This sponsored post is produced by Nvida.
Survios’ thrilling first-person VR action game, Raw Data, is now available to play on HTC Vive via Steam Early Access. Just released on PC, the game is quickly becoming one of the most talked about virtual reality experiences out there that truly takes advantage of modern VR technology and hardware like the HTC Vive in some notable ways. In the following article, we take a look at five key reasons why Raw Data is one of the most immersive virtual reality experiences you shouldn’t miss out on this year.
1. It features an engrossing sci-fi storyline
Set in the city of Neo-Shinjuku in the year 2271, Raw Data features a world run by a huge and seemingly benevolent organization called the Eden Corporation. All is not as it seems though as the resistance movement known as SyndiK8 has unearthed evidence that there is something very sinister about the company’s new line of robotic products. As a result, two of SyndiK8’s top operatives are sent in to extract one geopbyte of sensitive data and bring the whole operation crashing down. You can choose from two playable characters. The first is a Gun Cleric known as Bishop and the second is Saija, a deadly Cyber Ninja.
2. It’s a gripping VR multiplayer experience
Raw Data allows two HTC Vive users to each take control of one of the game’s playable characters as they work together to complete missions together. In doing so they can use their own unique abilities to tackle the game’s nine different enemy types in the most efficient way possible. The online offering is particularly interesting because it encourages communication using body language and facial expressions and even simulates eye contact in VR.
3. The battles are stunning
Each stage of Raw Data is played out in an arena-style environment with locations currently including Eden Showroom, Eden Tower, a 100-year-old abandoned robotics lab, a shipping harbor and a huge skyport. On any given level players are attacked by wave after wave of killer androids of various types including chargers, flying drones, rocket mechs, and terrifying laser bots. Bishop and Saija are well equipped for the task though as they have a superb arsenal of weapons and abilities. Our Gun Cleric is a weapons specialist who can wield dual pistols, activate a bullet storm attack and even warp time to slow things down. Saija can launch a shuriken stream, perform a levitation smash, and even engage in complex swordplay.
4. It’s built from the ground up for VR
Developer Survios has designed Raw Data specifically for high-end VR systems like the HTC Vive. They have been able to fully exploit the system’s advanced active VR capabilities. Head and body tracking allows players to turn to face enemies and approach them to initiate combat. But it’s the HTC Vive’s controllers that really bring a high level of immersion to the experience. Using your body and limbs similarly to the way you would in the real world, you can engage in hand-to-hand combat, wield a sword, throw grenades, push back at enemies, perform gun tricks, and load out different weapons simply by reaching down to your virtual belt to equip them.
5. It’s optimized to look and play beautifully on GTX GPUs
NVIDIA’s collaboration with developer Survios has enabled them to bring unprecedented levels of immersion to Raw Data. NVIDIA VRWorks’ Multi-Res Shading provides framerates that are increased by up to 30 percent allowing for higher-quality particles, lighting, textures, and post-process effects. NVIDIA’s PhysX engine also plays a vital role in adding authenticity and weight to players’ interactions with the environment and when striking out at enemies. Players will need a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 to meet the minimum requirements to play Raw Data in VR, while a GTX 1070 or above is recommended to get the best possible VR experience.
Raw Data is a spectacular experience bringing unparalleled immersion to first-person shooting and offers a tantalizing glimpse into how the genre might evolve as VR gaming becomes ever more popular.
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