Virtual reality hasn't really picked up the way everyone thought it would. Whether it's the early debacle of the metaverse or the still-nascent VR gaming industry, it seems VR is still waiting for its big moment.

That said, if you've been wanting to scratch that VR gaming itch, I'm happy to report that there are enough gems that can individually make a VR headset purchase worth it.

While each type of gamer will classify their favorites as "must-play" titles, I've tried to cover a variety of genres, limiting the list to games that truly feel momentous, and will blow most people away with their immersion and polished experience.

Beat Saber

Just beat it

It's really hard to "beat" Beat Saber at what it does — providing deeply satisfying and challenging rhythm-based gameplay. When you're grooving to your favorite artists, dodging obstacles, and slashing around with flashy sabers, you really appreciate the immersion VR is capable of. One of the very first VR titles to really blow up, Beat Saber still ranks among the best VR experiences available, completely justifying that Meta Quest 2 or PSVR2 purchase.

Metro Awakening

Awaken to a whole new level of immersion

The series' first foray into VR, Metro Awakening brings the slow and deliberate action and narrative of the Metro games to a more immersive medium. It's still as claustrophobic and tense as the originals, the story is still solid, and the interactive elements like the elaborate reloading sequence or usable props that you can find in the world make the experience feel more real. If survival horror is your jam, and you love the Metro series already, Metro Awakening is a must-play title.

Star Wars: Squadrons

Dogfighting in space!

Space sims are uniquely suited to VR, and Star Wars: Squadrons proves that, thanks to its exhilarating gameplay, immersive cockpit design & control, and controls that feel right at home in a VR environment. That's not surprising, since the game was designed with VR in mind. Fans of the series will love piloting iconic ships and engaging in frenetic dogfights in a story set somewhere between the original and sequel trilogies.

The multiplayer battles are the meat of the game, and involve a fair learning curve as you gradually understand when to switch power to your engines, how to configure the right ship loadout, and how to time your attacks.

Resident Evil 4 VR

What VR was made for

Resident Evil 4 was one of the best entries in the series, and the 2023 remake reminded many players why. The VR mode unlocks a whole new way of experiencing Leon Kennedy's mission to save the president's daughter. As you fight like hell to survive the hordes of villagers and monsters, with only a few scrappy weapons on you, the terror gets under your skin pretty quickly. The controls are specially designed for VR, and the upgraded visuals make the game more accessible for most players.

If you love the idea of experiencing the iconic Resident Evil 4 in VR, the 2023 remake gives you that privilege on the Meta Quest 2 and PSVR. The updated visuals and redesigned VR controls make for a must-play horror adventure.

Superhot VR

Still red hot

Perhaps no other game on the list is more suited to VR than Superhot. This bullet-time FPS where time moves only when you do, arrived in VR in 2016, enabling players to make full use of the 360° immersive environment. Dodging bullets in slow motion has never felt cooler, and as you pick up more and more creative weapons to shatter faceless enemies and uncover the world's lore, you realize you can't stop playing.

Walkabout Mini Golf

Nothing mini about it

When you want to chill with your friends in the metaverse, simply fire up Walkabout Mini Golf, and relax with fun-filled courses while chatting about anything and everything with your squad. The game offers 8 unique courses in the base game and more via DLCs for you and your friends to master. The physics is close to real-world golf, so you get a good chance to show off your skills. One of the best social VR experiences available, Walkabout Mini Golf ​​​​​​is not to be missed.

Batman: Arkham Shadow

This time, you can truly be the Batman!

Batman: Arkham Shadow is a full-fledged VR-only title that is set after the events of Batman: Arkham Origins. Taking on the Rat King, a lesser-known member of Batman's rogues gallery, you get an unprecedented first-person view of the action. The combat feels more brutal than ever, the stealth sections have high stakes, and the story is no slouch either. It's a Meta Quest 3 exclusive, but the investment is well worth it, as the game finally makes you feel like you're Batman.

Batman: Arkham games have often boasted about allowing players to "be the Batman", but Batman: Arkham Shadow comes the closest. The VR experience combines a great story, top-notch gameplay, and hard-hitting combat that's a hallmark of the series.

Half-Life: Alyx

What AAA VR looks like

Valve's Half-Life: Alyx came as a surprise to fans waiting years for Half-Life 3, but the game fully justified its existence as a VR flagship title. A high-budget VR-only game set between the events of Half-Life and Half-Life 2, the game follows Alyx, Gordon Freeman's popular ally, as she fights against the Combine alien empire. Half-Life: Alyx probably makes use of VR's unique controls and atmosphere better than any other title, thanks to its unique gameplay elements and interaction with the world.

It easily justifies the investment in a powerful VR headset. If you've been waiting for Half-Life 3 forever, spending some time in the worlds in VR is a great way to pass the time till Valve finally decides to unveil the much-awaited third installment.

Many never thought we'd get another Half-Life game, let alone a full-fledged VR title, but Half-Life: Alyx adds to the excellent pedigree of the series, thanks to its innovative gameplay, excellent visuals, and a solid narrative.

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