I have tried various VR headsets, from those you have a mobile phone attached to a headset, another is the Oculus Go, which I have had the opportunity to do research for the mental health industry and also train those in the industry on the use and potential of the technology.
But today I am testing the recently released 128GB version of the Oculus Quest 2, which was released by Oculus, a brand owned by Facebook.
The virtual reality headset was released on October 13, 2020 as a 64GB model priced at $299 and a 128GB model for $399. On August 2021, the 128GB model dropped to $299 and the 256GB model was released for $399.
The latest version featured a similar design to the original Quest while lighter in weight, updated specifications, a higher refresh rate and resolution and updated Oculus Touch controllers.
So, I wanted to see for myself of how I felt about the technology and its improvements since 2019.
The headset comes with a head strap, the two Oculus touch controllers each with a AA battery and a USB-C power adapter.
After charging the unit, I went ahead and set my headset to my wireless connection and connected it to my Facebook account.
It’s important for everyone to know that it is mandatory that you MUST have a Facebook account for this device. The account is profile-based, and you can not set multiple profiles. So, those used to a console such as a PlayStation, XBOX or Nintendo Switch who are used to having multiple profiles, this is not possible. If you have several children, they can either play under your account profile or you will need to purchase each person their own headset.
And then can setup your virtual environment from the currently eight offered and then get acquainted with software like First Step (which is an entertaining introduction to the how VR is with the unit and will impress those who never used VR before).
You can setup your “Guardian” which you can see your space and making a ring around you, to let the unit know how much space you have for gaming, so you don’t hit the wall or any thing that you have in your room.
But then it’s time to check out the apps available. Most will want to try the free apps offered. But then I was ready to purchase and test out games from numerous genres.
The first game I decided to test out was one game that many people have put high in their “must-buys”.
So, after doing research, I wanted to test out the system completely in the following genres. For rhythm and dance games: “Beat Saber”, “Audio Trip” and “Synth Riders”. And two games from Japan, such as “Kizuna Ai – Touch the Beat!” and “Beat Arena”.
For shooter, I decided to try “Population One”, “Pistol Whip”, “Blaston” and “Larcenauts”. For sports, “Golf 5 eClub”, “Top Golf with Pro Putt” and “ForeVR Bowling”. For fighting, “Thrill of the Fight!”, “Ironlights: Ultimate Update” and “Holopoint”. For adventure, the three episodes of “Star Wars: Vader Immortal”. For social, I tried VRchat, vTime and AltspaceVR.
With the rhythm games, each of the three games provided an entertaining and fun workout. Featuring cool music and most importantly, companies releasing inexpensive DLC music packs is a plus. Each have a similarity in choosing skill factor and ability to select different music and go at your own pace. Have only ten minutes to work out, then dance to three songs.
But what I like is the workout aspect. You are going to dance as you crouch or move to the left and right to avoid barriers. And the better you get, you can set your skill higher for an even more intense workout.
For the two Japanese games, “Kizuna Ai – Touch the Beat” is no doubt for the anime fans who want an easier pace and the fact that the makers put on live events (announced on Twitter on FB) to coincide with their device is a plus. While “Beat Saber” allows you to play drums, guitar and bass and strumming or hitting the drum to the beat/symbol. But I see the potential, for the Japanese market to really capitalize on the growth of VR as many established, may it be anime,RPG or sports games from Japan can be suitable for VR.
The golfing on the Oculus Quest 2 is absolutely awesome. I was surprised of how my swing was actually emulated quite well on the Oculus Quest 2, from driving to putting. And the fact that you have golf enthusiasts playing and competing is a plus. While I tested “Thrill of the Fight!” and the boxing mechanics were quite awesome. Again, the workout involved in quick punches, jabs, etc. and the training in the gym, makes for another wonderful reason to get a VR headset.
But games such as “Holopoint” is one of those games where you will need adequate space. When purchasing a game on Oculus, you will receive a warning that the game is meant to be played in a larger setting. Of course, a few people may guesstimate that they have adequate room and may have 5.5 feet when they game asks for 6.5 feet from all sides. So, please do your due diligence in researching the game and how much space you need.
For shooting, this is where I could only do ten minute sessions. You have to shoot, move, crouch and prepare for intense combat that you are often in motion. If first-person shooters on a console doesn’t give you motion sickness (as I play a lot), a shooter on VR is a different story. You have to think quick, move quick and while “Pistol Whip” and “Blaston” was easier, I realized that shooting games that require a lot of movement will take awhile for me to get used to. I tried to do an hour of “Population One” and I was nauseous right after and even the morning after.
