As we stand at the dawn of a new year, the world of virtual reality continues to grow more vibrant, refusing to stagnate even as it matures. Nearly a decade since its inception, VR has shown remarkable adaptability, evolving profoundly to expand the limits of what’s possible in the realms of gaming, art, and social connection.
The year 2024 has marked a series of significant breakthroughs, with VR’s potential shining brighter than ever. Beyond the realm of blockbuster ‘AAA’ games—which certainly add to the excitement—both major releases and indie masterpieces have showcased VR’s broad appeal, confirming its profitability for developers and its draw for players.
What makes this year stand out is the dedication to perfecting the technology. Developers have drawn from years of experience to usher VR into a new phase of comfort, immersion, and accessibility. Whether it’s through innovative gameplay mechanics, captivating storytelling, or visuals so immersive they blur the lines of reality, 2024 has given the VR community plenty to celebrate—and even more to anticipate.
And so, let’s dive into the Road to VR’s 2024 Game of the Year Awards:
Skydance’s Behemoth
- Developer: Skydance Games
- Platforms: Quest, PSVR 2, PC VR
- Release Date: December 5, 2024
PC VR has carved a niche for itself, standing as a unique political platform. Unlike the more standalone Quest, or the PSVR 2, which cleverly utilizes the PS5, PC VR allows enthusiasts to maximize their hardware’s capabilities. But immersion isn’t just about stunning visuals. It’s the creation of believable worlds, lifelike NPCs, enveloping soundscapes, and breathtaking set pieces that deliver that awe-inspiring "wow" factor. Few games have mastered this, but Skydance’s Behemoth is one of those rare gems.
Behemoth owes much of its success to the hard-earned insights of its creators. Skydance Games, known for The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners (2020), applied their expertise in physics-driven melee and immersive storytelling to elevate Behemoth. From the moment you engage in your first Behemoth battle, you’re encouraged to use every skill acquired along the way—grappling, shooting, and more. Ultimately, your strategy is your own; whether you wield one of the three Legendary weapons or adopt enemy gear like katanas or massive buster swords, the choice is yours.
Behemoth encapsulates everything great about VR gaming, earning it the top spot for our PC VR award and securing its place among must-play VR experiences. For a deeper dive, check out our detailed, spoiler-free review.
Batman: Arkham Shadow
- Developer: Camouflaj
- Publisher: Oculus Studios / Meta
- Platform: Quest 3/S (exclusive)
- Release Date: October 21, 2024
Batman: Arkham Shadow is a title that defies expectations. Reviving a dormant franchise and reimagining its iconic gameplay for the VR landscape is no small feat. Yet, Camouflaj rose to the challenge, crafting a game worthy of being our 2024 Quest Game of the Year.
Camouflaj understood that porting an Arkham game to VR wasn’t enough. Instead, they focused on capturing the essence of what makes an Arkham game feel right, while reinventing its mechanics for the medium. This included the daunting task of rethinking the Arkham series’ signature combat style. The developers ingeniously combined motion with movement, enabling players to swiftly navigate combat with a powerful swing of their fists. True to Arkham tradition, the challenges become more intricate, making players feel like they can handle any adversary by the end.
Batman: Arkham Shadow succeeds on many levels and stands as a testament to making VR adaptations that surpass expectations.
Metro Awakening
- Developer: Vertigo Games
- Platforms: PSVR 2, Quest, PC VR
- Release Date: November 7, 2024
The Metro series has long captured imaginations with its stark, post-apocalyptic atmosphere—isn’t it only fitting it finally comes to VR? Against a backdrop of potential endless worlds, Metro Awakening immerses you in gritty, desperate locales that many discussed would be perfect in VR, and 2024 proved them correct.
Vertigo Games has skillfully revitalized this beloved series for a new medium. They’ve rebuilt the game with compelling VR-friendly features while staying true to Metro’s core identity. This includes creative new weapons that feel true to the series’ spirit of makeshift armament. They’re both functional and satisfying, enhanced by formidable enemies that intensify the stakes.
One standout innovation is the intuitive diegetic inventory system, enhancing gameplay depth and realism. Retrieving an item involves naturally reaching and grabbing from virtual backpacks, adding to the immersive experience. Paired with haunting soundscapes and atmospheric effects that build tension, it’s no wonder Metro Awakening clinches our Excellence in Immersion award.
Starship Home
- Developer: Creature
- Platform: Quest 3/S (exclusive)
- Release Date: September 26, 2024
Mixed reality gaming has struggled with headsets still learning to "know" your physical space, but Starship Home redefines the potential. Instead of treating it as a mere novelty or side dish, this game stands on its own, offering pure, delightful gameplay.
Through clever use of room-sensing technology, Starship Home allows players to interact with their environment in meaningful ways. The game brings a mix of casual management and sci-fi adventures that not only satisfy but elevate VR with thoughtful MR integration. With modules strategically placed around your room, it feels like your living space morphs into your ship—a trend we hope finds roots in future games due to its clever execution. For more on why we loved Starship Home, explore our full review.
UNDERDOGS
- Developer: One Hamsa
- Platforms: Quest, PC VR
- Release Date: January 25, 2024
The awards for Excellence in Locomotion and Indie Development shine on UNDERDOGS, the latest offering from One Hamsa, known for their unique VR titles.
With UNDERDOGS, One Hamsa showcases their strength in leveraging locomotion as core gameplay. Players navigate using arm-based locomotion to control stubby mechs, which can swiftly propel themselves while having combat capabilities—an example of design and gameplay in perfect harmony.
The excitement of clashing into enemies adds to the sense of embodiment, ensuring UNDERDOGS delivers on fun and innovation, earning its place among our honored indie gems.
Blade & Sorcery
- Developer: Warpfrog
- Platforms: PC VR, Quest
- Release Date: June 17, 2024
What began with a single developer, has grown to nearly 30 visionaries at Warpfrog who have embraced their goal of transforming Blade & Sorcery. The 1.0 update introduces ‘Crystal Hunt,’ a story-driven experience that gives coherence to the game’s stunning allure.
Warpfrog continues to expand their portfolio with future titles based on the lessons gleaned from Blade & Sorcery’s unforgettable journey. Their commitment to pushing boundaries embodies the qualities deserving of the ongoing devotion and admiration of fans worldwide.
Trombone Champ: Unflattened!
- Developer: Flat2VR Studios, Holy Wow Studios
- Publisher: Flat2VR Studios
- Platforms: Quest, PC VR, PSVR 2
- Release Date: November 26, 2024
Trombone Champ: Unflattened! takes an already charming 2D game and completely transforms it for VR. Flat2VR, known for its exceptional adaptations, has managed to craft an experience that transcends the original.
By reinventing the interactions and controls, the game becomes an engaging VR adventure where players trombone front of audiences, maintaining its original spirit while inviting new dynamics. The adaptation has met critical acclaim, proving that Flat2VR’s prowess will soon redefine how studios perceive VR transformations.
To be considered for Road to VR’s Game of the Year Award, games must have been released to the public by December 20, 2024, and offer full operability on the target platform.
