5 more Google Daydream apps and games you need to download
We've rounded up even more must-see VR apps and games, just for you!
A NEW REALITY
Google’s Daydream View headset is light, comfy, and stylish – like a well-made pair of cosy winter slippers, if you like. Place Google’s swanky smartphone-powered headset on your noggin though, and you’ll be greeted with a world of virtual possibilities, beyond anything your actual slippers can replicate. Here are some of the latest Daydream apps and games to blow our noggins!
BLADE RUNNER: REVELATIONS (US$8.99/£7.99)
It’s not cheap, certainly, but Blade Runner: Revelations should scratch the itch of serious fans of the sci-fi movie series. It clicks pretty quickly once you’re cruising in your hovercar over the familiar futuristic version of Los Angeles from the original flick, and continues as you explore the stunning streets on foot. From there, it’s slower-paced: you’ll talk to locals, collect items, and search for clues while attempting to solve crimes. But even if Revelations isn’t exactly action-packed, the sights really are dazzling, and the adventure might fill in some gaps between the films.
BBC EARTH: LIFE IN VR (£FREE)
It’s a shame that younger kids aren’t really meant to use VR headsets, because BBC Earth: Life in VR is a truly stunning little educational experience. In any case, it’s still a fun little ride for users of all ages. The “Californian Coast” experience finds you following a Sea Otter deep below the waves, as well as swimming through a kelp forest and a few other bits. The cartoonish style is crisp and vivid, while the narration helps you actually learn something while staring slack-jawed at the beauty surrounding you.
PROTON PULSE PLUS (US$2.99/£2.79)
There have been roughly a billion (give or take) brick-breaking games over the years, but Proton Pulse Plus still manages to feel unique. Why? Because it’s right there in your face, of course, but also because your head movements control the paddle – and the ball is coming right at you. You’ll look around to continue bopping the ball back into the 3D field as you take down the floating bricks, plus you can even drop in curved shots depending on how you swat the ball. All the while, the retro-stylized backgrounds pulsate with vibrant colours and the thumping background beats keep things plenty propulsive. This one’s a lot of fun.
WITHIN (£FREE)
Within (formerly VRSE) has been one of the go-to VR video apps dating back to the Google Cardboard days (remember pizza box VR?), and it’s still a worthy download with your Daydream device. These days, Within is stocked with dozens of free 360-degree video experiences, letting you freely look around while immersed in content. There are music videos (Muse, U2), various documentary shorts, licensed experiences (The Walking Dead, Mr. Robot), and other odd little bits. They’re not interactive, but many of the videos are compelling. It’s well worth working your way through the library.
WANDS (£FREE + IAP)
Another title called Fantastic Beasts VR experience might provide an officially-licensed taste of the Harry Potter cinematic universe – but if you just want to go hog-wild with the power of a magic wand, then the decidedly unlicensed Wands might be more up your alley. It’s essentially a head-to-head deathmatch game featuring spell-flinging sticks rather than firearms, and you can launch fireballs, teleport around the level, and generally cause magical havoc. The head-to-head online duels are pretty entertaining, even if we wish the Daydream remote’s motion controls got more of a Wii Remote-like workout.
