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The best VR headsets and games to give as gifts
Virtual reality headsets were once so expensive that they would have only made suitable gifts for early adopters and serious gamers. By now, though, prices have dropped across the board, and there are enough compatible games that we're willing to recommend these headsets to a broader audience. The VR section of our holiday gift guide includes items at both the budget end of the spectrum (think: Samsung's Gear VR and Google's refreshed Daydream View) alongside higher-end offerings like the PlayStation VR and Oculus Rift and Touch bundle. Need some games to go with it? We suggest Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, Fallout 4 VR, Superhot VR and Rez Infinite. Need some accessories for someone who already owns a headset? Try the PSVR Aim Controller Farpoint bundle or the HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap.
'Rez Infinite' arrives on your phone through Daydream VR
Rez Infinite is a sublime experience in virtual reality, but there's a catch: that requirement for PlayStation VR or a PC usually means you're tied down. That won't be an issue after today, provided you have the right hardware: Enhance Games has released Rez Infinite for Android. You'll need a Daydream-compatible VR headset with a controller (and the phone to match, of course), but you too can soar through virtual worlds and shoot enemies to a trance beat. And yes, the Infinite-only Area X is as visually intense as ever -- modern mobile hardware is clearly up to the job.
PSVR's latest demo disc is a free download on the PlayStation Store
If your PlayStation VR has been collecting dust for awhile, Sony might have a few reasons for you to jack back in. Starting today, the contents of the demo disc that comes with new PSVR bundles are up for grabs on the PlayStation Store for free. Headlining the offerings are samples of the mousey Zelda-esque adventure Moss, horror offering The Persistence and Star Child, the 2.5D side-scroller from Playful. None of those are out until next year, so if you want to try something brand new, those are good places to start.
'Rez Infinite' on PC and VR is pure digital nirvana
Rez has always been a game focused on immersing yourself in music and rhythm. Every version of the shooter, from its original launch on the Dreamcast and PlayStation 2 to last year's Rez Infinite on the PS4 and PS VR, has pushed that idea of immersion forward in some way. Now it's finally available on PCs ($25 on Steam and the Oculus Store) and in VR on the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. And, not surprisingly, I found it to be a transcendental digital experience. In fact, I'd go as far as to say it's the purest expression of Rez so far.
What it's like playing 'Rez Infinite' strapped into a synesthesia suit
At SXSW last year, Sony showed off a bunch of unusual and intriguing prototypes from its Future Lab division. In 2017, the company is going even bigger: A huge space called the Wow Factory has stuff from the Future Lab as well as a whole host of immersive VR experiences. I tried a couple out, and the best way I can describe my reaction is confused but intrigued.
The best games of 2016
The year is nearly over, and I don't think I'm alone in saying that I'm ready to leave behind the dark, twisted fantasy that is 2016. No matter your political persuasion, social status or country of residence, you'll have felt disquieted by events at some point this year. The sheer scale of 2016's failings allows for such blanket statements. Natural disasters, mass shootings and political events have left me buffeted by wave after wave of anxiety. Because of this never-ending cycle of unease, video games have been more important to me this year. Of course, they're always a form of escapism, but in 2016 they've had to function as a kind of digital cocoon. Gaming has been a place to retreat. A moment of respite. Whether passing the minutes on a mindless clicker or puzzle game, losing myself for hours in grand strategies and sport sims or taking a long weekend to head out on a fantastic adventure, gaming has helped me. A lot. Perhaps that's why I've been reacting to game delays with all the composure of a YouTube commenter. And, God, the delays have come thick and fast.
Everything you missed from 'The Game Awards'
Each year that Geoff Keighley's Game Awards distances itself from its SpikeTV past, it gets subsequently less embarrassing to watch. And without a doubt, The Game Awards 2016 was the best show yet. Couldn't watch the stream? Well, that's too bad, but we've got you covered. Below you'll find a list of the night's big winners in addition to all the trailers that made their world premieres onstage at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. There were a few emotional moments onstage as well, including Ryan Green accepting the Games for Impact award for That Dragon, Cancer; Keighley presenting his friend Hideo Kojima with a statue for Industry Icon and Nolan North throwing striking voice actors under the bus during his acceptance speech for best performance.
The best of the Tokyo Game Show 2016
The biggest gaming show outside of the US, the Tokyo Game Show has a different atmosphere that's all its own. While it's contracted and shrunk over the last few years, the heat and interest in virtual reality has reinvigorated the show -- regardless of the lack of an official Xbox or Nintendo presence. Sony may have already revealed two new consoles in the last month, but it wanted to remind everyone that it has a virtual reality headset coming out. In short: lots of VR, PlayStation and domestic-centered games, sprinkled with just enough weird.
Playing 'Rez' on PlayStation VR made me fall in love again
I haven't been able to find someone at Engadget who doesn't enjoy Rez. (Although now that I've written that I'm sure I will.) And if anyone does dislike it, they should play it in VR, because they're wrong and they need to be corrected. Yes, Rez Infinite, in high resolution, 60 frames-per-second loveliness, comes to the PS4 with PSVR compatibility and it cranks the already addictively immersive experience up a notch. I played it yesterday, and this is definitely what I'll be playing on my PlayStation VR come October.
The PlayStation VR demo disc has 17 games in North America
Last week Sony outlined the eight demos that will be bundled with PlayStation VR for European customers. Now, the company has revealed a bigger lineup of free games that'll be included on the VR demo disc in the US and Canada.
Music shooter 'Rez' is coming to PlayStation VR
Sony has a ton of PlayStation VR content lined up at its PlayStation Experience gathering, but there's a truly special title in that mix: a modern version of Rez. The upcoming Rez Infinite will bring immersive visuals to the legendary (and borderline hallucinogenic) music shooter, including 3D audio and brisk 60 frames per second gameplay at 1080p. There's a whole new area, too, which will help tackle gripes that the original was too short. There's no word on a ship date, but it's safe to say this is good news if the game's mix of iconic graphics and memorable dance tracks (Adam Freeland's "Mind Killer," anyone?) is still etched in your brain.
