VR Ping Pong Pro came out just this week, and the developers have made a strong push to get this game on as many headsets as possible. This game was available on most platforms out of the gate. This is a fun way to experience ping pong inside of virtual reality, something that has yet to be truly mastered. The devs took a swing at the sports simulation, and came up a bit short. This game isn’t perfect, but there is enough to like about the game too.
In our in-depth game reviews, we look to cover every aspect of a game that could possibly want to know about before you ho out and buy or try a virtual title. From the physics of this game being nailed (or not nailed) down, to the beautiful and playful scenes we got in this game, we look to cover everything you’ll want to know about VR Ping Pong Pro. This was a fun game full of potential, and we are excited to jump in ad review for you today.
Getting Up and Running
VR Ping Pong Pro is going to be found on the Steam Store and the Viveport Store for a price of $24.99. That price was set in stone for almost two days before they cut it down to $19.99 due to the lack of sales they were reigning in. VR Ping Pong Pro is also a part of the Viveport Infinity subscription, so if you are looking to get this game at a discounted price and no extra cost for the download, which we recommend, this is the place.
The file size of this game is coming in at 5 GB. It’s not the smallest file on the market, but not the largest either. This is sitting in the middle of the road when it comes to your downloading and storing on your PC. If you are wondering about download speeds and installation speeds of the game, they are going to be typical. If you have slow internet speeds, this game could take near an hour to download and install. If you are connected through a wire and faster internet, you could have this game downloaded, installed, and playing within minutes. Getting going in this game after installed is no different than any other VR game.
Type of Game
This is a causal sports simulation game that is going to present you with virtual ping pong with no plot twists or gaming adjustments. This is a game that is going to stay true to what you bought it for. A pro experience of ping pong and an attempt at some physics that are incredibly hard to master in real and virtual life.
As for game modes, they have the typical tournament mode and then the arcade modes. There are five different arcade modes, and those are wall, goal, hit the point, and broken. They have four new modes coming soon as well, although we don’t know what those will be bringing to the table. This game isn’t going to add too many twists to your regular virtual table tennis, but it will keep you engaged for the time in the game.
Player Perspective
This game is played from the first-person perspective, although you only know that from your natural height when you are standing at the ping pong table. You won’t be able to see your hands, your body, arms, or even where your legs would be in the virtual worlds. If you are looking for incredible detail with you person in virtual reality, this is not the game for you. Only the paddle is visible in this game.
Theme and Story – Score: 6/10
There is no story in this game, and it would have been appreciated. There was a clear theme of simulated ping pong in this game, but it wasn’t enough to propel this score to the number the developers were likely hoping for. If you are searching for a game with some depth or overwhelming themes, you are going to have to keep looking. This is not the one for you.
Controls – Score: 5/10
The controls are getting an average score here, and not because of the mapping like many would think. The representation of your power in this game is not well done, and the power often feels poorly represented. This plays into player movement as well, but controls are also going to take a hit in this game as well. Not well done by the developing studio.
Music and Sound – Score: 6/10
There is a lot of potential here, but it wasn’t met. The game incorporates the older themed music throughout the games and it often felt like we were sitting in the Wii menu, or playing on the original Nintendo 64. The balls and paddles in this game represent their natural sounds well, but there needs to be more for the score to go up here. Adding crowd noise or an announcer would be a nice touch here.
Player Movement – Score: 7/10
You move well in this game, and it maps the controller to your paddle well, but the power is misrepresented in a clear way throughout the game. It is not going to the score here too much, but it important to know before you jump into this game or spend some money on it. The movement itself is fine, and that is what is getting scored here. A little more consistency in the update and it could go a long way.
Kinetosis – Score: 10/10
As for the motion sickness in this game, you aren’t going to feel any throughout this game. You could stay in here for hours and leave the game feeling fine. We don’t think there is enough in this game to stay for hours, but if you want to, you will be able to. Scoring here is always impressive for any VR game, and we are happy to say that this game perfected the lack of motion sickness. Thank you, VR Ping Pong Pro.
Environment and Immersion – Score: 5/10
There are a handful of scenes in VR Ping Pong Pro, and none of them are bad. In fact, we think this is the best part of the game. With that being said, it wasn’t enough to raise the score here. The lack of hands, noise, and even good control force this game not be immersive enough to consider it a truly immersing virtual reality game.
Overall – Score: 6.5/10
There is a lot to improve off in this game, but it wasn’t as terrible as some people think. If you want to go freshen up your virtual ping pong skills, VR Ping Pong Pro is a good place to do it. We are confident an update will come out adjusting the movement and the represented power. If that is the case, the game is going to become even better than it is. We think this game is worth the download from Viveport Infinity, but not yet worth your $20.
