and highly recommend it if you think you can handle it. We had to rip off the headset repeatedly due to the realism within the first ten seconds. You get the sensation of moving forward, backward, left, and right. The first time we ripped off the headset we looked at our chair wondering how they made it move. It's that freaky! Three tracks are included with the demo, and you'll be amazed. My wife played it, and she's an avid roller coaster fan, and her experience was the same. Next, a friend of ours played and because he has over 500 skydiving jumps we thought it would be a piece of cake for him. While he kept his eyes open for the whole thing, he was sweating when it was over, and he didn't want to stand for a few minutes. That said, we've discovered that it gets more comfortable after you ride a half a dozen times. We've also written a guide: How to Prevent Virtual Reality Motion Sickness or Nausea.
Thrill of the Fight is an impressive boxing game. Within ten minutes we were out catching our breath. We admit we're not in great shape, but, wow. It's easy to jump right in and swing, bob, weave, block, and counterpunch. It's still under development, so we joined the beta program.
We also purchased Ultrawings, a flight simulation that has you flying ultralight airplanes. You have to complete challenges to upgrade, and overall it's been fun so far. You can feel when you bank or dive too hard but it's comfortable. The graphics are mediocre, but it was cheap, and we have no regrets. It did leave us wanting a more involved sim, and that's probably our next stop. We also purchased Apollo 11, a recreation of the moon landing. It can be interactive, or you can watch it. It was cheap, and like everything else, not perfect, but well worth the price of admission.
Summary
Do we wish we paid $800 back in the day? The younger me wishes we had. It's that much fun. But, waiting has its advantages. Oculus is better and cheaper, and so is the hardware required to run it. The video card needed can now be purchased well under $200, for example. That said, it's still "cutting edge." There are bugs and quirks, and it has a long way to go, but the fun factor is worth it at this price. Almost every game has some problem. Graphics glitches can be a problem, but the most common is controller and interface problems. While occasionally annoying, it's all forgotten once your game starts.
Pain. Expect to be sore. As this was being written, our arms, legs, stomach, and back stand out as particularly painful. We need to take a couple of days off to recuperate.
We think most gamers will find Oculus Rift to be a video game reboot. You start all over with an entirely new gaming experience, unlike anything you've ever played. It's that much fun. Of course, it is sort of like playing games when Windows 95 came out if you remember that?
While some people experience dizziness or motion sickness, remember gameplay can be very immersive. Numerous times we kept trying to put our controllers down on a virtual desk, for example. Roller Coaster simulations, especially the top best rated No Limits, is an excellent example of the motion sickness many experience.
If you're not sure your PC can run Oculus, download the Oculus Rift Compatibility Tool and find out.
New to virtual reality? Be sure to check out How to Prevent Virtual Reality Motion Sickness or Nausea.
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