10 Best Free GearVR Apps of 2016
So. It looks like we are just a few weeks away from Samsung shipping their first batch of pre-orders of the next generation GearVR. In case you haven’t checked out it’s specs yet, head right over to their GearVR Landingpage here.
GearVR has since its inception brought with it, a hope for the future of affordable VR experiences. Between it’s increased field of view and smooth updated design, this next version is proof that the GearVR ship is still on the right course!
In today’s list we are going to include or (reference) all the information you need, as well as provide you with links to the sites of the developers so you can check out for yourself, if there’s more in store for you from the men and women behind the apps and experiences.
Whether or not you are the owner of the traditional, or you have managed to get your hands on the latest version, chances are that you would like to take it for a spin. What better way of doing so, than testing it’s capabilities with an artillery of free apps? That’s what we thought, and here’s our list of the Top 10 Free GearVR apps of 2016:
10. CoLab — Trial Rooms
First up is CoLab. Colab is a labyrinth simulation. You load unto a sci-fi looking space labyrinth, and you’re guided towards the exit by a distant mecha voice. As you progress along the way of the game, you’ll get a hang of controlling your GearVR. As the simulation involves both your use of the GearVR as well as some help from your critical faculties, it’s a great first-use app that will get you thinking on your feet in no time.
Release Date: July 21, 2016
Developer: Pixel Federation
Space Required: 347.88 MB
Learn More: Visit Landingpage
9. Invasion!
Next up is “Invasion”. Invasion is an incredibly cute shortfilm. It takes the original opening monologue concept of War of the Worlds and then goes on to turn it into what can only be defined as a bucketful of Unicorn kisses and rainbows. Follow the protagonist, a fuzzy little rabbit as it faces off against the notorious aliens Mac & Cheze. Invasion is one of those apps that makes you feel bad that the guidelines of your GearVR tells you not to share the experience with children under the age of 13.
Release Date: March 9, 2016
Developer: Baobab Studios
Space Required: 482.29 MB
Learn More: Link
8. Rilix Coaster
I’m not going to lie. Unless you possess the inner strength of a Jedi Knight this app will make you motion sick.
What makes Rilix hit our list, is that it’s made virtually every single person we’ve put in the simulation either sweat their hands and/or reach for either a wall or table support for balance. Despite it’s low graphics and motion sickness, Rilix Coaster is awesome and we recommend you share it with anyone you want to impress with your new and exciting VR gear.
Release Date: June 1, 2016
Developer: Rilix
Space Required: 190.13 MB
Learn More: Link
7. Sky Fighter: Training Day
Sky Fighter: Training Day is the first level, in a spacesuit-based sci-fi game for the GearVR. Its mix of head-tilting controls and high-speed action makes it one of the more immersive and straight-up fun games on the list. Even though the later levels require you to pay for them — the initial level is entirely free of charge, and a great introduction to the game.
Release Date: June 9, 2016
Developer: 3D Scenica
Space Required: 575.46 MB
Learn More: Link
6: Samsung BeFearless — Heights
Samsung’s #BeFearless campaign was kickstarted with this “Heights” challenge. Based on actual scientific data, this simulation teaches you to fight your fear of heights by faking uncomfortable heights in 360° video. Every level you progress gets a slight decrease in comfort. While one of the training levels brings with it a lot of motion sickness, the remaining three are a great!
Release Date: February 18, 2016
Developer: Samsung_BeFearless
Space Required: 711.73 MB
Learn More: Link
5: Nerve
Initially built as a teaser for a film, the Nerve simulation on the Oculus Store packs with it a pretty convincing heights-based challenge. True to the movie, the simulation is based on a dare in which you the protagonist have to climb a ladder connecting the windows between two 10-floor apartments. Good luck!
Release Date: July 25, 2016
Developer: Lionsgate
Space Required: 254.38 MB
Learn More: Link
4: Sonar
Sonar is an impressive space-based experience in which you man the cockpit of a high-tech space ship. In a simulation that seems to bring with it, concepts akin to the circles of Dante’s Inferno and H.R. Giger’s art style, this simulation reels you in, captivates you with it’s gorgeous visuals and leaves you with a melancholic feel as your ship meets an untimely end.
Release Date: February 10, 2016
Developer: Sonar360
Space Required: 110.09 MB
Learn More: Link
3: The Expanse VR
The expanse VR takes you to a ficticious future in which the human race has colonized the surrounding universe, and made deep space our new home. Gaze at some of the impressive space stations that man has made, as an engaging narrator takes you through all the details. A must for any sci-fi fan.
Release Date: January 5, 2016
Developer: NBCUniversal Media, LLC
Space Required: 127.11 MB
Learn More: Link
2: Guided Meditation VR
Guided Mediation VR offers a selection of classes for you to take to increase your Zen, and keep that inner focus of yours. It presents you with several beautiful locations in which you can either relax, or practice the art of meditation and overcome some of the hectic elements of day-to-day life.
Release Date: January 12, 2016
Developer: Cubicle Ninjas
Space Required: 639.89 MB
Learn More: Link
1: Viso Places
This final one, is a simple yet powerful app that allows you to travel the world from the comfort of wherever you pack your GearVR and Samsung Phone. By giving you access to a large portion of Google Street View locations, Viso Places allows you to reconnect with memories from near and far. While this is not an official Google App, you’d never know it by it’s very high quality and ease of use.
Release Date: February 3, 2016
Developer: YoutopiaVR
Space Required: 212.86 MB
Learn More: Link
With that, we reach the end of our list. We thank you for your visit, and can’t wait to be with you later this year with yet another updated version. Stay tuned as we will be covering all about the latest GearVR later this week!
