Oculus Rift’s Mixed Reviews: A Long Way to Go?

Oculus Rift has gone a long way.

Started out as a Kickstarter campaign back in 2012, which netted about US$2.5 million and made its mark as one of the most successful crowdfunding campaigns, Oculus Rift has leveled up – multiple times. Acquired by Facebook for $2 billion back in 2014, it’s positioned to change the virtual reality and gaming world, planning to turn itself into a mainstream product (source.)

However, there’s a long way to go for Oculus Rift.

Oculus VR, the developer and manufacturer of the headset, has made a milestone by bringing the Oculus Rift to the masses. Just released on March 28, 2016, it’s made its mark as the first consumer-focused VR headsets.

Priced at US$600, the Oculus Rift comes with everything you need to get started in the VR experience: a headset, camera and game controller. You need to spend about US$1,500 to add a powerful computer.

The VR headsets have already attracting reviews from the media. Those are mixed reviews, though.

What the experts say about Oculus Rift

The Verge says that it has great design and great games lineup, but the hefty price tag and the lack of motion controls are quite a turn-off.

The Rift feels as close to being a brain in a jar as humanly possible – Adi Robertson, The Verge

Geoffrey A. Fowler of WSJ, voiced similar sentiment; Oculus Rift, as fascinating as it can be, is pricey, awkward and isolating.

You need a spacey room to move around, and – for sure – a powerful computer.  The upcoming hand motion controllers would change the game, but for now, you need to control things out with an Xbox controller.  Not very convenient – especially due to the fact that you’re blindfolded.

There’s a lot of potential, but for now, you’ll have to wait for version 2.

I believe the Oculus experience will make quantum leaps in fun and usefulness in the years ahead, especially with the arrival of the Touch controllers – Geoffrey A. Fowler, WSJ

Tech Radar’s Michelle Fitzsimmons, on the other hand, voiced a more positive opinion.  Quite similar to the rest, Michelle says that the hardware is well-built, and the game is stunning.  As the cons, PC setup is expensive, and the PC tether and Xbox controller aren’t so ‘liberating.’  Despite all the downsides, Oculus Rift exceeds expectations, especially as the version number one.

Oculus Rift is an outstanding device that delivers the kind of virtual reality we’ve only ever dreamed of. The headset has come so far, so fast, and it’s only going to get better – Michelle Fitzsimmons, Tech Radar

Now over to you

So, Oculus Rift has finally launched to the masses. What do you think of it? Is it a worth-buy? Or will you wait for Version 2 of it? Please share your opinion with us!