Go head-to-head against an AI goalie.
Does your slapshot have enough heat to score a goal? You’re about to find out. Hockey VR is a physics-based VR experience that has you skating up to the blue line to test your skills against an AI goalie.
Created by the folks over at Melcher Studios, Hockey VR is one of the most realistic hockey simulators available in VR thanks to a 3D printed controller mount called RealStick.
Compatible with both righties and lefties, the device allows you to snap your Touch controller to an actual hockey stick, offering more realistic puck handling in the process. If you don’t have a hockey stick on hand you can use your Touch controllers like you would any other game, though the real magic comes from using the Realstick attachment.
My advice is to purchase the mount and find yourself a used hockey stick (if you don’t already own one). Just make sure you don’t have any expensive items lying around as you play; this game has broken valuables written all over it.
Hockey VR lets you choose from several environments in which to play, such as a Small Town Hockey Arena, Mountain Ice Rink, or Forest Night Rink. Once you’re on the ice, you can choose from several modes to play that will help you sharpen your hockey skills, bringing yourself one step closer to becoming the next Alex Ovechkin or Wayne Gretzky.
In terms of game modes, Target Practice has you shooting the puck into various areas of the goal. For this mode, you must focus on accuracy to make sure you hit each target right on the bullseye. The harder you swing your stick, the faster your shot.
If you’re looking for a more challenging experience, you can ditch the targets altogether and go toe-to-toe with an AI-powered goalie. Be warned, however: this virtual opponent is a lot tougher than it looks.
Unlike hitting targets, the goalie will do anything it can to prevent you from scoring. In this situation, finesse is everything. Whether it be a powerful slap shot or a quick flick of the wrist, you’ll need to catch the goalie off guard in order to score and light up those red lights behind the net.
For a little extra excitement, Hockey VR lets you choose between Timed or Shot Count game modes. These additional modifiers add just enough pressure to throw you off of your game. You can also turn on Shot Assist for some added flair.
While primarily a single-player game, Hockey VR also features a local leaderboard where you and your friends can battle it out for exclusive bragging rights.
The games’ developer, Melcher Studios, not only creates VR games, but they have also done a lot of work in the training sector. The company has created VR training simulations for snowplow training, warehouse training, cross border drilling, as well as various apps designed for e-learning, and other interactive marketing tools. This background in VR training adds further confidence to the companies new VR hockey simulator.
Hockey VR is available now for $3.99 on Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2. You can purchase the RealStick adaptor online for $14.99. There are currently two models to choose from: Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2.
For more information on Hockey VR and the RealStick adaptor visit here.
Feature Image Credit: Melcher Studios
