Dancing Arrow: Beat Smash

Are you already playing Beat Saber but want it to have a little more K-Pop flair? In Dancing Arrow: Beat Smash, that’s exactly what Geniesoft has delivered. The game follows the same basic formula, as you’ll swing your bats at colored arrows in time with the music. Here, however, you’ll be grooving along to music from big-name artists like BTS and PSY. It’s being updated multiple times a month with more music, too.

Fitness Potential

Just like in Beat Saber, Dancing Arrow: Beat Smash should provide you with an excellent workout. You’ll be swinging your arms up, down, left, and right in time with the music. Depending on the song and difficulty you select, that can get your heart pumping in a hurry. With global leaderboards further challenging you, you should be able to push yourself even harder.

Developer/Publisher: Geniesoft

Release Date: December 23, 2019

Compatible With: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Windows Mixed Reality, Valve Index

Price: $17.49 to $24.99

Link: Dancing Arrow: Beat Smash

BearHammer

Well, this game’s title just gets right to the point, doesn’t it? In BearHammer, you fight against powerful enemies in the fantasy land of Bearonia. You’ll complete several different objectives, ranging from surviving waves of enemies to fighting bosses. You’ll use hammers to smash your enemies to bits and can even launch hammers directly at them for some added power.

Fitness Potential

You’ll be using your tracked motion controllers for the entirety of BearHammer in order to defeat enemies. You’ll need to make a throwing motion in order to launch the hammer, and if there are multiple enemies, you will have to do this very quickly. You can also dual-wield hammers so both your arms can get a workout at the same time. Riding in on the back of a dragon, you can also direct the action from above with your controllers.

Developer/Publisher: BearHammer Games

Release Date: December 22, 2019

Compatible With: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Windows Mixed Reality, Valve Index

Price: $9.74 to $12.99

Link: BearHammer

Visby Archer

Many of the archery games currently available for VR systems have a fantasy element to that. That isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, however, and Visby Archer offers something different. Available now in early access, the game is set in the 14th century as a Baltic island is brought to war by a class conflict. This is made worse by an outside invader, and you must defend your land using your trusty bow.

Fitness Potential

In Visby Archer, you’ll be drawing your arms back using the tracked motion controllers as if you were using a real bow. Because targets can move quickly, you’ll have to get used to being efficient and accurate with your shots. You’ll also be able to defend yourself against volleys of arrows by lifting a shield up to your face. Fail to do that effectively, and you might find yourself filled with arrows.

Developer/Publisher: Disir Productions

Release Date: December 23, 2019

Compatible With: Oculus Rift

Price: $6.99

Link: Visby Archer

Rift Starter Pack

Our last pick for the week is a little bit different, as it’s not one, but five games. Just get a new Oculus Rift S headset for the holidays but don’t know what to play? The Rift Starter Pack comes with five games: Moss, Robo Recall, Dance Central, Space Pirate Trainer, and I Expect You to Die. This collection provides great variety, giving you plenty of games to see the potential of the headset and show it off to your friends. While Moss and I Expect You to Die offer great world-building and stories, you’ll get all-out action in Robo Recall and Space Pirate Trainer. Dance Central, of course, remains a groovy and bumping crowd-pleaser at parties.

Fitness Potential

Your fitness potential varies depending on the game you choose in the Rift Starter Pack. One of the best fitness choices is Dance Central, as your entire body will be moving throughout the duration of your play sessions. In Robo Recall, the action is also fast enough to require quick reflexes, particularly if you want to set a new high score. Space Pirate training demands your full attention in order to take down the enemies closing in on your position, as well. Even I Expect You to Die can get intense as you work at a blistering pace to solve puzzles before you’re blown to bits by an explosive.

Developer/Publisher: Various

Release Date: Various

Compatible With: Oculus Rift

Price: $94.99 to $106.95

Link: Rift Starter Pack