Meta Quest: A remake shows how much standalone VR graphics have improved
A video comparison shows how far the graphics of standalone VR games have come in the last five years.
On 17 October, Arizona Sunshine Remake will be released for all major VR platforms. The original version of the iconic zombie shooter was released in 2016 for PC VR and in 2019 for the first Oculus Quest, which launched the same year.
Five years have passed since then, and two more generations of headsets with much more powerful chipsets have been released: Quest 2 in 2020 and Quest 3 in 2023.
Arizona Sunshine developer Vertigo Games has released a video showing gameplay from the completely rebuilt remake of the VR classic. My guess is that the video was shot using Quest 3 or a PC with Quest 3 graphical settings.
If you compare this video with a video of the same scene in the original game on the first Oculus Quest, the graphical difference is immediately apparent. I have included both videos below.
Arizona Sunshine (2019) on Quest 1
Arizona Sunshine Remake (2024) presumably on Quest 3
The 3D models, textures, and animations in the remake are of much higher quality thanks to the improved graphics capabilities of Quest 3. Rendering the game at a higher resolution also makes a big visual difference, resulting in a much sharper image. (Note: If the footage was recorded on a PC, the resolution may not be 100% representative).
Vertigo Games has released another official gameplay video of the same scene, shot with PSVR 2, but with more realistic lighting and real-time shadows. It gives us an idea of what standalone VR graphics could look like in a few years' time.
Arizona Sunshine Remake (2024) on PSVR 2
A VR classic makes a comeback
Arizona Sunshine Remake features improved graphics, new weapons and updated gameplay mechanics. New features include an improved mutilation and gore system that allows zombies to be dismembered in a variety of ways, as well as treasure hunting and resource management for ammunition and consumables as part of the fight for survival.
As in the original, you must fight your way through the zombie-infested Arizona desert. The goal is to find more survivors whose voices can be heard over the radio. Fight hordes of zombies in a post-apocalyptic southwestern USA alone or in co-op with up to three other survivors.
Arizona Sunshine Remake includes DLC and updates from the original and will be released in a standard and upgrade version for owners of the original. Those who already own the original will be able to upgrade to the remake at a reduced price.
Arizona Sunshine Remake will be released on October 17th
- on the Horizon Store for Quest 3 and 2,
- on the Playstation Store for Playstation VR 2 and
- on Steam for PC VR headsets.
A 10% pre-order discount is currently available on all platforms.
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