We tried Orbs, a particle physics sandbox for Quest 3

We tried Orbs, a particle physics sandbox for Quest 3

Orbs is a mixed reality particle simulator and chill-out app for Meta Quest 3 and 3S that realistically simulates hundreds of little orbs.

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Last week, the particle simulator Orbs! was released for Meta Quest 3 and 3S. The developer Charlie Shenton provided me with a code for the game so that I could try out the mixed reality app on my Quest 3 for free.

Orbs simulates hundreds of small balls that move and react to each other as you would expect. In addition, hand tracking allows your hands and fingers to interact with the orbs in a very realistic way.

You can adjust four different parameters using a series of buttons. From left to right:

  • Speed: Slow down or speed up the movement of the orbs.
  • Colors: Try different color combinations and color reaction patterns
  • Gravity: Influences whether the balls are pulled up or down
  • Container shape: The orbs move in an invisible container that can be adjusted between more spherical and more cuboid.

The appeal of Orbs lies in the tactile interaction with the orbs, in experimenting and combining the parameters, and in observing the beautiful color patterns and physical play of the orbs. An easy-listening tune repeats in the background, inviting you to relax while you play around and marvel at the physics simulation.

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Orbs is based on a VR-specific game engine

The particle simulation runs absolutely smooth on Quest 3. Don't be fooled by my video (see below), which is a bit jerky at times because I was recording at a frame rate that my Quest couldn't keep up with.

Orbs is more of a tech demo than a game, as it lacks goals and game mechanics. The app reminds me a bit of Cues, which also combines simple and accessible interactions with mixed reality and engaging audiovisuals.

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Orbs is based on the Micro Engine, a VR-exclusive game engine developed by Shenton specifically for standalone VR headsets. In an email, the Melbourne, Australia-based developer tells me that he has a much bigger physics sandbox title in development based on his Micro Engine.

You can get Orbs from the Horizon Store. The price is $9, which is a bit expensive for a tech demo that is well done and nice to look at, but will hardly entertain you for more than a few minutes.

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What do you think of Orbs? Join the conversation on Facebook, Bluesky or X or share your opinion in the comments below.

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