Star Wars Day is back and this year we’re spending it in VR.
It’s that time of year again! The day we all stop what we’re doing and take the time to appreciate one of the most important influences on our collective lives. I’m talking of course about Star Wars. May the 4th is the special day we gather together and celebrate the iconic science fiction franchise that’s touched so many of us over the past 40 years.
So what better way to honor the high-tech, futuristic universe we’ve come to love than by spending the day in one of today’s most high-tech, futuristic technologies. Thankfully, there’s plenty of virtual reality Star Wars content to go around.
Star Wars: Trials on Tatooine (Now on Viveport)
Arguably the most impressive of the bunch, Trials on Tatooine takes you on an adventure to help Luke Skywalker rebuild the Jedi Order. Set on the famous two sun planet of Tatooine, you’ll be tasked with repairing the iconic Millenium Falcon while simultaneously fending off waves of Stormtroopers. Using the legendary weapon of the Jedi, the lightsaber, you’ll defend against enemies, deflect lasers and even wave at everyone’s favorite pint-sized robot, R2-D2!
Previously only accessible on Steam, the best lightsaber simulator around is now officially available on Viveport as of today, making it easier than ever to step into the shoes of Padawan and take on the evil Empire.
Star Wars Battlefront Rogue One: VR Mission
Available exclusively for PS VR, Star Wars Battlefront Rogue One: VR Mission puts players in the cockpit of a Rebel X-Wing as they jump through hyperspace with their squadron to rescue a ship in distress. You’ll fly through deep space and engage in intense dogfights against Empire forces in this tie-in to the recently released film, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
The best part is the entire experience is 100% free, so long as you picked up a copy of Star Wars: Battlefront. Which, let’s be honest, most of us hardcore fans did (for better or worse).
Rogue One: Recon – A Star Wars 360 Experience.
Continuing with VR tie-ins to Rogue One, Rogue One: Recon is a 360-degree experience that has you once again step into the shoes of a Rebel pilot and fend off enemy tie-fighters as you get up close and personal with the iconic Death Star. While not a full VR experience, the 360-degree video still does an impressive job at placing you in the desperate and bleak perspective of the Rebel Alliance.
“The team at Lucasfilm’s ILMxLAB developed Rogue One: Recon 360 as a way to showcase what’s possible with 360-degree video and to get fans excited about the upcoming release of the film,” says Kristin Rooney, executive director of Partnerships & Social Media at Verizon. “You’re able to look around and truly dive into the Star Wars universe.”
As an added bonus, those fortunate enough to pick up the special Star Wars edition of People Magazine, Star Wars: The Secrets of Rogue One, received a unique pair of VR goggles hidden within the special issue. While not ground-breaking, the nearly 2 minute 360 video is a captivating experience with a shocking ending.
Battle Test: A Nissan 360-Degree Virtual Reality Experience
Battle Test: A Nissan 360-Degree Virtual Reality Experience is a 360-degree video that takes the user on an adrenaline-fueled rampage through a chaotic ground battle between Empire troops and Rebel forces. Developed as a marketing ploy to help put eyes on the Nissan Rogue SUV, this three-minute experience puts you in the driver’s seat of the special edition SUV as it utilizes its impressive list of safety designs to navigate the intense skirmish and get you out alive. Features such as blind spot warning and pedestrian detection keep you from getting crushed by falling AT-ST’s or from running over your own Rebel comrades.
Despite the fact it was created merely to market the Nissan Rogue during the release of the film, this experience does a wonderful job of not only hyping up the film with hard-pounding, well-choreographed action, but highlighting the many impressive features of the actual SUV. Looking up through the moon roof while driving under a massive AT-AT and zipping past incoming blaster fire was a surreal feeling that I recommend to not only Star Wars fans, but anyone looking for a good time.
Well there you have it! Just a small collection of the coolest Star Wars VR experiences available on the web. However, with Star Wars: The Last Jedi not too far around the corner, you can bet we’ll be seeing a lot more VR adventures set within the legendary universe. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the latest releases as they become available.
Now go enjoy this magical day you scruffy nerf herder!