But the first game that made me love gaming on the Oculus Quest 2 was “Star Wars: Vader Immortal”. I love how the game was immersive and the first moment when you come into contact with the Empire, what a memorable VR experience.
And last but not least, the chats available. I think that as I partake in the various VR chats, many have adopted life for a few hours in the VR world to be exciting, especially during these times. The people you meet all around the world and conversations are quite enjoyable most of the time (and yes, like real life, you can see drama especially during the discussion of politics and religion). But for the most part, the VR social community opens up a new way of communicating much different from ZOOM and for people who have anxiety or feel awkward about their personal appearance, many have said they took up VR for that purpose.
So, for the most part, the Oculus Quest 2 has managed to change the lives of many people.
It’s important to note that I also tested out the Oculus Air Link which allows you to hook up to the your laptop wirelessly, so you can play VR games that are installed on your PC/laptop. And you’ll need to purchase a USB-C link cable for the Oculus Quest 2 separately, if you want to transfer files and also for those who want to run code on their device. One of the things I do is I record my gameplay and I transfer the video to my computer.
And for me, it has changed my life because the inability for me to feel safe working out during this time, I like the fact that I can work out but be entertained. For nearly two years, I have been working out indoors and to be frank, while things worked out fine for the first few months, I grew tired to the point I stopped working out because it became more routine. But on VR, you can workout because its more immersive, you can compete solo or with others and be immersed.
Unlike a console game, you are working out your muscles through full body movement.
But VR also opens the possibilities for many, especially for those who may have a disability, there are games that you can partake in, as long as you can use the controllers or even hand movements and of course, see the visuals. I also have read about athletes who have been injured and can no longer compete professionally, who have found a second life through VR, they can train and partake in competitions through games.
But also for one’s mental health for those who want to be more social but are not yet ready to be with a group of people, but are able to do it in the virtual world. And I like that many mental health clinics have services to provide special programs for those that need help.
Now, you probably can tell what I’ve wrote so far, that I’m quite positive about the headset. But is it perfect?
Now as for the hardware itself, if there is one thing I do miss, while you can add spacers to wear glasses, the Oculus Quest 2 has three settings by moving the Oculus lenses to obtain the narrowest at 58mm, the middle setting at 63mm and the widest at 68mm. In the past, you can easily choose and manually set a variety of ranges to suit one’s vision, so if you wanted 60mm, you can’t do that.
I did replace the headset, you can purchase the Oculus Elite headstrap or other similar headstraps that are more padded and a better fit and are easy to adjust.
I also replaced the facial interface, because I sweat a lot and so I wanted something that handles sweat much better, but if you have friends over, I can easily switch out foam with replacements, so multiple people can play and I can introduce more people to VR. I also purchased universal disposable hygiene covers as well.
I also added a skin for the headset and the Oculus Touch controllers, more for protection and I don’t want staining or my device to get dirty.
But I also purchase a special mat for VR gaming, so I know when I’m moving too much and I can tell when I feel the ridge of the mat that I’m moving to far that I may hit the wall, the couch or getting too close to my aquarium. Because while the Guardian on the headset will show you that you are leaving the safe zone, because you are immersed in the game, sometimes you just fail to pay attention and thus, the mat really helped out with gameplay.
Overall, I feel that now is the time to get into VR. The number of people who are becoming VR gamers and also taking part in the VR community, may it be through a social platform, competitive gaming, etc. has grown.
It’s changed my life to the point that I look forward to donning the headset at the end of a workday and I have to work out and visit the social community later in the evening and communicate with others. For adults, this is a wonderful, innovative hardware to own that can be a life changer for many.
But like any technology, many adults use it for competitive gaming, casual gaming and social chatting. And as I know many parents will purchase children headsets, thinking it’s another pass-the-time gaming, the problem right now is that certain VR social platforms and even certain games will have children who will talk, cuss and there are few who try to ruin one’s experience or those who try to be involved in adult conversations where it’s not appropriate for them to be part of.
But for the most part, owning the Oculus Quest 2 has more positives than negatives.
The Oculus Quest 2 is fantastic, and while not perfect, the improvement in VR technology these last few years and the growing number of things one can do in VR makes the Oculus Quest 2 one of the best investments one can make for 2021.
Highly recommended!
