Virtual reality has always been an expensive hobby. Even in 1995, when the only VR option was the Nintendo Virtual Boy, it was hard to justify spending money on the device. It was uncomfortable to wear. It didn’t have any good games. And it was a little ahead of its time. Fast forward to this week, and after spending hours playing with the HTC Vive, I can safely say that VR is still an overpriced novelty.
The HTC Vive is the most advanced VR system ever sold. Its headset is ridiculously powerful, so you can look around in all directions without a hitch. Its wireless controllers make it easy to interact with objects in the virtual world. Even cooler than all that, the Vive lets you walk around in the game—which sets it apart from every other VR headset ever made.
Yeah, I know, the PLAYSTATION VR LAUNCH BUNDLE is legit, but it just doesn’t offer the same type of immersion. If you ever wanted to stand up, walk around, duck, or lunge in the virtual world, the Vive is the only system that will let you do that. The company suggests a 6-foot by 5-foot area for your VR activities, but you can also do “standing room only” or go even bigger that 6x5. The Vive is entirely customizable when it comes to setting up a playing area.
But that customizability is also its greatest flaw. There’s so much...stuff, and setting it up is a huge pain in the ass. The Vive ships in one gigantic box, about the size of a mini fridge, and inside that box are two wireless controllers, two base stations, a headset, and a bridge for connecting the headset to your PC.
And each accessory has at least one cable running to it. Finding the right slot for all of the different cables proved to be annoying—even for someone who spends every waking hour focused on technology. The system requires a total of five power outlets: two for the controllers, two for the base stations, and one for the bridge that connects the headset to the PC. You’ll also need power running to the PC and the monitor. So if you’re clearing out space for a new HTC Vive, you’d better have a room with plenty of wall outlets.
It took me almost an hour to get all of the accessories plugged into the right places. Once everything was connected, I got to the easiest part of the setup, downloading Steam and installing games. After all the software installation I had to calibrate the controllers, the headset, and the playing area. It was not easy, or quick, but finally—it was time to play some games.
An Immersive Experience Devoid of Content
The HTC Vive’s goggles are heavy—noticeably heavier than the Oculus Rift’s. They’re heavier than a bike helmet, heavier than a baseball cap, heavier than scuba goggles, and probably heavier than anything you’ve ever put on your face.
But it’s a small price to pay for walking around in a virtual space, especially if you’re excited about it, so most people will probably disregard the excruciating weight of the plastic headset. I know I did. I tightened the straps on both sides of the goggles and buckled in. I was ready to explore.
The first game I booted up was Job Simulator: the 2050 Archives. It’s a favorite among Vive owners because it takes advantage of the system’s best features, especially the wireless controllers and positional tracking.
The game takes place in an office cubicle, and you’re asked to walk around and complete menial tasks like the faceless corporate employee that you are. Thankfully, the game adds some humor to make the ordeal worthwhile. You use both controllers to operate your hands in the game. When you hold a trigger on either controller, your hands grasp any nearby objects. You can hold objects, throw them, knock them over, and do just about anything you’d be able to do in real life. The positional tracking was even more intuitive. You just walk around in real life, and the system automatically mimics your movement in the game. It’s incredibly realistic (considering that all the animation is styled like a children’s cartoon) and plays to the Vive’s primary strength: unparalleled immersion.
I had a lot of fun playing the easy challenges (I have some experience working in an office). After breezing through a couple of missions, I decided to take a break...and realized an hour had passed. It was a little disorienting, but with the sole mission of playing video games all day, I decided to carry on. I turned off Job Simulator and booted up something else.
