Wednesday, May 29th 2013 / Gaming

Day Eighteen With The Oculus Rift - Proton Pulse

Download Proton Pulse: developer.oculusvr.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=600 1280x800 60fps gameplay video: Proton Pulse - 1280x800x60.mp4 First, let me start by saying Proton Pulse is my favourite Rift experience thus far! It's simply amazing and is a shining example of what the Rift was built for.With its bright neon VR graphics it immerses you in the game world where you simply use your head to control a virtual paddle in what is effectively a 3D game of breakout.The graphics in the game are well suited to the rift, there is A LOT of animation going on here, everything flashes and pulses and I like some of the finer details. The laser-like line popping backwards and forwards gives you a great pointer as to the depth of the ball in the scene. The paddle itself and it's movement with your head seem natural though I did find myself occasionally moving my head to the left rather than turning it left (and the Rift currently doesn't track directional movements).As you progress through the levels you are treated to more complex level layouts featuring special bricks which explode or set off train reactions. Some of the shapes also move around whether they be spinning on the spot or moving backwards and forwards in sync with everything else in the level.The sense of depth and immersion in this game is so good. This is a must for anyone with a Rift, go download it now and give it a go! We need more games like this:If you'd like to watch me play the game, here's the raw video link:As usual, here's also the YouTube video link (but please do download and watch the raw source video on your Rift for the full 3D experience):I also had my Dad over yesterday so let him have a go on the Rift, he tried both the UDK roller coaster and Proton Pulse. Here's what he said about his first experience using the Rift:Hate Roller Coasters as I'm such a scaredy cat. This felt very real, particularly when I swore as I plummeted over the edge.Weird to be able to look all around during the ride. Have to admit I had to repeatedly remind myself that I was sat on a chair in order to settle the nerves. Got disoriented when I was looking out to the right and, as the coaster took a left turn, the scenery shifted accordingly, which caught me unawares at first. A little distortion on the colours on the towers and no ships to look at were the only negatives on what was a thrilling and real feeling ride.Loved this. Angles all seemed right and never felt that I wasn't in control. As levels progressed obviously difficulty increased and got caught out when taking out closer targets and didn't catch the rebounds properly. Struggled to position my target box in the bottom right of the screen quickly enough at times...and my chair had turned through 90 degrees at one stage so things then became a little disoriented. But I loved playing this and look forward to another shot at it. One freaky bit when did not position my bat and was hit straight in the face! Good stuff.