We Made a List of Couch-Approved Apple Vision Pro Games
The Apple Vision Pro is here, and it’s making waves in the gaming world. But let’s be real, not everyone wants to be seen flailing around with a massive visor on their face. Nor would they have the space to do so!
Hence, we’ve put together a list of VR games for the device that are so chill, you can play them while lounging on your couch without drawing too much attention to yourself. Just remember, the headset itself is still a huge dead giveaway. But at least you won’t look like a complete doofus while playing.
DISCLAIMER: This list is in no particular order.
Patterned: Augmented Zen, One Puzzle at a Time
First on our list is Patterned, a puzzle game that’s all about slow, deliberate hand movements. The objective is simple: piece together scrambled patterns using visual clues. The gameplay is so relaxed, that you can easily disguise your actions as some sort of meditation or relaxation technique. The Vision Pro version does offer some nice visuals, with vibrant colors and intricate designs, but at its core, it’s still just a puzzle game. Perfect for those times when you want to game without anyone noticing.
That is a common thing among Vision Pro users (how to avoid being intrusive with their presence), not just by having a huge apparatus on their head, but also waving in hand through thin air, especially in public. A couple of such videos emerged as soon as the launch day passed, and some users even asked about scenarios that have an obvious answer to it, like – can they wear it to a game table at a casino? I mean, you probably can, but you will be bounced out in seconds. You are definitely better off with staying on your home couch, opening a browser, and visiting a specialized online casino platform like https://fat-fruit.com/
Back to the game itself, one thing to note about Patterned on the Vision Pro is that the headset’s high-resolution displays do give the illusion of increased vividness simply due to the perceived distance and detail. However, the actual gameplay mechanics remain the same, so the overall experience may be a tad bit disappointing for eager users.
It’s still a great game for unwinding and exercising your brain, and the prettier package is definitely at a good appreciable level.
Synth Riders: Grooving Incognito
Next up is Synth Riders, a rhythm game that redefines melodic dimensions. And we mean that quite literally. Originally, the game involved quick, rhythmic gestures on a frontal isometric orientation. With the VR version of the Vision Pro, the playable area is designed like some sort of warp portal, where the interactable elements of the game seemingly pop out for you to time your movement with. Of course, flailing around with this updated UI might seem like a obivous thing. But it is still as couch-approved as the original, maybe with a bit of extra impromptu hand yoga movements here and there.
Do take note, though, that playing Synth Riders on the Vision Pro can be a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, the headset’s Spatial Audio and haptic feedback make the experience more immersive, letting you feel the music in a way that’s not possible on other platforms. On the other hand, the wavy movements required by the game can be a bit wonky to look at externally if the players themselves are still overwhelmed by their “interdimensional” design. It might take some getting used to, especially if you don’t want to get overly conspicuous with your well… shall we say, impressions.
Wylde Flowers: Sowing Seeds of Relaxation
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more laid-back, Wylde Flowers might be just the thing. This cozy life and farming sim lets you play at your own pace, with plenty of opportunities for quick breaks to glance around and make sure no one’s caught onto your gaming shenanigans. The game’s relaxed playstyle makes it perfect for very chill gaming sessions on the Vision Pro.
However, it’s worth noting that the Vision Pro version of Wylde Flowers doesn’t feel drastically different from the original game. Sure, the headset’s AR capabilities do add dream-like flipbook or diorama-style visuals. For example, when butterflies flutter around your living room or dandelion puffs float by. But the core gameplay remains largely unchanged. Still a charming game, though.
Lego Builder’s Journey: IRL Building Blocks of Fun… Almost.
For those who prefer a more deliberate, focused gaming session, Lego Builder’s Journey is the perfect choice. The game’s emphasis on just recapturing real-life Lego-building experiences makes it ideal for couch-sitting gaming sessions. Plus, the Vision Pro’s advanced hand tracking means you can build with greater precision, even if you’re trying to keep a low profile.
One thing that sets the Vision Pro version of Lego Builder’s Journey apart from the original is the enhanced sense of scale and depth. Like, the augmented twist plus the superb tracking is absolutely phenomenal. When you’re looking at a Lego model in the headset, it really feels like you are just looking at a tangible, actual version of it. Well, spatially at least. The color tones still blatantly give away that it is a virtual object.
Just be careful not to get too engrossed, okay? You might find yourself smacking your hand on the coffee table trying to grab that virtual piece.
Bloons TD 6+: Popping Bloons, Staying Low-Key
Okay, okay, keep the pitchforks down, people. Think about it. Bloons TD 6+ is actually the perfect game for short bursts of sneaky gaming! The tower defense gameplay allows for quick sessions and ample awareness of your surroundings. And on the Vision Pro, your eye’s focus on the floating UI already makes it easy to keep an eye out for any potential interruptions.
Of course, everybody’s main gripe with Bloons TD 6+ on the Vision Pro is that the lack of VR-specific features makes it feel a bit like a missed opportunity. The screen is just plastered to a floating wall. And no, those lower UI elements don’t count. Remember that loony Bloons Tower Defense VR concept video that circulated in 2015? Now, that would have been cool if it had been implemented for this game.
Nevertheless, it’s a fun and addictive game nonetheless that you can play very discreetly in any comfy sitting position, hence its inclusion in this chill VR games list.
Illustrated: Art Appreciation for the Sneaky Soul
Finally, we have Illustrated, a game that combines the joys of puzzle-solving with the appreciation of beautiful artwork. The game’s relaxed pace allows for careful observation and contemplation, making it perfect for sneaky gaming sessions on the Vision Pro. The headset’s Spatial Audio and high-resolution displays do make the artwork look and sound great, but ultimately, it’s still just a puzzle game with pretty pictures.
One nice thing about playing Illustrated on the Vision Pro is that the virtual galleries create a sense of immersion that’s not possible on other platforms. When you’re solving a puzzle, it really feels like you’re sitting in a museum, surrounded by beautiful artwork. The ability to look around and examine each piece from different angles is a neat touch that adds to the overall experience. Just be careful not to get too lost in the virtual world, or you might find yourself bumping into real-world walls.
Man-cave Needed
Just remember, while these games may be designed for discreet play, the fact that you are still lugging a huge ass device on your head still remains. So, if you really want to keep your gaming habits on the down low… Maybe find a cozy corner or dimly lit room where your VR activities won’t draw as much attention?