Marvel Powers United VR
So far on this blog, we’ve covered a lot of amazing things that are being done with virtual reality. From education to healthcare, the areas in which VR is beginning to show a major influence and the kinds of stuff it’s allowing for are nothing short of mind-blowing. And sure, shaping young minds and saving lives are cool and everything, but only now does it seem, to me at least, that virtual reality has reached its full potential.
You soon can become The Hulk.
Sure, it may be a virtual Hulk, but still, you’ll be green and massive and be able to smash stuff which these days is a pretty amazing thing.
Announced just last week at Disney’s D23 Expo, Marvel Powers United VR is going to allow players to become not just The Hulk, but other Marvel characters like Captain Marvel or Rocket Racoon. Developed by Oculus and Sanzaru Games, Marvel Powers United VR will be available only on the Oculus Rift headset and Touch controllers. But while owners of other headsets may be bummed out by the exclusivity, the multiplayer aspect of the game could offset this problem. With gameplay built for multiple players working together, the game will likely be a perfect fit for location-based VR installations like a virtual reality arcade.
As VR gaming matures what we’re seeing is just how prevalent multiplayer VR gaming may become. And yes, of course in the future it’s easy to get ahead of ourselves and think of a time where most households will be equipped with multiple VR headsets, just like they’re equipped with multiple computers or televisions now. But the fact is, for the average household of the average gamer, the virtual reality experience is a foreign one. The medium is growing, but it’s not quite at the spot where all your friends each have a VR headset, let alone the same make of headset.
It’s because of this, that the idea of a shared location for VR such as a virtual reality arcade is so appealing. The truth is many developers are not only pushing the limits of VR gameplay but they’re experimenting with the kinds of multiplayer elements that are so appealing within virtual reality. VR is a crazy experience when it’s alone, but when it’s shared with others, particularly with the people you can hang out with, grab a coffee, or something stronger, and relive the experience, it’s even better. It’s like the old equivalent of dinner and a movie times a thousand.
Of course, Marvel Powers United VR is just the latest example of where VR is headed and how you can soon not only be a superhero, but hang out with your all your superhero friends.
With all that said however, if you do have an Oculus Rift at home and would much rather just be The Hulk alone, smashing things by yourself, I’m sure that’ll be cool too.