One of the most downloaded apps on SideQuest just got even better.
Today’s launch of Update v1.2.1 for Physics Playground adds a whole suit of new features to the popular VR sandbox experience, including full-body physics, a brand new playground environment, improved NPC physics, new weaponry and tools, and a slew of other additions and optimizations; it’s basically Boneworks Lite for the Oculus Quest.
Using the new Boneworks inspired crouch jumping and climbing mechanics, you can now scale different portions of the colorful map like a virtual freerunner. You can even use the new crowbar tool to access particularly difficult areas. Another new item is the Kunai, which can be used to cut down any crash test dummies foolish enough to question your power.
Two buttons located near the player spawn can be used to generate up to five test dummies—both passive and aggressive—at one time. Update v1.2.1 features several improvements to NPC physics, allowing for some truly hilarious encounters in the process; well, hilarious for you at least.
Other additions include a new distance grab mechanic inspired by Half-Life: Alyx, speech sounds for dummies, a Pavlov-inspired infinite ammo pouch, seated and standing modes, and a handful of other optimizations and improvements. The full changelog can be viewed here.
According to the developer, this new system will be used as the foundation for future VR games released by Stonepunk Studios moving forward. Therefore today’s update will most likely be one of the last for Physics Playground. The entire message is pretty wholesome:
To everyone, I thank you for your support and interest in my project. With over 50,000 downloads I knew I had to deliver again and raise the bar even higher. You inspired me to push forward to create this all new experience which will lay the foundation for things to come.
This new system will be used in future titles from Stonepunk Studios, a studio I recently joined as a Lead Engineer. We are a small team but we each have our own unique strengths and together we will create next-gen VR experiences.
To create these new, full experiences, my focus will be shifting entirely onto them, therefore this update will be one of the last for the Physics Playground. From here on there will only be fixes and general improvements. I look forward to reading your impressions and seeing your gameplay videos!
To aspiring developers, now is the time to jump in if you haven’t already. My game dev journey began 2 years ago and I started with no knowledge of game development or coding but with patience and determination I pushed myself through all the ups and downs to reach where I am now.
Start simple, start small. Get comfortable with your tool of choice first before going to the next level.
Special thanks goes out to those who have inspired me to start game development: Stress Level Zero, thank you for ushering in the age of next-gen VR. nimSony, thank you for pioneering VR physics development. Special thanks also to those who have supported me along the way: Mazladore, Jason, Morgan, Camobiwon, and my family. – Exo.
Physics Playground is available now on Oculus Quest via SideQuest.
Image Credit: Exo
