2023 Golden Lance Award for VR Game of the Year
VR gaming has been in a bit of an odd period. After huge investments by Meta, Valve, and Sony over the last decade, we are in a period of sustainability. Companies are working to establish that VR is as much an integral experience as traditional games or movies. This year saw the release of a good number of VR titles, but two easily rose above the rest to become constant topics of conversation here at Lords of Gaming. These games showed us something new in the VR space. They showed us what was possible when big budgets collide with expert teams with a vision. With that said, here are the winners of Lords of Gamings 2023 Golden Lance Award for VR Game of the Year.
Winner: Demeo Battles
There are always new VR games released constantly and it feels like they run together. So for one to truly stick out to me isn’t easy. Demeo Battles does just that, and that’s why I believe it’s the best VR game this year. Many people have heard of the critically acclaimed Demeo. Demeo Battles brings a new PVP aspect for quick intense games. Since multiplayer matches tend to be a lot faster than regular Demeo you can get so much more time in. The action is always intense as each turn passes and the borders of the map close in on the players, pushing them to the middle. The visuals and graphics are top-tier. Demeo Battles stands out above all the other VR Games and is one of my top games for the whole year. That’s why it’s the best VR Game
Runner Up: Gran Turismo 7
With this years PS VR2 launch, Gran Turismo 7 received a free update to make the entire game PS VR2 compatible. Now there is something to be said about buying a $500 console, $550 headset, $70 game, $250 racing wheel, $100 headphones, and a $250 racing seat but, that is not how GT7 got here. Of course, you can build a respectable at-home professional racing sim with GT7 and PS VR2. Although if you are more casual, or just starting out with VR, GT7 is still an incredible experience with a controller and a couch.
Gran Turismo 7 has perfectly detailed car interiors and full-functioning mirrors. It does not matter how you are playing, GT7 it is the most commercially viable immersive game you can buy. The wrecks make you flinch, the speed feels real, and everything about it is AAAA. This is one of a small handful of VR games saying, “Hey, get in sucka, here is where we are headed with this technology.”
