Kayak VR: Mirage

Embark in one of the most jaw-droppingly realistic VR experiences so far with Kayak VR: Mirage. A game that puts you in command of a small raft through gorgeous scenery as you navigate your way across rivers and around rapids, using your paddle to guide your kayak safely down the river.

Though many of the games we’ve seen developed exclusively for VR platforms feature some stunning visuals, Kayak VR: Mirage goes above and beyond even those, creating an experience that feels almost real, complete with waves coming from rocks hidden under the water and swaying branches from trees popping up to knock you off course if you aren't careful.

Visually Unmatched

Just one look at Kayak VR: Mirage is all it takes for players to be swayed by how truly incredible this game looks. From the clear waters of its surroundings to the wispy grass swaying in the wind to the birds flying overhead, everything about the landscape has been painstakingly crafted, and while many games have tried to create similar landscapes, nothing can quite compare to seeing this VR title in motion.

Just imagine the freedom of delivery games like Snowrunner combined with the exhilarating asynchronous multiplayer component of games like American Truck Simulator and you’ll get the gist of what makes Kayak VR: Mirage such an essential title for anyone who owns a VR headset.

Granted, these visuals aren’t cheap. You’ll need a beefy rig if you hope to get the ultimate visual experience that the game can offer; however, the game is still flexible enough so that lower-end PCs can still enjoy a playable experience – just don’t expect all the same bells and whistles as you would get on a top-of-the-line machine.

Realistic Physics

Even though the visuals might be the most attractive feature in the game, the water simulation and boat physics are nothing to scoff at. Players will feel every bump in the water and wave as they float down the river, keeping their eyes peeled for any obstacles in their path.

While there's no denying that some things in VR can seem exaggerated or unrealistic (exaggerated sounds and movements included), the developers did a great job of making sure this didn't happen here.

The sound effects in particular really do make the game feel much more real than anything else out there right now, as the occasional splash of a rock hitting the surface of the water, and even the wind blowing by, adds another level of immersion to the overall experience.

If you just got a VR headset, and titles like Half-Life: Alyx isn’t precisely your cup of tea, then Kayak VR: Mirage might be the perfect game to help you ease into your new VR world.

The compatibility with a wide range of PC builds and VR hardware is just the icing on the cake of this stunning VR title that won’t disappoint. The visuals are one thing, but when you couple that with a thrilling gameplay element like Kayak VR: Mirage brings to the table, you'll wonder why you didn't buy a VR headset sooner.

Pros

• Amazing graphics
• Impressive physics
• Diverse environments to explore and discover

Cons

• Needs a powerful PC to get the best experience